RECHABITES.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1922, Page 2

RECHABITES.

MEETING AT NEW PLYMOUTH. A special social gathering of the members and friends of the Unity Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites was held in the Foresters’ Hall on Saturday evening last, to welcome the High Chief > Ruler (Bro. Councillor A. Tomlinson, of Southport, England). Councillor Tomlinson, with his colleague, Brb. J. H. Lear Caton. P.H.C.R., of Birmingham, are visiting New Zealand in connection with the jubilee celebrations of the New Zealand Central District No. 86. The gathering on Saturday evening was well attended, being presided over by Bro. J. K. Nodder, Chief Ruler. Words of welcome were extended to the High Chief Ruler by Bro. Nodder on behalf of the Tent, and the Rev. J. F. Martin on behalf of the Prohibition League. On rising to respond, the H.C.R., Bro. Tomlinson, received a very hearty greeting, for' which he suitably returned thanks, and said that the Rechabites were the oldest, the wealthiest and most healthy of temperance friendly societies. Founded in Salford. England, in August, 1835, the society had experienced most wonderful progress. At the end of December, 1920, the total membership was .1,272,485. When the New Zealand Central District was instituted in February, 137'2, the whole membership of the Order was only 22,342, so that in 50 years the Order showed a net increase of 1,256,143. They made a special feature of working amongst the young. The juvenile membership of the Order totalled 462,572, this being larger than the total juvenile membership of the four next largest friendly societies. In addition, the Order was transferring on an average 15,000 boys and g-irls every year from the juvenile section into the adults. The Order was sound, safe and solvent. Rechabitism sought to secure a country free from the drink curse. He made a special appeal to the audience to work heart and soul for no-license. The Rechabite Order was a friendly society of the highest type, offering sickness and funeral benefits unequalled. With funds amounting to millions sterling, the benefits of all its members were guaranteed. The work they were doing in gathering in the boys and girls, with an increase on an average of 3000 per year, ought to secure the sympathy and support of all interested in the welfare of the community. Rechabitism was out to make citizens of sterling character and training an army of young prohibitionists. Bro. J. Bodley, District Secretary, Auckland, also gave an address. An interesting musical programme was provided, after which refreshments were served, and a very enjoyabl gathering was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.