THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1137, 9 February 1884, Page 2

THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

The usual monthly meeting of tho Blue Ribbon Anny was held in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, last Thursday even ing. The President, the Rev. Mr Hamilton, occupied the chair, and there was a very large attendance. The meeting was opened in the usual way, after which the President addressed the meeting. The Rev. Mr Gordon was the speaker of the evening, and delivered the most forcible and eloquent address on Temperance hitherto heard in the hall. He pointed out the evil results of drink, and urged those present to join the Association. As a result 20 new members were enrolled. During the evening songs were sung by Mr Harrop, the Rev. Wills and, Miss Brown. Several hymns were also very efficiently sung by the choir. The Rev. Mr Hamilton read the following, being the constitution and bye-lawa adopted by the local branch of the Temperance Uuion :

“Resolutions suggested as suitable for adoption at the first meeting of members of the branch.

“(1.) That an Association be now established, to be called the Temuka Branch of the South Canterbury Temperance Union “(2.) That the members of this Branch shall include all total abstainers of 17 years of age and upwards, who shall have paid an annual subscription of 2s to the funds.

“ (3.) That the objects of the said Branch (a) shall be to secure the election of abstainers as members of the Licensing Bench of the district (or of those who will faithfully carry out the wish of the total abstainers in the said district) ; (b) to assist in the election to Parliament of Representatives favorable to the limitation and ultimate suppresion of the liquor traffic; (c) to endeavor by petitions to Parliament and otherwise to influence legislation in favor of such limitation and suppression ; ( d) to use all legitimate means for the furtherance of total abstinence principles among the inhabitants of the district.

“ (4,) That the management of the Branch shall be vested in a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and 10 members as a Committee, to be elected annually by ballot, at a general meeting of members of the Branch, which, shall be held not later tbaa the second Tburadtgr in Deo* in each yeah

“(5.) Thai the Committee shall meet quarterly, or as often as the President may deem necessary, five (5) to form a quorum ; provided that the President shall al any other time convene a meeting of the Committee on receipt of a requisition to that effect signed by not less than four (4) members of the Committee. “(6} That the duties of the Committee shall be (a) to secure additions to the membership of the Branch, which additions shall be reported at each quarterly meeting; (b) to canvas for votes personally, and by means of such help as may be obtainable in their respective localities at times of licensing elections ; (c ) to arrange for public meetings in the several parts of the districts in rotation as occasion may require, for the purpose of discussing any questions that may arise relating to the administration or amendments of the licensing laws of the colony ; ( d) generally to take such action as may be necessary from time to time in the direction of influencing local opinion, public sentiment and Parliamentary action in favor of temperance legislation, and the just administration of the said laws. “ (7) That at each annual meeting of members the Committee shall present a report and balance sheet, duly audited, covering the business done during the year immediately preceding. “ (8) That the foregoing rules shall not be altered or added to except by a majority of members at an annual or general meeting, after the particulars ofsuch proposed alteration or addition has been notified to the members by circular or in one or more of the local papers, at lease a week prior to such annual or general meeting.”