CLERGY AND BREWERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 515, 19 November 1928, Page 14

CLERGY AND BREWERS

AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE SERMON BY REV. A. S. WILSON During the morning service at the Grange Road Baptist Church, the Rev. A. S. Wilson made reference to the fact that the prohibi-* tion vote was in the minority at the poll. He deprecated any depression because of that fact, and urged that the workers should summon their optimism and enthusiasm to renew the struggle. The calm assurance of ultimate victory must be disconcerting to their opponents. Napoleon complained of British soldiers that they did not know when they were beaten, and so it was with the prohibition party, who would press on, assured that theirs was the cause of right. There were reasons for the reduced vote, and one chief reason was the scarcity of money. The gruelling time through which traders nad passed was reflected in the reduced giving to the cause, and some who had given as much as £ 4,900 at a time were unable to do so. The opponents of prohibition had poured out money for the fight, and not only flaring advertisements, but an army of young men and women were paid to ensure that the traffic in strong drink would continue. One of the most tragic sights of the contests was that of young, beautiful women giving themselves to ouch an effort. Then, again, tne fact that so many people had purchased shares in breweries caused them and their friends to fear financial loss. The scare of unemployment was worked to the full, and the nervous fear of immediate increases to the unemployed ranks caused people to put aside the probability of a future benefit and increase of employment under a new arrangement. The third issue played a big part, not only in the number of votes cast, but its advocacy by prominent clergymen so weakened the influence of the temperance cause that people felt free to vote continuance. Such a combination of clergy and brewer was an unholy alliance. For himself, he did not mind how many issues the ordinary voter had to declare his viewpoint. What he did object to was that each issue was not obliged to stand on its own footing. What amazed him was that clergymen voted and worked for the third issue, knowing that it meant a vote for continuance. He felt that the time had come for the reintroduction of the reduction clause given up nearly 20 years- ago, and which the new Parliament should restore. He stressed the necessity of the movement being made more of a church movement. The alliance had done good work, but the sense of responsibility had largely passed out of the hands of the churches. They could not relegate their task to any outside organisation, however good, but must as churches take up their mislaid task with fresh zeal, faith, and courage. It was pleasing to note that in the absence of a great fighting fund a great silent vote had been cast. The total was greater than its number when the character and determination of these voters, actuated by humanitarian motives alone, were considered. “WILL SEE IT THROUGH”

Let them reflect on the power of the prohibition vote in the election of Parliamentary members. Perhaps never before had so many “drys” been in the House. He could hope for good legislation in the near future. No dry district had been lost, and the spirit of the prohibition force was the optimistic declaration: “We will see this thing through.” In the Great War, Marshal Foch had a saying which meant: “I retreat that I may spring further forward.” So would it be found with reference to the 1928 prohibition poll. After all, said the Rev. Wilson, in conclusion, what a wonderful thing it was that such a host ./as willing to stand up to the jeers and frowns of the trade. This host would assuredly see the thing through. In the long-drawn-out struggle between Carthage and Rome it was in doubt which would eventually win, and victory meant destruction of the other side.. Cato, the Roman orator, closed every speech on any subject with the words: “Carthage must be destroyed,” and his reiteration inspired the souls of his countrymen till it became fact. So must they insist in their declaration, “This evil traffic shall be destroyed,” and it will assuredly take place eventually. The second part of the service was devoted to a stirring address on “Christ in the Home.’ Mr. R. S. Abel led the choir in their special item, and Miss Twentyman presided at the pipe organ. The secretary of the church, Mr. A. J. Lucas, announced that the new member for the district, Mr. A. J. Stallworthy, would open the church’s Christmas sale of work and gifts on Thursday, November 29. Small tin of Sharland's Egg Preservative preserves benzine tin of eggs. They’re cheap now. 4