GOOD TEMPLARS' HALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 287, 28 April 1911, Page 7

GOOD TEMPLARS' HALL

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE.

Facetious folk at yesterday's function of laying the foundation stone of the new Good Templars' Hall on the corner of. Courtenay street and Carrington road remarked that the. cold-water deluge from the heavens during the ceremony was eminently appropriate. Be that as it may, it was distinctly unpleasant, but it did not succeed in damping the ardor of the little baad of temperance en thusiasts and supporters who faced the weather and saw to it that the stone was "well and truly laid." The Mayor, ■officers of the lodge, ministers of religion and representatives of various organisation having temperance as the main plank of their platform, were present. It ■was found impossible to have one of the Grand Lodge officers present. Bro. J. C Legg waß in charge of the arrangements, and Mrs. Legg it was who, having duly tapped the stone with a very ornamental polished and silver-mounted mallet, declared the stone, in the name of faith, hope, and charity, to be well and truly laid, Mr. Jas. Salt, the builder, assisting in the operation. The bymn, "All people that on earth do dwell," was sung at the commencement of the proceedings, after which the Rev. R. J. Liddell read a scripture lesson.

The Chief Templar, Sister White, then delivered an address, welcoming the public to this, to Good Templars at least, most interesting function. This day had been long looked forward to as a stepping stone: to better days to come, when she hoped that those present and many more would be with them, not only as witnesses of greater things, but as active partners therein. In this worldwide Order, the International Order of Good Templars, there was room for all. In passing, she would say, "Come and join us." It was fitting that she should give some short account of how they bad as a society arrived at this stage in their building project; yet she would fain the matter were in abler hands than hers. But it was useless to try to hide from her hearers or from herself the fact that the speaker felt honored in being Chief Templar on this auspicious occasion. "Ladies," continued the Chief Templar, "let me point out to you that in our Order the highest office is open to sister as much as to brother; we stand for equal opportunity and equal privileges for both sexes." That morning's Daily News had given a brief account of the history of the lodge, which need; not be repeated now. When the lodg'fe :began planning a building for itself ft did not aspire to so large an undertaking as it had now on hand. More than three years ago the members saia the wanted a house of their' Own; just a lodge room where they* could come and go as they thought best; and-entertain their friends, and draw more into the temperance circle. They began with a bazaar on a modest softie, 'and when they counted up the proceeds they found that they had more than they expected. A banking account was opened, and this money set at interest. The next step was to decide on a site, and ultimately the present site was secured, a very suitable one, near the centre 01 the -town, though not on the main street. Another bazaar was held last May, which also proved very successful, ana they felt warranted in proceeding with the purchase of the site. Then their ideas grew. A mere lodge room was now not sufficient. They wanted a large Tjall, suitable for a forward temperance movement —a permanent building, in concrete or brick. This was found to be quite beyond their means, and in the end the building was decided on of which they were now to lay the foundation stone. But although they had given up the concrete building at first aimed at, thej had not in any way impaired the size or the convenience of the hall as first planned. The large hall would seat between 400 and 500 persons. The )ower hall, or lodge room, would provide for about 150, with all necessary anteroom* lavatory, etc. The speaker was quite satisfied that what they were doing here would be for the good of New Plymouth, and that the Good Templars' Hall would vie with other attractions oi our growing town in ornament, but, more especially, in usefulness. Before calling on Sister Mrs. Legg to lay the foundation stone, Sister White remarked .that the money started with was not enough to complete this large building on such a prominent site, and so they would have to appeal to their friends. Inhere were two ways in which people could help. ''ln the first place there will be a place on this stone for all the liberal contributions you may give this afternoon" (laughter), and the speaker hoped they would be liberal. They would not bury the money under the stone — the casket containing only printed and written records —it would be used to the very best of their ability on this buildbe by taking up some of the debentures, way in which people could help would be by taking up some of th edeebntures of £1 each, bearing interest at four per cent, per annum, and redeemable by ballot as funds permit. This was a philanthropic and at the same time a business I proposal. Sister White then called on Mrs. Legg to lay the stone, a piece of work in which no doubt she would prove [ herself quite proficient.

Heavy rain fell for some minutes, interrupting Miss White's address, and evervone made for shelter.

The Rev. Liddell, in the absence of Bro. Clarke, of Auckland, made an appeal for public support of the Order, and immediately there were forthcoming many purses, which were placed on the foundation stone, containing in the aggregate £26 12s. Mr. E. Chatterton, representing the Rechabite Order, tendered his congratulations to the lodge, and hoped that as a result of the provision of this fine lodge room many young people wouiu be prevented from falling into the clutch of drinking habits. Mr. Tisch, the Mayor, in a very happy speech, also tendered his congratulations and good wishes, declaring his ready support of every movement tending towards the betterment of the conditions of human life. In a town of New Plymouth's size and age it was remarkable that there had not been a Good Templar hall erected before.

"flod Save the King" concluded the proceedings.

THE CONCERT. There was a splendid attendance at the concert held in St. Mary's Hall at night, and an excellent programme was rendered, all the items meeting with hearty applause. Durins the evening an address on "Our Work" was given by Bro. J. C. Legg, Grand Lodge Officer. The items were as follows:—Pianoforte solo, Miss A. 11. Smith: song, "Love's Coronation," Miss Gnodacre; son" ""Wight," Mr. Asher; sons;, "Nobody Else," Miss Butler; song, "The King's Minstrel," Mr. A. Ambury; song, "All in the hush of Twilight,"' Mrs. Cutler; song, "For all Eternity," Mr. Rich; duet. "Faiewell to Summer," Misses Guilford (encoi d); song, Mr. Haslam (double encore); song, "Tit for Tat," Miss Keys, song, "The Veterans," Mr. N. Mclsaacs; song, "Promise of Life," Mrs. Yates; pianoforte trio, Misses Smith; song, "I know a Lovely Garden, "Miss Guildford; song, "Calvary," Mr. Asher; song, "I couldn't, could I!" Miss Butler.