NO-LICENSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2314, 6 October 1908, Page 2

NO-LICENSE.

OPEN-AIR AIEETING

In connection with the no-license campaign, the Rev. R. B. S. Hammond, of Sydney, addressed a large crowd at the* Sievwright Alemorial Fountain last night. Tlie speaker was frequently interrupted by a couple of individuals rather the worse for liquor, but the larger portion of the audience listened attentively throughout. Tho reverend gentleman commenced by stating that a few years ago he was strongly in favor of tlio Gothenburg system, but after thorough investigation he now had changed his views, and was just as strongly in favor of the closing of the open bar as the only remedy for the drink curse. He proceeded to give a number of reasons in favor of lio-licensc, and said that lie believed that they were right in legislating for their ends, and instanced the legislation in other countries of the world for the control of the drink traffic. Good laws should determine that right shoaikl prevail and make it difficult for wrong to bo done. The legislation was by no means perfect. It should he made so, as that method was warranted by tlio concensus of tlie opinion of the world. The speaker proceded to give the figures regarding the conviction -in no-license districts of the Dominion, claiming that where lio-licenso had bee.n tried it was a great success. AY hen tlio liquor bars woro closed they would be doing something that everybody desired, and even the publicans and blowers did not' want drunkards. Another reason for tlie support of no-licensc was the fact that those who had tried it liked it, and lie felt sure that they were in a better position to judge than were those who had not tried it. Ho referred to tlio ever-increasing vote for no-license in the districts that had already carried no-license, and olaimed that the arguments of the opponents of the movement were another i*eason in its support. No-licenso was a groat commercial advantage, and the methods adopted by its opponents were often really greatly in favor of it. No-license greatly contributed towards safeguarding the women and children, and anything that would tend to benefit those who are weak and helpless should appeal to one’s manhood, and >men should come to the assistance of the women and children. License had been a distinct and definite failure, and 1 where, he asked, bad it been shown that license had been a blessing, done any good for the community, or was entitled to any consideration? Again, the closing of the bar 'killed flic “shouting” system, which was responsible for such a large amount of drunkenness. Finally the speaker held that as a Christian mail, one would bo compelled' to vote for nolicense. They prayed “God’s will be done on earth as it is done in heaven,” and they would either have to vote no-license or give up the Lord’s prayer. Air. Hammond concluded his address with a stirring appeal to the largo audience to give no-iicense a trial and they would not regret it. A number of questions were asked and answered, and the meeting terminated. The Rev. R. B. S. Hammond will speak at* tho Sievwright Memorial at 12.30 to-day. He avail also give his address on “Slum Life in Sydney,” illustrated with fine limelight views, iai the Baptist Tabernacle at 7.30 to avomen only, aiad tho snaaie address at 8.30 in the Church of England Sclioo-I-rooni to men only. Air. Hammond’s forcible addresses have created an impression, and there aa’ill doubtless be large numbers at the tavo meetings to-night. An admission of one shilling will be made to both these meetings in aid of the no-license campaign fund.