THE TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2255, 17 October 1889, Page 2

THE TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION

, « The following is the conclusion of our report of yiste r d*y's proceedings ; — The procession haying arrived at the main ga'e |of the Domain m West street, a position amoiwst the tress was taken up, and a buggy r»-»nrefjr cnnc was gnrcu . 7 a, c tfouu and mr Glover, who was votert to the chair, opened the proceedings by giving out -'Hold the Fort." Capt. Field, of the Salvation Army, leading off m this. The public mustered m force m the Domain, and a very large crowd of listeners surrounded the speakers and members of procession, the green grass and b.ight foliage forming n. very pleasing contrast to the bright dresses, banners, and regaUa of the Templars and the many townsfolk who were present. Rev Newman Buttle then offered a short prayer, and Mr Glover addressed the large audience m a very energetic speech, giving instances of the change of style of singing rnide m public worship m the last few years, lie apologised for the absence of Mr Coad, who was not able to speak at that meeting, but was reserving himself for the work at night m the Wesleyan Church. Mr King was then c illed on, he being a stranger from England with Mr Coad, and explained that he was not used to speaking to public gatherings, being m fact only Mr Coad's armour-bearer He then gave some of his English experience m revival work, speaking with ft strong acpent and much animation, giving his opinion that all drink and drink traffic should be swept away, as King Asa svyept away the idolatrous altars from Israel, and only prohibition would do this. Mr Glover then called on Capt Field, of ths Salvation Army, praising the army for their temperance woykt The Captain spoke expressing his full sympathy with the temperance movement m all its forms, representing as he did one of the largest temperance organisations m the world, over 8000 of their officers alone being employed m the suppression of the drink traffic, and they also put down other vices such as gambling, horse racing. &c, as much as possible. He also hoped tl;ey wquld all tpy and help the teetptaliers forward m their effort and not go home and say it's all very well, but do nothing. Mr Glover stated that Canon Wither, force was expected m New Zealand before the next general election, and he would do wonders m the direction of the election of naembers of Parliament favorable to prohibition. Rev Newman Buttle was the next speaker, specially noting the large attendance of children and young women, and stating that th'p presence amongst them of the son of a publican with the regalia on m that meeting was. indeed a good sgn. ' He sincerely hoped that the visit of Canon Wilber'orce would be made, and that he would come to Ashburton. The procession to the Domain to-day much pleased him, bqt not so did the express with the police and the two drunken men jn it that passed them from the races. Ha hoped that soon the po'ice would have no chance of running m drunks, but find some better work for their stalwart forms, Mr Glover spoke on the propored visit of (Janon Wilberforce, telling how years ago the Canon had abolished liquor from his own hbmi?. He then criticised the political and financial aspect of the drink traffic m New Zealand, dressing down Mr Alfred Saunders I for his proposal fiat the Government should start State distilleries, then doing the same to ' the doctors for prescribing spirits to their patients. Rev A. Blake moved a vote of thanks to Mr' Glover and the speikers. In the course of his remarks he staled that oompeusation could not properly and fnirly b- given to any trade that did any evil or injury to the Sta'e. A collection was then taken up while the band played, after which the benediction was pronounced and the large gathering dispersed. In the evening a crowded meeting took place m the Wesleyan Church, every seat available being occupied. The char was taken by Mr Gloyer, and the meeting opened with prayer by Rev Mr Burrows, after which the choir sang while the collection was being taken. Mr Glover then made a speech, devoting his remarks to Good Templar Lodge woirk, and sneaking against Government distillation and coinpensatiqu to publicans', Mr Coad then spoke for about an hour m. a very racy and entertaining manner, illustrating fys remarks with many painted anecdotes. ' 'ompensatfon from the speaker's po'nt of view was shown to be incompatible with the Licensing Act or with just cc. The speaker was very frequently loudiy applauded, the audience being jn accord with the lecturer all through. The benediction closed the meeting.