GOOD TEMPLARS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 347, 28 December 1875, Page 4

GOOD TEMPLARS.

The second anniversary of the intro« duction of the Independent Order of Gdoa Templary iuto Nelson' was oelebrated-yestecday by a tea and pubr lie meeting The tea was provided in the Temperance Hall; and was largely attended. The interior of the Hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens, mottog, &c., the moat noticeable among them being one representing, the Good Templars' principles — ■ " Faith' Hope, and Charity." At the after meeting the Hall was densely crowded, eveu standing room being unobtainable. The chair was taken by Mr J. M, Campbell, and prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Beckenham. At the opening of the meeting, Mr J. T- Smith mentioned the fact that they had with them several brethren and sisters from Wellington, and called for a cheer for them before their departure, which was heartily giveo. Mr Reid, Past District Deputy of Wellington, thanked the meeting for their cordial reception, and. the Good Templars for the kindness they had received at their hands during their abort stay in Nelson He regretted be could not remain, for the meeting, but would carry back to Wellington a good report of the receptioa his brothers and sisters bad received in Nelson. Mr J. T. Smith, District Deputy of Nelson, said that during the past year tbe Gopd Templars hud not labored in vain. They were met to work for the temperance cause— a great work, and one not easily overcome. While the Templara . were thankful .for the past they must gird themselves for the future. Tba battle rouet be fought until they conquered. The wanted tbe people to feel that intemperance was a great evil; that it was the. curse of the land. Now, in carrying on their noble work they should do so in a kiodly epim, and while they felt for the cause of temperance they should not abuse their opponents. If the drunkard suffered alone perhaps they might not be Boaoxioua, bat the drunkard was not the only one who suffered. Where was the wife he had promised at the altar to cherish and defend? It was a common excuse for .persona to say they only drunk moderately, but could they Bay they would always do so? They were daily becoming slaves to the fffempn drink. It was said that the .Good Templars were putting their .Order ia tbe place of religion, but could nos the ministers far better meet men addicted to drink half way by first endeavoriog to make temperate men of them? ; The llav, J. Beckenham was glud to have tbe privilege of addressing such a meeting as that before him, lie was not a Good Templar, but was a Son of Jeoiperance, and his teart was with the temperance cause. Ho would like to ace a great many come forward aud join the temperance side. It was aIJ very well to talk of a Permissive Bill —he hoped they would goon have it— but meanwhile let each one strive to make men sober, so as to save their bodies, and endeavor to save their soule for all eternity. Mr^KBRsTEN said he had risen to that platform more than ever convinced of tbe grand D 6BB of Ihe Order. The legislation of the country at the present day Javored brewers' interests. He had sent some letters to the newspapers on tbe subject of roadside inns, and he would now adroit that one signed "Meepleaa Lodger," which was published m the Mail, was written by him. He had be«n & contractor for some time in New Zealand, and his business frequently compelled him to resuie for (ho night in a roadside inn, where most uncomfortable nights were passed. [Mr Akersteo then recounted the subatuoce of the letter, which has already appeared in these columne V He believed New Zealand would be a great country, but it must be through | . tbe influence of temperance men. Reterrmg to the elections, he did not say tboy should return a member to the Assembly, but they should pledge a candidate as far as po t sible to push forward their cause, and endeavor by ail means to get a member into tbe Assembly who would serve their interest. He waa happy to say that onp of tbe members for the city was pledgee to eapport a reduction of the taxatioi cpon tea and sugar, and to give hii support to an increase of revenue, i that was fouad neeeseary, by placing a heavier taxation upon malt anc liquor., Mr Akersten concluded by stating that he would at all times do ail . in his power to iorward the temperance cause. ' ' ■ Mr J. S. Jonks said, the remarks he should make would principally be con. fined to members of the Order. The Good Templars were adapted for carrying out the object they had taken in hand. Tbe enthusiasm of some members very'godn died away, but they should endeavor to show their colore and to stand up for their Order. Each individual should strive to do a little and the whole summed up would make a grand total. If each, of them bad saved one individual, what a glorious meeting there would be when they met again in 1876 J If hitherto they had worked for men's approbation, let them sink such an object. He hoped ia the future that the brothers and Bisters would sink all petty differences, and work for the grand duty they had to perform. Mr GiB9ON referred at some length to the petty grievances alluded to by the last speaker, and said if the Good Tetnplara were true to their colors 4faerdWQul4 banosaQh grievances i«

the future. He should like to see the clergy take up the Good Templar movement and enlist in its ranks, for he believed by their doing 1 so they would confer a great benefit upon religious societies* 1 The Roy. Mr. Parkins, of Charleston, said the mission ofihe Good Templars wng to reclaim the fallen and save oihera iroto failing— to cave every mao, e?ery woman, every child who had fallen under drink. He felt astonished that people cailng themselves ,'? respectable," could aland behind a bar and daily and hourly sell to individuals $hat which waV sending thousands to ruin. He hoped the Good Teinplara would not stand still while others around them were falling. Mr Neale, of Westport, said he thought there were evils among a reep^ctable class. Moderate drinkers required a little gin before going «#, ted, and a little brandy before dinner. This was a practice cocuraoii among many who were br.ofessed Christians. It had been asked why the clergy did not connect themselves more wijth the temperance movement. When pastoral calls were being made aoms people even asked the minister to take alcholic drinks, and consequently he could not blame them. If the ministers would become united with them he was sure their success Would be greater. But they must look to tbeir motto, "Faith, Hope, Charity." Jaith in principleshope for success, and charity the foundation upon which it must reßt, During the evening the choir contributed largely to the enjoyment of the audience, and after, singing the national anthem, a very pleasant meeting was brought to a close.