REV. READY’S LECTURE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 417, 16 May 1902, Page 2

REV. READY’S LECTURE.

FROM LONDON STREETS TO THE PULPIT.

“ From London Streets to the Pulpit, or the Story of My Life,” formed the subject of a highly interesting lecture delivered by the Pev. W. Ready at the Wesleyan schoolroom last evening, and attracted a crowded attendance. There is always a fascination about a man who rises from the ranks, and when, as in the case of the rev. gentleman referred to, one has to overcome almost insurmountable difficulties in fighting his way through life, success is all the more meritorious. Mr Ready is a capital speaker, and possesses many natural gifts, which stand him in goodjstead with his audience. Right through his address there was a running fire of humor, and his racy descriptions of London street figures were exceedingly inreresting. In his opening remarks he expressed pleasure at being in Gisborne, telling the audience that the Rev. Rothwell was the only man who could have brought him here. He had been best man at Mr Rothwell’s wedding, and he had helped to get him one of the best of wives. Mr Ready further added that ho had watched Mr Rothweli’s career, and looked upon him as being one of the choicest spirits, and one of the finest men in the Methodist Ministry. Tho lecturer then proceeded to relate his experiences in Loudon streets as a boy, his description being so full of pathos, eloquence, and humor as to enchain the close attention of the audience for over two hours. He was very forcible in his denunciation of all manner of trusts, remarking that he was down on all men who sought to get rich at the very starvation of the multitude. He was delighted to see that one miller had already broken away from the trust, and he urged that all necessaries of life should be untaxed as much as possible. MiReady said that ho was much impressed with the prosperity of the district, but he advised his heavers to keep the hotels low. He observed that new hotels were being erected in Gisborne, but he would have preferred to have seen the money devoted towards re-making some of the victims of drink. The lecturer concluded his address by giving some of his colonial experiences, which proved most entertaining. Mr Both well announced that Mr Ready would occupy the pulpit at the Wesleyan Church on Sunday next, and in the evening would deliver a lecture in the Theatre Royal upon the subject of “No License.” He was sure that all present were delighted with the lecture, and he would have liked every person in the district to have heard it. The meeting terminated with the Doxology.