A NEW MISSIONARY EFFORT.
-a new missionary - enterprise has been' started, ,to reclaim the heathen districts of the metropolis (writes the London correspondent of the "Argus " on August 4). The clergy and Salvation Army have done some good in our slums and courts and alleys, bu. there is a vas£ mass of wretchedness which spiritual effort fails to mitigate. A mission' has, therefore, been started to carry out the truth embodied in the expression that " music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.* Concerts have been organised, and are being' given every evening by volunteers, in some 1 of the most squalid and demoralised streets and oourts of tliis great city. The " missionaries" are provided with movable pianos,' some of the performers have their faces blackened to imitate niggers, several of the singers are ladies and gentlemen of more* than average ability, and they are hailed with enthusiasm wherever they appear. The leader of these concerts generally profits by the occasion to say a few words about morals and good conduct. It is no uncommon thing to have an audience of 400 or 500 persons, a<rough crowd it is true, but it is surprising' how amenable they are to music, and how they appreciate this new effort to brighten their existence.
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Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Issue 6593, 18 September 1899, Page 2
Word Count
211A NEW MISSIONARY EFFORT. Star (Christchurch), Issue 6593, 18 September 1899, Page 2
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