SANDIETOWN TRAVELLING ZION-WARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2131, 21 January 1880, Page 2

SANDIETOWN TRAVELLING ZION-WARD.

With the disappearance in the direction of Dunedin, of the two Mormon elders that recently visited Timaru, we were in hopes that this highly matrimonial sect had vanished from South Canterbury, but we find that we have been mistaken. The Mormons have given Timaru proper a wide barth, hut we learn that they are working vigorously in the outskirts, and that a large exodus of converts for Utah, will take their departure from Sandietown in April. The converts, who comprise chiefly widows—grass and legitimate — and married couples,of the robust order, arc being vigorously worked up for the occasion by Sunday services. These services are held in private d wellings, and commence at-2.30 p.m. terminating before midnight and are comprised chiefly of ungrammatical prayers and hymns the gist of which is “ Farewell to Babylon ” meaning Sandietown we presume, set to the music of ,f I’m off to Charleston” and other “Nigger airs.” While these saintly performances were going on within, open air services on behalf of a rival sect —the Plymouth Brethren —led by an indefatigable member of the fourth estate arc carried on on without, and when the weather is not unpleasant the devotional competition is .something refreshing. Last Sunday evening the disciples of Mormonism varied their programme by following up their evening service with a Baptismal excursion. Armed with a huge washbasket to hold the raiment of the unclean ottering, they proceeded to Saltwater Creek, which they reached about ‘J o’clock. Arrived at the beach, half-a-dozen married “ infants” were conducted by a coal-dealer, who has ■washed and become an “ elder,” into tbc water. The -women, stripped to their nightdresses, were plunged over head and ears, and, of course, they came out very much puriJied—if nut" spiritually, at least physically. The night was cold, but we are glad to learn that they have survived the shock. Our informant tells us that a considerable number of the residents of Sandietown are actively packing up, selling out, and otherwise preparing for their New Jerusalem, and that they wing their way on the “ pot luck” principle, those who have money helping those who haven’t to pay their passages.