Page:Item 10 1862.pdf/118

was a pleasurable one, and the Band of Hope demonstration was both novel and successful. On the latter occasion the room was so crowded on both evenings as to necessitate the non-admission of many persons who thronged the entrance. The principal feature of attraction was a monster Christmas tree, ex a superabundance of productions, and illuminated with 50 gas jets. There were also ten smaller trees, which with the profuse decorations of evergreens given by W. Lucas-Shadwell, Esq, and the floral and other decorations bestowed by a number of ladies, formed a coup d'oeil at once novel and attractive. The first evening's entertainment consisted of music by Herr Kluckner's Band, a Temperance address, singing by the Band of Hope boys, recitations, and the presentation of a picture to Mr. Burg. The boys numbered 70 and the audience 350. The second evening was employed in singing and music, an address by Mr. Beagley, the passing of votes of thanks to those who had assisted in the work, and the stripping of the trees by lottery, each person present having a share therein, in addition to which on both evenings, prizes were awarded to the best boys. Master Philip Tree gained the first prize, and elegant alabaster inkstand, the gift of Miss. Pennington. The boys also received a plentiful supply of fruit. The whole affair passed off with great eclat.
The Musical meetings on Saturday evenings have already been described under the heading of concerts.
A Young Demosthenes. During the week which closed on Jan. 24th, quite a sensation was caused in the Temperance Hall (and also at Hastings) by the extraordinary efforts of Master Tregear, 14 years of age, in the recital of some of Gough's temperance orations, and by the still more extraordinary attitudinal imitations of the great orator. It is almost too tame to say that the halls in both towns were literally crowded to hear this young Cornish Demosthenes; and as the attempt to describe the youth's performance as fully as might be wished is out of the questions, it shall be simply said that by seeing and hearing could it be believed.
Other Gatherings On January 13th, the friends of Temperance took tea together in the same hall and afterwards held a second meeting for hearing an able and energetic address by the Rev. W. Burke of the Church of England. The hall was so excessively full that the reporter of the St. Leonards Gazette was unable to elbow his way through the crowd on the stairs at the entrance. Thirteen names were added to the pledge book.
Two Nights later, there was another meeting, when Mr. George Verney, of Houndslow on "Customs New and Old; wise and unwise." lectured to a large audience.
The Rev. A. Maguire of Clerkenwell, was the lecturer on the 28th of January, after which the young Cornish orator recited "The Maniac" in a masterly style. More names were added to the pledge book.
Mr. Hilton's Farewell Address was delivered in the Temperance Hall on the 12th of February, to a full room. The address was based on the 6th verse of the 91st Psalm - "The pestilence that walketh in darkness; the destruction that wasteth at noon-day."
Mr. De Fraine, the celebrated Temperance lecturer, gave a most eloquent -