INTERESTING LECTURE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 90, 7 April 1914, Page 2

INTERESTING LECTURE.

AMERICA AND THE AMERICANS,

The stormy weather on Friday evening prevented a larger attendance being present at St. Andrew's Hall, when the Rev. J. Pattison gave a lecture on "America and the Americans." Being bright, breezy, and humorous, the reverend gentleman has a good name as a lecturer, and those present regarded the lecture as decidedly entertaining and free from dullness. Mr Pattison spent six years in the States, and is qualified

to speak with both confidence and experience. In his openiug remarks. the lecturer said the prevailing impression in New Zealand regarding the American people is that it is a land of political corruption. In order to understand its people, one must reside in the country and get into close contact with the people themselves. The speaker described his impressions of New York city, from the steamer entering the Hudson, as something that would never bo forgotten—the multitude of ferry steamers crossing between New York and Jersey City in connection with the railroads, the tall buildings, and the gigantic and splendid statute of "Liberty" presented by the French Government, situate at the entrance of the harbor—all these combine to make an impression best described as unique. The late Max O'Rell, said the lecturer, claimed that New York governs America, and that the Irish govern America. Perhaps one noticeable thing in particular in New York was the elevated railway running through the centre of the city reached by elevated stations. The rapidity of the trains, and the movements of both officials and passengers, indicate the "hustle" of the American. One could hardly help contrasting the general movement of the people in London, who, to the lecturer, appeared to move quietly, whilst in America everything seemed alive and working at fever heat. As to business, Wall Street was the centre of general husiness activity, and was known throughout the civilised world. Describing the characteristics of the various leading cities in the United States, the lecturer said in New York one was asked whaiyhe was worth; in Boston, a great literary centre, "what do you know?" in Philadelphia, a great Quaker centre, "To what family do you belong?" and in Chicago; "What can you do?" America can, said the speaker, be truly described as "a land of big things." The States were equal in territory to the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Belgium, Turkey in Europe, and Palestine. The population, which was increasing at a rapid rate, was at present one hundred millions. While the agricultural resources of the country had not yet wholly developed, the Rev. Josiah Strong (author of "Our Country") claimed that the United State's were capable of supporting the entire population pi the Globe. The States, said the lecturer*, have the advantage of a continuous territory, and the inhabitants were in every respect cosmopolitan. The main elements of the American character were good; the early Puritans had a large effect on tho character of the people; and the blending of the various races contributed towards a fine typs of men. Altoge- < ther, the lecturer has a high opinion of the American people, and thinks they are often misunderstood by those who have never seen the American as he is in his own land.

Mrs McNcely kindly arranged some musical items, in which Miss Hopkins (violin), Miss Field and Miss Greenhalgh took part, thus adding to the pleasure of the lecture, which was in every way instructive, elevating, and highly appreciated.