MR. ANSTEAD'S SCHOOL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 526, 8 January 1878, Page 2

MR. ANSTEAD'S SCHOOL.

© .-_ DIsTliUU T TION' OF MUXES. Tho (listri))utii)ii of prizes by Mrs. Anstead to the scholars of Mr. Anstead's school took place on the Ulst December hist, at 1 I ii.m., at the schoolhouse. We regret that we have been unable to publish the particulars of this event before now ; but although so much time has elapsed since it occurred, wo esteem it of too mnoh interest to parents and scholars to allow it to pass altogether unnoticed. Prizes awarded for general improvement and diligence. CLASS I. John Longford, Ist; llichavd Filleul, John Hood, and Douglas Moore (eq.ual), 2nd, CLASS IT. Edgar Pcarec, Ist; Robert Aitken and Harry Christie (equal), 2nd. class m. Earnest .Procter, Ist. KJKNT IX .SCirOOL. Jsevil Clowes. After the distribution of the prizes the scholars repaired to the playground, where they indulged in a series of sports until the signal was given for lunch, which was partaken of in the schoolroom. After a little refreshment, sports were resumed and kept up with spirit until an adjournment was rendered necessary by the lateness of tho hour. The scholars returned to the schoolroom, where priz is were awarded to the successful competitors in the games by Mrs. Anstead. Master D. Moore carried of all tho first prizes, amongst which were : " The Woi-ld of Wit and Hv.mor," and " Oruickshank's Comic Annual"—the former presented by Mr. Anstead, and the latter by Mrs. Anstead,

Your correspondent states that "tho epithet ' reverend' means worthy of respect." It cannot be a general feeling that I have forfeited the respect of my fellowcreatures, or I-vshould not to-day have received an invitation to occupy tha most prominent pulpit in Wellington to-morrow-evening. Daring my recent visit to America I was privileged to preach in churches whoso pastors are men of high standing in their respective denominations ; and if it bo thought that such courtesy was extended' to a stranger, of whoso antecedents they knew little, 1 may add that during thus months I spent in England 1 was publicly received with a special welcome by ministers of various denominations, who have known mo all my life, and have the best means of judging my character. I cannot feel that my present work is unworthy of the ministerial profession. I claim the position of a public teacher,, and! decline to admit that tho pulpit is the only place where a minister may "please men to their edification." I have heard of certain "reverend" fellows of colleges whoso, occupation in life was editing heathen ]>oets of very questionable morality, and submit that my work is at least as good as theirs. Proof is not wanting that the sentiments of your correspondent do not winuniversal approval ; for 1 have received, several spontaneous communications,, verbally and by letter, expressing strong; dissent from his criticism. From theletter of a well-known doctor, a member of a leading church of this oily, I. cite the following : —•" Believe me, you aro rendering to society inlinito service by your lectures. There is a capacity for culture amongst the roughest people of these' colonies which, once awakened, would do moro for their moral elevation than, dozens of sermons. Teach the people toread good books, and the religious character of our race will assert itself to thedetriment of tho interests of the publican.. Your present occupation is a truly reverend one, but certain persons say what, their jealous hearts suggest." As to my attempted service of " God and Mammon," I presume I am not more sordid than other people. Sydney Smith's phrase concerning " tho great prizes of tho Church" is familiar enough, and I. never heard of an English bishop refusing a see because the salary was too large ; though' some rather sharp things have been said about the glaring inequalities which starve a curate, while a bishop lives in a palace, and enjoys a princely income. f am, i.v.0., Charles CI*AKKI?.. Wellington, December 21).