Mr Burnett at Halcombe

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 34, 31 August 1886, Page 3

Mr Burnett at Halcombe

Mr Burnett, the celebrated temperance lecturer, visited Halcombe on Friday last, and held most successful meetings in the afternoon and evening. In the afternoon a ladies meeting was held at 2 o'clock, at the close of which 6 signedthe pledge. Immediately after Mr Burnett visited the Public School by arrangement, and although many -of the elder scholars had previously signed the pledge, 53 more pledges were secured among the children. The great effort of the day was reserved for the evening gathering. At 7 o'clock a large number of temperance friends gathered together, and were formed into a large procession, Mr J. Llewellyn acting as Marshall The Halcombe Brass Band headed the procession, lighted by numerouej torches, and were followed by the Good Templars, Blue Kibbouißts, Rechabites, with banner, and the general public. After parading round the town, a return was made to the Hall, which was soon crowded to excess, it being estimated that 260 -persons were present. The meeting was opened by the Rev. H. €3arkV who in a few preliminary remarks introduced the Chairman of the meeting,' Mr Sealing. A hearty welcome was accorded to Mr Burnett by the Chairman, also Mr R. Linton on behalf of the Blue Ribbon Army, Mr Walker on behalf of the (rood Templars, Mr Everiss on behalf of the Rechabites, and Captain Newbold, of the Salvation Army, Revs. Gausted and Clarke on behalf of their people generally. After briefly acknowledging the hearty welcome accorded him, Mr Burnett gave a most powerful and eloquent lecture on one of his characters from real life, "Yankee Bill." This lecture was given by request, Mr

R,. LintOH having personally known the subject of the lecture in Victoria. At the el<jse of a most enthusiastic meeting it was found that 51 had signed the pledge, making a total for the day of 110. Votes of thanks and ringing cheers, followed by the beuediction, hrought this successful gathering to a close