Mr Knott's Meeting

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 151, 14 June 1890, Page 2

Mr Knott's Meeting

(Communicated.) Those who were fortunate enough to be present at the above on Tuesday evening, will agree that it was a complete success. However high the expectation it was fully realised. The attendance was all that could be desired for the size of the building, which was well filled in. The Chairman, the Rev. Innes-Jones, manifested all the qualities consistent with his important and responsible position. His introductory remarks in reference to the life of the celebrated Gough, who was not ashamed to say, in the zenith of bis popularity, that he had as a poor boy cleaned boots at the Sandgate rectory, were very interesting indeed, and a fitting prelude to the lecture. We might ask in passing what, bui religion and temperance, could have lifted Gough from the drunkard's degradation to the heights of an honorable and usefnl life that has proved a blessing to the race ? The platform was also occupied by the Rev. "W. Harris and ofiicers of the Salvation Amry. The lecture was made up of the tragic incidents of every day life, caused by the liquor traffic, coining within Mr Knott's own experience, and was given in such a vivid and forcible manner as produced a deep and — it is to be hoped — permanent impression on the audience. Several of .the incidents referred to took place on this coast. Then the lecturer would burst out into some splendid word painting of the famous Gough, such as the inimitable description of the unparalleled scenery of the Yosseinifce Valley in California. Anon the humorous vagaries of the victims of alcohol were depicted in such a way as to entirely overcome all the seriousness of the audience, and side-shaking (if not bursting) was the general condition. The general opinion must have been that the lecturer need not take a back seat in reference to any temperance advocate in the field, although he has only been in harness properly about six months. The public will be pleased to hear that Mr , Knott intends to pay us another visit in a few days, whioh will be notified by advertisement. A hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by Mr J. C. Thompson, seconded by Capt. Ellis, and carried with acclamation. The lecturer then proposed and the Mayor seconded, a vote of thanks to the Chairman. Bey. W. Harris claimed the privilege of formally putting the vote, saying what pleasure it gave him to see his reverence preside over the meeting, and so many churches represented on the side of humanity "fighting shoulder to Bboulder against the commen foe." A collection was announced to defray the lecturer's expenses, to which those present liberally responded. A good many, in reply to Mr Knott's invitation, came forward and signed the Band of Hope pledge.