TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

West Coast Times, Issue 6188, 12 April 1886, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

ME M&T THEW BtJBNBtT'S MISSION.

[fbom a cobbespondbnt.]

KvMkUi., April 10.

Mr Matthew Birnett, the social reformer and temperance advocate, arrived at Kumara from Stafford on Friday last, in company with Mr D. C. Cameren, of Duaedin, and Mr D. M'&ianon, secretary of the Kumara Oomnrttee. The same evening Mr Burnett inaugurated a series of temperance lectures ia the theatre, which was full. His Worship the Mayor, Mr H. Burger, presided, and extended to Mr Burnett a hearty welcome. The Revs. Messrs Hodgson (Episcopalian), tfoskinga (Wesleyan), Ramsay (Presbyterian), and Messrs F, Barrowman and D. C. Cameron occupied seats on the platform, and took part in the meeting. Mr Burnett dealt with various aspects of the temperance question, and expressed the opinion that at no period in the history of the movement in Great Britain and the colonies waa the lookout from the temperanoe standpoint more hopeful than now. Mr Burnett then gave one of his Australian pictures, Honost John, who induced a thousand drunkards to sign the pledge.

Fifty signed tho pledge ; Mra Williams presided at the organ, and Mr T. Cain acted as leader of the choir, which gave great satisfaction. This evening (Saturday), Mr Burnett addresses a mass meetng outside, to be fallowed by another meeting in the theatre. The mission closes on Monday.