SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 52, 5 June 1916, Page 7

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

MASS MEETING IN TOWN HALL.

A largely-attended meeting of citizens.h eld in the 'town Hall last night, was presided over by His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon). Associate with him on the platform were the Rev. C. W. Howard (vicar of Holy Trinity Church). Rev. Mr Tinsley (Methodist Church), and Mr C. I). Sole, J.P. Mr F. Foley's orchestra (Miss Robson, Mr R-bson, and M Foley), gave a capital rendering of "The Lost Chord." The Mayor asked the audience to stand as a token of respect to the brave men who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the naval engagement in the North Sea. He also read out a list of the disasters and German losses as they enme to hand by telephone. The Rev. C. W. Howard then moved:, "That this meeting of citizens request the Government to legislate to close all liquor bars in licensed houses and clubs between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., and that stringent measures be introduced to fetop the habit of "shouting." Speaking to the resolution, the Rev. gentleman said he did not belong to the No-License League. People ot all shades of opinion were united in the opinion that efficiency in our religious and moral lfe was a paramount necessity, and it was the duty of every person who posed as a Christian to do all in his power to curtail the sale, of liquor, which was the greatest curse the Army and civilian life had to contend with. The speaker adduced many reasons why the Government of the day should deal drastically with tiie question, pointing out that the young men ivho were volunteering for active service demanded that their moral and religious welfare must be tlie first care of the State. (Applause). The Rev. Mr Tinsley seconded the motion, and pointed out that such papers as the London Spectator, Melbourne Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and the London Punch were demanding the suppression and curtailment of the supply of alcoholic liquors, so that efficiency would bo the watchword of the British arms. If Mr. Lloyd ,George had heeii able to have had his way he would have dealt with the liquor trade in a stringent manner. The . liquor ; hars in England were only open for a fe whours a day, and if in that them was any sacrifice for the 'English peo-' plo.it was up to us to make an equal i sacrifice.

1 Mi O. I). Sole dealt with the amount of drunkenness in the city of Wellington, and gave a graphic description of the late trains to Trentbam and the state of the men. But the peculiar position was that on Sunday nights, when nearly twice as c?any men had leave, there were no signs of drunken men ahout, ; . ~ "• Mr J. Masters advised the audience to carry the resolution without amendment; and on being put to the meeting, the whole audience rose in favor.