MATTHEW BURNETT AS AN APOSTLE OF TEMPERANCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5540, 30 December 1878, Page 3

MATTHEW BURNETT AS AN APOSTLE OF TEMPERANCE.

(From the Melbourne Leader.) Temperance principles, right enough though they are themselves, would gain few adherents perhaps were it not for the zeal exhibited in their propagation. The progress of the mover ment ia one of fits and starts more than of steady advance. Occasionally there arises some speaker of exceptional power, who wins his way into the hearts of thousands, and reclaims by the force of his enthusiasm those whom no amount of mere reasoning would affect. Such a man is Mr. Matthew Burnett, who is doing such excellent work in the suburbs of Melbourne at the present time. There can be no doubt about his usefulness, for he proves it by facts and figures. In Collingwood 3000 persons signed tho pledge at his invitation, in Emerald Hill 3250, and in Sandridge, where he is still occupied, he has obtained 2226 solemn promises of total abstinence, Of course these figures are open to some question. Possibly the same person sometimes signs twice over, and of the. rest a certain percentage will probably relapse sooner or later into their former practices. Making all deductions, however, it is plain that some thousands in this city will be benefited by the exertions of this one man, many permanently and others temporarily, but all benefited without doubt. The testimony of the police in tho various localities proves tho actuality of the reformation. In Stawell it is said that drunkenness has been almost effaced. In Collingwood the convictions for this offence have been reduced one-half, and in Emeraldhill the weekly average ia lowered from fifty to eighteen. There is no escaping such evidences as these of the practical effect of Mr. Barnett’s preaching. It is superior to the ordinary temperance efforts, because it reaches exactly the class of people who most need the inculcation of sobriety, who are often the most susceptible to appeal, and-whosa-improvemsut is otherwise most difficult of achievement; and for his _great,labors.and success Mr.-Bumett 'deserves' the thanks of all who have the interests and the welfare of tho community at heart.