GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MISSION.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 460, 5 April 1890, Page 5

GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MISSION.

SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY. Auckland, April 1. A meeting was held last evening in the Tabernacle in connection with the anniversary of the Gospel Temperance Mission. There was a large attendance. Mr J. T. Garliclt presided. On the platform were Mr Henry Varley, Sir William Fox, Messrs R. B. Shalders, J. Barber, H. Ross, J. Robinson, T. butts, R. Fry, C. B. Stone, and Whitehead. The Chairman apologised for the absence of Pastor Birch, who was on his way from the Thames. A hymn was then sung, after which the Chairman read a portion of the Scriptures. Messrs R. B. Shalders and R. Fry engaged in prayer. Mr C. B. Stone next read a telegram from Pastor Birch, stating that if he did noo arrive in time they were to give his love to everybody. The Chairman said that night concluded the seventh year of the labours of the Gospel Temperance Mission in Auckland. He then spoke for a few moments upon the evils of intemperance, and urged all Christians to declare themselves total abstainers. Another hymn was sung, after which the Chairman introduced Mr Whitehead as an old temberance worker. Mr Whitehead stepped forward and sang “If I Were a Voice,a Persuasive Voice,” accompanyinghimself on the organ. Healsoled the audiencein “ Scatter Seeds of Kindness. Mr Whitehead said that he was delighted' to be there that, night to tell a tale or sing a song in praise of right and in blame of the wrong. He was also delighted to meet Sir William Fox, and to speak in the Church of William Birch, junior. He was also pleased to meet Mr Varley. He could tell them that he had been born a teetotaller and had been one ever since. He held that there was a power in song, and be thought they should use music to assist their cause. 1-Ie desired that his song should promote the cause of temperance and virtue. He was delighted to find that Auckland was a musical city, for Manchester, where he came from, also boasted of its musicians. He was also glad to state that temperance was making progress all through England. Mr Whitehead spoke at some length, and kept the audience in a continual ripple of laughter by his quaint humour. He also illustrated his remarks by musical selections.

Mr H. J. Ross, Secretary of the Gospel Temperance Mission, next made a few remarks in favour of the movement. He said that during last year 71 meetings had been held, in addition to the open air meetings on Sunday night. During that time 582 pledges had been taken, and he personally visited 200 of those who had signed the pledge. Still theyneeded money tocarry on and they would therefore take up a collection. Last year their income had been £172, but this year they wanted £250 and he hoped to get it. Mr Ross also detailed some of the good work done by the Mission. “Rescue the Perishing” was sung whilst the collection was being made. Mr Varley next addressed the meeting. He mentioned that he signed the pledge when he was fourteen years of age. I-Ie said that after forty years’ practical acquaintance with total abstinence, he did not feel that it had brought him any nearer the undertaker. Never had humanity so thoroughly given itself up to believe a lie as it had in the many virtues ascribed to alcohol. He regretted that the liberality of hospitality caused many persons, who were themselves abstainers, to place intoxicating drinks upon their tables. Mr Varley referred to the fact that alcoholic liquors could be produced at much less labour and cost than any other article Supposing that £60,000,000 was spent in drink by the working classes in the British Isles in a year, he calculated that the loss in consequence to the labour market would be close on £20,000,000. Mr Varley also referred to the progress made in places where the liquor traffic was prohibited. He believed that if they could get rid of the liquor traffic in Britain they would ultimately get rid of all the poverty that at present crushed their national life. He urged all present to assist the Gospel Temperance Mission, and concluded by reciting “John Maynard.” The Chairman returned thanks to the officers for the use of the Tabernacle, and was just regretting the absence of Pastor Birch when that gentleman walked in, having hurried up from the steamer. Being called upon to address the meeting, Pastor Birch said, “May God bless you all, and help us to carry our religion even into intemperance.” Votes of thanks were accorded the speaker and the choir, after which the doxology was sung and the benediction pronounced.