Band of Hope.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 367, 21 May 1903, Page 5

Band of Hope.

A Band of Hope was successfully started by the Rev. J. Mackie in the Springvale schoolroom, on Tuesday evening, 12th inst. There was a very encouraging attendance, and the audience seemed thoroughly to enjoy the entertainment provided for them. The President (Rev. J. Mackie) opened the meeting with the hymn, " Hold the Port," and prayer, and then addressed the adults present, pointing out the responsibility that lay upon them to encourage the little ones to take and keep the pledge of total abstinence, both by word and example. Later in the evening, Mr Mackie gave a second address to the children, plentifully interspersed with illustrations grave and gay, in which he enforced the value of the Band of Hope principle of abstinence from strong drink. Other items of the programme were songs by Miss Nettie Love and Mr Brown, recitations by Miss Lena Symons and Master James Lovp, and dumb-bell exercise by a number of the school children, whose efforts were so much appreciated that an encore was heartily given and responded to. The Misses Spence deserve great credit for the way in which they had trained the children to do their parts, and for the hearty way in which they helped the president to make the meeting the success it turned out. After cordially complimenting all who had given their services so effectively, Mr Mackie gave out the hymn " Yield not to temptation," and then closed with the Benediction. Miss Spence, teacher, is to receive the names of those who wish to join the Band of Hope, and a roll will then be made up, and ornamental pledge cards given to the members.