CHEAP ENTERTAINMENTS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2164, 1 February 1881, Page 3

CHEAP ENTERTAINMENTS.

The following account taken from the “Evening Star" of January 26th, is applicable to other places than Dunedin : We have hoard much about voluntaryism in church matters, and latterly the idea of what are termed “ free churches ” has been mooted, under the expectation that contributions would be more liberal, and the ministry and churches better supported than by fixed rates for sittings. This is theory, and finds much favor with those who zealously imagine people will do what they ought to do. It is very seldom that opportunity is afforded of putting this voluntary theory to the test, but one has just presented itself that wo commend to the careful study of ecclesiastical economists, A dedication festival service of the choir of St. Paul’s Church was hold last evening, regarding which two circumstances should bo borne in mind. First, the oratorio was one scarcely ever heard in the colonies, and was performed by perhaps the ablest organist in the colony, assisted by a trained choir fully equal to tho vocalists who give their services at concerts, to hoar which an average of two shillings or half-a-crown admission would not be grudged. Secondly, the sum reached was to bo devoted to Sunday school requirements, a purpose which should bo of paramount interest to all churches. Tho following analysis of receipts will servo to show how dearly people like a cheap entertainment and how little dependence can bo placed on their voluntary contributions. From reliable sources we learn that 850 tickets wore applied for and given away, so that it may be presumed there was that number of persons present. Tho receipts were 1 sovereign, 2 halfsovereigns, 1 crown piece, 25 half-crowns, 34 florins, 180 shillings, 136 sixpences, 3 fourpennies, 65 threepences, 1 penny, 1 halfpenny. Total, £22 Os 10id. As the number of coins was 440 it is plain that at least 410 persons enjoyed an excellent concert free of expense—a concert at tho cost of the church —without giving back even one half-penny in acknowledgment of their enjoyment.