SOCIAL REFORM MEETINGS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 193, 28 August 1903, Page 2

SOCIAL REFORM MEETINGS.

TEMPERANCE AND BAND OF HOPE. A meeting of Temperance and Band of Hope workers was held on Wednesday evening for the purpose of meeting Mr W. J. MoDernntt, a veteran worker, who for mauy years was secretary of the Auckland Band of Hope Union. Mr A. Pikett presided. Mr McDermott addressed the workers present, and stated that during the last nine months he had been all through the colony and bad had ample opportunity of noting the various phases of temperance work. He spoke very hopefully of the good work being done by the Rechabitee, Good Templar?, and Band of Hope Societies, and, in answer to a question, considered tbat the latter was quite holding its own as compared with former years throughout the oolony. Ho strongly advocated educational work among the youog, and spoke of the good done by competititions such as will be beld here in October, and also competitive examinations on standard temperance works. The secretary of the Whitol ; >y Band of Hope (Mr S. E. Hubert) spoko of the aggressive Band of Hops work being oarriud on at present in New Plymouth, and mentioned that it was intended to form a Band of Hope Union for the Taraoaki Provinoe shortly, On the mocbn of Mr Neal, seconded by Mrs Douglas, a hearty vote of thatks was acoorded Mr McDermott for his attendance and address.

WOMEN'S O.T.U A very interesting meeting of thiWoraeu's Christian Temp?Mnce Union wag held in the Whiteley Hall on Wednesday afternoon. After the usual devotional exercises, it was reported that the laiits' sitting room in the. Dorough Council Chambers, which the Union have charge of for the u e of visitors, had be u rearranged and made comfortable. It was noted with satisfaction that thin room was becoming better known, and the hope was (X----pressed thit fri«nds coming in from he country would avail themaolvas of '-', 9 accommodation provide!. Rov. M Bin tie a'foode)-a adtpua'ioi fiom the No- License League. Mrs D )ut>!ai a very interesting report of her railway signal work. The subject of literature was discussed, and the meeting olosed.