Progress.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 11, 1 August 1884, Page 5

Progress.

DUNEDIN ASSOCIATION. We take the following interesting report of the proceedings on the occasion of Mr. and Mrs. Bright's departure from Dunedin, from the ' Evening Herald' of the 9th July : There was a large gathering at the Lyceum Hall last evening, when a farewell soiree was given in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bright, who intend leaving for Sydney within a day or two. After the good things liberally provided by the ladies had been done justice to, a few selections were given by the band, and Mr. Stout delivered a short address. He said that as those present were aware, they had met to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Bright. He hoped, however, that at no distant time they would welcome them back to Dunedin. He did not think it fitting or proper on this occasion that he should say anything in praise of Mr. or Mrs. Bright ; all who had met them privately, and those who had heard them publicly did not require that he should say anything in their praise. He might however say this : "that all of them were deeply indebted to them for the assistance rendered by them in Dunedin to the cause of Freethought.—(Applause.) The Freethought movement had mighty odds to contend against, and what they as Freethinkers required to do was to keep true to their position in and out of season. On behalf of the executive of the Association he presented Mrs. Bright with an illuminated address in recognition of her efforts amongst them. — Mrs. Logan, for the Ladies' Association, also made a presentation to Mrs. Bright, who appropriately expressed her thanks. Mr. Bright gave a short address, mainly

touching on the position of Freethought in New Zealand and the changes that have come upon it since the time when he first had the honour and satisfaction of addressing an audience of his fellow-men and fellow-women in this beautiful city of the Middle Island of New Zealand. It was now little more than eight years since he delivered his first Freethought oration in a canvas erection on the southern market reserve. He could not help thinking of what a change had come over the position of Freethought in these eight years. Much had been done on its behalf before by many capable speakers, and especially by the gentleman (Mr. Stout) who is still looked upon as the foremost Freethinker of New Zealand, if not of the whole of these colonies, —(Applause.) There were others, like Mr. James Smith (from Melbourne), Mr., now Dr, Peebles (of America), who worked for the cause here ; but at that period, 1876, spite of all that had been done, and though there had been formed some Associations which had been allowed to lapse, he believed he was correct in stating that there was not a single Freethought Association in existence in this colony. During his recent tour throughout New Zealand he found more or less active energetic associations on behalf of freedom of thought in all the principal cities. At Christchurch, where on all previous visits it was necessary, as it were, for him to pass their closed doors, as Christchurch was so completely given up to the old respectabilities of Orthodoxy to hear a Freethought lecture, he found on his recent visit an active Freethought Association with an excellent hall. There were also Associations at Wellington, Wanganui, Auckland, and other places in the colony.—A musical programme concluded the proceedings.

AUCKLAND RATIONALISTIC ASSOCIATION. Mr. W. C. Demies, Hon. Sec. to the above Association, forwards the following interesting report for the past month : Sir, —In accordance with my usual custom I send you a brief account of our progress as a Freethought Association. Since the departure of that bright light in our cause (Mr. Chas. Bright) we have appeared somewhat cloudy, yet have managed to disperse the clouds by the efforts of one or two of our most intelligent members who have favored us with very carefully prepared and excellent lectures which T think would compare favorably with some delivered by professional lecturers. Last Sunday we had a lecture delivered by a very promising young Freethought lecturer, named Isaac Selby, of Dunedin, but recently from Sydney. The subject chosen was "Darwin and Moses, or which is the more rational, the Mosaic account of Creation as given in Genesis, or the Evolution hypothesis—as promulgated by Darwin," and young as lie is (only about 24 years) the lecturer shewed himself very familiar with and well posted, up in the subject.

We are likely to have another rather exciting time of it in the course of a week or two, as the Christian Evidence Society have accepted Mr. Selby’s challenge to debate upon a similar subject viz., “ Is the Mosaic account of Creation at variance with Science,” the net proceeds to be divided between that Society and the A.R.A.the result of which I hope to be able to communicate to you in my next monthly report. Numerically we are slowly increasing, having 150 members, and generally 350 to 400 attendants at our Sunday evening meetings. At our last general meeting it was resolved that we should place all available funds at a fixed deposit, as the nucleus of a building fund, which we hope will rapidly increase. We have made but little progress with our Sunday School up to the present moment, but anticipate a better time in the near future, as a well-known professional gentleman has offered his services as instructor in calisthenics, &c. Our Sunday morning discussion class is fairly attended, and is frequently quite as amusing as it is instructive. Hoping to have something interesting to forward you next mouth.

Yours faithfully, W. C. Dexxes, Hon. Sec. Auckland, July 15, 1884.

WELLINGTON FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION. The following report from Mr. Tyrrell, Hon. Sec. to the above Association, shows that they continue to do good work : Sir, —In my last communication I gave you an account of the formal opening in our new premises. Since then lam happy to inform you our Association is increasing rapidly in numbers. We have started a choir, with an efficient teacher of music— Mr. Fiancis, lately from the Lyceum, Dunedin. This alone, when they get into form, will make our Sunday evenings more attractive. We had a very enjoyable Social Gathering on the 2nd inst., (the first in the "Lyceum") which passed off very pleasantly. Mr. Harris was very kind in giving us another lecture on the 22nd ult. The principal part of his subject was, a condemnation of Mr. C. Bradlaugh's theological views, and other matters. Mr. Harris is a Spiritualist. His remarks are therefore somewhat excusable, but they are not at all acceptable to the majority of our members, superstition (with them) having died out. On the following Sunday Mr. Grey gave us a very interesting reading : —" Tyndal on the labours of Mayer." There was a good attendance. A course of lectures are being given by our Mr. Robertson, viz : —" Problems of Life," "Education," "Labour," "Government and Religion." The first was delivered on the 6th inst. to a large audience. These lectures, being important subjects, and ably handled, will no doubt call forth an animated discussion. Last Sunday Mr. Hendrey delivered a lecture—" Taxation and how it originated." This also is a good subject and will bear repetition. We intend having a Social Gathering every month, for the purpose of making our Association attractive, and introducing the members to each other. When the summer comes round we shall have marine and other excursions, on Sundays, adjourning to our Hall in the evening. We thoroughly intend our Association to be an enjoyable one. Thanking you kindly for publishing our reports. I am, &c, W. Tyrrell, Hon. Sec. Lyceum, Wellington, July 17, 1884.

CANTERBURY FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIASION. The following is Mr. F. C. Hall's report for the month of July : Sir, —Since my last the following have been our Sundays :—June 22nd "What an Atheist would do with Jesus," by Mr. Billcliff. June 29th, " Land and Distribution of Wealth," by Mr. C. Lightband. July 6th, " The Great Delusion," by Mr. G.Parker. July 13th, " A Reply to the Question —What do you give us in its place," by Mr. Chas. Bright. I sent you a Christchurch newspaper by which you saw that the licensing case against me fell through. Moral —Fight I am glad to see that so many of the candidates for the House are for keeping the present Education Act intact—as you know the cumulative vote was a sop to one of the religious bodies, but now that Freethinkers, with others, make use of it some of the pious are for altering that clause. Mons. Max O'Rell, in "John Bull et son ile," takes off the Religious Hypocrites in England in a racy manner. I can recommend its perusal to your roaders who may be students in French. The Lyceum keeps up very well both in the number of scholars and the interest taken in it by members. I am grieved to inform you that the Salvation zeal is failing here, although Christchurch is called Head Quarters. Yours faithfully, F. C. Hall, Secretary C.F.A. Christchurch, July 19, 1884. WOODVILLE FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION We have received the following from a member of the Woodville Freethought Association : Sir, —I am glad to report that the Freethought movement here shows steady progress. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather

and the difficulties with which the outlying settlers in this district have to contend in the shape of bad roads, our Sunday night meetings have been well attended, and in fact the average has been higher than during any period since the inauguration of the Association. Good news, too, comes from our neighbouring bush township, Norsewood — Scandinavian settlement—where it is proposed to start an Association, and our President has agreed to deliver the inaugural address when the preliminary arrangements have been completed. On the last Sunday in June we held our quarterly public meeting in the schoolroom, when the President delivered an address “Is the Bible the word of God ?” treating the book to which Christians pin their faith historically and critically, and especially showing the analogy of Christianity to the old mythologies. There was a fair attendance, and at the conclusion of the address an all-round discussion ensued, one orthodox gentleman stating that he could disprove every statement made. He was thereupon challenged to do so, and the challenge being accepted he was allowed two months to work up his subject and discuss it publicly. This is the gentleman who gave out that he was going to smash up the Association at its start, but after several promises never turned up to fulfil his engagements. On Sunday, sth July, a pleasing ceremony took place at the close of our meeting. Mr. Sevan, the former secretary, having handed in his resignation, and being about to proceed with his wife to Auckland, the committee resolved on paying a parting tribute to two of their most respected members. The tribute took the form of a presentation copy of “ Josephus ” to Mr. Sevan, and of “Gleanings from the Poets” to Mrs. Sevan. The President in making the presentation testified to the zeal displayed by both Mr. and Mrs. Sevan in. promoting the objects of the Association, Mr. Sevan having devoted not only much time and attention to its work, but having given us the free use of his rooms in which to hold our meetings. In his reply Mr. Sevan intimated that though he was leaving he should still leave his building in the hands of the Association, free of charge, to be used solely for their meetings. This is sympathy of a practical kind for which all the members feel grateful, and we commend Mr. and Mrs. Sevan to our sister Association in Auckland. Mr. G. Hutchison has been elected secretary in place of Mr. Sevan. We have again to thank that genuine friend of Freethought “Blue Pencil” for further contributions to our literature.

PALMERSTON NORTH PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. An esteemed correspondent has kindly favored us with the following items concerning the formation of the above Society, to which we gladly give publicity:— The Palmerston North Psychological Society commenced their Sunday evening meetings on the 13th inst. Mr. St. John Watson gave an impressive invocation whilst entranced, followed by an address from Mr. J. Dinsdale specially directed against the opponents of Modern Spiritualism. On the afternoon of the 20th inst. a Lyceum was opened to enable the children of spiritualists to enjoy the benefits of a moral and intellectual training unfettered by the dogmatic teachings of the day. Members responded well by sending their children, so that the inauguration proved quite a success, In the evening an address was given by Mr. T. R. Walton, the subject being " Immortality," which was continued by Mr. Watson in the trance, and concluded by an extempore poem entitled "Truth." These meetings are well attended, supplying a want long felt in Palmerston, where Spiritualism is steadily progressing. J. D.

WANGANTJI FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION. Mr. Buckrell, Secretary to the "Wanganui Freethouglit Association, lias handed us the following items : Sir, —The first annual meeting of the Wanganui Freethouglit Association took place on July 6th, when it was shown by the Secretary's Report and the Treasurer's statement that the Association was in a nourishing position in every respect. At the first half-yearly meeting held in January last the numerical strength of the Association was 87. During the past six months several have left the district, and have in consequence ceased to be members, but it is a very pleasing fact to relate that they have been replaced by new ones, thereby maintaining the strength of the Association. During the last fortnight six have been enrolled, and I hope very soon to be able to report that we number 100 strong. I take this opportunity of reminding members that their quarterly subscriptions are due on Ist July, and can be paid at any time to the Treasurer or Secretary. J. J. Buckrell, Secretary.

MELBOURNE. Our Melbourne friend, W. C. A., has favoured us with another interesting letter, as below : Sir, —In my last letter I prophesied that there would shortly be a battle with the Government. Up to the present, however, the Crown guns are still silent, and it appears most probable that we will be disappointed. Nothing has transpired in regard to the withdrawal of the permit for the Hall of Science lectures, although Mr. Symes has been continually lecturing there on Sunday evenings. The only result, if any, has been an increased attendance. It has been decided that on the first Sunday in each mouth a special

collection will be taken prior to the lecture in aid of the building fund, but to be devoted, if required, to our defence in case of legal war. The seizure, (or theft, as Mr. Symcs terms it), of Mr. Keep’s freethought works, has been succeeded by another, I must here correct a misstatement I made last month when I stated that all the freethought works in the shop were taken, that being an error, for only the “ Freethinkers” were seized. The second robbery of the Customs officers was occasioned by the appearance of a new copy of the Comic Life of Christ in the window, in place of the missing one. The authorities at once pounced upon it, and also searched the premises of the A. S. A. adjoining the shop, carrying off with them some filed copies of the ‘ Freethinker” belonging to the Association. In reply to a question in the Legislative Council, the Government stated that it was unlikely that a prosecution would ensue, but they intended to keep the shop under surveillance in future, and when anything blasphemous appeared, to promptly seize it.

Dr. Moorhouse, the bishop of Melbourne, has alluded to the Customs seizure in the course of a sermon, and thus characterised those who, to use his own words, revile the most perfect sacred figure of human history;— “I am told there are people who can revile and even caricature him. Well, then, I pronounce judgment on these men. If they have read their new testament and studied it—if they know what they arc doing, I say—and lam clear in my judgmentthose that revile the Lord Jesus must needs be of a diabolical disposition, and those poor wretched beings that can caricature him are lower morally than the beasts that perish. You may think that, perhaps, a harsh judgement, but I repeat, if the men know what they are doing—l cannot tell thatonly God knows that -but if they know what they are doing, lam as certain that my judgment is true as if I saw the light of the eternal judgment roll in full blaze upon their souls.” Mr Syraes lectured inreply to this, after inviting the Bishop by private letter to substantiate his charges on the platform of the Hall of Science. This challenge not being accepted, the following resolution was moved, at the conclusion of the lecture, by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Air. Pedley, and on being put to the vote, was carried unanimously : —“This meeting begs to assure Dr. Moorhouse that the Secularists are perfectly aware of what they are doing, and view with indignation his unjust attack upon thorn. It calls upon him to show in public debate wherein they are lower than the beasts and render themselves certain of damnation ; and if he will not do so, it must look upon him as a coward and a slanderer.”

Mr. Symes's system of inviting discussion after his lecture, has borne good fruit. On Sunday, 15th June, he delivered a lecture entitled: " Christianity the worst foe of truth," after which the Rev. D. M. Berry, (Church of England), occupied the platform for half-an-hour in reply. Mr. Symes in the course of his concluding speech, challenged Mr. Berry to a public debate. The challenge was cordially accepted, and a four nights' discussion took place, commencing on June 24th. The first two evenings were occupied with the proposition : " Is it rational to believe that Jesus rose from the dead ?" The following evenings the text was: "Is it rational to believe in God ?" I cannot in my limited space give an account of the discussion, but suffice to say that both gentleman conducted themselves in a fair and tolerant manner. A verbatim report is appearing in the ' Liberator,' commencing with the issue July 6th ; each number containing the account of one evening's proceedings. The success of this debate has induced the Rev. Canon Potter to also enter the lists, and he has agreed to a one night's struggle with Mr. Symes on Theism. The A.S.A. Sunday School is making progress. It has published a book containing a catechism, and a good collection of Ethical and Freethouglit songs. The school is subdivided into classes, each possessing a handsome banner, bearing the name of a Frccthought champion ; there is, for instance, the Robert Ingersoll class, the Thomas Paine class, the Joseph Symes class, etc. The Mutual Improvement Class has held its first half-yearly meeting, and as may be seen from the Secretary's report, has done good work. The report states that 12S speeches have been delivered, 20 of which were by ladies ; 22 essays have been written ; in addition to these, there have been numerous songs, readings, recitations, etc. A good feature of our class is the system of electing a chairman from ourselves each evening. During the six months the chair has been occupied by seven different ladies, and twelve gentlemen. By this means many timid persons have been improved ; the result being particularly noticeable in the way the ladies have been drawn from the obscurity that custom consigns them to. W. 0. A. Melbourne, July 15th.