PETERSFIELD.
TEMPERANCE MEETING.—On Friday evening, the 10th inst., a temperance meeting was held in the Town Hall, the Rev. M. A. Smelt, M.A., in the chair, when Mr. George Howlett, of London, opened the season with a lecture on total abstinence. The lecturer handled his subject in a practical and masterly manner, having, as he stated, commenced life as a coal-heaver, and upon one particular occasion had upon his back in one day, 78 tons of coals without the aid of stimulating drink; being now in easy circumstances (which his good looks clearly indicated) he put himself forward, as an example of what might be accomplished by abstinence and perseverance. His address was interspersed with humorous and amusing anecdotes, with a running fluency of words, and was well received. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by Mr. Small, and seconded by Mr. Macfarland, and Mr. Kiddle proposed, and Mr. Howlett seconded a vote of thanks to the rev. chairman, who in acknowledging the same, took the opportunity of stating that it was in contemplation during the ensuing winter months, to open a reading room for the labouring classes in the Square, the particulars of which would be made public in a few days The meeting separated with a subscription at the doors towards the expenses incurred.