Meeting's.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 23, 1 September 1894, Page 9

Meeting's.

TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.

The first Temperance Convention held in Invercargill took place on Wednesday, and was attended by delegates representing the various societies throughout Southland, together with a number of unofficial visitors. The Bev. Mr Woollass, President of the local branch of the t N.Z. Alliance, occupied the chair, and Mr G. B. George acted as secretary. The chairman, in welcoming the delegates, explained that they had been called together with the view of adopting some scheme by which the different organisations in the Southland electorates might be brought into touch with one another, and with a common centre, working, say, from Invercargill, so that united action could be taken to secure prohibition for the whole colony. Mr J. W. Jago, of Dudedin, in response to the chairman’s invitation, delivered a brief address relative to the importance of organised effort. They had an active foe to contend against, and the utmost vigilance was necessary on the part of Prohibitionists. A discussion, lasting till the luncheon adjournment, then followed as to the best method of securing the end in view, and ultimately it was resolved on the motion of Mr E. B. Jones, seconded by the Eev. Mr Jones (Primitive Methodist): “ That this Convention establishes a Prohibition League for Southland, with branches throughout the district, and that Invercargill be regarded as the centre for executive purposes.” It was also decided, at the, instance of Mr H. Fewler, seconded by Mr McCaw, that the League should embrace delegates from all existing temperance societies-

Afc the afternoon session, which was held in the Primitive Methodist schoolroom, the basis of representati mof the League was discussed, when it was decided that there should be two representatives from each. Prohibition League and each temperance society in the district. The following provisional committee was appointed :—MessrsBuxtpn, Fowler, Leggatt, Heaven, J. J. Wesney, Rev. W C. Woodward, Rev. W. WooJlass, Rev. W White, Messrs McGaw, George, Kissell, J. Mac ribbon, Cowie, Baxter, Baker and Dawson.

Papers r-n “State Prohibition” (Rev. Mr White) and “ The Financial Aspects of Prohibition ” (Mr were then read and discussed, after which Mr S. Adams, of Dunedin, subjected the new Licensing Bill to a minute cricicism, and characterised it as being, from a temperance p >int of view, a treacherous measure. At 5.45 p.m. the Convention closed, and the delegates and a number of friends afterwards gathered in the Temperance- Hall, where a soiree, catered for by Mr Miller took place. This was followed by a procession through the town, a band leading the way. The Theatre Royal was reached shortly before eight o’clock, and a public meeting, attended by over 50 I persons, followed. The Rev. Mr Woollass prmsded. Resolutions in favour of the continuance of elective committees, with elective chairman, and of a majority determining the issue at the polls ; of reinstating the cumulative system of counting votes ; and providing that all license fees bepaid into, and the costs of administering the Act be paid out of, the Consolidated Fund, were passed, vigorous speeches in support being delivered by Messrs Jago, Adams, White, Wesney, and others. J?he meeting closed with votes of thanks toall who had contributed to the success of the Convention and the after proceedings.