THE TEMPERANCE MISSION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1400, 3 October 1885, Page 3

THE TEMPERANCE MISSION.

KAKAHU, On Wednesday evening last Mr Matthew Burnett, the Temperance Lecturer, visited Hilton, and addressed the residents of the Kakahu district in the schoolhouse. About 60 persons were present, and Mr J. S. Waite pnsided. A juvenile choir, under Miss M, Meredith’s leadership, rendered valuable service in assisting the singing during the evening. Mr Burnett gave some of his real life pictures, including “ Honest John,” “ Irish Mac.,” and “Steve and Janet.” The lecturer in his pourtrayal of the character of “Honest John,” an expublican and gambler who lived in the outskirts of Melbourne, narrated how he had become connected with the Te'raperance cause through attending the lecturer’s meetings, and how he, making use of his knowledge of the most degraded in the town, succreied by an untiring zeal and energy in inducing upwards of a

thousand to sign the pledge. Of the other cliaracters referred to, Air Burnett's reminiscenecß of his converts, Steve and Janet, were listened to with much pleasure, Mr Burnett was frequently greeted with applause, and received it heartily when he sat down. At the close of the address 44 took the pledge and blue ribbon, and five family cards were issued. This result may be considered a great success, for in addition to those who signed a number in the room either wore the ribbon or were Good Templars.

GERALDINE. On Thursday Mr Burnett held a meeting in the Primitive Methodist Church for mothers, wives and daughters. There was a good attendance, and at the close 16 signed the pledge. In the evening Mr Barnett conducted a Temperance meeting in the Oddfellows’ Hall, and, notwithstanding the boisterous state of the weather, the iia.il was almost filled. After the meeting had been opened by Mr Burnett, Mr Dunlop was elected Chairman for the evening. During the course of the meeting the choir, under the leadership of Mr T. Sherrati, sang several hymns, and a duet by Mrs Glass and Miss Andrews, “ Where is my Boy to-night,” and the solo “ The little Bow of Blue,” by Miss Dunlop, were pleasingly ren dered. The lecturer chose as a subject for Ins address the central life picture—the late Dr Mitchell, of Ballarat, In his native place, Birmingham, the doctor—who had unfortunately contracted (he vices of intemperance and gambling during his career at college—gained considerable fame as an occulisl and inventor, but his vices, getting the npper hand of his better qualities, brought him down to such a low ebb in the social world that he was obliged to leave tlie country. Arriving in Melbourne, he made his way up the country to the great goldfield centre—Ballarat. Here the doctor still continued his old habits, if any thing in a worse degree, till he became alike a horror to women and children as he passed along the street. The lecturer then narrated how lie had held out the hand of fellowship to this apparently confirmed drunkard, and induced him to attend his meetings—and at last to give up his old habits and join the Temperance cause. Dr Mitchell was possessed of extraordinary genius and skill, and when once lie began to use these for the benefit of his follow-,;natures he quickly gained the topmost rung of the ladder in the esteem and respect of all who knew him. Mr Burnett was loudly cheered for his interesting address on taking his seat. Nineteen persons came forward at the close and donned the blue ribbon, and several family cards were also given. The Rev. Jns, Preston, after expressing his sympathy with the movement, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Burnett lor the good work he had done in the district during his mission. Mr Preston also gave a few words of advice to those who had taken or were about to take the pledge, urging them not to take it without thought of what they were doing—only perhaps to break it again—-but to take it with the intention of keeping it, and to ask for Divine assistance to do so.

Mr Coltman, in a few suitable remarks, seconded the vole, which was carried with acclamation.

During Mr Burnett’s mission in the district 230 have taken the pledge and donned the blue ribbon, and out of this number 180 joined in Geraldine alone,