GOSPEL TEMPERANCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1218, 3 July 1885, Page 2

GOSPEL TEMPERANCE.

Mr Matthew Burnett, who has again visitei the district in the interests of the Gospel Temperance movement, addressel a meeting at Alexandra on Thursday. The night being very cold and damp, and a concert and dance fixed forthe following night, the audience was very small. Mr William Ayson, Moutere statios, was voted to the chair, and in subable terms introduced Mr Burnett, who gave a most interesting and touching address, selecting as his subject the life of Dr Mitchell, a man of genius at Ballarat, in Victoria, who was won to the Temperance cause and became one of its most effective advocates. At the close of the meeting ten more joined the ranks of the Blue Ribbon Army, making a total of close upon 109 for the Alexandra district. At the close Mr Burnett moved a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman and the choir, and on the motion of the Rev. Mr Lothian a similar compliment was enthusiastically given to Mr Barnett. In the afternoon of the same day Mr Burnett gave the children an interesting and instructive address.

On the following evening, Friday, Mr Burnett yeld a meeting in the Town Hall, Clyde. Mr John Smart occupying the chair. There was a fair attendance, and Mr Barnett, after giving a brief sketch of his tour through Otago and Southland, gave an outline of the career of gone of the must successful temperance advocates in Victoria, a ivir Win. Ward, or more commonly known as Yankee Bill. Mr Burnett’s address, which lacked none of his wonted eloquence and energy, was interspersed by anec lotes and songs, the composition of the subject of his discourse, and was listened to with marked attention by bis audience, Tho address being closed, Mr Burnett appealed to those present to don what he termed “tho bouuie bit of blue,” pointing out the evils ofintempeianoe, and expatiating on the many good effects, morally and socially, from abstinence. Twenty-six donned tho blue, 18 being new pledges, while several family cards were issued.

On Saturday morning Mr Burnett proceeded to Cromwell, where ho held some most successful meetings, enrolling many more under his standard. From Cromwell he then proceeded, visiting Pembroke and Hawea Flat, where ho is reported to have been we‘l mot‘ A correspondent sent us the following telegram, which speaks for itself ••— Pembroke, July 2, 11 a.m. Mr Matthew Burnett, temperance advocate, had' a very successful mission at Hawea Fiat, the meeting being crowded with eager listeners, and notwithstanding the great counter attraction at Pembroke. Mr Barnett’s meeting was presided ovor by R. M‘Dougall, Esq,, J.R. There was a large gathering, and altogether fully 60 signed the pledge.

Last evening Mr Burnett again passed through Clyde for Alexandra en route for Blacks district, where, as will be seen by advertisement in another column, he purposes to address meetings.