LECTURE AT MOA FLAT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 413, 2 December 1874, Page 3

LECTURE AT MOA FLAT.

An eloquent lecture was delivered by Mr. Edward Johnstone, 8.A., at Moa Flat schoolLouse on Saturday evening, 20th November. Subject, "Wellington." The lectnrer set forth in chaste and eloquent language those ■client features iv the illuttrious hero, which irere suggestive of guidance, instruction, encouragement, and progress to the rising generation. In one 6en6e, the lecturer said, Wellington was dead ; we could no longer see the hero in our streets, weighed down with years; but he lived in the most^ eloquent chapters of our country's history, and in the warmest recollections of the age which closed hi* life. He then proceeded to allow that 1 Wellington was felt as wall as' 'recollected in •very regiment of our country ; his life still ran in the channels of the nation's well-being; hit name is ploughed deep and indelible in the history of the world ; and his military j character — a character that emerged more beautiful from the severest analysis — will ■bine before the future armies of our nation, brilliant as a star and dear as the banner that has waved over England's greatest victories. The lecturer, in sparkling language, delineated how there surrounded the life of the Duke an atmosphere such as has rarely enbosorued the world's greatest heroes. Csßsar, Napoleon, Alexander of Macedon, were the creations of nature; Wellington was the creation of a deep and solemn sense of duty. Natural elements made up the strength of the former;' moral character was the inspiration and energy of the latter. The lecturer, in the first place, pointed out to his audience that there was nothing vulgar or common-place about the Duke ; he neper sought fame, and because he sought it not, it sought him. His name, he said, is not written on tlie sandy margin of the ever-sounding sea ; it is inscribed upon tbe rock high above the tidemark. The lecturer pointed out how war is made less horrible under some generals than - under others, and showed how in this respsct Wellington stands forth amid illustrious conquerors unrivalled. The lecturer having adverted to the many traits of character in the Duke worthy of admiration and example, i concluded an eloquent address with a few thoughts on Waterloo. He said it was the means of that national safety we now enjoy. Two great captains met in their strength — one waring for glory, the other for his country. Their armies differed as much as their , aims, and each knew his soldiers thoroughly. Napoleon's army was intensely French; Wellington's, British to the heart. Napoleon calculated oil the elective enthusiasm of his men sweeping before them all opposition ; Wellington appreciated exactly the elements of his opponent's strength, allowing Napoleon to hurl Ms invincibles against the British squares, when he gave his last and long looked for order, " Up, Guards, and at them !•" and the cheer that rolled along the lines awoke Napoleon for the first time to the master tactics of his foe, and the terrible certainty of his own defeat. The lecturer iv rapid surrey brought before his hearers the ' ultimate destiny of nations who lean only on the , sword for protection, and alluded to Assyria, Ninevah, Palmyra, Babylon, the majestic capitals .of ancient eastern civilisation, as decisive on this point; whereas, nations that lean on j the spread of everlasting .truth, on purity j and piety, integrity and moral excellence, have in them the seeds of endurance.