MORMONS IN CANTERBURY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3655, 29 December 1879, Page 3

MORMONS IN CANTERBURY.

Oa Boxing Day there was a gathering, many people will bo surprised to learn, of Latter Day Saints, for a pionic at the Rivor Styx. Proselytes from Christchurcli, .Papanui, Rangiora, Hals well, Greenpark, and other places were present, and at the head of all stood Elders George Batt and T. A. Shroeve, missionaries from America. Theso gentlemen organised a Foinule Relief Society, with Bister James, of Chrittchurch, as President, Siater Lawson, of Papanui, and Sister Doak, of Bangiora, as her two counsellors. A sister was then administered to, by tho laying on of hands, for the restoration of her health, and, if wo may believe an enthusiastic correspondent, who was invited to tho picnic, and has sent us a glowing account of it, she at onco got better, and enjoyed lierself throughout the day. The usual sports and amusements followed, and these Canterbury Mormons enjoyed thoraselvea just as much as ordinary mcrtals. Again quoting our correspondent — " Many games were played, causing a creat de*l of innocent fun ; plenty of good food and puro cold water was to bo partaken of ; no intoxicating drinks were there, no unkind word, no swearing, all was peace, lore, and joy. Several ladies »nd gentlemen not belonging to the church were invited, and we ware constraino 1 to acknowledge that the 'Latterday Saints' .are as happy a people us can bo found on the earth, notwithstanding tho evil reports we hear of this most wonderful people." We have no doubt that the effect of tho publicity thus given this picnic will ba such as to gladden tho heartß of the Mormon gentle- , men who are now seeking to gather in lost sheep to the folds of Utah, and converU to the polgamy of Brighain Young and his sue- [ ceesors.