SPRING GROVE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 81, 6 April 1874, Page 2

SPR IN G GROVE.

[communicated] . The demonstration of Good Templars at Spring Grove on Good Friday was a successful undertaking. About forty members of the Loyal Nelson Lodge left town in conveyances, engaged expressly for them, about nine o'clock, and reached Spring Grove soon after eleven. They occupied a paddock kindly placed at their service by Mr Newman. Soon the members were seen in groups in picnic fashion, making tea and spreading out their provisions, for which their ride had apparently given themgu keen appetite. About one o'clock the people began to assemble beneath the shade of the gum trees, where seats with rail backs had been placed for the ladieß. The public meeting was commenced by singing the Good Templars' Ode, No. 1, and prayer was offered by Mr Lewie. Mr J. Campbell presided over the meeting, and in a few well-chosen remarks set forth the object of the meeting. The evils arising from the indulgence in alcoholic liquors, and the claims of total abstinence from these liquors, were urged in an eloquent address by Mr E. Lewis, of the Good Hope Lodge, Spring Grove, Mr J. T. Smith, General Deputy, gave an explanation of the objects and aims of Good Templarism A lodge meeting was held in the schoolroom at 3 o'clock, at which most of the members were present. Five candidates were initiated . members of the Order.

The annual tea meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Methodist Church was well attended, made all the larger on this occasion by the presence of so many Good Templars in the village, j The tea was good and the provisions excellent. The tables were presided over by a number of young ladies, who were most active in supplying for the time being the wants of their visitors. The public meeting which followed was presided over by the Rev. Thos. Buddie. The Chairman in an earnest address urged upon those present increased liberality not only in providing funds for the necessary repairs of G-od's house, but in the Sunday collections towards the circnit fund. Mr Mears gave an address on Types and Emblems of the Christian Church, and Mr Smith gave an address on Christian Work.