AMERICAN HEAT WAVE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14465, 3 September 1910, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMERICAN HEAT WAVE.

PREACHING IN SHIRTSLEEVES. Tub heat wave still blisters the Eastern States of America (writes a New York correspondent on July 13), and the mortality amongst the poor and children has greatly increased. Native ingenuity has been taxed to assist people in keeping cool, and by means of diet, clothes, reduced hours of labour, and supplies of ice, the, problem has been largely solved. " Peakaboo" blouses for ladies are again common, and to-day in Wall-street I saw many men going about their business coatless and with their shirt-sleeves turned up. At the corner of -street, opposite Mr. Pierpont Morgan's office, I saw an Episcopal clergyman, who is known as the " Bishop of Wall-street," admonishing a large and perspiring crowd of brokers and clerks to keep cool. Anxiety, irritation, covetousness, and anger, he said, increased the temperature of the body, but good thoughts, peace, and content are as soothing as a summer breeze. In many churches and chapels it is now customary for women to remove their hats and men their coats during the service. In Waterbury, Connecticut, yesterday, the Rev. Henry Merritt, pastor of the Congregation Church, preached in his shirt sleeves. "My brethren," he said,, " it is hot." The congregation looked eloquent, but preserved silence. " Are there any here," continued the pastor, " who would see grave indecorum in the removal of a clergyman's coat during the service?" There was no answer. "As many as are willing that I should preach to them in something approximating comfort, raise their hands," said the pastor. Hands were raised all over the chapel, women seeming to lead the movement. Mr. Merritt is young and popular, and has a trim figure. The pastor counted the raised hands, and "in conformity with your wishes, I praise God in my shirtsleeves," he said, removing his frock coat and appearing in a soft white shirt. Mr. Merritt savs he will continue to preach coatless sermons while the hot weather lasts.