AMUSING SCENE AT A BAPTISM.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 66, 6 September 1884, Page 3

AMUSING SCENE AT A BAPTISM.

(From the Auckland " Star," Sept. 2.) The immersion of another convert to Brownism, in the shape of a strapping young gentleman nf colour, clothed in spotless white shirt and trousers, took place yesterday afternoon from the banks of one of the tributaries of the Kaipara River, in the presence of an interested assemblage of townsfolk. One of Mr Brown's disciples took the part of John the Baptist, and chose for the site of the ceremony the little creek that runs below Mr Stewarts park and grounds. The "disciple" having in a loud voice addressed the assembled multitude on the beauties of his doctrine, the convert stepped forth, and, uncovering his dark'curly locks, "testified" to his conversion at Helensville, " which did him proud." The " baptist " then led him gently down the somewhat muddy slope into the Kaipara "Jordan" just below, where the village slaughter-house is con veniently erected on its grassy banks. The rush of eager spectators to witness the pleasing ceremony caused one of the cattle dogs present to be precipitated into the mud. The animal struggling in the ooze to regain terra Jirma nearly succeededincapsizingthe'(baptist" into thecreek, as well as the one to be baptised. Having, however, safely waded through the mud into about three feet of water, the baptiser called loudly : " I baptise thee in the name of ," and in truly scientific style cross-buttocked his stalwart charge and laid him sprawling in the stream (time, 45 sees.) The convert, however, in the twinkling of the proverbial eye, "came up smiling," bowed his acknowledgments, and gained the shore followed by the cattle dog. The baptism was done, and so were his white pants, done "brown." He had unhappily dipped him " too near the abattoir drain." Taking in the situation at a glance, he gathered up his patent leather boots and sought the friendly shelter of the slaughterhouse, to rehabilitate himself in clean attire, just as the young men. commenced to warble, " Not all tho blood of bulls On Stewarts altars Blain."