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Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 232, 11 July 1872, Page 6

American Independence. — The glorious " Fourth of July" is now hardly known in Dunedin. We miss the parading of the streets by Cobb's coaches, decorated with the " star and stripes," and the representatives of emancipation, who created a conspicuous figure in the day's proceedings years gone by.— Star, sth. Otago Seaman's Mission. — The anniversary of the above mission was held on Wednesday ia the hall of the Wesleyan church, Stuart-street. Tiie Rev. A. Reid occupied the chair, and the various congregations were well represented by the presence on the platform of the Rev Drs. Stuart and Copland, Revs. G. Sutherland, Johnstone, Shaw, and Roseby. After singing and prayer the treasurer read the financial statement, as follows: — Balance, last year, LlO 4s 9d ; church collections, L 63 17s 4d ; donations from ship 3, L 23 8s 2d ; donations from friends, L 125 ; proceeds of lectures by missionary, L 59 Is lid. The expenditure, after providing for the missionary's salary, travelling, and other expenses, left a balance of LI 14s 9d in hand. Mr Gilbert, the missionary, then read an interesting report of the proceedings of the mission during the past year. On the Sunday Ihe held services in various vessel?, which could be distinguished by the Bethel flag, and on week days, in the evenings, he held meetings in the forecastle. At those gatherings the Bible was read and expounded, and at their close he gave his hearers opportunities to ask*him questions. The cordial reception he met with on all occasions much encouraged him. Once a month he |paid a visit to the pilots, lighthouse-keepers, boatcrews, and their families, at Taiaroa Heads. Notwithstanding that the passage was sometimes a stormy one for a boat his visits gave him very great pleasure, and his ministrations were much appreciated. By a resolution of the committee he had made a tour of the Province for the purpose of advocating the claims of the mission and collecting funds. The tour occupied ten weeks, during which he preached and lectured 67 times ; and he collected, after payment of expenses, the sum of LlO4 towards the mission fund. The report alluded to the death of the late Mr John Gillies, who, from its commencement, had been a great supporter of the mission, and expressed a hope other friends would be raised up to take hia place. Dr Copland then moved and the Rev. G. Sutherland seconded that the report and statement be adopted, which was carried unanimously. The Key. Dr Stuart, Johnston (Port Chalmers), Shaw, and Mr Bennie also addressed the company in telling speeches. The attendance was not so good as on former occasions, or as the importance of the mission should ensure, but there can be little doubt that it will not lack for public support if the object is [only sufficiently [made known. — Star, sth.