CANTERBURY FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 April 1884, Page 4

CANTERBURY FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION.

The Secretary sends us the following particulars of this Association : — Canterbury, March 19th, 1884. Sir,— Since the last report Mr Wm. Pratt has left for a trip to Europe. Just before he left several sections of our community spontaneously showed their appreciation of him as a citizen by presents and good wishes. On Sunday, the 17th February, our second anniversary picnic was held, and passed off very satisfactorily, both as regards enjoyment and finances.

The following subjects have been treated upon during the month ; On 24th February, “ Mythology—Christmas legends and Christmas facts. On 2nd March, Colonel Ingersoll's “ Clergy and Common Sense. On gth March, last chapter from Henry George’s “ Progress and Poverty." On 16th March, Mr George’s lecture in London on “ Property in land." To give the orthodox party something better to do at next general election time than disturbing the present Education Act, I recommend that an agitation be got up for taxing all places of worship. This is not meant against the Congregationalists, who I am pleased to say are with us on this question. Occasionally a member who has been to Church comes to the Hall afterwards and gives a resume of the sermon. This keeps us posted up in local Christian arguments. I am often asked what I have to give in the place of Christianity, My reply is: Supposing your nose was very red and badly inflamed Irom snuff-taking, and I recommended you to give up the bad practice, although your father and grandfather snuffed. I would recommend nothing in the place thereof, because, like Christianity nothing is wanted. Yours, &c., F. C. Hall, Secretary Canterbury F.A.