ASHBURTON TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2712, 18 December 1882, Page 3

ASHBURTON TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION.

The majority of the firms in Ashburton, ignored all observance of the anniversary of the province, and except at Messrs Matson, Cox and Co.’s, the various smiths’ sheps, and perhaps one or two other establishments, business was carried on as usual. The temperance people, however, were more patriotic, and displayed their respect for the thirty-second birthday of the great agricultural province by holding what was intended to be a grand demonstration. The effect of this, however, was somewhat marred] by most of the business places being open as usual, and consequently the procession was not on so gigantic a scale as was at first expected. Still, shortly after one o’clock there were a goodly number assembled at the TemplarHall. A procession was formed, and. headed by the Excelsior Brass Band, tho St. Stephen’s Band of Hope drums and fifes, a move was made through into Eaststreet. Here a runaway horse attached to a spring cart headed the procession, but soon outpaced the slow march of the processionists, and the animal went off on his own account across the railway reserve regardless of stacks of timber and so forth. The temperance people proceeded on the even tenor of their way to a spot known as the mill paddock, where refreshments were provided in a marquee by Mr T. W. Davison. After this sports of various binds were indulged in, some £ls in various sums being contested for by both old and young, male and female. In addition to money other prizes were awarded, and an enjoyable afternoon was spent. In the evening there was a large assemblage at the Town Hall, where a really good tea was provided, the caterer being Mr T. Taylor. The “demonstration” wound up with a concert in the evening, and an address_ by Mr _J. W. Jago, who had been specially invited to come and talk temperance to the people of Ashburton, some of the citizens of which borough had at one time gained an unenviable° but, nevertheless, unwarrantable, reputation for their ability and disposition to take a good fill of whiskey. The demonstration, as well as the gatherings in the evening, passed off successfully.