PROGRESS IN ST. HELENA: SPIRITED ACTION.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43071, 21 March 1907, Page 1

PROGRESS IN ST. HELENA: SPIRITED ACTION.

Mr J. R. Way, of Dolton, - North Devon, writes to the “ Alliance News: “ Some interest has of late been awakened in the condition of the little Island of St. Helena, by reason, of the withdrawal of H.M. troops from that place. Tidings of another matter, of deep concern to the remaining inhabitants of the “Old Rock,” and of distinct interest to the Temperance cause have just reached me in letters from friends there.. It appears • that on 30th November an Ordinance was issued by the Governor of the Island concerning the control of the liquor traffic, which it was proposed should come into force on January Ist, 1907. In the Ordiu.; ; ance was a clause legalising the granting! of licences to grocers, which had never been done be fore. Although the tithe to oppose the measure was limited, an earnest oampaign was at once commenced against the offending clause by the Temperance Party in the Island. Three letters appeared the following week condemning it, in the one local newspaper, “The Guardian,”. The ministers, Rev. Gibson (Episcopalian), Rev. Buchanan (Baptist), aud the Salvation Army Captain, united in opposition, and on December 9:b special sermons were preached against the clause. Appeals were sent to the Governor from the Churches, the of the 1.0.G.T., and from the “ women of the Island.” As a result of this action the proposed Ordinance is temporarily suspended... and the matter referred home” which ( a police officer there writes to'ine ) probably means it will be anuulled. Tic adds, “! hope and pray so, anyhow, and that victory will he ours, j hot c are quite enough f icilitics here for drinking without the grocers .starting.” One cannot hut admire the pluck and good sense of this gallant little community in face of their present reverses and the depression'of their trade.”'