description of these edifices, but simply to say, en passant, that the parsonage house - tenanted by the Rev. R. R. Duke - is a handsome and convenient structure; that the school-house is a substantial building, fitted up with the usual school requisites, and that the church (or chapel-of-ease), dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, is one of the most elegant of its kind hereabout to be met with. Of the exterior of the last named and of its beautiful clock-dial we take a hurried glance and pass under its portal. Here we soon have an opportunity of seeing and hearing how Mr. Charles Figgle, of St. Leonards, trains his little band of rustic choristers, among whom it is no exaggeration to say there is considerable proficiency and implicit obedience. Nor should we omit to state that their biblical knowledge is far beyond what might have been expected in a community for whom religious instruction had been but lately provided? This was attested by numerous questions put by way of recreation by a friend who accompanied us. Proceeding to the school-house, we are ushered into the presence of about 90 scholars, who, at the expense of Lady Webster, are being regaled with tea, bread-and-butter and plum-cake. Some idea of the extent of these provisions may be gleaned from the fact that of the cake alone there was 50lbs. weight, and of a quality too that might be described as rich. The ornamentation of these cakes and of the well-filled tables was of an elaborate character, and which appeared to gladden the eyes of the children who sat around them, as well as of the friends who overlooked them. Graces were sung by the juveniles, after which the Rev. R. R. Duke addressed them in an affectionate and suitable strain, dwellling especially on the great interest evinced on their behalf by Lady Webster, to whose benevolence they were indebted for the good things before them, and the labour of whose hands produced many of the articles that would be presented to them ere they left the building. Several little pieces were then sung by the children, after which they were marched in and around the class-room where was fitted up and prettily illuminated a sort of bazaar, from which the children, according to their age and merit were permitted to select one or more articles of apparel, suitable to the season. . . . it was now time for us to be bending our steps homewards, and as we seized our hat and umbrella, hearty cheers were being given for Lady Webster, the Rev. R. R. Duke, and Mr. Fuggle. - Thus ended our trip to Netherfield.
The Temperance Propaganda
Never in the history of St. Leonards nor throughout the entire borough was the Temperance cause so excitably in evidence, so persistently to the front and so thoroughly successful as it was in the year now under review. During the week immediately preceding the third of January, there had been four meetings in the Norman-road Temperance Hall - namely, a concert, a tea-meeting, and a two nights demonstration of the Band of Hope. The concert was on Saturday night, as usual, the tea meeting, though not quite so numerously attended, -
