MR. FOX’S LECTURE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5120, 21 August 1877, Page 3

MR. FOX’S LECTURE.

Pursuant to announcement the Hon. William Fox delivered a lecture in the Congregational Church, Woodward-street, yesterday evening. There was a very good attendance, several members of Parliament being among those present. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr. West, who stated that the object on behalf of which this and the following lectures of the series proposed were to be given was to reduce the debt on the church and afford entertainment to the public, advantage being taken of the presence in Wellington of so many gentlemen of high ability from different parts of the country. He then introduced the lecturer, and Mr. Fox, after a few remarks of a preliminary character, proceeded with his subject, which was the “ Overland Route through America,” and we can honestly say that we never listened with greater pleasure to a discourse on any subject, by whomsoever delivered. In a humorous and happy manner, which rivetted the attention of the audience and pleased them thoroughly, the hon. gentleman, speaking as though he were “ doing” the overland route actually, took his hearers on board one of the large ocean steamers at Auckland, and touched lightly on the leading features of the route between that point and San Francisco, referring more particularly to the Sandwich Islands, and the customs of the people. Arriving at San Francisco, he pointed out the leading features of that city, and drew a comparison between its appearance some 20 pears ago and at the present time, as indicating the extraordinary progress made during that comparatively brief period. The hotels were the-most remarkable of its institutions, one lately built, the Palace Hotel, being one of the wonders of the world, —a magnificent edifice, eight stories high, almost a beautiful city; and travellers could be accommodated there for little beyond the ordinary hotel charges. Then another sight was the Chinese quarter, which to be seen in its perfection, or, more properly speaking, in all its deformity, should be visited at night, when could be seen the gambling hells, and other institutions peculiar to the Celestial. There they would see the Chinese smoking opium, a vice which was only, if at all, surpassed by the drinking of alcohol. Opium was less terrible, too, in its effect on the individual, than the vice of drunkenness, because it did not make the sufferers so injurious ’to those about them. He then humorously referred to the characteristics of Chinese dramatic representations, and told his hearers of the peculiar history of the Zoological Gardens in San Francisco ; how they were originated by Mr. Woodward (a gentleman of large fortune) before the war, being intended simply for his own private amusement; how they were thrown open to the public in order to contribute towards the support of the benevolent institutions during the war, and how he had since then been induced by the Government to allow them to remain open for public recreation. After discussing several other of San Francisco’s sights, he took his hearers to the Yosemite Valley, and dwelt on the magnificence of its scenery, especially about the beginning of summer. (Leaving this part of the country, the beauties of which he eloquently described, and possibly made his hearers wish they could at once look upon the wonders he told them of, the lecturer proceeded to Chicago, “city of fires,” as it has been called, and gave some very interesting information relative to the enterprise of the people and the wonderful advancement made by Chicago under extraordinary disadvantages. He then gave a very humorous ' sketch of life in the Mormon country, referring to the circumstances attending Brigham Young's lawsuit with Mrs. Brigham No. 17. He went to a church while there, and was very much struck with the minister, who told his congregation among other tilings that Abraham was an American, and lived on the banks of the Missouri. Mr. Fox described the impression made upon him hy Messrs. Moody and Sankey, the revivalists, the former being an ordinary looking man, with no powers of oratory, although an earnest preacher, and one who seemed thoroughly to understand his business. The lecturer then gave a description (which was naturally brief) of the Philadelphia Exhibition, at which New Zealand had come to the front; but that, he remarked, was not owing to the commissioners appointed by the Government. Any prominence that New •Zealand obtained at the Exhibition, and its exhibits did demand a good deal of attention, was solely owing to the energy, industry, and admirable management of Dr. Hector. In conclusion, he advised all those who were fortunate enough to pay a visit to the old country to go by the overland route, which be had just endeavored to give them some slight idea of. On the motion of Mr. Holdswortb, a vote .of thanks was accorded to the hon. gentleman for his lecture, which was really full of interest, Mr. Fox having recognised the compliment, and expressed the pleasure he should feel in addressing them on a future occasion, the company dispersed.