BLUB SPUR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 242, 19 September 1872, Page 8

BLUB SPUR.

(From our own, Correspondent.)

The second of the course of lectures was delivered in tbe Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday, the 10th instant, bj the Rev. A. B. Arnott, of Waitahnna. Subject, "Water, the Lifeblood of Nature." The Rev. Mr. Cameron occupied' the chair, a \<L having opened the meeting with devotional exercises, introduced the lecturer to the meeting. . The church was not densely crowded, but there was a very fair average attendance. The rev. gentleman came before the meeting with, very modest expectations, as he himself observed that his subject was not a sensational one — he had but a common title to a common everyday subject. The lecturer commenced with the ocean. He then ..discoursed qr the rtottd8 4 w4 th.c watery fl u id

which falls upon^ the earth, watering it and" making it" ' fruitful; He ' then arivertecbto the many uses to- which faate* was" applied as a^mbtive potfer, driving our machinery, and a hundred and one other services it performed for thu good of tnan and bdast, and prevented the decay of nature. It was supposed that the lecturer, from the very title of his lecture, would enter upon that vexed question, the temperance movement ; but such was not the case. There was nothing in it to disturb the equanimity of the most moderate drinker — in fact the subject was treated in a scientific manner, and must have been an appreciative one to our miners, many of whom are considerably versed in science, and are specially interested in the getting of a good and cheap supply of water. , The rev. gentleman was greeted with applause. Mr. Q-ilbert Ralston proposed, and Mr. John M'Laren seconded, a cordial vote of thanks to the lecturer for his able and instructive lecture. It is expected that the next of the series will be delivered by the Key. Mr. M'Ara, of Balclutha, of whicli due notice will be given.

While the head is beiog cared for with so many feasts of reason, it is hinted by some that something should be done to reach a more tender part. The church going, God-loving part of the community of our chief city j;are enjoying a series of services held in alternate churches for prayer. I. hope the various ministers in this district will see their way to a union for such services here. If these services are good for JJunedin, they are good for us. With all our privileges, we would be the better to be warmed up a little, in order to show that our vitality is not clean gone. I trust that those gentlemen more immediately interested will bestir themselves in the matter.