TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1957, 27 August 1891, Page 19

TAPANUI.

August 25.— 0n Sunday evening last the Key. W. Soorgie delivered in the Presbyterian Church the first of a series nf leotures on " The Theology and State of Beliglon in England and Scotland." In his' opening remarks the rev. gentleman said that probably there were a few present who might feel a 1 little offended at some of his remarks. But he would assure them that that these would be made from no, sectarian spirit In speaking of the Ohuroh in England he divided it into three sections— the High, the Broad, and the Evangelical. He showed how the first two branches had drifted away from their former position, and said that as they now stood they were only possessed of all the outer adornments and drapery. The last was making progress. In Scotland religion was iv advance of Krjgland a faat which he attributed to superior education. Not only was good work done by the churches, but much was effected ab the street corners, where both men and women were striving to enlighten those who are in darknets. During bi* remarks theleoturer gave some striking scenes of the state of the people in the Old Country. In comparing the people of this colony with those at Home, he said that whilo the one may be said to be living in luxury, the other was in a state of starvation.

Kntbbtaznmbnt. — An entertainment was given on Friday evening in the Athenaeum Hall in aid of the funds of All Saints' Church. The programme comprised a concert and dramatic entertainment, both of which gave every satisfaction. At the conclusion of the concert the Rev. S. Hawthorn briefly thanked the audience for their patronage and explained the purpose to which the fuuds ware to be devoted. The

faroe was "The Say After the Wedding," the characters being i— Colonel Freelove, Mr P. Hay; Lord Elvers, Mr Petrle; James, Mr Faterson; Lady K. Freelove, Miss Simmonds; Mrs Davies, Miss Allen. The personation of the various parts was very satisfactory, more especially that of James and Mrs Davies. The audience was kept in roars of laughter. The stage management was in the hands of Dr de Lautour, who performed the necessary duties in an efficient manner. The affair will increase the funds by a little over £10. Kki.Bo Boireb.— A soiree was held at Kelso on Wednesday last to commemorate the opening of the new church. Tea was partaken of in Mr Dunnet s hall, where a numerous company assembled and partook of the good things, of which there appeared to be an endless supply. After the 'cravings of the inner man had been satisfied, the company retired to the ohuroh for the remainder of the evening's proceedings. The Bey. Mr Oomrie took the chair, and in a few remarks stated that the grand building In which they had met was practically f.ee of debt. — (Oheers). They had had a long holiday, but it had now come to au end, and they had got the tools, and work must be started. He hoped to have the assistance of the people, for unless this was cheer fully given the work could not be successfully carried on. Speeob.es were delivered by the Bey. Messrs Soorgie and Loohore (Tapanui), and Ramsay (Knapdale). On occasions of this sort it would, however, be well if less of a sectarian spirit were displayed. Between the speeches the eboirsaog— " The banner of the cross," f ' Onward. Christian soldiers," and " Blessing and honour." Votes 'of thanks were accorded to the ladies, the choir, the speakers, the Bey. Dt Stuart, the tubioribars, and the Building Committee, after which the proceedings were dosed b? the choir singfDg the hymn " God be with you till we meet again." A description of the building will appear at a future time. Tkmpbbanok.— The Bey. E. Walker, of the New Zealand Alliance, lectured in the Presbyterian Ohuroh on Monday night to a large and appreciative audience, Mr Loohore in the chair. The speaker showed the great evil accruing from intoxicating liquors, adduoing facts which are impossible of contradiction. At the close of Mr Walker's address the Bey. W. Scorgle made a few remarks in a similar strain. A strong ohoir under Mr Gillie* enlivened the evening's proceedings by singing some very good selections. Miss M'Kenzie aoted as accompanist. At the olose a branch of the New Zealand Alliance wa* formed and a committee elected. "Busk Lira ik Australia. "— A long-looked-for book " The Vicissitudes of Bush Life in Australia," by our local author, Mr Dugald Ferguson, has just arrived. The book is well got up, and appears to be practically a sketch of the author's life. As you will no doubt have a notice of the work in due course I need not go into particulars of the hero, Mr Farquharson, in Australia.