NO LICENSE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 201, 4 May 1912, Page 8

NO LICENSE

ANNUAL MEETING OF NEW PLYMOUTH LEAGUE. The annual meeting of the New Plymouth No-License League was held in the Good Templar Hall last evening, Mr. C. E. Bellringer, president, and about a score of persons attending. In reviewing the work of the past year, the chairman said that Taranaki could heartily congratulate itself on the fact that, in four continguous electorates in the district, more than the necessary 60 per cent, of votes had been cast in favor of the greater issue of National Prohibition. He then went on to say that the liquor trade in this district existed by the will, not of a majority, but of a minority. He trusted that the supporters of the cause—the right causewould learn from what had been done in the past lessons that would. stand them in good stead in the future. He felt confident that the next poll would see New Zealand swept clear 'of the liquor traffic. It was his belief that, as a result of the last poll, tremendous impetus had been given to the movement throughout New Zealand. This vear the league would have to sow seed in the shape of a large amount of educational work. Whatever progress they were to make would mainly lie along that line. He felt convinced that a lot of the success at the last poll was due to work of that nature. Concluding, he remarked, ,r We go forward with hope and confidence in the future." SECRETARY'S REPORT. In a verbal report, the secretary (Mr. G. H. Maunder) mentioned that during the past year most of the business had been carried on by the executive, and the results showed that the confidence reposed in them had not been misplaced. Referring to the Home Journal, the secretary expressed the opinion that Taranaki's good vote last year was mainly due to its influence. Ii circulated in four districts, and the statistics showed that they could not find in any part of the Dominion four contiguous electorates that had polled so heavily for no-license as the Taranaki quartette. Indeed, there was no equal to the Home Journal in all New Zealand. It was easily the most useful thing as far as the Taranaki league was concerned. As regards finance, the balance-sheet showed a small cash balance, against which there was a small debt. This, however, would, he felt sure, be wiped out very shortly. OFFICERS ELECTED. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—President, Rev. T. H. Roseveare; secretary, Mr. G. H. Maunder (re-elected); treasurer Mr. C. E. Bellringer; executive, Messrs. Cocker, F. R. Pepperell, Bestford, H. Goodacre, Mrs. Bullot. and another to be appointed later.