AN EVENING IN RUSSIA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 865, 17 November 1916, Page 4

AN EVENING IN RUSSIA.

There was a good audience at the Art, Gallery last night, to hear Mrs Mieklc's lecture on "Russia." Mrs Mickle iirst briefly described the route to the capital, which, from its foundation by Peter the Great, was known by the name of St. Petersburg!), but since the war has changed to the real Russian one of Petrograd (which is Slavonic or old Russian for Peter's Town). The description of the world-famous street of the Nevski Prospect in Petrograd gave the audience a good idea of its magnificent proportions and public, buildings. A good description of Russian churches was given, and of some features of the Orthodox religion ,of Russia and its priests. The lecturer stated that. Moscow, the old capital, up to the time of Peter the Great, still occupied the first place in the regard of the Russian ! people, who speak of it as Holy Moscow. Some account was given of Russian [methods of travel, the special vehicles used, and mode of driving. A short rc- ' ferenee was made to the principal Rustsian authors. Her description of the [final scene in the churches on the last levelling of the six weeks' fast during J Lent, which is observed with great ■strictness, was impressive. All religious i festivals and feasts are very strictly obi served in Russia, and the people evidently attach much importance to the/ i ceremonies of their church.

Mrs Myra Young contributed some items of Russian music, including a very fine arrangement of the Russian National hymn, on the piano, in a very pleasing manner. The president of the Young Women's Christian Temperance Union was in the chair, and introduced the lecturer in a suitable speech. The proceeds are to be devoted to the working fund of the association for the benefit of the Red Cross and Lady Liverpool Funds.