I.O.G.T.

Manawatu Herald, 10 February 1894, Page 2

1.0. G.T.

Wednesday last was unmistakably a red-letter day in the annals of the Good Templars of this town and district. By previous arrangement the District Lodge had decided to hold its quarterly meeting in Foxton, and the local lodge determined to signalize the occasion by inviting the members of the Sandon, Bulls, Awahuri, and Oampbelltown lodges to join in a big templar demonstration, and in short "to make a day of it." In response to the invitation soms ninety visitors arrived by the Sandon tram at noon. Proceeding straight to the Good Templar hall, the District Lodge was immediately opened in due form by the District 0.T., Brother Reid (Sandon), and eight members of subordinate lodges were initiated members of the Dis trict Lodge. After this ceremony the visitors were conducted to the Public Hall where an excellent lunch had been provided, Mr Walls proving himself as usual an admirable caterer. At 2 o'clock the members of the District Lodge resumed their deliberations, and devoted themselves industriously to work until about 4.30. A large amount of work was got through, the interests of the subordinate lodges being specially attended to. The subject of bringing forward candidates at the forthcoming election for the electoral Licensing Committee was discussed fully, and a general conclusion arrived at that " the game would be scarcely worth the candle," owing to the limitation of discretionary powers under the new Licensing Act. At 6 o'clock the social tea was largely attended by the visitors and many of the local members, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. At 7.30 an imposing procession was formed at the Public Hall, and over 100 members of the various Good Templar Lodges marched in regalia headed by the Foxton Band, along the Avenue, down the Main-street to the bridge, and back again to the Public Hall. At 8 o'clock the concert began, and proved an immense success. Bro. Reid, (Sandon), Diot. C.T. was called upon to preside and opened the meeting in an admirable speech, explaining why he had become a Good Templar and the great results he expected from the organized efforts of the friends of Temperance. The musical part of the eutertaiument was then proceeded with. Mrs F. Young kindly presided at the piano with the ability, courtesy, and grace which so highly distinguish this charming player. In our preliminary notice we stated that much of the best vocal talent of the district had been secured. And that we were not wrong in our statement will be seen from the following list of the vocalists, who acquitted themselves to perfection : — Mrs Dermer, Mrs Mitchell, Miss H. Tansley, Mr Morris (character song), and Mr Duff (with violin accompaniment). Mr Pilkington gave in /good style a humorous recitation. Addresses appropriate to the occasion, short but far above the average of such performances in general were given during the evening by the Rev. Brother Grindley (Foxton), Bro. Fraser (Wellington). Before the close of the meeting a cordial vote ot thanks to the performers was proposed by Bro. W. S. Stewart and carried by acclamation. The following motion also was put to the meeting by the Chairman, Bro. Reid, and carried by a majority of about 249 to 1, "That it is the opinion of this' meeting that the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Bill should be repealed, and the people given the unrestricted control of the Liquor traffic by direct vote." The meeting then closed with the National Anthem. Thus ended a most successful demonstration, of which the local Good Templars have every reason to be proud.