LAST NIGHT.

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 30, 21 August 1886, Page 2

LAST NIGHT.

The Hall was again i cro%dod i 'tri^ p.epple. Wt Lethbtidfrij, "the M^r^' ' : - presided,; and was ' tupported on -i njs left by Mr:PergUßaon,'theMay6Kof ; . i Palmeraton, ■-• f . .;,. After music by the ehoir,^4nd a •

portion of the scripturei had heea read by the Eev. Mr Griffin, fee Rev. Mr Clarke •fferei up a prayer. The Chairman said he wag happy to see so many present, and expressed his strong sympathy with the cau6e. As thej were there to hear Mr Burnett, he would not infh'ut a long apeach upon them. Mr Fergusson followed, and said the last speaker had given good advice, which he (Mr Fergusson) would follow. He was glad to learn that most of the Feiidiug peaple wore already total abstainers. The same could not have been said of Palmerflton a week ago, but since the advent of Mr Burnett, upwards «f 800 had donned the Blue Ribbon. He must, however, remark that although great numbers took the pledge, the effects would only be transitory unless some . strong combination ''• were made be♦^tween the centres of Woodville, Ashurst, Palmerston, Awahuri, Makino Boad, and Feilding* and a proper organisation created. Failing this the whole would fall to the ground. He was aware that each locality felt itself to be individually strong, but in this as in other matters, it was not always practicable ord«sira,ble "toi paddle your own canoe." VYhat was needed was union, so that they could assist each other fey example and emulation in the good Cause. He apoke very highly of Mr Burnett, and. the good work he had done in Manawatu. The Rer. Mr Gliffin said the Mission had proved a great success. Two hundred and forty-five recruits for the ■work of a day and a half was most gratifying. He paid a high and welldeserved tribute to the indefatigable industry of Mr Burnett, who was the «nly real example of perpetual motion lie had ever-seen in his life. Mr Burnett thanked the Mayor for presiding and called for three cheers, And invitation which was responded to most heartily. He alse said the presa in all parts ef the colonies had given him leyal support. He aaid the Feildinjf Public Hall was a credit to the place, and he regretted that he had no •lime to visit ether buildings of interest. He considered his success in Manawatu as greater than in any other part of the celony, and spoke in feeling terms of the hospitality he received from Mr Fergussom, in Palm«mton, and Mr J. C. Thompson, in Feilding. He censidered the suggestion made by Mr Fergusson as an excellent one which he hoped would be adopted and carried out. The lecturer then gave sketches and pictures of real life. Hi* account- of theconrersion of Irish Mack, and Steve and Janet, was interesting and amusing while * strong •• vein of pathos ran through tte narrative. His description of a man suffering from delirium tremens was most graphic aua horrible. He said he had never spoken against the publicans* That was not the way to reclaim. drunkards, the battle may be won without intolerance. He then oalled far-members of his audience to 'come forward to take the pledge. Eighty inure names were added to the list, making a total of three hundred And twenty five for too days mission. Mr Burnett thanked the choir, and thair lead or Mr Lucas. He also paid a graceful compliment to Mrs 0. Brown on the manner in which she presided at. the hanfconium. Three cheers- were 'given for the Mayor, and the meeting dispersed.