The Berlin Telegraph Office.—Friday, March 9th, will long be remembered as the busiest day on record at the Central Telegraph Office of Berlin. The pressure was great on Thursday, when 29,878 telegrams, aggregating 799,926 words, had to be sent off. But this record, was eclipsed by the following day, no fewer than 36,615 telegrams, containing together 1,115,551 words, being despatched to all parts of the globe, and in different languages. All the Government telegraphists fit for duty had to be called in to meet the pressure, and all the available instruments were worked. It was a fortunate circumstance that the Berlin Bourse was closed, as this enabled the authorities to make use of the instruments there for the work. During the busiest hours of the day, no less than 346 telegraphists were at work at the same time in the great instrument room of the Central Telegraph Office, and 230 instruments were operated.

Epping Baptist Sunday School.—On Wednesday, February 1st, a lecture was delivered by Mr. William Hazelton, of College Park, Lewisham, entitled, "Wit and its Uses." The lecture was listened to with great interest. Pieces were sung by the teachers and scholars, conducted by Mr. G. Nokes. The chair was taken by Mr. C. Cottis. There was a good attendance, and collections amounted to over two pounds. On Tuesday, February 14th, the children, with their teachers and friends, had their annual tea, after which short addresses were given by the teachers, and recitations and singing by the children. The prizes, consisting of books, were then distributed by the Superintendent, Mr. William Cottis; and singing the Doxology and prayer brought a very pleasant meeting to a close.

Siddal, Halifax.—On Shrove Tuesday, the annual tea in connection with the Strict Baptist Sunday School took place, when about 160 sat down to tea. The meeting was presided over by the respected minister, Mr. D. Smith, who gave a short address on "Stealing." A few suitable recitations by the young children followed. Mr. H. E. Greenwood gave a short address on "Prizes," and said how necessary it was for young people to have something to aim at, and also on the value of a good name. Mr. James Moss, Superintendent of Hebden Bridge Sunday School, exhorted the children to obedience to their parents, and related instances where disobedience had been punished in a remarkable way. Mr. Thos. Smith, Mr. Jos. Smith, and Mr. M. H. Robinson also gave short addresses. Mr. John Smith presented the certificates for attendance and good conduct, and gave excellent counsel to the recipients. After the singing of the Doxology, a very encouraging meeting was brought to a close.

Southsea.—Salem Street Sunday School.—The annual distribution of prizes took place on Sunday, February 12th, 1888. After the opening services, Mr. Lowe spoke to the scholars respecting regularity and punctuality, trying to impress on their minds that these things would be a good recommendation for their future life. He also gave a hint that teachers should set the example. He then spoke of love as being the mainspring to win the affections of the scholars, for if love will not, the reverse will not do so. He also spoke affectionately to the young men present. He felt surprised that they came so regularly to school. He was brought up to the Sunday School, but as he grew older, he left and sought worldly amusements; but, as he remarked, being a vessel of mercy, God sought him out in His own time. He felt there was nothing in the school to attract young men, but if they were seeking the one thing needful, they would not desire such amusements as those by which many congregations seek to draw the minds of youth. Mr. Hitchens, the Superintendent, then remarked that it was twenty years since he first became connected with the school, and that he had seen many changes during that period; but still he could say, "having obtained help of God, he had continued until the present day." Then came the distribution of prizes. One received a book about the sagacity of animals, and his teacher also gave him a Bible for his good attendance and punctuality, as he did not remember him being away once through the year. The service was ended by singing and prayer.

E. A. Hitchens.

Cirencester.—Park Street Chapel Sunday School.—Dear Mr. Editor,—I am one of the readers of the Little Gleaner. We take a lot of them in our Sunday School, and the girls and boys like them very much. I have been pleased to read about the treats which have been given at other Sunday Schools, and thinking other children like reading about such things too, I send you an account of our Christmas treat, held on January 26th. If you think it worth putting in the Little Gleaner, I shall be very pleased to see it there. Ours is not a very large school, there being only about fifty; but I think it is very nice to go there. Mr. Barnard tells us that some of the ministers who give us an address tell him that ours is a very nice school, for they go to some schools where the children are not so nicely behaved and attentive as we are; but I expect we are not any better than we should be. But I must tell you about our winter treat. We have a summer outing as well. About last October, some of the lady teachers and friends who attend our chapel, knowing that the poorer children of our school would be glad of some warm clothes for the winter, got some money together and bought flannel, serge, and stockings, and had a sewing meeting every week, and made shirts, dresses, flannel petticoats, and skirts; and by Christmas time they had a big box full of all these sorts of things, which were brought and given away at our treat. The children began tea at four o'clock, after singing grace. We had a beautiful tea, and we each had an orange given us; and then, after the visitors (and we had a chapel full) had had their tea, we sang a hymn, and then our minister, Mr. Barnard, gave a nice, interesting address. Several of us recited pieces, and after some more singing and one or two other friends had spoken to us, the best part of the evening came for us children, for Mr. Barnard gave us our prizes—some beautiful books. Mine was a lovely one. Then the big box was opened, and the garments were distributed; and after a vote of thanks to the ladies, and to Mr. Barnard for presiding, the meeting was closed with prayer. I enjoyed myself very much, and I think every one else did. I have not had much practice in writing letters, as I am only a little girl, ten years old, but I have sent you the best account I can of our treat. I remain, your young friend, Mercy Risely. P.S.—Perhaps you don't know me, but I have seen you ever so many times at our chapel.

"THE CAPTAIN NEVER SAW ANY ONE LOOK HAPPIER." (See page 98.)