BAPTIST CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 331, 21 December 1860, Page 2

BAPTIST CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The services ia connection with the above Institution were held respectively on Sunday the 16th and Wednesday the 19th instant: On Sunday , two sermons were preached; in the morning by the Rev. W. M. Bias, from Micah v. 7,' and in the evening by the Rev. D. Dolamore, from Phillipians ii. 6-11. In the afternoon there was a public examination of the children; the general questions then put were most satisfactorily answered, and I several hymns and passages of Scripture very ■ correctly repeated. This result it is hoped will enr' i courage the teachers to continue their self-denying work of love with still more devoted Zealand attentiou. On Wednesday, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, the children assembled in the Chapel, when afteJ singing and 'prayer the prizes weie distributed by the Superintendent of the School. Two extra prizes were also awarded by one of the teachers for the most correct repetition of the 103 rd psalm. The children eat down to tea and were afterwards dismissed. The teachers and friends took tea together about five o'clock, after which a short meeting was held. The Rev. W. M. Bias was called to the chair: the secretary, Mr. J. Packer, read the annexeYßeport, and Messrs. J. Hooper, Nation, Biggs, Hill, and Daniell, addressed the meeting. All the services 7 were well attended, notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, and the best wishes were expressed for the future conduct land success of the school. BXPOBT. In rendering our Annual Report, we mnst acknow- { ledge tbat.we have not so much as we shonld like of an encouraging nature to place before you; nevertheless, the Minute Book is not without notes of interest. There has been a diminution of no less than thirty-two in the number of our scholars during the put year, owing to removal, the death of two children, and other cauies over which the teachers have little or no control. It is oar experience to find that when youth reach their teens (and as far as enqniry guides us, it is the tame in other Sabbath Schools,) many are enticed away by their com* panions, or leave because they are going out into the world; or in other words entering upon another stage of life. To repair the breaches thns made in onr classes, we have had a difficult task to contend with. And to say we have accomplished this desideratum would not be speaking the troth; we therefore frankly acknowledge that as yet we have only partially repaired the deficiency. We now turn to the pleasing points in ouKhistory, and though these points are few, we can assure you they yield us pleasure and encourage us to persevere in the good work we have undertaken. One cause of thankfulness is, that from the number of those who have left our classes, four have been appoint ed teachers, and during the year several have enrolled themselves aa followers of Christ. , , The attendance of the children, as also the number of lessons learned, has upon the whole been good. There &re fifty children atiauiing the school; we have ten classes, and the number of teachers are twelve. Our little Library has been of good service among the scholars. We now take this opportunity of endeavoring to interest parents and others on behalf of the school, both as regards/««<?*—the sending of more children to the school—and also by contributions of books to the library. In conclusion, we ask you to remember us and our labors at the throne of grace, that we may be enabled to : train up the youth entrusted to our 'care in the, know* ledge and fear of the Lord. May the past mercies of our God inspire all hearts with a holier and more fervent zeal for the salvation of souls, and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. The Markets.—The Sydney Empire of the 23rd ult., quotes £18 103. to £ld for flour, with / no prospect of higher rates for some time, to come. Wheat, 7s 6d.; barley, 3s. 6d.; oats, 3s. 6d. per bushel, superior samples. Potatoes (scarce) £12. Butter, best brands, 6d. per Ib. Public Holiday.—We call attention to the fact that our mercantile community generally, propose that Wednesday next, 26th instant, otherwise known as Boxing Day, shall be a holiday in conformity with a custom certainly English and almost European, Jhus affording both principals and employed an opportunity for healthful relaxation and amusement, which our hard-working public does not often obtain, and we trust nofractious, opponent to an occasional day of mirth will attempt to mar so good an intention. If such there be, "go, mark him well," and write him down "a churl." Nelson Market.—We direct attention to an advertisement announcing, that the Market will be opened on Monday next from 9 in the morning until 9at night. This is a very proper arrangement; and as we are assured that a plentiful , supply of Christmas fare, including meat, poultry,'; fruit and vegetables, the market will no doubt be well patronised. Concert.—The concert which took place last evening at the Freemasons' Hall, being the third of the Harmonic Society, was fully attended. We shall give a more extended notice in our next. Elections.—ln our last we gave some clauses of acts referring to elections, but omitted the following important one:—" No Cockades, <&c. t to be given at election. —No Candidate before, during, or after any election, shall in regard to such election, by himself or, agent, directly or indirectly, give or provide to or for any elector, or to or for any person whomsoever, any cockade, ribbon, or other mark of distinction, and every person so giving or providing shall for every such offence; forfeit the sum of forty shillings to such person' as shall sue for the same with full costs of suit. And every person who shall during such election : display or cause to be displayed any flag, banner or party emblem, or shall employ or cause to be employed publicly any band of music or musical instruments, shall for every such- offence forfeit" i the sum of forty shillings to such person as shall sue for the same. •'■ : ; Wife Beating.—ln the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Wednesday last, James Henry Cotton, laborer, was charged by his wife with beating her and threatening her life. The Magistrate, after reprehending him, bound him over in his own recognisances to keep the peace towards his wife and all her Majesty's subjects for six months. Wanoanui Races.—-These races came off on the 13th and 14th instant. The first day was a i fine one and the race was well attended; ,the ■ second was not so propitious. Lieutenant Lewis's b.m. Annie, won the Produce Plate; heats, mile and a half. The Sburry Stakes by Major Trafford's Sibyl; heats, as well a$ the Wanganui Stakes. The Ladies' Purse and Welter Stakes by.Lieu-:,', tenant Lewis's Rarey; heats, two miles. The :< Hurdle Race by Mr. Halcombe's It. g. Baronet. The Consolation Stakes.by Mr. Harris's b. f. Blink Bonny. The events were productive Of sport and j well run for; no accident occurred;