THE MASONIC MALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 253, 13 February 1877, Page 2

THE MASONIC MALL.

Dr. Carr gave liis opening seance last evening to a capital house, the lecture being listened to with attention and evident interest by the large number present. The entertainment is divided into three parts—'Theoretical Phrenology, Pnctieal Phrenology, and Mesmerism. In the first portion, the lecturer, in an able and lucid manner, pointed out the sway which craniological formation exercises in its relation to the faculties of the mind, and asserted that it was utterly impossible for the possessor of a mal-formed head, where the moral and mental faculties were absent, to achieve anything great or glorious. On the other hand, he showed what culture and training could effect in the moral character, which, if neglected, would degenerate into the opposite extreme. As an instance, he produced a cast of the head of the murderer Burgess, which, he said, was possessed of all the qualities to make a hero. But the mind of Burgess had not been directed into the proper channel, and those very attributes which he possessed to lead him io greatness consequently sought an outlet in a diil'erent direction, and lie died an ignominious death, a robber, and a murderer. The -second portion of the programme was devoted to reading phreiiologioally the characters of some seven subjects which lie brought upon the platform, but although the diil'erent readings were provocative of much merriment, we are not in a position to judge of their correctness. The most amusing part, however, was that allotted to Mesmerism, and the Doctor having secured three subjects, got them thoroughly under his command, and kept the audience convulsed at the extraordinary* antics which tliey were forced to perform at his slightest beck. No matter how ridiculous the order given, not a moment was lost in carrying it into eilect, and much amusement was excited by the almost maternal care and solicitude exeieised by two out of the three in feeding a l>:tbv improvised out of their coats. "We are given to understand that this evening a worthy member of the Council and a well-known Boivface will submit their bumps for examination, after which thej arc dtsirou3 tiie lecturer should try his mesmeric powers upon them.