I.O.G.T. ANNIVERSARY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2438, 11 January 1881, Page 2

1.0.G.T. ANNIVERSARY.

The lirat anniversary of the Victory Lodge, was celebrated last evening in, the Foresters’ Hall, George street. A. considerable number of members and friends, amongst whom the fair sox predominated, assembled. The chair was taken by I’m Edward Jones, Special Deputy for South Gan ter bury, and the proceedings were commenced by the Chairman calling upon those present to sing the usual opening ode.

The Chairman after a few introductory remarks read the following report ; Ladies and gentlemen, —It is usual at anniversaries and public gatherings for some one to submit a report of the pro gress of the institution, and also give such other information as may be deemed necessary to interest those present. It may be in tbc recollection of many that this Lodge was instituted on Jan. 9, 1880, and is consequently hut a year old. Since that date weekly meetings have been regularly held, and thoughjthe progress of the Lodge has not comeup to what was anticipated,yeton the whole we have to be thankful for the progress made. The usefulness of the order has been severely checked b} 7 the constant departure from the district and also from the colony of a large number of men and families, from amongst whom temperance reformers obtain their support, and consequently these societies have had to struggle against large odds to keep pace with the times in a financial point of view. The annual contribution for membership is but small, being 10s for males above 18, and (5s for all females, and also for males under 18. Those contributions are paid quarterly, in advance, and, with the fees derived from initiation, form the fund placed at the disposal of the ollicors for the conduct and support of the lodge. Thus it will be seen that unless the membership is good, it is almost impossible to work to a satisfactory end. The mem hers of good standing at present number about 40, although about 100 have

joined the lodge, either by clearance card or initiation, during the past year. Owing to the non-arrival of the annual report, the strength of the order in Now Zealand cannot be stated, but full information will be given later. The Grand Lodge met in Auckland last week, and from information published by the press, it appears to bo doing good work. The balance sheet shows a surplus of TSB, and an increase of 10 new lodges. Before closing this report, I may state that Bro. J. Malins, 11.W.G. Sec. of England, has been elevated to the highest post in the order, viz., H.W. Grand Templar. Tins enthusiastic promoter of temperance is an aide lecturer, and intends shortly visiting New Zealand, and contributions will be received from all sources to defray his travelling expenses. I feel sure Bro. Malins will be heartily welcomed on his arrival.

The Chairman then called upon Mr Paten to play an overture, after which songs and duets were rendered by Mrs Nelson, Bro. Saxon, and Messrs Gilchrist and Saxon in a very creditable manner. The Bev. Mr Dumbell expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing so many happy faces around him. He did not wish himself credited with an intimate knowledge of Good Templarism, but he should wish to see all strong drink relinquished, as it was a luxury that was injurious to society. There were many luxuries not so injurious, and with these he had no fault to iind. For instance, the ladies were fond of dress and pretty bonnets, or rather a something between a bonnet and a hat, and as it Battered their vanity to enjoy these things why should they not do so? But intoxicants were injurious to society in the highest degree and were not at all to be classed among the necessaries of life, ff a man felt hungry food would satisfy him, but it was not so with drink, for it engendered a craving that could not be appeased. It was, of all enemies, the greatest to society, and brought the greatest desolation. There would be far less poverty in New Zealand if drink were entirely banished from the land. It inflicted incalculable injury on the domestic peace and happiness of the people. Churchmen, and the highest intelligences, found it to bo an enemy at every corner. Many asserted that wine was divinely sanctioned, but they do not mention the many evils that the Bible condemned. He (Mr Dumbell) considered they were engaged in a good cause. He eulogised the principles of Good Templary as calculated to bring many to the doors of the Church, concluding by stating be should be glad to sec the Lodges of the Order far more numerous in Timaru than they were at present. (Applause.) An excellent song was well sung by Mr Robert Foster, “ Hope shall lead me on.”

Mr W. Trnmble, of Christchurch, said he was much impressed with the harmony existing in the Timaru lodge. The Christchurch people thought a good deal of their efforts in that direction, or at least the} 1 - talked a. good deal about it, but he thought the efforts of the Timaru people would compare favorably with what the} 1 - had achieved. He congratulated his hearers upon the conclusion of the first .year of their existence. Aged peonle were apt to grumble, and some objected to the indiscriminate admixture of the opposite sexes, but he trusted if they had any grumblers in Timaru, they would migrate to warmer regions. He alluded to the necessity for unity and practical work, illustrating his argument by the unsatisfactory result of three horses pulling dfferent ways. An interval was at this stage devoted to refreshments, after which the Ecv. Mr Simtnonds addressed the meeting. The Good Templars had his sympathy and he had no hesitation in enrolling himself as an advocate in their cause. It was their object to secure the verdict of society in their favor, and to work together until they could so influence legislation as to place the power in their hands of closing v the sources of crime and misery. There was an important difference between eating and drinking. If too much foot}'were taken it worked its own cure, bht when too much drink was consumed there was a strong and increasing tendency to further excess. Something had been said about grumblers being comparatively useless and obnoxious. The common fly was looked upon as a nuisance, but they were told that the air was full of animalcube upon which they fed. Thus possibly these grumblers might have a use as social scavengers, and therefore they should be charitable towards them. They should endeavor to concentrate their energies for work, and single out the individuals, men and women, they intended to save.from the withering influence of the great vice of drink. They should also concentrate

their influence, and bring it to bear upon' the Legislature, for the time was not far distant when the Legislature would hold logical opinions. The time was approaching when the whole question would bo faced, and it would be absolutely necessary to have the traffic in strong drink under more stringent control. It would yet be a question whether it woukl not be better to shut up public houses altogether, and in that case they would witness a glorious consummation. (Applause.) Songs were given by Mr Nelson, “John Grumlie,” and Mr Kennedy, “ The Englishman,” encored. Bro. Kimber performed a violin solo with considerable execution.

Apologies were road from the Revs Gillies and Hallowes. Votes of thanks were accorded to the clergymen, visitors, and chairman. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour (10.4 b) it was intimated that a lodge would be opened afterwards for the initiation of members.