MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 93, 20 June 1843, Page 3

MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

DR. HANSARD’S LECTURE ON ALCOHOL. (Concluded from. Number 91. ) The question of daily drinking is a subject of great importance. Do elderly persons require such ? Decidedly, in certain adapted proportions. It will be serviceable in proportion to the extent of former abstinence from such. Do persons under twelve years of age need these preparations ? Certainly not, without the prescription is. from a medical, man ; then I admit it may be occasionally requisite; but parents will not resort to such sources of advice : they will rather trust to a neighbour, or the temporary effect they have occasionally received. They know not of the activity of the sanguiferous system, up till such time that they are thus adding fuel to flame, and they know not how readily such over-excitement may induce inflammation; and what is more, you will frequently find where such incautious conduct is observed, the heads of families have themselves'thus been treated, and are not aware of the injury their system has received, because the effects have bben so progressive, the latent disease is not perceptible to them. And must I add, can children require spirits ? for you hear of such being given to infants; thus, nurses often prescribe it in an undiluted state with sugar,. to relieve the flatulency; Decidedly, it is not required, though such nurses so commonly remark, See how the little thing takes it—how it smacks its lips ! Another question I may put is—Do we require such at dinner and after dinner, as a part of the dessert ? Certainly not: this custom may bring

one to partake of; but is it requisite ? No; a little may assist digestion, and renovate the bodily energy; beyond this, it is no more requisite than it is necessary to eat until' you know you have a stomach-—until the ligature from the garments indicates’, by uneasiness, yoU' must either loosen, or be satisfied. It has been correctly observed, that no oife ought to know he has a stomach; that is, he ought not to make himself sensible of such; for this is a symptom of more than quantum sufficitfii not of approaching indigestion. To allow this uneasiness, some drink more, and thus obtain temporary relief; but if you thus require the stbtoach to fulfil an office beyond what nature has appointed, a Corresponding debility ensues, and in proportion to the frequency of repetition, d. more inveterate case of indigestion, or to use a mote fashionable term, dyspepsia. Here I may remark, that gout and a long list of diseases are ascribed to daily drinking; but if time permitted, I could gasify prove such might be ascribed to the improved art of cooking, and the deceitful appetite thus procured. I would, however, mention a notorious fact—that where gentlemen of abstemious appetites have been appointed to the council of the various companies in London, which means to eat so many dinners composed of all the luxuries that are at the time in season; it is as good as a death-warrant within a year or two. I know of cases which proved this assertion. I do not mean to imply that it is correct for any man to allow himself a gradually increasing daily portion, so that he may be enabled to partake of his share at what are called jovial meetings. While I acknowledge the force and effect of habit, I do not consider it requisite, for the support of a healthy constitution, to seek to take more, when a smaller proportion cautiously taken would serve to sustain health ; an adaptation to luxurious habits will neither fill the pocket nor strengthen the constitution. Those who have taught their constitutions to bear without evident marks its effects, must not believe that the constitution is benefited ; they may rest assured some organ is injured; that the derangement is latent, and sooner or later will display its effects, and the function may be so weakened as to baffle medical aid to restore it to its former healthy state. So also is it far from my intention to imply that it is correct to adapt to society in general, for that would be a direct encouragement of drunkenness* Who would justify a man who, to enable him to enjoy the peculiar stimulus throughout the day, would commence with taking a glass of sweet oil for his breakfast ? that while thus preternaturally excited, the state of stupor may be obviated; It is this which has led to the use of opium, such as induces premature old agej as regards energy both of mind and body. It is said they thus add to the enjoyment of life, but what they gain one day they lose on another: it is the same as with the precocious intellect—the more such stimulus is applied, the sooner second childishness supervenes; for all excessive stimulus must be followed by a corresponding degree of exhaustion. In short, individuals should partake of alcoholic preparations to the extent of aiding nature, but pot fof the sake of society; for could not* after dinner, conversation be conducted far more advantageously, at least it appears that it would not be disadvantageous, to discuss politics, &c., with composed intellects. I would quote from the World —“ It hath not appeared to me that there can be the least relation between the wine we drink and the Queen’s state of health, and until we are convinced that impairing our own health will improve her Majesty’s, we should resolve to preserve the use of our faculties and bur limbs to employ both in her service, if she should ever have occasion for them. I would not discourage such meetings of friends, but I exult in the remembrance that such times' are past, when gentlemen were looked up, and not allowed to leave, until unfitted for the society of ladies—those days are past, and prospects are at least more favorable that moderation will become more and more the discretionary monitor of the Rangitfera, and thus, as we have commenced well, by progressive improvement, may we hope not to encounter like difficulties with the neighbouring colony, where, extravagance in Champagne, &c., has produced consequences which it will take years to be overcome. Here, too, many have squandered the capital which was to serve towards the real benefit of the colony, and likewise in a few years to have restored an ample interest instead of a bankrupt's certificate. Still there are some in this colony who are no better than their neighbours: the disease has commenced; the seeds of drunkenness are sown, and have taken root, and to forewarn those who are not confirmed in their habits, I would refer you to the opinions of such as have not studied to please the world, but otherwise to improve it. '' ' Mr. John Hunter observed—-Those who live above par, are extremely liable to sink, when attacked by disease, or injured, for as they are habitually at the full stretch of living, their powers‘cannot be exerted further to meet any casual emergency. . St. Augustine observes—- “ Drunkenness is a flattering devil, a sweet piano, a pleasant sin.” Sir Walter Raleigh remarks—- “ Whomsoever touch wine shall not be trusted, for He cannot keep a secret. Wine maketh man not only a beast, but a madman, and if thou love it, thy own wife, thy children, and thy

friends, will despise thee. Yri drink men care not Miat they say, what offence they give, forget, comeliness, commit disorders, and to conclude, offend all'honest virtuous company.” Bishop Taylor also remarks—“ Every drunkard clothes his head' with a mighty scar, and makes himself lower at that time than the meanest “of his servants; the boys can laugh at him when he is led like a cripple, directed like a blind man, and spends like an infant; imperfect noises, lisping with a full and spongy tongue, artd an empty head, and a vain and foolish heart; so cheaply does he part with his honour for drink, for which, however, he is ' ready to die rather than hear it disparaged at another; who himself destroys, as bubbles perish with the breath of Ehildreft.” He adds also—- “ What malignant quality can be more venomous and hurtful to a man than the effect of an intemperate goblet, and a full stomach ? It poisons both the soul and body. He that tempts mE to drink beyond my pleasure, civilly invites me to a fever, and to lay aside my reason, the question then will be, which is the worst evil, to refuse your uncivil kindness, or to suffer a violent head&che. It is better for me to grieve thee, a Sponge, or to be affronted by thee, than to be tormented by thy kindness the next day, and the morrow after.” In addition, I may mention the cases of two individuals who lately left the colony, one whose minimum portion on land was twenty glasses daily. When he went on board, he wds in a state of delirium, and habit had become so advanced that smuggling spirits for the sake of sly drops, was resorted to. He appeared on deck, trembling from head to foot, with protruding and greatly blood-shot eye-balls, he was in a state of delirium by day and madness by diy and by night, sometimes roving, at other times walking about upon the water casks, deranging the ballast, tumbling into the tar barrel; calling for a boat to take him to the publichouse, and the cry was murder while in search for the head of a decapitated infant or a mutilated young woman. It was necessary to place him under restraint —to confine him straightjacket fashion. The other person went on board trembling from head to foot, the least exertion producing great perspiration. He had also the blood-shot eye, and though he retained a degree of control over his intellectual faculties, liis remarks were in short sentences, and checked by the shake the system had sustained. Though a young man, his features werd so altered, ad to resemble those of an elderly person, while his manners and general conduct Were those of second childhood. I have had another object in view in referring to these cases; it is to draw your attention to a fact, that this abuse of spirituous liqUors is a greater soured of injury to the colony than many believe. Young men arrive here with a proportionate share of capital; but what becomes of it ? Is it applied towards serving the advancement of the colony by improvement, expenditure on the land, aiming for an export, or at least oUr own supplies ? or is it used by squandering away time on the beach, or sitting at home spending the time in drunkeiiness, thus awaiting God-sends, and not seeking thorn. This is too often displayed: persons who arrive here with capital, and well supported in England, after a''time —not content with contaminating society through the force of a bad example; but to ascribe all the blame of their unsuccessful expedition to the land they adopted. How often, too, do we hear of others leaving here, and attributing the check received to prospects, to the masters, while it is not the employers who doubt the capability of fulfilling the varied duties; but confidence is destroyed, because the energy is weakened, the mental faculties diminished, and a corresponding degree of muscular effort is withdrawn. There is no doubt as to the once-possessed capacity, but it has become so uncertain, so irregular, that the employer, to protect himself against frustrating his ownengagement, is obliged to withdraw his former support. These are the individuals who send letters to England, and remark that, instead of finding the land as represented, they have been sent here to starve, thus discouraging others from bettering - their condition, and also ing ours. Yes, such individuals know only how to abuse the means which are proffered, and neglect to add, that instead of labor and its consequences, social happiness, cleanliness, and health, they preferred to spend their hours in beastly drunkenness at the tap or the parlour ; they preferred to make spirituous liquors their meat and drink, and chose a rag for their clothing,. and perhaps the picture of a starving family as a subject for their daily meditation* ; In selecting persons for a new colony, such should, if possible, be avoided; we want not those who fancy fortunes are to be picked up without restraint and labour, that from the onset they can foster luxurious habits —‘nor do we want those who are the refuse of society, whose friends have despaired of advancing their prospects—we want the plodding man, he who can contend with opening difficulties, who can rough it. And though here there are a great majority of the latter compared with those sent to the other colonies, yet a few black sheep have crept in, which, through the force of example, have done no little mischief. My chief aim in. these remarks is, that the force of example may so predominate as to lead

all classes of society gradually to moderate their potations, instead of hearing of cases where the debauch has been so progressive, you may see the children of tlie English gently reduced to the state when an hospital lias ‘ become their asylum, or such cases as where young men have, when intoxicated, been entrapped, and gambled away a fortune in a single night. I remember a case where a young gentleman, who had just come of age and entitled to a fortune, was thus enticed into a gambling house, or hall as they are styled, and returned home to his mother and sister, who were entirely dependent on him, instead of a rich fortune an empty purse; so redueed was he, that an immediate change of circumstances was requisite, he was obliged to leave his friends and native land for America — instead of fathers returning home in a state when all control must cease, when the force of example will only tend to vice, at least to careless Extravagance of limited means; instead of hearing of two men being hung the same day for murdering their wives when in an intoxicated state, as I remember to have occurred in Edinburgh ; instead of family broils and numerous cases where wives have languished into death, without confessing the cause being the in-treat-ment from a concern for their husbands; instead of witnessing cases where the force of example has been such children have obtained such a liking for spirits they would even procure it by stealth ; instead of hundreds of cases as occur in London, where the husband will retire with his weekly gain to the public-lioUse and not leave it till he has spent or lost all, nor return to his family who are all but starving; and is this all ? no, in too many instances, the father being careless of his children, the sons are seen wandering in the street careless of their associates, and thus learn to procure a subsistence by pilfer, and the daughters, being unrestrained, are decoyed so as to swarm iri the street with afiother species of dissipation. Instead of such cases, may we hear more frequently of husbands who can enjoy their limited allowance with their families, and who find that by such it is' better to love and be loved than to have a conscience that is ever condemning, but silent, by a return to your source of the misery, while fear instead of love rules the respect they receive from their family. When we hear of' these distressing cases, I shall not be surprised that some can scarcely believe how still I am riot an advocate for total abstinence. How can I, when I believe that in some cases a certain proportion is requisite and in others it is indispCnsible. Who would deny the fisherman, the English mail coachman, or the nightwatch a certain proportion of dilute Alcohol when exposed in a severe winter’s night? The sailoralso requires it in tempestuous weather when exposed by day and night, atid the bodily exertion is great. Again, to deny the labourer, after being at the plough throughout the day, his pint of home-brewed malt on his return home, would be a means of indirectly injuring the colony, for instead of a day’s hard work, the bodily exertion would soon be only equal to accomplish half the task.

Mr. Woodward observed at the annual meeting, because three boys appeared for trial before a court of judicature after attending the sabbath school for two or three Sundays, is this a reason why such schools can accomplish no good end, and why its regular attendants must follow the same course ? I may add, because Alcoholic preparations are partaken of to excess by some, is this a reason why they should not be allowed to those who have not abused their use ? Are we totally to abstain because many abuse the use of what has been given for our good. Surely we are not to confine ourselves to our rooms because We cannot walk out without a chance of the sight being polluted ? Is it not more creditable to resist temptation when met unsought, than to seclude ourselves from aiding the advancement of society because such is by some contaminated. It is the same with Alcoholic preparations; are persons to abstain, when requisite, because their use - is abused ? There is no reason why any such like substance should be abstained from, for, if this never was administered, food ought to be denied to the Kamtschatka people, who so gorge themselves with blubber, that they become insensible, and even when in this state, it is said, the friends continue to cram it down tlie throat. Again, because of poverty, the shepherds of the Alps and the Irish peasants cannot get meat, is this an argument for total abstinence, that it is a dispensible luxury ? lam even fearful of Father Mathew’s system income parts, of Ireland. His outward appearance,. as drawn from his picture," would support his theory. But he can find a good supply of other provisions ; not so many of his followers ; they had not sufficient food for the support of the system, and the strength was renovated by the small proportion of spirits when dilute; It was almost as bad as driving men to starvation to check this supply without providing a substitute for the same* The lower'order of the Irish, .when disposed to work, work hard, and nature must have something besides Irish moss to support such laborious exertions. It was not with them as.with us, if we deny ourselves anything we can readily find a substitute; for in some parts they’ had not the money, nor was the produce of the land '

sufficient for their support. Nature’s God gave us all things for our use,

•'-•and our duty rightly to appreciate' the value of the same; let us show that we duly appreciate his goodness, not by using them for rioting and wantonness, but as means for the right enjoyment of this life. All excesses are dangerous ; we must be moderate in all things; we are not, as was reported'of the cameleon, to live on air because persons have not, or will not, know the . intended use of the blessings by which we are surrounded. Analogy as to our neighbour’s ■ conduct must not carry us too far. Laudanum when judiciously prescribed has saved life, but this does not implythat because some persons chose to poison themselves with the same, and the Turks use it as a stimulant and add it to their ■ ceffee, its restorative power is to be denied to the sick. The same may be said of Arsenic, when prescribed in very minute proportions it has been undoubtedly beneficial towards the cure of some diseases, but otherwise it is a deadly poison. In truth, we might be denied the use of all things we partake of, whether as diet or medicine, if they are to be viewed in the light of their tendency when inordinately partaken of to be injurious. The first action of Alcohol is astringent, if, therefore, the dose is excessive, there is a proportionate astringent effect, and the subsequent debilitated symptoms must correspond. The same applies to tea, it is also an astringent, and the beneficial effects of such, or strong coffee, after free indulgence at the dinner table, is to restore the tone of the stomach, which had been over-excited, and consequently, debilitated by such potations. Here let me ask, does man require such a course ? is it requisite that he should thus poison his system, sometimes daily, by such excesses ? will nature submit thus to be treated, and allow - to escape without punishment because he knows of a temporary antidote. If he thinks so, I would tell him it will not serve him thus to play with his constitution; for although he might restore the effects of one day’s debauch, the remedy will, by frequent repetition, lose its effects, it will not be powerful enough, for the tone is now so diminished that the former remedy loses its effect, so that Soda water and bitter tonics will . gradually be resorted to, and even these will in time cease to bestow any beneficial results. Even tea, I assert, is very injurious to the constitution when the infusion is portioned out in pints instead of ounces. Yes, persons who applaud the use of tea forget that it also acts as a stimulant, that it is its stimulating effects which leads many to drink it; they think not 'that the consequences of its injudicious use may he nearly as.,unfavourable to the constitution as those from . Alcohol. Thus we have from such (especially from green tea) more frequently than is believed dyspepsia and nervous symptoms, particularly when many cups are taken ? Besides this, the quantity of warm liquid must serve to weaken the digestive powers, as also to over distend the stomach. This then cannot be frequently repeated with impunity; consequently, substituting one drink for another is not the best way to benefit society, but by seeking fitting opportunities for the use of all. Such, general laws, and particularly when sanctioned by oaths, are injurious, for they either - lead to injury of the constitution by abstinence when requisite , or they lead persons to behold such paths with unlimited license. How many, when away, from the members of their society, cannot resist temptations ? I think there are very few persons, even its strongest advocates, who know not cases where the influence of the pledge has easily been controverted. I have known some . persons join, not from conscientious motives, but because their friends requested such. The consequence of which has been they have frequently been found insincere. I have seen the ticket suspended over the mantel-piece when I have known the parties to be regular tipplers, and on applying to them respecting the want of coincidence with such indication and my • observation, the reply has been, I only joined to oblige my friends. I have also observed it may lead toinjury of the constitution by abstinence when requisite, it -will even go further than this, it will place an injudicious restraint over others —thus I was consulted by a person, who from suckling a fine child, had become ■ emaciated and much debilitated. I told her I « could prescribe for her medicine, but it would be useless without she also had. a more liberal • diet and a daily allowance of malt liquor. She ! replied her husband was a teetotaller, and would not allow her to have it. When I answered, if a medical man orders it, the society allowed of such. ; She returned, and told me her husband persisted:in>refusing it. Now, since his life had been rendered more happy because he had ; reformed after having been a perfect drunkard, was that a reason why his wife’s ..life should be •- endangered ? lam aware. I might here be met witli a remark that the Maories rear their infants '.without .malt liquor; but will the appearance of ■their infants and their subsequent scrofulous . bear any comparison with , the children of the pakeha. Ido not mean, by, referring to this case, to urge that such should Invariably be prescribed; no, I wish only to imply that it is requisite to adapt to the individual constitution. I may mention another case to show, the effects of such oaths, and the cause of their constant ridicule. A person has frequently taken the oath to abstain from spirituous liquors for a month, and has frequently, the

•rfirst. opportunity after the vexpiration of such time, lie has,been found lying.about.the.room in ;a state of beastly drunkenness. I fervently wish success^to ‘temperance in society, but let it be greater-temperance-inwall things. And I sincerely hppe the'well-inten-tioned will not misconstrue my anxiety for their success, in changing the appearance of society' on the beach and elsewhere ; though'l cannot help believing that their > efforts would .be far better applied by indirectly 'before mothers plans; how to bring about reform, and teaching parents to inculcate upon their children from earliest infancy .a desire for mild and such-like nourishing diet, rather than sharing with their portion of fermented liquors—they should avoid indiscretionary distributions, but .give of their charity to those who though poor, have not been reduced to such by intemperance—of course making allowances for certain peculiarities in some cases. I wish for no sweeping conclusions. They should assist, not by oaths, but by selecting plans adapted to each case. Masters should give the preference to those who can betrusted for steady habits, and consequently those who are regular at their work. This I think we should find would have more effect than all professions and processions. I'would not. suppress societies, but the excessive display and extravagant reports —they do too much. The main thing is to look to the diseased portion of the root and not to eradicate every febril because a part is diseased. If any one is disposed to assist the injured family he must supply them with food

not clothing, and he must pay the expenses himself, for if he gives money-to the wife the husband, in his absence, will nearly murder the wife to obtain such, or he will sell the

clothing; thus kindness would be misapplied. Besides this, the wife must be instructed so to circumstance the patient, that he cannot use the commonly displayed cunning of snch folks —she should withdraw him -for a time from the society of his associates, and thus prevent him bending his course towards those places where clothes can be exchanged for spirituous liquors.

Nor is it advisable for him to address at first the offending party, for such too commonly leads to deceit, to promises of improvement

beyend what the then weakened intellect is enabled to control. It is not by direct opposition that you or his family can check this polluted taste for alcohol, this desire for its plea-

surable sensations. You must act with caution —counsel the family so to amuse as to withdraw the mind from former avocations and to keep him within sight. You may follow the plan I heard was once adopted. A lady was

accustomed to keep a small keg of spirits, and: used to draw from such at rather too frequent intervals, and in rather unbefitting proportions, when her friends proposed to check such disposition. The plan adopted by her friends was the following:—after each visit the keg was filled up with water, so that the alcohol became gradually more and more diluted, until the strength-was reduced to nearly that of water. Here I am reminded of the question respecting the sudden adoption of entire abstinence by habitual ’ drunkards, and of the remarks of an eminent physician, in reply to one of his patients, who entreated that he might be permitted to leave off by degrees—“ if you were to fall

into the fire, would you ask me to pull you out by degrees ?” I cannot agree with him as to the general rule, though I think it would, in many cases, be unattended with danger. I should rather be disposed to prescribe a gradually descending and far less powerful stimulus. Nor would I recommend you to think you have an effectual remedy against drunkenness should the German law be adopted. It runs thus : —“ any person drinking in an alehouse during divine service on Sunday, may legally depart without paying.” Surely if any individual is determined to sell he has only to receive payment before the delivery, and what confirmed toper will refuse to accord with such practice.

I may be considered rather bold in .having selected so difficult, and to some, unpalatable a subject, one which has been sq long disputed, but the duty encumbent on those who.appear here as lecturers is not alone to amuse and excite an interest for this or that literary pursuit; it is also his duty not to lose sight of any means by which he can turn his remarks to a twofold advantage—that is, not only should he seek to instruct how to find useful occupation for. their leisure, hours, but likewise he should. point out wherein present amusements are untoward. Instigated by these views I have not shrunk, from giving publicity to. my. opinions. Should; any habitual drunkard—morning dram drinker, or evening tipler be present, he who seeks drinking as a pleasure, who delights in such,'; periods, as when losing all.control of principle,, lie is lustful in .his desires* and boasts of. his misdeeds, I hope this faithful representation will have some influence in leading him to see the result of his. intemperance, and to. contribute mpre . generously of the surplus stock towards the advancement of this institution, it is not only time that is, misspent but; money

likewise, for I agree with the observations at the annual meeting, that though there may be a cry of no money, yet there appears, to be plenty found for. spending at the public-houses. If the. oft-repeated address of the clergy and

ministers - has failed to produce the desired, effect, I cannot expect this feeble voice, will be .enabled to influence much. What t ask of the yet dissatisfied (if any be present, for it is not such who frequent such meetings), is to go where,our varied duties.lead us, to the bedside of the patient, and there in vestigate for themselves, -or to return to your homes and compare the, truth of the remarks with that which your experience - dictates—if your own homes will ndt afford you examples, (not for the sake of . slander, but for settling any doubts between us), consider the state of; some of your neighbours—the source of their difficulties and troubles, and then the eye and mental vision may assist our efforts, for few there are who know' the wretchedness such-a picture would represent not always outwardly, but when the social state of society is known. I am certain the clergy will not desist from their efforts. But let us not throw the whole burthen upon their shoulders under difficulties. The other hands of society must show their disapprobation, and not as it is too often the case, set an opposite example; yes, the Rangitera must set,the example, for if masters cannot do this, how can they hope to receive attention when they accuse their servants. Likewise, the magistrates’ aid is of the greatest importance, for if the stocks were adittle more frequently used for drunkards without any difference as to rank &c., they would have much more effect than fining; and fail not to seek the aid of the public press ; it may by occasional extracts or short pithy hints, aid-more than you are aware of your good intentions, for such will be read, whereas a prosy pamphlet will be thrown aside. It is thus J fancy the well intentioned are more likely to attain satisfactory results. It is not by our professing too much, it <is not by entire abstinence to the injury of our own constitution, we are most to benefit others. It is by the force of a good example, by well-timed admonition, a caution (almost approaching the the extreme) as to our associates, a watchful eye over the progressive effects of- intemperance, and affording the young opportunities of inculcating the desire for such knowledge as will always not only serve to amuse and instruct, but to advance their future prospects, while it withdraws from the public-house. Let

mental vision be ever active, seeking your own good and the good of others. Then may we hope to enjoy life as nature ordained, and not in accordance with man’s luxurious invention. Let us be temperate in all things, moderate in our desires ; then we shall find family comforts increase, children grow up as blessings, and

the general state of society improved. There will be less distress at. our threshholds, we.shal. enjoy a little and to give; the germs of disease-will thus be obviated, and our neighbours, instead of being the medium of spreading contagious diseases, will know how to appreciate what they have, finding that by being moderate in their desires, they are surroundec. with comforts, and will be ever ready with robust constitutions —instead of occasionally days, permanently by weeks—to aid efforts towards more expeditiously rendering this an all but independent colony; by cultivating growth sufficient for our consumption, as well as in return for those requisites which this country may not produce.

J should here have concluded this lecture, but I suspect all present are not annual subscribers, and 1 cannot lose the opportunity to impress upon their minds how much gooc society will receive through this Institute. Of such I ask, are you anxious for your own welfare and that of society ? If so, throw aside all bias save this, and do not refuse ss. this year towards funds for the erection of the new building, the situation of which will be more central, better adapted for the use of all. Though at present in an infant state, if one will take the trouble to

investigate, he will find general good is here consulted. And. what are its future promises; the heads of society will reap a reward for their small contribution by finding their assistants of steadier habits,' and their time saved by these being - more ready in understanding. To the mechanic, &c., the benefit will be. inappreciable, Onevmay hope that soon the fundswill allow of more, distributing freely the books, that thus the heads, of -families may apply, and find amusement by reading at home. There, will also be a'Reading Room, and you will not have to go to the public-house for the. sake of the newspaper, and if you wish for further information, you'will meet with those who will be ready to aid you without requiring a dram to assist their recollection. To. the labourer what shall I say ? Some heads of families cannot read;; ;it is not

their fault, and they deeply regret it; va? recom,pense for such neglect will be made; their 'children will be taught to read to them. lam sure, then, you will not refuse on an average about one.penny weekly towards furthering such to-be-desired prospects. Come, and join us with a becoming spirit; show iis that you know what is good for you ; arouse fresh, energies to assist you. As a substitute for present, lukewarmness, display a glowing interest for, the general welfare ofi society : for when time, has reinqvedthe. shadow that has to some hitherto obscured this Institute’s intentions;, you will neyer regret your subscription : and observe, small indeed was the sum in. comparison with the.benefit received.