the proceedings, and at the close a series of magnificient dissolving views were explained by Mr. Haynes. Throughout the proceedings were of an animated nature, and afforded great gratification to all present.

During the evening it was announced that on Tuesday, February 16th, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon had kindly consented to deliver a lecture on "Poland," on behalf of the Funds of the Union, in his magnificient Tabernacle.

BISHOP AUCKLAND BAND OF HOPE FESTIVAL -The annual festival of the Ladies' Band of Hope was held in the British School-room, on Christmas-day. The attendance was large, and the good conduct of the children was the subject of pleasing remarks. After tea, a public meeting was held, over which Mr. T. Snaith presided. The Band of Hope recited selections of Temperance prose, poetry, and dialogues, in a most satisfactory manner. An able address was delivered by Mr. C. Bell, the indefatigable honorary secretary of the Middlesbro' Temperance Society. Although his subject was chiefly bearing on, and also adapted to, the members of the Band of Hope, and their parents, yet he did not neglect to thunder forth the imperative importance of muzzling the ox by permissive legislation. The meeting was brought to a close with the usual votes of thanks to the ladies, speakers, and chairman, proposed and seconded by Messrs. J. Wilkinson, T. Pallister, sen., W. B. Affleck, and T. Smith.

ANCHOR BAND OF HOPE, CAMBERWELL.-On Tuesday, January 19th, a tea festival was held in Waterloo street School room, in connection with the above society. Over 100 of our young friends and their parents partook of an ample meal, in which an enormous twelth cake received its due amount of attention. A small charge for admission was made after tea, and a large audience assembled to enjoy the entertainment provided. The amusements were varied in character; a Christmas tree occupied one side of the platform, and during the evening some useful books were presented from it to some of those members who had given recitations at the usual meetings, and in other ways been active in assisting the Band of Hope. An address was also delivered by W. J. Haynes, Esq., from the Band of Hope Union; the entertainment concluded with a magic lantern exhibition, after which a distribution of New Year's gifts took place, and the company separated, we hope, with the feeling of having spent a pleasant evening without the use of intoxicating drink.

BATH-PERCY CHAPEL BAND of Hope AND TEMPERANCE UNION.The second anniversary of the above society was commemorated on Monday and Tuesday, the 11th and 12th inst. commencing with a prayer meeting on Monday morning at seven o'clock, when there was a very good attendance. In the afternoon, the school-rooms presented a most tasteful appearance, being decorated with flags, evergreens, and appropriate mottoes. We particularly noticed a beautiful design of flags encircling the roll of members, over which we read the very suitable motto, "Sought and Saved." By the kindness of some lady friends, and the young people of the congregation, the committee were enabled to hold a bazaar, which consisted of every variety of useful and fancy work, and for the display of this a dark recess in the room was fitted up most elegantly, being hung

success.

with crimson drapery, and illuminated with Chinese lanterns of every conceivable hue. In addition to this a large stall was erected at the top of the room, and adorned with flags and lanterns, and there again the ladies disposed of their wares. At 5 o'clock about 100 persons sat down to a social tea; after which a large public meeting was held, when the Rev. Urijah Thomas, of Clifton, presided. Letters were read from Handel Cossham and W. Saunders, Esqrs. expressing their regret at being absent. After prayer the Rev. E. Mottram, the treasurer, read a very gratifying report, which stated:-The Committee, with thankful hearts, look back and acknowledge that God has crowned their feeble efforts with The society is now named the Band of Hope Temperance Union, uniting the adults and juveniles into one society, now numbering about 570 members. During the past year several very interesting lectures have been delivered, and the profits given to the general fund. About 20 Band of Hope meetings have been held, affording (every fortnight) an opportunity to the young people of hearing suitable addresses on the great Temperance question. We have now a very good library— which contains nearly 250 vols.—read by a large number of the members, who can change their books every week. Parents have been induced to sign the pledge through the influence of the children, and the Sabbath school has increased greatly through the establishment of the society. Many adults have signed our book. The Rev. W. Mottram and Mr. J. H. Cotterell delivered excellent speeches in moving the adoption of the report. On the motion of the Rev. E. Clarke (of Twerton), seconded by Mr. Sturges, it was resolved to originate a sick fund in connection with the Band of Hope. The proceedings were agreeably enlivened with some singing by the choir, under the direction of Mr. S. D. Major. On Tuesday the committee entertained 280 of the members at an excellent tea; and a pleasing sight it was to behold so many bright, happy faces seated in every available corner of the room, and to witness the good humour and cheerfulness which everywhere prevailed. The arrival of their respected president, T. Thompson, Esq., was the signal for most overwhelming applause; every little heart brim full of delight, and we felt that a truly noble work was being accomplished, seeing how many young people had given in their allegiance to the Temperance cause, and were thus growing up free from the curse and trammels of strong drink. Tea being concluded, all marched in order to the chapel, where they stayed for a short time while the remains of the repast were removed, and on their return found a noble Christmas tree exposed to view, most gaily decorated, (and lit up with innumerable wax tapers), from which at the close each member present received a gift. T. Thompson, Esq. presided at the evening meeting, Messrs. Line, J. S. Sturges, &c., gave lively and encouraging addresses, while some ladies and gentlemen of the congregation sang some capital Temperance melodies, among which we particularly noticed, "The Drunkard's Auction," which was encored. The presents having been distributed, and the few remaining articles of the bazaar disposed of, all returned home, having spent a thoroughly happy evening, and apparently more determined than ever to wage perpetual

warfare against strong drink. We are mnch gratified to learn that the amount realized at the bazaar has materially assisted the funds of the society.

CALTHORPE TERRACE NORTH LONDON SUNDAY SCHOOL BAND OF HOPE.--Dear Sir,-We have just concluded our third year's campaign, by holding a festival; 300 children sat down to tea with 100 adult friends. After tea we assembled in a large room decked out for the occasion; and the evening was occupied in distributing about 600 gifts from two splendid Christmas trees, interspersed with a few pieces from the Tonic Sol-Fa Reporter, and a dialogue and other recitations by the members. All passed off with great spirit. Our friend, Mr. F. Smith, dropped in during the evening, and spoke to the children. The number on the register is over 320, of which 120 have joined during the last year. We have a Penny Bank in connection with the Band of Hope. Any child is permitted to deposit. It has been established about eighteen months, during which time 370 depositors have been enrolled. If my experience is worth anything, I think that not only is a Band of Hope a valuable auxiliary to the Sunday school, but the Penny Bank is also a valuable auxiliary to the Band of Hope. Yours respectfully,

W. H. BROOKING, Secretary.

EAST LONDON TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION, PEELGROVE HALL, BETHNAL-GREEN.-On Monday, Jan. 4th, Mr. F. Baron exhibited his Panorama of Temperance Sketches to a large juvenile assembly, who were regaled also with vocal and instrumental music, and a large Christmas tree, all the juveniles present receiving an article.

PECKHAM RYE AND NUNHEAD BAND OF HOPE (in connection with the Congregational Sunday School).-The quarterly treat of this Band of Hope was held on Tuesday, the 19th Jan., 1864. At half-past five the young people sat down to a capital spread of tea, bread and butter, cake, biscuits, tarts and mince pies, and for an hour, assisted by some merry conversation and laughter, thoroughly enjoyed the good things so bountifully provided by Mrs. Cash, Miss Hester, Mrs. T. Cash, and Mr. J. Taylor. Tea being over, the juveniles, assisted by their elder friends, members of the committee, entered with spirit into a variety of Christmas games, and having tired themselves out at this work, arranged themselves to witness some interesting experiments with electricity, admirably exhibited by two young gentlemen from Holloway; much fun was created by some electric shocks being administered to a large circle of children and friends, a boy's hair being made to stand on end, &c. The time allotted for these experiments having passed, the gas was lowered, and a series of beautiful dissolving views were thrown upon a sheet, to the intense delight of the happy band, and when the comic scenes, &c., were introduced, shouts of laughter and applause, testified that the efforts of the committee, to give the Band of Hope a first-rate entertainment, had not been thrown away. As soon as this was over, and cheers given for the enjoyment afforded, the young folks were regaled with buns and lemonade, and sent home to dream of the pleasures to be found in the ranks of teetotalism. Several recitations and songs were delivered during the

evening, and a large number of teetotal friends were present, to witness and enter into the amusements of those, who are in the way they should go.

PIMLICO ECCLESTON CHAPEL LECTURE-ROOM.-The annual New Year's juvenile entertainment, in connection with the Band of Hope movement, was celebrated on the 6th inst. The spacious and beautiful room was decorated with emblems and banners, and crowded with a respectable assembly of happy girls and boys, wearing medals and neat rosettes; also several parents and resident benevolent ladies were present, and showed the most lively interest in the joyous event. Mr. John H. Esterbrooke, the hon. sec., delivered a brief congratulatory address to the young, after which the entertainment commenced with a suitable melody by the juvenile choir. Mrs. Esterbrooke presided at the piano-forte, who with her sister, Miss Maude Morfey, sang some admirable duets. Master Edgar Morfey executed some first class solos on the cornet, with professional skill. Master S. Richardson recited some Temperance pieceswith judgment and effect. Some melodies and choruses by the juveniles terminated the musical section. The second part consisted of dissolving views, illustrative of " Heroism and Perils," with George Cruikshank's inimitable plates of "The Bottle," &c., with a descriptive lecture by Mr. George Blaby, of the Band of Hope Union, whose felicitous and easy style completely enraptured the young people, with whom he sang some impressive hymns and teetotal melodies. Master E. Morfey presided at the piano-forte, and interspersed the dissolving scenes with lively embellishments. The slides were artistically painted, and distinctly illuminated by the brilliant oxy-hydrogen lime light, under the judicious working of Mr. Lay, the courteous exhibitor. The entertainment gave entire satisfaction; the vocal and instrumental performances were loudly cheered, and redemanded. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer, and ladies and gentlemen for their valuable services. The proceedings closed by the juveniles singing "God bless our youthful band," sustained by instrumental music, supplemented by enthusiastic clapping of hands and applause, long to be remembered by the patrons of the juvenile New Year's entertainment. Several pledges were received.

LABOURS OF THE AGENTS.

During the month, Mr. W. B. AFFLECK has attended a large number of interesting meetings in Yorkshire, &c., in connection with the Northern Auxiliary.

Mr. WILLIAM BELL has lectured to very large meetings of children at Leeds, Sheffield, and Yeadon. Writing from Leeds, Mr. Bell says:"I have just concluded a week's labour in Leeds; it has been a very successful one; large numbers have been added to the Bands of Hope. They have been all Band of Hope meetings, winding up with one in the Victoria Hall, one of the best halls in England. We had about 3,000 children there, the largest number of children I ever spoke to at one time; it was a glorious sight; I think I shall never forget it. The Leeds Band of Hope League are doing a great deal of good-God bless them! If every town would only take the matter up as they are doing here, and

at Bradford, we would soon put the publicans to the right-about. They have about 16 Bands of Hope. I have only seen a few of them, but they want me, some time, for a month, but they will write you about it. I am just off for Sheffield; I hope we may have good meetings there."

The Secretary to the Leeds Band of Hope League also writes, and says:-"We are all highly pleased with Mr. Bell. I hope to be able to engage him for a fortnight or a month, if you would please to inform me when he will be at liberty. Our Committee will meet on Friday next, when I shall request that he be employed for one month. I may justly say he is the right man for the right work. On Saturday we had a gathering in our town hall, when about 3,000 assembled, though a wet day and night; and trust this week's labour may besabundantly blessed.”

During the past month, Mr. G. BLABY has attended and addressed the following meetings :-Charlotte Street, Caledonian Road; Gee Street, Goswell Street; One Tun, Westminster; Working Men's Club, Westminster, twice; Arnold's Place, Dockhead; Shaftesbury Hall, Aldersgate Street; Eccleston Chapel, Pimlico; Poland Street, Oxford Street; Salem Chapel, Bow Road; Henry Place, Portland Town; Fox and Knot Court; St. John's, Upper Holloway; Clifton Street, Wandsworth Road; Gospel Hall, Brackley Street; Pavement Chapel, New North Road; Lambeth Baths; King Street, Long Acre; Ebenezer Chapel, Shadwell; and Powis Street, Woolwich. He has also preached eight sermons, and addressed three Sunday Schools.

MR. W. LAY has attended meetings as follows:-Barnsbury Independent Chapel; St. Saviour's, Southwark; Grafton Chapel, Fitzroy Square; Lambeth Baths, twice; Arnold's Place, Dockhead; Shaftesbury Hall, Aldersgate Street; Eccleston Chapel, Pimlico; Exeter Buildings Chelsea; Salem Chapel, Bow Road; Trinity School, Lower Road, Isllngton; St. John's, Upper Holloway; Offord Road, Caledonian Road; Gospel Hall, Brackley Street, Barbican; Pavement Chapel, New North Road; Myddleton Road, Dalston; Britannia Fields, and Camberwell.

During December and January. Mr. FREDERICK SMITH has lectured and attended meetings at the following places :-In Ireland at Ballymoney, Ballymena, Coleraine, Monaghan: also at Liverpool, Preston, Southport, Macclesfield, Nantwich, Darnby Street, Mint; Dalgleish Place, Limehouse; Chequer Alley, Bunhill Row; Forest Hill; Orange Street, Leicester Square; Lambeth Baths; Dalston; Marlborough Chapel, Old Kent Road; Harrold; Cromer Street, Gray's Inn Road; Commercial Street, Whitechapel; Earl Street, London Road; King Street, Long Acre; and Myddleton Road, Kingsland.

LITERATURE.

The Qualifications of a Temperance Advocate. By J. W. GREEN. London: W. Tweedie.-Mr. Green was one of the fathers and founders of the Temperance movement, and eminently in his place when teaching and guiding his fellow-advocates. We would urge all our brother speakers to study this essay. Our pages contain a copious extract from it.

PROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENTS.

The Rev. SAMUEL COULING, Scarborough.

Mr. D. B. HOOKE, Jun., Bath.

Mr. J. P. HUTCHINSON, Darlington.

J. BALE, Printer, 78, Great Titchfield-street, Marylebone.