formed, and took the direct way to St. Andrew's Church, where after choral service, a most appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Dreaper, from Jeremiah xxix. 11-13. On leaving the church the procession was again formed, and reached the school about five o'clock. After tea the proceedings of the evening commenced, the Rev. S. Gedge presiding.

The CHAIRMAN said in addressing a company of associated teachers of the Church of England he could be at no loss for a subject: they had learned for themselves and were now teaching to others that precept, founded upon the Scripture, to unite with reverence for God loyalty to the Queen-embodied in the words "Fear God and honour the Queen." They were prepared and anxious to hear him call upon the choir to sing the National Anthem. But first he would remind them of some circumstances which would give additional interest to the Anthem while they sung. Year after year they had rejoiced in her Majesty's joy-but this year her Majesty had shared the common lot of humanity, and had tasted deeply of sorrow. A branch of cypress

had been entwined with the laurel on her brow on account of the sudden, and to her unlooked-for, departure of her beloved mother. He had heard from high quarters that there was deep sorrow in the heart of the Queen; therefore, remembering this, they would feel more than common interest as with heart and voice they followed the choir, in singing "God save the Queen !"

The CHAIRMAN again rose, and said he was sorry to have to begin with the usual apology for the absence of many friends whom they would have gladly seen amongst them-Mr. Scott, Mr. Usill, Mr. Hutton, Mr. Broughton, Mr. Cobb, and Mr. Lawson. He felt that the position he occupied there was at once unenviable and enviable-unenviable because he was deeply conscious

of the responsibility which lay upon him as president of the meeting-enviable, inasmuch as he was there in that place and in that company-a company of voluntary labourers in the Lord's vineyard, who went forth with great self-denial to do the Christian work of training the children of the poor around them. From the statistics contained in "the Report of the Educa tion Commissioners"-he gathered that of all the Sunday school children in the country 45 per cent were in the schools of the Church of England. Some per. sons might be disposed to say—what only 45 per cent! Aye, but consider another fact for a moment. It was

true that the Church of England had less than half the children at the Sun. day schools, but she had more than three-fourths of the number receiving the more complete education of her day schools. And bear in mind the fact that, in the day as in the Sunday schools, the children were receiving the stated, determined, distinctive, reli gious instruction of the Church of England. Thus, then, they saw that by far the greater part of the poorer population were being trained in connection with the Church of England, and they should be thankful that it was 80. That, however, was nothing to boast of-shame upon them if they did so boast-but they could not but rejoice in the fact, and state it. With regard to their own schools, he confessed he was a little disappointed with All Saints. He found by the report that the average attendance in the schools throughout England was 74 per cent; that in all Saints' school it was but 67 per cent; hence his disappointment. But that again might, perhaps, be accounted for by the fact that there were as many children in All Saint's Day schools as in the Sunday schools, and it might be that, after attending the schools six days in the week, some of the children might not be inclined to come to the Sunday school on the

seventh. Nevertheless he would not conceal his wish to see the average attendance at their Sunday schools a little higher next year. In conclusion he called upon the meeting for their thanks to the Rev. J. Dreaper, for his sermon in the afternoon.

Mr. DREAPER briefly acknowledged the compliment. He urged two or three considerations on the attention of the teachers. That they should be persons of discernment and character; should exemplify a meek and quiet temper in themselves, as an example to the children; shouid see the necessity for perseverance; and should above all things acknowledge the need of personal piety.

The MAYOR, on rising, was warmly cheered. It afforded him much pleasure to be there, not only as a Sunday school teacher, but as the chief magistrate of the borough. He was satisfied that if Sunday school teaching were to come to an end, the evil effects would be immediately felt. People might not be able fully to realise all the good effects of Sunday school teaching; but sure he was that they would speedily experience the want of it if it were withdrawn. There was another point. Residing as he now did out of town, he could the more fully appreciate the self-denial that was necessary to the efficient performance of the duties of a Sunday school teacher. Whilst he was strolling in the fields, and enjoying the fresh air of heaven, he felt that Sunday school teachers, in their zeal for the good of those around them, were depriving themselves of much healthful recreation that they might lawfully seek. In conclusion, his worship, proposed the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Storer for the use of his church, and to Mr. Elliot for the part he had taken in the service of the day.

Rev. H. L. ELLIOT said he was much obliged to them for thanking him for reading the prayers, and if Mr. Storer had been present, he was sure he would

also have thanked them in very fitting terms. At a previous anniversary he was much struck by a remark made by a gentleman (Mr. Fleet) who had often been with them, but who was not present that evening. One strong idea was, that every speech ought to have a backbone in it. Well, then, his back-bone should be clay. The other day he was amusing himself by modelling a figure for St Giles's schools. The thought occurred to him-well, what I'm attempting to do with this lump of clay, the Sunday school teachers are endea vouring to do week by week with the children. Here is the clay, flexible, unformed, easily moulded, and that is just the character of the children. He remembered, also, that there were dif ferent sorts of clay-rough clay, fine clay, clay for bricks, and clay for terra cotta vases. The same might be said of the tempers of the children with whom teachers had to deal. He thought to himself that the most use. ful articles were often made of the coarsest clay; terra cotta was fine, but bricks were more useful, and so also, out of the coarse, firm-charactered boy, the most useful member of society might often be formed. Again, men must work with instruments fitted to the materials, so also Sunday school teachers should possess experience, judgment, and common sense. The modeller must have delicacy of touch and firmness of hand;-so with the teacher, he must have delicacy, patience, firmness, and decision. The modeller must beware of roughness; so must the teacher; let him exercise self-control, and then he will have control over the children. He did not remember a successful artist or modeller who had not an earnest, intense love of art; so likewise he is the best Sunday school teacher who lays himself out heart and soul, for the love of the work of saving souls.

The CHAIRMAN next called upon the Rev. P. BANTON, who said the