AROUND DUNEDIN.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5084, 23 July 1895, Page 3

AROUND DUNEDIN.

4 —•— ■ v [BY " SCOTCH MIST."] Sinco I last wrote you, the Rev. W. Hewitaon has been dulyindiicted to the pastoral charge of Knox Church, the largest and most influential of tlio Presbytorian churches here. I don't think I described Mr Hewitson to you, in any of my previous notes. Ho is, comparatively speaking, quito a young man,only 37 years of ago. He is a Victorian, and v like most of them, very tall and spare. 1 thought I should like to hear his first sermon as pastor of sucha huge flock (1500) and repaired to Knox Church last Sabbath morning, and had great difficulty in procuring a seat, as the church was full to overflowing. The service was oponed with the singing of that well-known hymn, "All people that on earth do dwell." Then followed a simple yet beautiful prayer. For his teit he took the iirst chapter of Romans, Bth to 11th verse, and a more suitable one could hardly have been chosen for a first sermon. He preaches extempore and his delivery fow, but full of an earnestness force that rivets the attention of hearers. At tlio close of his sermon he begged leave to say a few personal words. He said neither directly nor indirectly had lie done

anything to obtain the call to Knox

Church; that he had left a beautiful church in Australia where he had worked for seven years most harmoniously with his congregation; he was quite happy there, and nothing that the Dunedinites could do for him would make him any happier. Then he concluded with a pathetic appeal to one and all in that vast congregation to fay a short prayer for him that God would bless his work among them. To-night a monster conversazione is being given in the Garrison Hall to welcome Mr and Mrs Hewitson by the congregation. Tho last few days church socials havo been all tho rage, and although these kind of entertainments are usually of a very mild type of excitement, quite a change has been introduced, as in almost every case a dance has terminated the entertainment. Per-

haps the intensely cold weather may «ve something to do with tho introction of this invigorating pastime, but, of course, there are a few of the " unco 1 guid " who have held up their bands m horror at the sinfulness of dancing. The University Ball last evening was a great success, and every year 'seems to get more popular. Some lovely evening dresses were worn. One debutante wearing white silk trimmed with silver chiffon, looked particularly well. The Theatre and various Halls are taking a rest. I think the terrible Atveather we have had has frightened ithe Theatrical Companies all away. Subscriptions to the unemployed fund still seem to be flowing in liberally, and hundreds of men, thougli receiving only a small wage, are only too glad to get work to keep tke wolf from the door. It is rumouied that further reductions arc to be made in the IJ.S.S. Company's offices, and a few more *itheir boats are to be laid up. siness is not brisk just now, _ and the Opposition lino and low freights all tend to accentuato the position of affairs, We are, I am glad to say, experienciag better weather than when I last wrote. Reports from the country districts are more reassuring, and the loss of stock is not expected to be as large as was at first anticipated.