MEN'S BROTHERHOOD.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1444, 20 May 1912, Page 9

MEN'S BROTHERHOOD.

"GOOD OLD DAYS AND TO-DAY."

There was a good attendance at the Men's Brotherhood meeting yesterday afternoon. Mr. J. I'oynton was the speaker ef the day, and Mr. E. Arnold, J.P., acted as chairman. He was supported by Mr. J. Bnrd. M.iss Lissoclc recited "Trouble in the Amen Corner," and also rendered a solo, "Why Do I Wecpr" Miss I'etherick sang "into Thy Hands.'.' Both ladies were applauded. Mr. Poynton took as his subject "The Good Old" Times and the Present." The progress made up to date in file way of •improving social conditions, he said, was amazing. Often he had listened to people malting such statements as that pre-sent-day 'conditions were by no means (o bo compared to those of the "good old times," but such things were only said, in his opinion, by persons who aid not know the true state of affairs even over such a short period as that of. the last century. A hundred years ago justice and fair play were entirely unknoipi.' The speaker quoted an instance of fairly recent date, when a man was severely punished for even suggesting that every man in England should have the privilego of a vote, To-day, Mr. Poynton went oil to remark, the evil of child slavery was unknown in civilised countries, although years ago at had been rampant. Inside the past century children six years old had been called unon to perform duties that to-day would to deemed fit work for strong men. Mr. I'oynton assured his auditors that tho present times were Paradise as compared with the "good old times." To-day, ho remarked, the cost of living was considered excessive; yet things were by no means so bad in this particular to-ilav as in the "good 0'.'.l times." .On the' motion of Mr. Ward, a vote of thanks to the lecturer and to the soloists was carried with applause. The speaker at the Brotherhood mcetling next Sunday will be Mr. Lee, organising secretary for Dr. Barnardo's Homes, in England. Ladies are specially invited to attend this meeting.