TEMPERANCE LEAGUE.—OTAHUHU.

New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 885, 7 October 1854, Page 1 (Supplement)

TEMPERANCE LEAGUE.—OTAHUHU.

A Public Meeting, for the purpose of considering the propriety of forming a local Association in piomotion of the cause of temperance by legislative prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors, was held at Otahuhu, on Thursday evening. The meeting was assembled in Mr. Thos. Williamson's barn, and the attendance was most encouraging to the conveners and supporters of this great and philanthropic movement, —upwards of an hundred persons being present. Mr. Thomas Paton, having been called to the chair, opened the business of the evening with a brief but apposite eulogium of the moral, social and physical importance ol a movement which is stirring the community of this part of New Zealand to its inmost core. He pointed out the individual and communal regeneration it is calculated to effect; —the blessings of which to fathers, mothers, chi'dren, and society at large it may be made the instrument. And, after a just tribute to the Rev. Mr. Purchas for the singleness, sincerity, and devotion of purpose which had animated him in the good cause, concluded by requesting a patient and attentive hearing for every speaker. We have neither time nor space to report the many and cogent arguments that were adduoed in suppart of a measure whose inappreciable merits commend themselves irresistibly to its promoters, and which not only proYoke no hostility from, but on the contrary have elicted the tacit approbation of those who are neither yet members or adherents of the League. This, perhaps, is an indication of Public respect such as no other movement could command, and the strongest incentive to the establishment of Branch L°agues which we have no doubt will spring into active existence from Stewart's Island to the North ('ape. The first Resolution, which was moved by Mr. John Wallace, seconded by Mr. Smythies, and supported by Messrs. J. Williamson, Hansard, and Purchas, was to the following effect •.

" That this meeting bails with satisfaction the formation of the Auckland League of Temperance, and considers it the duty of all persons having the interest of the Colony at heart to assist in carrying out its objects by every means in their power."

Mr. Purchas, who has been recognized as the father of the present, movement, was received with loud and prolonged cheering, not only on his rising to support the Resolution, but in explaining the manner in which he became first assured of the only way in which the work of JS'ational Temperance could be achieved, and of the means which, step by step, he took to inculcate his own convictions and win the confidence and co-operation of others. The Rev. gentleman's Addrees was heard with the deepest attention and drew forth the warm plaudits of his auditory at its close. The Resolution was carried by acclamation. The second Resolution affirmed

" That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a Local Association be now formed, for the purpose of co-operating with the League in this District."

This Resolution was proposed with the characteristic energy which distinguishes Mr. Buckland, was seconded by Mr. J. Hall,supported by Mr. Thos. Somerville and carried unanimously, jg The third Resolution, which wa3 for the appointment of a Committee was likewise, carried unanimously. It was brought forward by Mr. B. B. Lusk, seconded by Dr. MeGautan, supported by Mr. Coolahan, and was as follows: "That the following p ergons be now constituted a Committee with power to add to their number ; — Rer

A. G. Purchaa* Messrs. W. Buckland, T. Paton, John Wallace, J. Fairburn, R, K. Baber, Dr. McGauran, Richard Fairburn, Ewen, —Edwin Fairburn,JJ. Hall, W. Goodfellow, James Wallace, John Gordon, James Walsh, James Henry Walsh, and Samuel Clarke." This concluded the business of the Evening. Mr. Paton having heen requested to leave the chair and Mr. Buckland to occupy it, a very cordial vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Paton for his zealous conduct in the chair, as well as for the interest he had evinced in promotion of the great and good cause which the Meeting had so earnestly at heart