GOOD TEMPLAR DEMONSTRATION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 306, 28 December 1874, Page 2

GOOD TEMPLAR DEMONSTRATION.

THE PROCESSION AND PIC-NfC. Oa Boxing Day the Good Templars belonging to the various 10-.lg-s in Nelson mustered in considerable force at the Temperance Hall, and with the Artillery Band (whose services had been engaged for the day) marched in proce sion to the Botanical Gardens, with Brother J. Sherwood as Marshall, where a booth had been erectei to supply refreshments of a substantial kind, and fluids ad. lib., tarring the XXX compound and its kindred suspicious beverages. Suffice it to say thit a most enjoyable day was spent in sports such as cricket, quoits, foot races, and rounder*, the band playing at iuter v a's. The effect of the Templars' circle of unity was very imposing, and as the members in their handsome regalia, glistening in the sun, joined hands emblematical of their unity of purpose in the good cause, something more than show evidently produced a thrill of heart, and aspontamous and united cheer went up to the sky. The effect of the singingpf tbeir ode. accompanied by the band, to thff air of " God save the Queen," was grand to those seated on the hill, after which the circe broke, and the amusements before noted were vigorously proceeded with. At about five o'clock the circle reformed again, and making an opening for the band, the Order nurehed two deep to the Temperance Hal, where, after a similar ceremony, the National Anthem waa sung, with band accompaniment, and three lusty cheers were given for the Queen. The Templars then broko up, a notice being given of an entertainment in the Provinoial Hall. It is only fair to the Templars to say that the whole proceedings were characterised by unselfishness, as no charge was made either at the grounds or the Hall, admission to which was opeu to all who choose to attend. — Communicated.

PUBLIC MEETING. The Provincial Hall (kindly lent by his Hr.nor the Superintendent for the occasion) wa_ crowded from the commencemei . of the meeting till i _ close, both the body of the Hall and the galleries being fillei. ' Brother William Akersten, Provisional Grand Worthy Councillor, occupied the chair. The meeting was opened by an Overture, which was well rendered by a small band, constating of Mes.rs Corrick, Webley, Lucas, and Clark, and Mrs Palmer as pianist.— The Chairman then briefly stated the objects of the meetiog, which were to promote the cause of temperance, and concluded his remarks by reading tbe programme for the evening.— The snng *■ Belle M .hone " was well suog by Sister Henrietta Betts, and deservedly encored.— The next item on tbe programme was a dialogue, explanatory of the principles of Good Tcmpla.i_n, which was well given by Bros. Jas. Graham and W. Webley.— The quartet " i<l> iog Home" was well and evenly tung, the voices being well balanced, by Sister, H. Betts and E. Webley, and Bros Smith and Lucas. Brother Jefford read an excellent paper on the advantages that may be derived by members of the Order from tlie discipline an'l mode of conducting the busine. _ of the lodge meetings.— The chorus, "March of ihe Men of Harlech," was _ung by a small choir — A recitation, " The Loss of the Steamship Londen," was remarkably well given by Brother Grabaaj.—The tong, «■ The Dcavh of NelFon," was well sung by Bro. Lirkinj, who has a splendid tenor voice, and g .ye this song^in excellent style. An encore was vociferously demmded, and Brother Larkins then sung " Ever of Thee "—Brother J. T. f-mith, Provisional Grand Worthy Chief Templar, gave an address on the evils of intemperance and the . advantages of Good Templary.— The (bairman read an article from the Home News, giving the testimony of several medical men of distinction oa alcohol as a mediune. — The duet, " O'er the Moonlit Sea," was faultlessly given by Sts ers Julia and Henrietta tfetts, and was received by the auduncs with great pleasure, and loudly eacortd.— A Set of Waltzes by the band waa loud.y applauded. — A recitation by Brother Glover, " 'lhe Seven Ages of Man," alter the style of Mr G. V. Brookes, was given in Brother Glover's best style, nnd upon . an encore being derasmdeJ he gave the " Shepherd and Philosopher." — The anthem, '• I VV ill Extol Thee," was well given by the choir.— A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought a successful meeting to a close, and ahe audience sang «God Save the Queen," tccompanied by the bund.