MR. BURNETT’S MISSION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2948, 12 April 1886, Page 3

MR. BURNETT’S MISSION.

Mr Matthew Burnett, the Temperance orator, Social Reformer, and Yorkshire Evangelist, has been most

indefatigable and persevering in his mission of Temperance since his arrival in Kumara. On Saturday evening at half past seven o’clock, according to announcement, ho conducted a mass meeting at Drummond’s Corner. The attendance was very large—the largest at an open airnieenng in New Zealand, Mr Burnett himself said, with one exception, and that was on the occasion of his addressing the multitude in Cathedral Square, Christchuich, recently. Mounted on a substantial drapery case, Mr Burnett spoke for about twenty to twenty-five minutes on the evils of intemperance, earnestly exhorting his hearers to abstain from intoxicating drinks. He invited them to accompany him to the Theatre Royal, where he would offer them a choice of subjects upon which he would would lecture—on “Father Matthew,” “Big Ben,” “Little Johimy,” “Yankee Bill,” “Dr. Mitchell,” or, if they liked, “Dublin Sally,”—[Laughter.] There would also be singing by a united choir. The large assemblage listened very attentively, and the earnestness and zeal which Mr Burnett manifested, had the effect of drawing a very large audience to the Theatre R>yal immediately afterwards.

Shortly after eight o’clock the Theatre was fait ly filled. Mr F.Bai rowman presided, and on the stage were also the Revs. T. Hodgson and J. Hosting, and Mr Cameron, Secretary Grand Lodge, 1.0.G.T., Dunedin, who is at present traveling with Mr Burnett. The united Choir were also piesent, and rendered good service in relieving the monotony of speech-making by singing lively hymn times. Mr F. Bavrowman briefly introduced the lecturer, and the Rev. Mr Hodgson also made a few suitable introductory reran rks. Mr Burnett thanked the Chairman and Mr Hodgson for the kind sentiments they had expressed and the part they were taking in furthering the objects of his mission. He had been greatly assisted in his mission by ministers of religion, most of whom he was pleased to say had donned the bit of blue. After taking a vote on the subjects (previously mentioned) which the audience would most prefer for him to dwell upon, and a majority appearing for “ Big Ben ” and Little Johnny,” Mr Burnett said he would discourse on those subjects. They were both natives of Cornwall, which county had produced some of the most learned and celebrated men of modern times, amongst whom he might mention, Sir Humphrey Davy, the inventor of the miner’s safety lamp, Dr. George Smith, the eccentric Billy Bray, and others. Big Ben was born in Newrick ; he was overgrown, and hence bis nickname, and he became a great wrestler. Both Big Ben and Little Johnny were sent to work in their boyhood instead of going to school. Big Ben soon acquired a propensity for wrestling, and b.-came known as the great Cornish wrestler. He came to Ballarat, Australia, to meet any adversaries who chose to offer themselves in the wrestling ring. He soon gathered round him a large number of admirers; hut, unfortunately, be developed a love for gambling, and with it a propensity for drinking, until he became a confirmed drunkard. He removed to another goldfield, where he became a perfect terror alike to landlords, from wircra be would demand drink, to the people, and to the police. At last Big Ben came to one of his (Mr Burnell’s) temperance meetings, and, amid great cheering, he signed the pledge. From that time Big Ben reformed, and became a steady and opulent man. Little Johnny was also a Cornishman, very quarrelsome, and constantly fighting,and becamea famous pugilist. He came out to South Australia, where he (Mr Burnett) saw him in all sorts of conditions. After leaving Buna Buna, he came to Victoria to tire same town where Bi ,f Ben was living. He became known as the Victorian Torn Sayers, Though making £lO a week as a mining contractor, he never' had a shilling to spare,as he gambled and drank. At last Ire went to see tbe “Mesmerist” as the people used then to designate him (Mr Burnett). Tbe chair man of the meeting said—“lf yon get Little Johnny to join the Temperance cause, you will make a conquest.” Me (Mr Dunr ti) rushed down (ho building, took Johnny’s hand, and said “Goal Urss you ! Johnny was astonished, out- it had a good effect, with remonstranee and advice, and Little Jolmuv, his wife and children signed the pledge, receiving a great ovation. Big Ben and Little Johnny both embraced Christianity; ami b- (Mr Bar i.oti) often reflected iimt if Lud bc-.o the

means of accomplishing no more than the reform nf these two men, lie had reason to he thankful.—jApp'ansf'.] The last time he saw Lit'le Johnny he kissed his (Mr Burnet h’.-) hand, gave him .£3. and bless; d him. Shortly afterwards Little Johnny met with an accident in a mine, which terminated fatally, and the reformed drunkard went to his place among the angels.— [Applause.] Mr Burnet! then asked all who wished to sign the pledge or don the bine ribbon ‘to s!c]> forward, meanwhile the choir would kindly sing a verse or two.

Some do poisons thereupon signed the pledge, bringing the number up to between 90 and 100.

Yesterday afternoon, in the Theatre Royal, Mr Burnett, addressed the children and some of (he parents of the various Sunday Schools. The Rev. J. Hosking presided ; and the singing was under the leadership of Miss Mary Hosking. About fifty, including a few adults, signed the pledge and donned the blue. In the morning, at the Presbyterian Church, and in tiro evening at the Wesleyan Church, Air Burnett preached powerful discourses to largo and attentive audiences.

This afternoon, at four o’clock, the renowned Temperance orator visited the State School and addressed the children and a few citizens who had been apprised of his intention so to do. This evening, Mr Barnett will hold a mass meeting at Dillman’s Town at 6.30, at Drummond’s Corner at 7.20 ; and in the Theatre Roya', at 8, he will give a farewell lecture on “ A Mao of Genius,” an oculist, inventor, &c., who drank two bottles of brand;’ daily, and how he was won over to the Temperance canse. Mr Seddon is announced to lake iho chair on this occasion.