CANTERBURY TEMPERANCE LEAGUE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2115, 3 December 1880, Page 4

CANTERBURY TEMPERANCE LEAGUE.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury Temperance League was held last evening in ' St. Andrew's schoolroom, at eight o'clock. The Bev. C. Eraser occupied tho ohair. \ Thirteen persons wore present. The Chairman said the committee desired to present the annual report, and thought that if the present meeting was adjourned ! till that day three months, carrying on under ' the present officers, they would then bo prepared to concoct some definite action pending 1 the next meeting of the General Assembly. ' He supposed it was owing to that cause, 1 and also to the state of the weather, ' that the attendance was so limited. He would read the annual report, whioh re- ' ferred to the Licensing Bill introduced by tbe Government, detailing its provisions, and the 1 causes that led to its withdrawal. Opposition had been offered by the League to any now licenses being granted until the passing of a satisfactory measure, and it was a matter for regret that new applications were repeatedly being made till then. The report then referred to the general distress, and contended that in the face of this it was inconsistent that new public houses should be established. Representations had been made to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the 0.J.0. to withhold selling sites for liquor booths at their periodical gatherings, and it was thought that suoh applications must ultimately triumph. Finally, it was urged that pressure should be brought to bear to close publio houses on days of political elections. The Rov. A. Reid moved the adoption of the report, remarking that the opinions expressed in it were unquestionable. He was glad that the league had been successful in ohecking the sale of spirits, contending that the few ought not to be able to thrust pnblio houses on localities that did not require them. Dr. Russell seconded the motion. 1 Mr 0. M. Gray took exception to portions 1 of the report. For the last three quarters the League had done nothing to oppose the granting of new licenses in Sydenham, the '. only objeotion to whioh he (Mr Gray) had lodged. The League certainly had written to 1 the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the Jockey Club, but it could have ' urged that a suspensory measure should have force to prevent fresh applications being made for licenses quarter after quarter, pending the passing of a comprehensive licensing bill. Dr. Russell contended that in blaming the League for inaction the last speaker , was ' lashing himself, as he was a member of the committee. The Chairman explained that it was likely i the secretary had omitted to give all the committeemen notioe. It had been arranged to hold meetings at different times, but for some reason they all fell through. Mr Clephane moved, and it was resolved—- " That the present committee hold offioe three months longer, and that this meeting do adjourn till the first week in March." A vote of thanks having been passed to the chairman and duly acknowledged, the meeting was closed by the Rev. A. Beid pronouncing the benediction.