NELSON FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 5, 1 February 1884, Page 5

NELSON FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

The Secretary sends us a review of the doings of the above Association for the month of January : Nelson, January 22nd, 1884. Sin, — Since my last to you I am pleased to say that at our general meeting held on the 6th of January the progress of the Association was found to be highly satisfactory. After paying all liabilities, and having “ Ivo ” with us for five weeks, we had a very favorable credit balance. On “ Ivo ” leaving us we rather dreaded a falling off in the interest taken by our members. Such lam happy to say has not been the case ; and moreover, a good Samaritan has sprung up among us in the person of Professor 0. E. Hugo, who kindly gave us his first lecture on “ Immortality on the 20th inst., which was listened to with deep attention for upwards of an hour. Although he apologised for not having had time to sufficiently study his subject, it very soon became evident he had gone very deeply and carefully into it. • At the end of his lecture he spokein very flattering terms of the Nelson Ereethought Association, stating his gratification at finding so much progress had been made in so small a city, and the earnestness displayed by its members generally. He also went very deeply and impressively into the subject of members being firmly united, not allowing any little disagreements between each other to interfere with the great object in view, stating that in all Societies and Associations, at their beginning, disagreement between members was sure to crop up. which he had unfortunately seen in many places. He promised us another lecture on Sunday next on “ Utilitarianism from a Continental point of view. A detachment of the Salvation Army has arrived, and held their first meeting exactly opposite my residence. From one or two circumstances that have occurred since I have been in Nelson, I am disposed to think the spot was specially chosen. I have had ‘ War Cries ’in several instances placed under my door. My only feelin" towards them is that they may do good. ° _ It is on the tapis that Mr, Hugo may on Sunday afternoon next give a lecture, subject, “ The Salvation Army.” 1 am pleased to sec that.your suggestion in the January number re Federation has been taken up, and I sincerely hope it will be a success. I am, &c., Edward Prayer, Hon. Sec. N.F.A.