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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 122, 15 May 1876, Page 2

The Rev G. S- Harper preached a most interesting sermon on the late Mr Lucas to a large and attentive congregation at the Wesieyan Church last night, taking for his text Numbers, chap. 23, verse x. — " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." In a very impressive manner the reverend gentleman spoke of the closing scene of the late Mr Lucas' flife, *-_ and of. the last words uttered by him, saying that be had no. fear of meeting his Maker. Mr Harper illustrated bis sermon witb large quotations from the dying words of celebrated men. Before giving out bi« text tho rev. gentleman read a brief obituary notice of Mr Lucas. The church was draped with black, which gave it a very solemn appearance. * Thosb who are des.raus of forming a Mutual Improvement Society are invited to meet in the schoolroom adjoining the "Wesieyan Church to-morrow . evening at 8 o'clock.. • It. will be seen by advertisement that eight of Mr Hoyte's beautiful pictures of New Zealand scenery are to be disposed of on the principle of the Art Union drawings. ' • A church parade, in which nearly 200 volunteers took part, was held yesterdiy morning, the various corps falling in at the Drill Shed, whence, headed by the Artillery: and fife and drum bands, they marched to Christ Church, where the. service was conducted by the Rev J. Leighton, Incumbent of the church and chaplain to the City Rifles. After service the volunteers marched back to the Drill Shed, where they were dismissed. A prize having been offered by P.O. D. Burn, of the Naval Brigade, to be shot for by members of his corps, the competition, in which fourteen took parb, came off on Saturday afternoon, when Seaman J. Freeman proved the winner with a score of 46, the ranges being 200, 300, and 400 yards, five, shots at each range. - It bas been decided not to hold the review which was spoken of on the. Queen's Birthday, but a Volunteer Ball , will be given in the evening, and promises to be very largely attended. The committee ot management will meet at M* Gee's Hotel this evening. : '" In a recent cricket match in Victoria a young man was struck by ihe ball with such force that the bone of his forehead was actually dented in, still . he lived. . . .:,.••• '