PASSING EVENTS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 124, 23 June 1870, Page 5

PASSING EVENTS.

"Penny Readings," or as they are in this far away country, " Sixpenny Readings," constitute one of the most pleasing signs of the times. Their success in the mother country has been only equalled by their success in her colonies which have adopted that means of social intercourse and amusement to so much profit. The benign influence of these amusements, when properly conducted, cannot be fully estimated. Besides affording a pleasant evening's entertainment to young and old alike, they provide a congenial atmosphere for bringing forth the youthful buds of promise, and unfolding the blossoms of genius, which are destined to brighten the monotony of a dull world. Tuapeka is favoured with a galaxy of aspirants to fame. We have not only adepts at cricket and billiards in our community, but vocalists and elocutionists of no mean order, and for the latter, these Readings afford excellent opportunity for the development of their powers. I have often wondered why it is that in this locality, which is so bountifully provided with religious and moral instructors, these entertainments are not patronised by the' clergy. Gentlemen in their position ought to take the lead in every object which seeks to elevate the social and moral tone of the community. Their occasional presence alone at these gatherings would prove a healthy check on any excess that mighu possibly be indulged in, and be the means of increasing their power for good, both in the pulpit and by the way. I notice in Tokomairiro the clergy take a prominent part in the Readings ; and I know this, there is no place in the province where these amusements have been more successfully conducted. At a tea meeting or soiree our spiritual overseers always muster in strong force, and generally inflict upon their audience

addresses, or speeches as they are called, each occupying from a quarter to threequarters of an hour, which partake very much of the nature of sermons. Their remarks are sometimes introduced with a shade of humour ; but the great desire shown by our divines to " improve " the occasion, often results in their launching out in a tirade against some existing evil or supposed cvil — such as the innocent and skilful game of billiards, or some similar passtime. To listen to four or five such sermons in one evening is enough to severely test the patience of Job. As for myself; I sometimes think one quite long enough. It strikes me, sir, that soirees, as they are at present conducted, have had their day ; they require remodelling ; they require less of the sermonizing and more of the conversazione element intermingled with them . I will venture to assert that the only attraction these soirees have is the introductory part of t them — the tea-drinking or social part. Divest them of that powerful attraction, and instead of crowded houses and smiling faces, nothing would be left but nearly empty benches and impatient hearers. From what I hare heard there is now a clergyman in Tuapeka- whose ideas of these speech-making soirees are of a like description to those I have expressed. Perhaps he will, in connection with the church he represents, strike out another course from that which now obtains amongst us. If he does, I believe he will carry public opinion along with him, and make himself not only popular but a blessing to the community at large. I have an idea that a public soiree in the true meaning of the word, " evening party," would take well in Tuapeka. First there might be the usual tea presided over by the beauty of the district, and then a concert, to be followed by a dance. Speaking of soirees, I notice that at one held at the Blue Spur last week one of the speakers questions the accuracy of the figures I quoted as representing the amount expended in the district on churches and charities. Perhaps the reverend gentleman has not taken the trouble to go so minutely into detail in the matter as I did. I can only repeat that I believe the sum, instead of being less, is something in excess of £3000. With regard to the amount of money paid annually to the devil, which, according to your report, the same speaker referred to, I am not in a position to calcixlate. The datea upon which to ground any calculations are vague and illdefined. I should be very sorry, however, to think that every nobbier I have, and that every game of billiards I may play with a friend is so much money paid to support the devil. It is quite possible, I imagine, to serve the devil more faithfully by nursing the vices of malice, avarice, and hypocrisy than by indulging in an occasional nobbier or playing a quiet game at billiards, and passing round the joke with a few friends. Of course, drinking, billiards, and everything else — even preaching, may be overdone.