THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5521, 6 December 1878, Page 6

THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION.

The Christchurch Presbyterian Synod have arrived at the following resolutions on this subject;— I. The committee desire to call the attention of all the ministers to the deliverance of the General Assembly, at its last meeting, ou this subject, viz.—That all ministers be required to preach some Sabbath iu February on the Evils of Intemperance. The committee recommend that all who have not already complied with this requirement would do so before the end of the year. They would further recommend that, when it may be found convenient, ministers should exchange pulpits, in order to facilitate and give greater effect to the carrying out of the Assembly’s resolution.

11. Ministers and members of the Church are recommended to give their aid in carrying out iu their respective districts tho following special of the proposed Canterbury Temperance League :—l. The diminution of the number of houses licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors. . 2. The suppression of such houses as exist mainly for the sale of intoxicating liquors, and which do not provide efficient accommodation for travellers and lodgers, 3. The rigid enforcement of the present law prohibiting all Sunday liquor traffic, except for the supply of refreshments to bona fide travellers and lodgers. 4. The endeavor by legal proceedings and’other means to prevent the increase of licensed houses, except on petition of a majority of bona fide residents in the locality for which such license is sought, such petition to bo presented with plan of proposed house and to contain addresses as well as names of petitioners. 111. That where ministers have not already established temperance societies and hands of hope, based on principles of total abstinence, iu connection with their various churches and Sabbath schools, immediate steps ho taken for tho formation of such. IV. Ministers and members of the Church are recommended to discountenance by all means in their power the drinking customs of society, such as “ treating ” in business and commercial transactions, the use of intoxicating drinks on visits of ceremony, in connection with Church business, and at baptisms, funerals &o.

V. That by public lectures, tho circulation of temperance literature, and such other means as may be deemed suitable, ministers shall seek to create and foster an enlightened public opinion, so that all, and more especially the young, may be duly warned of the dangers of indulgence in intoxicating drinks, and also duly reminded of the great duty of total abstinence on tho ground of Christian expediency. C. That with the view of a moro united and harmonious action with other Churches, tho ministers and members of tho Presbyterian Church are recommended to associate with and give their aid to the- proposed Canterbury Temperance League.