OPENING SOIREE. One of the largest gatherings that has been seen in Wellington for some time past as sembled at the new schoolroom of St. John’s Preaby terian Church, Dixon-street, last evening, on the occasion of the soiree and public meeting in connection with the opening services of the schoolroom, about 7CO being present. After ample justice had been done to an excellent tea, provided by Mr Scott, the room was arranged for the public meeting. On the plat form were the Revs Messrs Ogg, West, Treadwell, Moir, and Baumber, Mr Paterson, pastor of the congregation being in the chair. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the 100th Psalm, and offering up of prayer. The Chairman expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing such a large number of the congrega tion and friends present. Rev, Mr Treadwell delivered a short oddreea on ancient books and their mode of manufacture, showing that a great many of the tablets of which these books were composed, and which can be read, con firms the Bible,

Her. Mr Baumber congratulated them on the fine schoolroom the; had built, and the grand scheme they had taken in baud to replace the Oburob. He said the Scotch people were re nowned for their unity in working together, and he was disposed to think that their calamity was the means of a great deal of good coming out of evil. He considered that the energy displayed was a proof of life in the congregation.
