Original Correspondence. MILITARY MUSIC AT CHURCH.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 39, 28 February 1846, Page 2

Original Correspondence. MILITARY MUSIC AT CHURCH.

To the Editor of the Nevo-Zeaianier* Sir, — Although in England, the handot innovation has maiie much alteration, in the purity and simplicity of Divine wor-hip", as ' practised every Sabbath, day by our ancestors'; yet it .would have been anticipated that the small congregations, of the various Christiati persuasions, in anew colony would conform to original observances in their true spirit. " ' However, it seems that this antipodean spot is not exempt from the prevailing desire of variety and change in religious matters. You are aware, that in the church of St. Paul's, there has been for some time past an organ, which, although not equal to those in the large churches, in England ; yet, was of sufficient musical power to lead the congregation in their vocal thanksgiving and praise. On Sunday lastjto my great surprise, Sir, the band of the 58th Regt., performed, at the periods usually devoted during the service, to psalmody: thus superseding the use of the organ, and preventing the congregation from joining in, this most solemn, an'd enjoined part of public worship. I am quite aware, Sir, that in Military, Chapels, —such as Whitehall, in London, and others attached to barracks, in England, — the band performs during the service ; but I have never heard of a military baud superseding an organ, and congregational harmony in a parish church. By whom this reprehensible, ridiculous innovation has been made, I cannot conceive. Although myself, not, what is termed, very straight laced, iv mere observances, yet 1 reverence and respect pure religion, and the sincere practice of devotion : therefore, I determined to call your attention to the fact, and leave the subject to be dealt with by your belter judgment, and more powerful pen. I am, Sir, &c, &c. LUTHER. Auckland, Feb. 23, 1846. [We certainly think, that the introduction of the military band, considering that there is an organ, had better been avoided. The beauty and true piety of psalmody, consists in our opinion, in the whole congregation joining in unison, the organ being merely an accompaniment. " Then crown'd again, their golden harps they took, Harps ever tun'd, that, glittering by their side, Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweet Of charming symphony they introduce The stfered song, and waken raptures high : No one exempt, no voice" but well could join 1 Melodious part— such concord is in heaven !'' < — MILTONAs the Bervice at St. Paul's has been ( in accordance to the established Church of England, any alterations in the forms prescribed for service, must be offensive to the wishes and religious feelings of its .members. Let every man worship God according to the dictates of his own ..conscience, and sober judgment ; — and let those who are the pastors and ministers of the several churches, take care that • they preserve to their disciples and members, their religious observances and forms in all purity, discarding attempts at change or innovation. — Ed;]

To the Editor of the JVew-Zealander. Sir, — The insecurity of the wooden structures in Auckland, from fire, has been long source of just alarm and anxiety to its inhabitants— and any incautioui erection or addition will only increase the danger. The public Press is the only medium to draw attention to nuisances— and, therefore, without apology, I be? to s tate that during the last week there has been made, ia O'Connell-street, a rick of straw which is surrounded by houses and chimnies in the very centre of the town. The Raupo Ordinance was passed to guard against fire circulating widely and quickly through the town ; but if stacks can be allowed with impunity to be placed so contiguous to wooden buildings in the town, the enactment against Raupo buildings is a nullity. Trusting this will call the attention of those authorities who can deal with, and, at once, check this dangerous nuisance,— l am, Sir, &c, CIVIS. [There can be no doubt that the Magistrates can promptly correct this incautious act, by enforcing removal of the stack, beyond the precincts of the town. — Ed.]

Lost Newspapers.— The. number of applications complaining of the miscarriage and loss of newspapers during the past year (in England) was 1792. (This number is exclusive of personal applications, and of applications relating' to newspapers sent by cross country post, which the books of the office do not distinguish ; but they are not numerous ) The number of newspapers found in the office with covers, burst during the year was 55,016. The average number from St. Marlin'i Le Grand each day was 108,459. The number returned to the dead letter office in the year was 178,850 ; and the number of newspapeis replaced in covers and forwarded with no- v tice in the year, was 9,912. [With these stated merits before them, our readers will not be surprised that, occasionally, their papers have not come reguiarly to hand.] , . Four new Roman Catholic Bishoprics are to be established in China, in the cities thrown open to Europeans by the treaty of Nankin. The French government has offeied to concur with ihe Pope in erecting churches in those cities. Tempkrance in Prussia. — The soldiers in the Prussian dominions have been allowed by the Government to receive, instead of their daily rations of brandy, the value of the same in money. This step is calculated to promote the principles of the temperance societies, which, through their officers, have formally returned thanks to the King for the privilege thus conferred.