Lecture by the Rev. W. Morley.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7270, 25 July 1893, Page 2

Lecture by the Rev. W. Morley.

There was a good attendance at the Wesleyan Church last evening to hear the Eev. W. Morley deliver his lecture on " What I saw and heard in America ” Mr Frank Smith occupied the chair; and the meeting was opened by singing hymn No. 218, and by the Eev. 0. E. Beecroft engaging in prayer. The chairman called on Mrs Holdgate to sing "The Crystal Sea," which was rendered with great taste. The chairman in a few introductory remarks expressed his pleasure in presiding over the meeting, more particularly as the rev. lecturer was an old friend of his and a former pastor. Ho then introduced the Eev. Mr Morley. Mr Morley commenced hie lecture by saying what a great country was America. The | principal thing be noticed in his travels was • the greatness of everything American ; great rivers, great lakes, great mountains, and great forests. Beforring to the States he was surprised at the extent of them- Tba population was 62£ millions, composed of all nationalities and creeds, and the cry trac “ still they come.” It is computed that kb» new arrivals amount to 10,000 weekly. Ho was there three months and travelled one half of the States, and was amaxed at tb» extent of the land. Shipbuilding was carried on to a large extent ; locomotive building was also dilated upon. Eo found, generally speaking, a happy and contented people. The sombre grandeur of Niagara was explained in eloquent language. St. Lawrence river and the beauty of its islands were described. The traveller is astonished at the speed of the steamers which ply to and fro. Several historic spots were spoken of with great reverence and feeling. The lecturer* expressed his great admiration for the patriots) of America who declared their independence). American "push” was then explained; and Chicago was described and declared the most phenomenally rapid-grown city io America. After the great fire the inhabitants started building as soon as the ground was cold, and to his mind had been, budding ever since s seven or eight store* buildings were thought nothing of. The liffc for the very high buildings was described. Thei public library, and the lakes and whale°lnP*» tj lo Corn Exchange Building of white marble, and the general richness of the structure, were described. The sale of gram and corn by auctioneers was remarkable for the rapidity of the bids. In the pork industry oue firm alone. Armour and Co., «imploypd 8000 hands, Philadelphia wascelebrated for its cutlery and Boston forleather. The jealousy of the Stato* with oneanother was described in humorous anecdotes. The flour mills came in for a good share of review on account of the extent and size of the mills, and the co-operative system iu voguethere was explained and proved how sucoeai-

ful it was, and if it; could be done there, why could it not be done here ? The lecturer expretsed the opinion that the suicidal strike in New Zealand of two years ago was uncalled *or j if co-operation was in vogue universally no strikes would result. Philadelphia was to his mind the favourite city; the Park being a beautiful spot. The conveniences the stores were described in detail ; the mint visited and detailed. The Wesleyan Publishing House at Nashville, was an enormous building, and he described the great and rapid strides made. The principal churches were the Methodist and Baptist. In Chicago during the last 18 years the Methodists built 20 churches and were very philanthropic- The Episcopalian Methodist bishops did great work. Bishop Warren's method of building schools he greatly approved of- The negroes were not thrifty, and at election times humorous stories were told of bow their votes were sold. He heard the Fisk Student's service, which he most humourously described.

The singing, however, was grand ; the singmg of one, the Bev Dr Peck, visibly affecting the congregation. The Hon Mr Douglas, one of the principal supporters of slave emancipation, was described j it was a great honour to look on him- The American newspapers.report all sermons, and help to encourage the service of Cod,and advertisements of some caused great laughter, as described by Mr Morley. Mirth-provoking stories were told of Amerieon quaintness and humour. The lecturer held a high opinion of the Americans ; their loyalty to their country, their religion, arts, and industries were beyond all praise, and he finished an eloquent lecture by praising their benevolence and pbilantrophy. He resumed his seat amidst loud applause. Mr Gilchrist sang “ The Star Spangled Banner.” A collection was taken on behalf of the Home Mission and Local Fund, and liberally responded to. ' The Bev. O. 35. Beecroft had much pleasure in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to the Bev. Mr Motley for his able and eloquent lecture. This was seconded by Mr 35. Holdgate and carried unanimously. Mr Morley replied thanking the audience for their kind vote. A vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding was also passed, and the meeting was closed by singing the doxology and the benediction.