The Direct Veto

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 35, 10 August 1893, Page 2

The Direct Veto

MB. MELVILLE, M.L.C., AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS. There was a large attendance at the Assembly Booms last evening to listen to the lecture given by Mr Nmian Melville, M.L.A. of Sydney, on the above subject. A strong choir, under the leadership of Mr GK Bartholomew, Miss Giesen presiding at the organ, contributed towards the pleasure of the evening by singing several hymns from San key and Moody'a hymn book, the first three, which were sung in succession, being " Hold the Port," " Let the lower lights be Burning," and " Scatter Beeds of Kindness." Mr S. Andrews accompanied on the cornet The Rev. H. M. Murray, who presided, stated that he was sorry to have to take the place of one who could occupy it more suitably—refering to the Mayor, who was unable to attend- but he thought his duty lay in simply introducing Mr Melville, and Ire, for one, would be very happy indeed to listen to the question of Local Option by one so able to speak upon it as that gentleman was. The temperance cause might be divided into three stages. The first stage was the trouble to get a public hearing; he remembered tho time wh^n it was thought that to be a Good Templar signified a man who was. weak-minded, and a little wanting in the top story. The second stage was when tee-totallera set themselves to convince the people of the evil of drink, and now they had been forced to the third stage, which he would call the legal stage, in which to seek to move legislation and obtain from the people the right to proclaim whether they want the liquor traffic carried on or not It was that which Mr Melville had come to speak about to-night, and he would now introduce that gentleman. Mr Melville, on rising, was greeted with applause. It gave him great pleasure to meet so many there, and although they had met as strangers, he hoped they would part as friends, and trusted that nothing which he might say would offend any friends who had come to listen to him. He had succeeded in making himself misunderstood on. one or two occasions, but wanted to avert that to-night. He referred to people rushing into print after he had left a place, and he had incurred denunciation and censure from some highly Christian people, who accused him of using blasphemous language, but he noticed they would never come on to the platform and argue the matter out before an audience, and if there were any there to-night who would like to do so, he would be most happy to give them a hearing. With regard to the liquor traffic, in this, as well as other towns, the public houses had come slowly and surely into existance, and the inhabitants were still encouraging them, When they are taken to task about assisting the traffic they reply— Oh, I take it because it does me good ; doctor recommends a little, etc., and if some men take more than the doctor recommends it was not their fault. But they must face the question honestly, and must either abandon Christianity and stick to grog, or vice versa (applause). God had not made the liquor, but man, and he made a mess of it, like a good many more things. Some say that in consequence of science they have to take it ; he would reply that in consequence of science men had been taught to make ropes, and also to put a noose on the end of it, with which they often hang themselves. Alcohol was only useful, and that very seldom, in cases of sickness, (but what a lot were sick every day). There was a time when alcohol was prescribed for almost every sickness, but not so now. The intelligent minds of the public say alcohol is not required, and medical men often admit it. Others will refer us to the Bible, and ask if Paul did not advise Timothy to take a little for bis stomach's sake ? He was afraid that in Feilding, like other towns, there were more people with stomachs like Timothy's than any other. (Applauae). Some wondered what Timothy's complaint was ; so they took the physic to see what effect it had on their stomachs. The question was no longer a social, Jbut a political one, and it wis now the right of the people to state whether the liquor traffio should live or not. The holders of licenses did not comply with certain conditions laid down by the law, and owing to rusty hinges the doors would not close at the proper hours ; likewise, owing to bad oil the lamps would not go out till the early hours of the morning. The police could not see this, but they — as Paddy would say— " were blind with one eje and couldn't see out of the other." Liquor had brought rum to many thousands) both old and young, and it had no respect of persons. But public opinion had now awakened to its sense of duty, and the question was : " Are we to allow this to go on ?" Mr Fish had told me that I would never live to see the liquor traffic crushed out, but I replied that I would ; and although he may not be a M.H-R. when it took place, for all that the date was not far distant, (Applause). When we denounced the liquor traffio in the past ire would be stamped upon and crushed, but not so now—and as the Yankee would say: "Guess we have been fooled long enough." If the publicans lose their houses they want compensation !— so do we. We want compensation for the lime the drunkard has lost, and the disgrace he has brought upon himself and family. We depend a great deal on the woman helping us, and although they may not be able to judge between Freetrade and Protection, still they had soft hearts and could help us materially m this great question. The traffio must go. Judges tell us that it induces murder and crime ; managers of lunatic' asylums tell us tbe same; and there was no doubt but what liquor was at the bottom of three-parts of the crime at the present time. But we are going to perform a miracle and crush it out. How P Through the instrumentality of women ! The greatest rerolt of the day h&d been brought about by a woman ; slavery was overcome b^ a woman ; and woman would be the mainstay m helping them to crush this curse out. Ho would appeal to those present to assist them in winning this great bat* tie, and to come under their banner and tight for their rights, and wipe out the liquor traffic, and in its place give peace, pleasure, plenty, and happiness. Mr Melville spoke at considerable length, handling his subject in an easy and able manner, and was listened to from beginning to end with rapt Attention. He introduced several little anecdotes, daring his address, which produced roars of laughter from the audience ; at times the speaker was highly amusing; and he resumed his seat at the conclusion of his lecture amidst prolonged applause, While a collection was being made to defray expenses Mr Eade sang •• Where is my boy to-night " tbe choir joining in the chorus. The Eev. Mr Clement said he had great pleasure in moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Melville for his lecture, and ho was sure they had all been very pleased to listen to him. He urged the Feilding people to double th«ir vigilance in the

great cause, and asked the .young men present to join the Hope of Feilding Lodge. Mr Bowater seconded theuiotio»,*which was carried unanimously. Mr Melville thanked those present for their attendance, and hoped through his speaking some good would be done. He would also thank the chairman, the choir, and the Salvation Army band for their music outside. This was his 21st address which he had given in a fortnight, j and he had to speak every evening but J oue until he reached Auckland, when he | returned to Victoria, but he was enjoying his holiday immensely. The meoting was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.