ADDRESSES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2165, 19 February 1891, Page 3

ADDRESSES.

JHB NEW HEBRID S. Oh last Tuesday evening the Eev. Mr Watt, Presbyterian Missionary to the New Hebrides, delivered a lecture in the Presbyterian Church, Temuka. There was a large attendance. The chair was occupied by the Eev. Mr Dickson, who, after the singing of a hymn, offered up i prayer, and briefly introduced the lecturer. '1 he lecture was illustrated with magic lantern views, the first being a chart of the Islands of the New Hebrides. There iare seven of these islands, viz —Mallicolo, Tate, Brromanga, Api, Axnbrym, \Tanna, and Aneiteum. The lecture consisted of descriptions of photographs of the nrincipal missionaries from the Revs. Messrs Williams, who was killed in 1839, Gordon, who was killed in 1860, down to the present, the most remarkable of which was that of the Eev. Mr Paton and his family, showing five sons who were preparing for missionary work. Several views of the churches in the islands were also given, as well as the photographs of natives who had distinguished themselves in Church matters, and views of the harbors, the Dayspring (missionary vessel), and other objects of interest. I he lecture was very interesting throughout, and gave a thorough account of the mission work. Some of the natives were very sns ceptible to the teaching of the gospel, but others were very hard to convince. One of the things they cannot understand is forgiveness. If one of their tribe is killed they must haye revenge, and they despise Christians for teaching that revenge is wrong. In one of the islands the wives and children go to church, but the men do not. This is exactly as it is in some civilised countries. Mrs Watt, who is accompanying her husband, sang some hymns in the language of Tanna. It is a beautifully soft and liquid language, and the hymns were very nicely sung by Mrs Watt, who also gave” a good deal of information concerning the mission work in the islands, especially concerning a young native who had composed one of the hymns she sang. At the close Mr McOully moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Eev. Mr Watt and Mrs Watt, and expressed a hope that the effect of the lecture would be to awaken an interest in missionary work in the district. The motion was seconded by Mr Eusaell, and carried by acclamation, after which the Rev. Mr Dickson pronounced the Benediction and the proceedings terminated. Mr Watt lectured in the Presbyterian Church, Geraldine, last evening. JOHN B. GOUGH'S ORATIONS. On Monday evening, as previously reported, Mr Knott, of Auckland, delivered one of John B. Gough’s orations on Temperance, in the Wesleyan Church, Temuka. The chair was taken by the Eev. T, A, Hamilton. There was a capital attendance and the members of the 1.0.G.r. Lodge appeared in regalia, After the singing of several hymns/ and united prayer by the congregation, the chairman introduced Mr Knott, and in a few introductory remarks gave a brief sketch of John B. Gough’s life. Although popularly supposed to he an American, he was really an Englishman, having been born at Sandgate, in Kent. He was apprenticed to a bookbinder and worked at that trade for some years. After a time he fell into drunken and dissolute habits, but having realised the error of bis ways he signed the pledge, and for 44 years labored most assiduously and earnestly in the cause of temperance At his death thousands mourned, and a most eloquent tribute was paid to his character by the Minister who officiated at his funeral. Mr Knott, who on rising was heartily received, prefaced his address by stating that it was principally a repetition of one of J. B. Gough’s most popular lectures, but that there were | several introduced local references, which the audience would be able to pick out. The lecturer then pro ceeded very graphically with his address. The argument adopted presented some features of novelty as compared with the average temperance address. It was practically an appeal to moderate drinkers to abstain for the sake of their weaker brethren. The drunkard was held up to pity, not abuse, and some very touching anecdotes were told showing the evil results of habitual drunkenness. A beautiful word painting was given of the glories of the Yosemita Talley, which was used as an illustration of the illimitable works of the Creator. In direct contrast to this, so-called amusing stories of the vagaries and eccentricities of men under the influence of drink were told, and excited much laughter, the lecturer evidently having the humourous

faculty well developed. The applause at the conclusion of the address was loud and hearty. A collection to defray expenses was taken up. Mr Knott stated that he had started upon his lecturing tour at ! the suggestion of the executive in Auckland, who had considered him fitted for the task. It had been proposed to establish a guarantee fu&d, but he had preferred to throw himself entirely upon the generosity of the people whom he addressed If they thought the cause a good one he knew they would have pleasure in giving towards it as their means allowed. If hia services were unappreciated he should take it as an indication that the people were not yet convinced of the evils of drink, Several hymns were sung, during the progress of which a number of converts came forward and took the pledge, Mr Knott lectured again on Tuesday evening, and was well received. Mr Knott lectured last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Geraldine, and he will address another meeting in the same place this evening. Mr Knott will lecture in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, to-morrow evening, instead of at Winchester, and no doubt will have a large audience. No charge will be made for admission.