MORMONISM IN WELLINGTON.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 41, 8 November 1882, Page 2

MORMON ISM IN WELLINGTON.

By a telegram published in our last issue, we learn that the Mormon Elders who recently distinguished themselves in Wellington were about to " repeat the performance " at an early date. We have since been informed by a Wellington gentleman that the intertainmenfc was of a ruost remarkable character — combining all the buffoonery, startling tableaux, and classical hon mots of a pantomine, with the character of columbine omitted — the recollection of which, we arc informed, is not likely to bie effaced from the memories of those who witnessed it. The report of this meoting, (lecture and entertainment combined) as * given by the Wellington Press, was necessarily brief, since it was impossible to report the proceedings in full, owing to the continual uproar, cross-firing, and abuse that prevailed. Throughout tlie long evening the fun waxed "fast and furious," and at times the scenes enacted were almost indescribable. Ifc was the rule and not the exception for half-a-dozen speakers to be on their feet afc once, all wildly declaiming against the tenets of Mormonism, while the Elders, though somewhat alarmed at the boisterous eloquence of their audience, replied vigorously on behalf of their creed and its "manifold connubial blessings." Tbe " lie courteous " and the " lie direct" were frequently exchanged in classical English between the combatants, and at times it was feared thafc "physical force" would have to be resorted to as an adjunct to "moral persuasion" on the part of the Elders and some of their opponents. The chairman, or leading ijiiaraotcr of the entertainment, was ably sustained by Wellington's humorous - auctioneer, who, unfortunately lor the Klders, introduced, without notice, an unrehearsed dialogue into the proceedings. One of tbe Elders was asked by an excited inquirer who ifc was JosepK Smith saw in his dream ? The Eider promptly replied : "An Italian, named lMaroom!" The chairman fell over his seat, and roared : "It's a d d lie. His name was Pat Malooney— an Irishman! He knew him well ! " This interjectionknocked all remaining gravity out of the Elders, who appealed to the meeting for another chairman. Their appeal was not made in vain, for a well known dealer in saddlery took tbe chair, and the " ball went on." The entertainment came to an end — as a'l good things must — at a late hour, amidst discordant yells, roars of laughter, and the "dying strains" of a " consumptive " barrel - organ, forming on the whole one of the' mostunique and extraordinary, if not edifying,"- '■ shows" ever witnessed in the Empire > iLy. It is to be hoped Wellington will not begrudge parting with the ".bodies" of these "illustrious strangers," who, '" Uwir fame having goue before tUem,." uiay safely expect a cordial reception, a bumper house, and a "rich harvest," should their Jove of rural life lead them' to visit the prosperous but incredulous towns of the .Manawatu.