RECHABITISM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1939, 22 November 1906, Page 3

RECHABITISM.

Taero waa a largo atlondaaoo of Reohabites and their friends at an open meeting of tho Gisborne Tent convened last ovouing for tho purposo of welcoming tho District Visitor, Bco. T. Fathers. Bro. K. G Haycock, tho Chief Rulor of the Gisborne Tod t, presidod, and in briefly introducing the Visitor, hoped his stay in Gisborne would ba a pleasant ono Bro. Fathers, who was warmly recoivad, thanked tho brethren for their welcome. Ho was renewing old acquaintance with the Tent, having been one of the District Offioors on tho ocoasion of the holding of tho Distrioi Gounod meeting in Gisborno some six years ago. As District Visitor ho was on Jus present sojourn with tbo objeo) of encouraging Rsohabitos in their work, and to aisist tuem by any necosaary advioo. As Distrioi Superintendent of Juvenile Tents, ha wished to address tha juveniles, and in a very encouraging and instructive address Bro. Fathers urged them to be evor truo to their pledge of total abstinenoe, pointing oul tho evil effects alcohol had upon the system. In speaking to the adult members and friends, Bro. Fathers referred to the growth of the Reahabito Order, EffablLhod loss than fifty years ago by a few nail-makers in Salford, it had spread over all qusriers of tha globe, and now held premier position in membersh'p and fen la in tho United States and Australia. Last year no less than 272 mw Tents had been instituted, 121 being adult Ton's and 151 juvenile—a splendid record. For the last 17 years tho Raobabito Order had registered more now branches than tho four largest friendly sooietios pnl together The total membership of the Order stood at 425,825, an increase of 20,667 during tho past year, while 4000 juveniles were transferred to She adult ranks. Tbo funds of tho Order toia'led £2,539.144, at inoreaae of £103,325 on the previous year. The annual income -mounted to £400,000, while tho benefits paid away last year were represented by £285,000. The benefits were liberal, and compared more Shan favorably with other societies. Bco. Fathers briefly touched on hia own conaeclion wish tha Order, aod hi 3 experiences in Rcchabitism. DuriDg the evening a pianoforte solo was given by Sister Somervell, recitations by Sister Clark, Bro 3. Smith and Slaok, on 3 song 3 by Bros. Trent, Holdsworth, Pi'chor, and Htffsrrai. Refreshments tvate handed round u.od muoh appreciated,

:5r Charles Yerner’s Dramatic Company,

Fresh from hi 3 triumphs in the American and Continental art centres, aud the enthusiasm which he has created in Auckland quite recently, Charles Verner, the Irish authoractor, supported by the Royal Irish drama Co., will inaugurate a brief drama season of four nights, commencing to-morrow night with tho production of “ Bhamus O’Eriou.” This banquet of drama novelties should please Gisborne theatre-goers. Tho star comos with very strong support, the Royal Irish Drama Co. being an entirely new caste; scenic and mechanical aojunct3, and ali of an entirely new and novel character, will give what Gilbert expresses as '* artistic verisimilitude ” to the stage depiction of each drama, In the opening production, Charles Verner has a striking part of powerful personality, and has magnificent opportunities, which, from all accounts, he has turned to such a marked degree. The plot ol “ Bhamus O’Brien” abounds in realistic and fine situations, which can only be witnessed to be realised. The brisk demand for seats at Miller’s augurs well for the opening production.