THE ORMONDVILLE TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 69, 20 February 1884, Page 2

THE ORMONDVILLE TRAGEDY.

The service at Trinity "Wesleyan Church, Wanganui, on Sunday night had special reference to the recent fearful tragedy at Ormondville. The portions of Scripture read were taken from the 4th chapter of Genesis, 3rd verse ; 23rd chapter of Proverbs, 9th verse; and 14lh chapter of .Romans, 10th verse. The hymns and prayers were especially selected to bear upon the awful collection of murders through strong drink, which have lately startled New Zealand throughout its length and breadth. The Rev. W. J. Williams delivered a striking and impressive sermon from the memorable words "But. who slew all these?" being part of the 9th verse of the 10th chapter of the second book of Kings. In the course of his sermon the , preacher condemned the Government ; for establishing the license system, had showed how from the sale of liquor and proceeded the tragedy at Ormondville. ; Referring to local drinking habits, Mr Williams regretted to know that the 1 members of one of the town Licensing Committees were anxious to grant another license, m addition to the twenty public houses now existing, and to the number of stores —no body could tell 1 how many — where liquor was sold.; fy?he congregation was very large, and the sprmon was, listened to with deep. 1 attention, ;