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Evening Star, Issue 2899, 4 June 1872, Page 2

The Young Fund.—We are pleased to learn that at the meeting of the Fire Brigade, held last evening, the members voted the sum of L 3 3s to the above object. Total Abstinence —The usual fortnightly meeting of the Total Abstinence Society and Band of Hope was held in the school-house, Morningtou, last evening. The hall was comfortably filled ; and Mr A, H, Ross presided. A lecture was delivered by the Rev. Jno. Gow, n the subject of '* Temperance. ” The reverend gentleman gave an instructive account of the progress of temperance since its commencement in 1808 ; and stated that since that time it had steadily increased, and its ranks now numbered three millions of people in Britain alone. He also said the downfall of many young men. was traceable to them partaking of strong drinks at social gatherings, and traced the effect of indulging in liquors on the community at large. The lecture, which occupied an hour and a quarter iu its delivery was frequently applauded ; and at its close a vote of thanks was awarded to the lecturer and the chairman.

The Education Question.—On last Sunday evening, at Ft Joseph’s Church, the Most Reverend Dr Moran delivered an address to his congregation on this subject. His Lordship premised by stating that those who lived according to the rules of the Church were despised ; that the members of the Order of the Society of esus, who had done so much for the cans j of education, were repiohated and raaluned, and that the consequent result was the spread of infidelity. Speaking in reference to this Province, Dr Moran stated that the Press was altogether one-sided, and utterly incapable of telling the truth : in fact, he considered it was discreditable that the Catholic body did not have an organ of their own, if it were only for the sake of refuting the blasphemous assertions that appeared in the public prints. The most rov. gentleman then said that on the great question of education, the members of the Catholic Church must be as one : there could he uo compromise, even at the cost of life. He then pointed out that the idea of a purely secular system of education was simply absurd, as in many cases parents arc not capable of imparting religious education, and in some instances

they have not the time ; and summed up by stating that the adoption of a secular system would have the effect of pandering to the growth of infidelity, As a case in point, his Lordship referred to the fact that under the regime of Louis Phillippe in France, secular education was fostered, and the result, had been that as education was not combined with religious instruction, the action that the Gomunists and other rmculightened men took, might be very easily accounted for. With regard to the movements of the International Society, the bishop stated that it was probable some of their agents might be sent to New Zealand, and he solemnly cautioned his congregation against countenancing their operations in any way. His Lordship regretted that he was compelled to speak on this subject so often; but at this particular juncture he offered no apology. In the absence of the advocacy of a public journal he was obliged to express his opinion, and those of the i Church, with regard to this most important question of education.

Tjte annual general meeting of the members of the Otago Licensed Victuallers’ Association will be held this evening (Tuesday) at tho Fire Brigade llooms at 7.30. We observe that the management of the Circus troupe have taken a step iu the right direction iu reducing the prices of admittance. Mr Murray will, we believe, find that the reduction will be greatly to his advantage.

The annual meeting of the Acclirna tisation Society will be held in the City Council Chambers ou Thursday next, the (3th ins"., at 2 p.m. The lion, secretary has requested us to express a hope that as the Society have now something to show for it efforts, the attendance on this occasion will be larger than hitherto. We would remind our readers that the farewell benefit to Miss Dolly Green takes place at the Masonic Hall to-night. A capital programme, including comedy, vocal and instrumental music, has been put forward, and wc hope to sse such a deserved favorite as Miss Green greeted ou her final appearance a full house.