MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12551, 19 April 1904, Page 6

MEETINGS.

THE INDIANS OF NORTH AMERICA. The Rev. Dr. E. P. Young, Canadian missionary, author, canoeist, and dog-train traveller, delivered a particularly interesting illustrated lecture iu tho Pitt-street Church last night to a largo audience, the subject being "A Trip by Dog-train and Canoe into the *j.aun>ts and Homes of the Indians of North America." Tup Rev. C. 11. Garland was in the chair. The lecturer prefaced his remarKS by reciting a numbor of delightfully humorous reminiscences of his experiences amongst the Indians of North America, indicating that the people possess wit, humour, and sagacity, as well as a longing desire to follow the fashion of living as the white race. He mentioned that quite a reformation has taken place, and a large proportion of the Indians are thorough-going Christians. The first illustrations showed the homes of tho Indians, tents made of the skin of the buffalo, then followed tho abandoning of paganism, and going in for fine houses, in addition to European clothes, and weapons. The favourite sport of killing the buffalo was excellently depicted by a number of illustrations. And now we will go to tho dogs," an announcement made by the rev. gentleman to the amusement of the audience, preceded a number of fine views of dog-teams drawing trains over snow-covered ground and frozen lakes, showing too the great hardships and vicissitudes experienced by the missionaries, the guides, and the faithful canines. The education of the Indians by a particular alphabet adopted was an interesting study, as was also the views of the several auroras. The Rev. Young concluded by expressing pleasure at the large attendance.

THAMES METHODIST CIRCUIT. The quarterly meeting of the Thames Methodist circuit was held on Friday evening last, the Rev. Robt. Taylor presiding. ' The membership was reported to be the same as during the previous quarter, and the bal-ance-sheet presented showed a credit balance. It was mentioned that the'collections of late had shown an improvement, and that a retiring collection taken up on behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society had resulted in a response of £2 5s 9d;" also that a harvest thanksgiving service held during the quarter had proved very successful. It was decided to hold such a service annually in future during the month of February. Air. S. Holloway was appointed junior circuit steward in the place of Mr. Samuel Hetherington, during the hitter's absence on a trip to England. A congregational meeting was fixed to be held on the 26th inst. for the purpose of reporting upon the business transacted at the quarterly meeting, and to discuss matters in connection with the church work. The matter of either taking steps to improve the condition of the present parsonage or to secure one in a more central position was discussed at considerable length, and eventually was referred to the trustees. The trustees met subsequently and tho subject was further gone into, when a committee, composed of the chairman (Rev. Mr. Taylor) and Messrs. J. A. Miller and .1. L. Walton, was appointed to make inquiries as to tho most feasible and practical plan to adopt, the committee to'report progress at an adjourned meeting to be held at an early date. The annual trust balance-sheet for the year ending March 31 last was presented, and showed a credit balance of £14, the liabilities of tho trust being nil. It was mentioned that the'anniversary services of tho church, held on the 10th and 12th inst., had proved fairly successful, and had resulted in a not credit balance of over £13.

WHANG ARE! ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Tho Whangarei Acclimatisation Society held their annual mooting at Cubitfc's Hall on Saturday evening. The meeting was well attended. Mr. T. Seceombe occupied the chaii. The report for the year ending March 31, 1904, was read by the secretary (Mr. T. H. Steadman), and the balance-sheet, audited by Mi. James McKinnon, .was read and duly adopted. This showed the finances of the society to be in a satisfactory state. It being proposed to make this a close season, a very warm debate topic place, several members protesting against a close season.