GOOD TEMPLARV

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 253, 25 April 1912, Page 7

GOOD TEMPLARV

There was not a large gathering to meet Mr. Thomson and the ladies and gentlemen who were helping him in the Good Templar Hall last evening, but they were well pleased with what they got—at least one may so judge by the •way each item was received. As he promised, Mr. Okey, M.F., occupied the chair, but a meeting in connection with the Taranaki Oil Wells Company share list compelled him to leave early, and i his place was taken'by the Rev. R. J. Liddell. After a few musical items the chairman called on Mr. Thomson to give; his address on "A Great Humanitarian; Order." There was, he said, no greater question to bring before an audience' than that concerning strong drink and temperance —the greatest question of social reform. Like all great reforms this also began in a small way, and amongst what is called insignificant people. Yet from such small beginnings a great movement had delevoped, which is truly humanitarian, and everyone who works in it is worthy of honor. The drink evil is as old as history itself. Thousands of years ago laws were made to deal with it, but with only partial success. It remained for us to complete the work. The Good Templar Order began in America in the "forties,'' with a few printers' lads. They took the name "Good Templar" from the Knights Templars of the Middle Ages, and with the same object in view—to defend and help and protect women, children, and all who were in distress. At first it was called the Independent Order, but aS~ it spread it was called the International Order, as now. The ritual is now used all over the world in many languages and among people of many colors, to the number of nearly a million. All have the same principles and motto: "Total abstinence for the individual and prohibition for the State." In addition to temperance advocacy the Order undertakes the care of the young in Juvenile Temples and orphanages, and any humanitarian work that needs doing. In New Zealand they are but a small company, but still with the same spirit. The lecturer congratulated the Egmont Lodge on its activity and wished it still greater . success. In addition to the lecture there was a good musical programme, songs being sung by Mrs. Cutler, Miss Hay den, Miss Stewart and Mr. F. Asher, and a violin solo was played by Miss Dowling. The usual votes of thanks closed a happy meeting.