MR BOOTH'S MEETING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1549, 26 May 1885, Page 2

MR BOOTH'S MEETING.

To the Editor.

Sib, —I have oflpp been at a loss to understand why some vary estimable and woll-intentioned folks unduly exert themselves to bring about failure, when, in reality, they dasire success. This thought re-occurred to me while conning two “locals” on the above subject in your issue of iast night. If the Rev D. MoNicoll made such an announcement as is attributed to him, the wisdom of it is open to question ; but, perchance, ho may have been for the nonce, the mouthpiece of “a valued correspondent.” To have secured the attendance of his own congregation, with as many more as each individual member could influence to be present, would, to my mind, have been more hopeful to the success of the meeting. It may be worth while to impress one or two facts on the minds of those who sympa thise with the cause of which Mr Booth is such a talented and popular champion. In the first place, two matters at pres-mt militate against a crowded house ou Friday night—namely, wretched advertising, and Mr Booth’s visit being confined to one evening only. I understand that the largest audience ever crammed into the Town Hall was at Mrs Hampson’s Sunday night service. This lady had then held a number of meetings in Ashburton, She had been well advertised, her marvellous command of language, e c , were matter of common talk,, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. In the ease of Mr Booth, it is said that wherever he goes the initial meetings are but thinly attended compared with the crowds who hang upou his words ore his mission closes. If all Christians stay away from Friday night’s meeting, so as to ensure room for the “ intemperate and unconverte i,” then there will be a thin house, and, moreover, the Christain, but moderate, drinhing portion of the community, will be absent. For this Hass, Mr Booth may have a few pertinent remarks, and to enlist f hem in ''he ranks of total abstainers would in itself be worth the trouble involved in the one-night mission. Your remarks anent the subject, though facetious, are worth pondering; and without further trespassing on your space I would strongly urge every man and woman of this town and country—whether abstainer or non-ab-stainer from intoxicating drinks—to let no trifling circumstance interfere with their hearing on Friday evening next the greatest temperance orator of the age, exceptiug perhaps John B. Gough. 1 am, etc., Scribe.