Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary.

New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 271, 3 January 1849, Page 2

Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary.

On Sunday last, two Sermons were preached in the Wesleyan Chapel, in aid of the funds of the above School — in the forenoon by the Rev. Walter Lawry, and in the evening by the Rev. F. Miller, of Hobart Town. The collections amounted to upwards of ten pounds. At the close of the forenoon sermon, two of the boys repeated from memory, in presence of the congregation, a chapter each of the Scriptures; and many of the children of both sexes answered numerous questions put to them out of their catechism from the pulpit. Mr. Lawry read the annual repoit, from which it appeared that the number of children in attendance at the school are 213, instructed by ten female and eleven male teachers •, and that a library had been established during the last year, which already numbered 200 volumes of suitable books, for gratuitous circulation amongst the teachers and children. At half past two o'clock a public examination, conducted by Mr. Lawry, took place at the School Room, in presence of a number of the Parents and Teachers, as well as friends of the School. Several boys" and girls repeated, very perspicuously and accurately, complete chapteis from the old and new testament scriptures — and others — some of whom were mere infants — a number of the beautiful hymns from the Sunday School collection. — They were then examined in several sections of their catechisms ; and their general knowledge of leading scripture truths was tested by miscellaneous interrogatories — now in the old and then in the new testaments. Their answers in most instances gave satisfactory proof of an intimate and growing acquaintance with the Bible — that knowledge which alone is able to " make them wise unto salvation." The Reveiend examiner then introduced five native young men who have been trained to read in the English tongue, within the last two or three years, at the Wesleyan Native Institution at Auckland. They stood up in the midst of the children and repeated by verse in succession a portion of the third chapter of St. John's Gospel. The pronunciation of two or three of these men was remarkably good — surpassing in accurate expression, many adult continental foreigners whom we have heard endeavouring to speak the English language even after considerable training. On New Year's morning the children were again assembled in the School Room, from whence, conducted by the officers and teachers of the School, they proceeded to the residence of the Rev. Thomas Buddie, in front of which a spacious awning had been erected, of native flax and shrubs, for their reception. Here, after a hymn had been sung, they were addressed by Mr. Buddie, and then regaled with cakes and milk, and having partaken plentifully, every voice engaged in singing a hymn of thanksgiving, they adjourned to Mr. Hunter's large paddock, in front of the tent, where they indulged in sportive and healthful exercise — the females led on in their games by the accomplished teacher of the day school, Mrs. Hurry. In due time the company again assembled under the awning, and the annual prizes for meritorious conduct and progress in learning were distributed by Mr. Lawry to the deserving children, in whose countenances j beamed the grateful glow of heart they felt on receiving the honors thus conferred upon them.

After the scholars were dismissed, the teachers and several of their friends, accompanied by a few of the elder children, proceeded to the farm of Mr. Someryille, Eden Grove, where a tea party was appointed for the evening. Here upwards of one hundred persons sat down to tea, served up on tables beneath the cool shade of the tall trees, and surrounded by the new mown hay, in front of Mr. Somerville's house, which, after the exercises of the day, proved a delightfully refreshing repast, enjoyed with redoubled zest by the townspeople, who seldom have the opportunity of participating in such rural luxuries. Altogether the day's proceedings were most gratifying, an 4 we doubt not but that this anniversary examination and fete will stimulate the teachers to a persevering prosecution of their noble work, in striving to train up the children in the way they should go, and that the scholars will, by the blessing of God, be induced to " incline their ear unto wisdom, and their hearts to understanding."

Yesterday afternoon an inquest was convened at the Masonic Hotel, Princes-street, by Dr. Davies, coroner, to inquire into the death of James Shanaghan, late Band-master of the 58th Regiment. The jury having proceeded to the Albert Barracks to view the body of the deceased, the following evidence was adduced :—: — William Clifton, Colour Sergeant, 58th Begiment, sworn, saith-«-Last night I saw James Shanaghan, apparently asleep, sitting in the Sergeants' mess room. I called upon his brother, John Shanaghan, to assist in taking him out of the room. We helped deceased out of the room to the bed where he is now lying. I did not see deceased afterwards until this morning, when be ivas dead. Last night when we took him out of the room be was intoxicated. When I left him on the bed I left his brother with him. He was alive when I left him. He had then a silk handkerchief on him. He was placed as near as possible on his left side, his head lying on the pillow. He had no military coat, but merely a slight jacket on him. It was between the hours of 12 and 1 this morning. He appeared to be insensible when taken to bed. His position is slightly altered since I left him. I think he was previously in a good state of health — I mean yesterday. John Shanaghan, sworn, saith — I am Drum Major of the 58th Regiment. Deceased was my brother. About half -past twelve this morning Colour-Sergeant Clifton asked me to assist him to carry deceased to his room. I went, and he appeared to be sitting sleeping, ! and with Sergeant Clifton's assistance, I conveyed and laid him on the bed in the band room. We placed him almost on his back, but a little on his left side. He was insensible. The room was in a state of darkness at the time. I left him, in the charge of no one, immediately after raising his head on the pillow. When I took him from the mess room, I considered he was under the influence of liquor. lam aware that he has latterly been very fond of drink. Arthur S. Thomson; M. D., sworn, saith — lam surgeon 58th Regt. Deceased has been in hospital twice during the course of the last year, labouring under delirium tremens, the effect of drink. I have made a post mortem examination of the body, and found about four ounces of blood and water effused on the base of the brain, which was the immediate cause of death — and therefore I am certain that he died from apoplexy. There are no external marks of injury about the body. Daniel Davis sworn, saith — 1 am Corporal of the Band of 58th Regt. I saw deceased last alive last night about twelve o'clock. He was then in a state of intoxication. I went into the band room this morning about four o'clock. I then thought deceased was asleep, when Private Kearns told me that he was stiff. I got out of bed, and finding he was dead, I gave the alarm. Dr. Thomson was sent for, and came immediately. He was turned partly on his right side. His handkerchief was quite tight round his neck, and we removed it ; his face and head were on the pillow. He was more on his face than on his back. Deceased was Band Sergeant of the 58th Regt. Verdict — Died of Apoplexy.

Programme.— -^n Thursday, 4th -'anuary, the Band of the 58th Regiment will perform the following pieces of music, within the enclosure of the goremineiu grounds, from half-past three to half-past five o'clock:— Overture- — Op. .."Eliza c Claudio'*.. ..Mereadante Waltz "The Milleflem" Lannec Song i.. "Kathleen" Crouch Dudtto— Op "Norms" „B llini Polka " The Bohemian" Jullieu Song "The Dream" Kni ht Galop , ''Les Heguenots" ..... ..Mayerber Quadrille "The La Peri" Bu'rginuller Tyrol^se RacaT«ta