LECTURE ENTERTAINMENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1232, 22 May 1880, Page 2

LECTURE ENTERTAINMENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

A lecture was delivered by the Rev. W. Evans on ' • Oddities, and what use we should make of them," at the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Wednesday Evening. The proceeds were devoted to the Trinity Presbyterian Chui'ch Sundayschool, and a crowded audience responded to aid the good purpose. Mr. J. Fisher occupied the chair, and, after a few remarks, introduced Mrs and Miss Booth, who played a pinaforte duet with much taste and skill, receiving plaudits of their hearers. The choir then gave "Now pray we for our country," which was followed by a short address from Mr Brooks, who stated the object of the evening, being to raise funds to defray the expenses of enlarging the school. One thousand periodicals had also been distributed amongst the scholais, and an entertainment was thought to be the best means of augmenting the funds by trusting to the sympathy and support of friends. Mrs H. Fergusson sang, " Sing me the auld Scotch sangs," with sweetness and feeling, and received the utmost approval. The Chairman then presented the lecturer, who was greeted with prolonged applause. He commenced by comparing the lecture to a bunoh of flowers, himself being the string that, after collecting from various sources, culminated in a nosegay of oddities Cryhig oddities were first culled freni the bunch, and illustrated from the clergyman who could drop tears to order, and the woman who cried at will. Laughing oddities, mar riage and courtship oddities, poet, gent, and bachelor oddities — the last names were all old till bound by matrimonial ties. Tombstone oddities, and oddities in names, all occupied his attention, and kept his listners overflowing with merriment from first to last. Each story seemed more humorous than th« last, and the manner of telling was irresistable. Outbursts of laughter followed eagU

other in quick suocessioti, and a more interested nnd delighted audience it would be difficult to find. A few well-choBen words of advice to young men brought the lecture to a close, when the outburst of applause well-bespoke the peculiarity of the lecturer and the pleasure derived from the lecture. The " War song of the Diuids," by the choir, elicited a wellmerited approval Mr G-ane proposed a vote of than«s to the lecturer, which was carried with enthusiasm. "God pave the Queen," by the choir, terminated a really pleasant and enjoyable evening.