NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 247, 17 March 1888, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.

Auckland, March 13. The second annual meeting of the mombcis of the above organisation was held to-day. About 60 members and friends mot for breakfast at 8.30 this morning in Kobson's ■ Dining Rooms. Sir William Fox presided. Amongst thoso prosent wero Messrs Monk, Withy, and Moss, M.H.R.'s, and the Reva. Chew, Bavin, Miller, Roberts, Ward, Worker, and Follows. Mr Baddeley, R.M., was also present. After breakfast short speeches wero delivered by Messrs J. Newman, E. Withy, M.H.R., R. .Monk, M.H.R., W. J. Speight, and tho Rev. Mr Ward. Before the mooting separated Mr John Waymouth moved a vote of thanks to Mr Thoo. Cooper for the able efforts made by him in the Magistrate's Court with regard to the licensing petitions. This was cairied by acclamation. Mr Cooper said that ho had only done his duty in the matter, and only regretted that it was not altogether successful. They had, however, been partially successful, and in Ponsonby a now election would require to be held. He hoped, also, to bo similarly, successful in regard to Auckland North and South. Not that he anticipated being,ablo to keep their men in office, but he hoped to upset tho others and then have a fresh election, as in Ponsonby. The Doxology was then sung, and the meeting adjourned to theLecturo Hall of tho V.M.C. A. Rooms, where the General Conn cil was in session.

GENERAL COUNCIL. At 10 a.m. the Genoral Council, of the Alliance met in the V.M.C.A. Rooms. The attendance was not large. Sir William Pox, K.C.M.G., presided. On the platfoun were also Messrs Glover, Withy, Newmun, and the Rev. MiBavin. The Chairman expressed sorrow at the paucity ot the attendance. Ho then askod those present to commence operations as usual by engaging for a few moments in silent prayer. The Chairman next addressed the meeting. He remarked thatasthe reportwasa lengthy one he should not speak at any length. He believed that a very much, greater interest would be felt in the operations of the Alliance if the members knew more of what was going on in other portions of the world. In the report they would find, that reference was made to the quesbion of compensation being paid in cases were prohibition was obtained. There where many members of the House who were willing to give them the right of prohibition through the balLot box, but the majority of them were in favour of paying compensation to the publicans and brewers. Lately a battle had beea fought upon that subject in the United States which had been a victory over the brewers and publicans all over the world. He re ferred to the State of Kansas where for eight years it had been imbedded in the constitution that absolute prohibition, should be maintained. After that law I had been in operation for eight years the brewers summonsed courage to test the constitutionality of the law. The case was, curiously enough, tried before Judge Brewer and he decided in favour of the brewers,, which meant that compensation could have been claimed for the past eight years. But that decision was appealed from to the United States Court. Seven judges sab and six out of the I seven decided that Judge Brewer's decision was rotten and must be set aside. (App lause.) Had the decision been different the whole of the prohibition policy would have been at an end. That was as great a victory for them as "Waterloo or Sedan had been against the first and third Napoleon. That decision had been to- the effect that the law had the right to stop any man's business which was detrimental to the public at large. These were points upon which their public men required educating. The Hon. Secretary, Mr J. Newman, then read apologies for non - attendance from a large number of leading citizens, amongst whom were Messrs R. Hobbs, M.H.R., F. G. Ewington, J. M. Lennox, H. G. Seth Smith, J. C. Firth, R. T. Warnoch, F. G. Olayton, H. Worthington, headmaster of the Wellesley-street East School, the Rev. W. Tebbs and others.

ANNUAL REPORT. Mr Glover then read the second annual report, which stated that during the year the organisingagent, Mr T. W. Glover, had held 162 public meetings, in addition to which he had also delivered 38 addresses in different places of worship. The report also referred at length to the Conference held at Wellington on 21st January last, when 40 representatives attended from all parts of the colony. It was also stated that the Alliance had now 135 auxiliaries, tho officers of which were entirely honorary, and that there I could be no doubt but that the marked advance of public sentiment in all parts of the colony in favour of prohibition wa& the result of the work performed by the Alliance. With regard to the finances, tho report contained the following clause:— " Acting up to the determination expressed in last year's report, the Executive have governed the expenditure entirely by the amount of financial aid afforded by tho membership. At the end of last year we closed with a small credit balance after all engagements have been met. By reference to the balance sheet it will be seen our total incprae has been £715 19s 9d., and our expenditure £712 2s lOd. It is gratifying to note that the income has been divided from sources more generally spread over the colony than during the preceding year, thus proving that tho Alliance is becoming moro and more appreciated as a distinctly colonial organisation, and not merely as a society existing for local objects, or depending for its financial support upon tho subscriptions of the few. The subscribers now on our books amount to 3,100." Reference was also made to the fact that in the late election test questions had been put to the candidates for Parliamentary honours. By this means, uniformity of demand in the matter of legislation in relation to the liquor traffic was observed towards all the candidates. , The replies given were necessarily specific — ambiguous generalities, so often indulged in by seekecs of honours in prospective, being rendered unavailing ; and lastly, but moat impostant, their minimum actual strength in Parliament had been for the first time ascertained. Tlie basis of a recognised Parliamentary prohibition party has how been laid, upon which it becomes our future duty to build. As might be expected, the replies received from candidate? were of, a varyibc character^ Of those elected, 24, adopted the programme of the right of th&. people to prohibit withdut compensation, in its entirety ;33 agreed, to giving the power to prohibit, but insisted upon compensation ; whilst 14 others, although agreeing to prohibition without compensation as a rule, thought there, might arise some, case in [whicfi a, limited degree of compensation might bo called 1 for, in equity ; a further ' number (7) could nob accept.fch© principle of prohibition at all, deeming the Jiquor traffic

a necessity for the colony. The last session \vas nob considered a favourable opportunity to bring forward the prohibition policy, but it was thought something would be dono in the coming sossion. The roport referred to the sympathy recoivcd irom the churches, and the assistance rondercd to tho movement by kind rod societies. The report also contained interesting statistics of the liquor trailic for 1886. The ond. of tho report referred to the rocent licensing elections, and expressed the hope that prohibition would room bo carried in many districts. Tho report was adopted upon tho motion of the Roy. Mr Bavin and seconded by Ml 1 Davidson of Mongonui. Mr John Graham asked how it was that tho Legislature had passed an Act by means of which a pleasant picnic resort had been allowed to have an hotel. He refened to the St. Holicr's Bay Hotel. Mr Withy said that ho wa.s not aware that such an Act had been passed through. He was willing to take his fair sharo of blame about, tho matter. The fact. was that tho temperance members were not sufficiently alert on that occasion, and tho thing was ru&hed through. Mr Newman said that they were not entirely asleop about the matter. Mr Cooper had gono out and successfully opposed the "ranting of tho license on the first occasiom The bill was then brought in and a, clause was smuggled in giving' the committee power to license tho hotel. Mr Macdonnott mentioned that the local' option vote would come on next May, and he hoped that they would not be asleep. He would also like to see Sir William Fox's articles upon compensation printed in pamphlet form. Tho Chairman said that tho anticlos were going to be revised, and printed by the Alliance.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr T. Garlick next moved, "That our, thanks be given to the Officers- and Executive who during the past year have carried on the operations of this Alliance, and the following gentlemen be elected to the positions of President, Vice-Presidents, and Executive Committee for the coming year, viz— President : Sir Win, Fox, M.A., K.C.M.G. Vice-Presidents : J. A. D. Adams, Port Chalmers ; Sir H. Atkinson, K.C.M.G. (Premier), New Plymouth ; Hon. Thos. Dick, Dunedin ; Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, Paingiora ; Thomas Field, Nelson ; Robert Cleppam, of Christchucch ; J. Fulton, M.H.K., Weat Taieri ; F. H. Eraser, Wellington ; D. Goldie, M.H.8., Auckland ; J. Harding, Hawke's Bay ; R. Hobbs, M.H.R., Pokeno ; Hori Ropiha (Chief), Hawko's Bay ; R. C. Hughes, New Plymouth ; Rev. F. YV. Isiib, Invercargill ; Rev. L. M. Isitt, Sydenham ;, J. W. Jago, Dunedin ; W. Kerr, Auckland ; Dii. Knight, Auckland ; J. Lamb, Auckland ; J, Lennie,, Invercargill ; T. M. Lane, J.P., Whangai'oa; R. Monk, M.H.R., Auckland; R. Nenle, Auckland ; J. Newman, J.P., Auckland ; E. Okey, New Plymouth ; Rev. 1\ . Oliver, Nelson ; Rev. A. Reid, Auckland ; A. Rennie, J.P., Dunedin; W. Seth-Smith, Oamaru ; Hon. Sir R. Stout, K.C.M.G., Dunedin ;, Rev. R. Waddell, M. A., Dunedin. Executive Committee : S. J. Ambury, J. Buchanan, A. Cox, J. Elkin, G. Gregory, H. Leßailey,. R. J. Roberts, W. H. Smith, W. J. Speight, J. Waymouth, J. H. Upton, E. Withy, M.H.R. Officers: Chairman of Executive, Sir Wav Fox ; Treasurer, E. Withy, M.H.R. ; Hon. Sec, J. Newman, J.P. ; Organising Agent, T- W. Glover; General Sec, H. Field. Mr Garlick spoke afr some length in. favour ot absolute prohibition. He was pleased to see that at Newmarket tho brewers were fighting against each other. He looked upon that as the beginning of the end, for they all knew that when savage nations fought with each other they soon exterminated each other. (Applause). He was proud to think that they had again Sir William Fox for President. Thero were only four M.H.R. 's- on the list of officers,, but he hoped next election to see the number of prohibitionists increased. Mr Harrison of Warkworth seconded the motion. He advocated more concerted action for the future. They should also review past actions and avoid previous errors. The motion was then adopted.

TOTAL PROHIBITION. Mr Gregory next moved, "That this Council re-affirms the platform and policy of this organisation adopted at the inaugural meeting held in Wellington in March, 1586." He considered that they should not attempt to regulate the liqour traffic. Let it be simply a question of prohibition or non-prohibition. He regretted the failure in Ponsonby, but still they were quite ready to fight the election again. He believed that in the future the brewer& would find that it would not pay to try and force hotels on the public by means of legal technicalities. Mr VV. J. Speight seconded the motion. He believed that all attempts at regulation of the traffic were a mistake in that they had simply embroiled them in still greater troubles as far as prohibition was concerned. In the matter of regulation the Alliance had no part or lot, and therefore they reiterated their platform that prohibition alone would satisfy them. Had not the day come when they could take their stand upon clear lines and stick to it ? With regard to Pmispnby, he conld only say "Thank God" that the election was upset. If the publicans said that they did not tight that battle, then tot .them come forward and fight it fairly now. Unless they had the will of the people behind them never close an hotel, otherwise it would be a positive injustice. Let them take no advantage of technical flaws. Let tho battle be fairly fought and let every defeat merely mean come on again. (Ap- - plause. ) I The motion was duly adopted. I

TEMPERANCE LITERATURE CIRCULATION. Mr Richard Monk, MJff.R., next moved, " That in order more fully to convince the i people of this colony of tia© frightful evils and danger of the liquor traffic, and the absolute necessity of obtaining legal power for its suppression, the Council earnestly solicits the friends of the Alliance in each i locality to promote an increased circulation of temperance literature, and provide that the valuable leaflets published by us be placed in every home in this community, and we further recommend such papers aa the 'Leader* and the * Temperance Herald' to the support of all friends of temperance." Mr- Monk said that there could be no doubt but that they had a good deal to do in the way of education. They could see that from the Government downwards. Their school children also inquired educating with regard to the evils of intemperance. Afc pre£enfe, they really educated people to advocate 'Vthe drink and' so they should sbe to it that their , ..children. v/«re^duly educated* for they hoped to see,, , their jjbung , people carry forward, the/ prohibition movement. He believed- that one of the greatest difficulties l wj*h which they would have to contend if as .that their children were being made, " intelligent upon all, pointft but as fco 1 the influence and composition of the liquor traffic. ; , This^itflsecoadedby Mif VV*or,boya »nd. Iwm tdopted-, •*„ , , / ,„ ,•,! t - '

Financk.-- Mr E. Withy, M.H.R., for Newton, next read the financial statement* which was as follows : — To balance in band. March lust, £3 2s ; to members' subscriptions, donations and collections, £712 17s 9d ; total, receipts, £715 17s 9d. Expenditure : By salaries and commission, £481 sa3d; travelling expenses of agent and deputations, £102 9s lOcl ; printing and advertising, £61 11s 6d>; postage and telegranid, £30 13s (id.; grants and auxiliaries, £17 2s 3d ; expenses of annual meeting, 1887, £11 3s Id ; office oxpenses, £7 17s sd. Cr. balance in bank, £3 16s lid. Mr Withy then moved, " That, bearing in mind the severe depression which has existed during the past year, the Council gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions of the friends of the Alliance, which from their increase and greater diffusion throughout the colony, have rendered it unnecessary again to call upon the original guarantors. With a view, however, to increased efficiency,, the Council earnestly solicits a continunuce of their hearty financial support, and their assistance in still further increasing the number ot members." In doing so, he testified to? the assistance rendered to their agenfc in ,the country districts. Though not generally in favour of protection, he was willing; to protect the colony in so far as prohibition would do it. He also mentioned, that their roll! of members had increased by 50 per cent, during the year. He considered that the Executive should! increase the quantity and quality of the literature. He should like the Alliance to have an additional agent and also a legal adviser. He urged all to continue their subscriptions,, and also to try and increasethe roll 1 of membership, which, of course, meant increasing their receipts. — Mr Carr seconded the motion. He was pleased to notice that the depression had not interfered with the operations of the Alliance. Ib was also a. cause for. congratulation that the funds had come from all over the colony. Although the Alliance went distinctly for prohibition, still he thought that everycredit should be given to the Temperance Committees which tried to regulate the traffic. They should be prepared to give> their approval and. help to every section of the temperance party. — The motion was then put and adopted. ClubChakteks. — ■ The Rev. C. H. Garland moved, " That this Council considers that the provisions in the Licensing Act of 1881,. for granting charters to clubs, are absolutely inconsistent with the principle of prohibition and control by the people upon which the rest of the Act is based. It also* considers that the working of these provisions has proved inimical to the public interest. It therefore recommends that early steps should be taken in Parliament to obtain the repeal of the clauses providing for such charters." He felt great pleasure in. moving chat resolution. Then? opponent* were not lighting for principle, but merely as a- matter of interest). It was no' use in the people closing the hotels if charter* wera granted to theclubs. Apublican had once told him that he would rather have his Sundaytrade than, any two other days' in the week. He was really sorry to see that their laws were such: a laughing-stock, — Mr David Goldie, M.H.R., seconded the motion. He> found that New South Wales was the most drunken of the colonies, and New Zealand came fourth. £30^000 per annum was expended in the colony for the purpose ofrescuing the children of drunken parents. These were maintained in the Industrial Schools of the colony. As the law at present stood, any 20 men could demand a, charter for a club from the Government, subject, of course, to certain stipulations. The Government had no power to find out how these clubs were conducted, as there were no penalties consequent upon nob furnishing the annual report to the Government. Another trouble was that it was no- use to close- Working Men's Clubs and leave such institutions as the Northern Club still in existence. He hoped next session to see some steps taken to put down these clubs, which he considered were much worse than the ordinary hotels..— -The Chairman explained that the club charter clauses were inserted in the Act during its. transition through theUpper House. He believed that the clauses were added upon the suggestion of the Hon. Mr Whitakor. A conference was held, andthe clauses wore duly adopted. He considered the clauses most unjust and foolish. — The motion was then put and carried, after which the Council adjourned until 7.30 p.m.