I.O.G.T.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1508, 20 May 1886, Page 3

1.0.G.T.

The usual weekly meeting of the Welcome Retreat Lodge, Geraldine, was hold on Mouday evening. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmee', and one member initiated. The lodge was then made an open one. There was a tair attendance of the public, the hall being about three parts filled, j The W.C.T. occupied the chair, »nd bespoke an attentive audience. He stated that he wis pleased to be able to report good progress oa the part of the lodge since the last open night. He then called on Miss Beckley to open the evening's amusement with a song, and that lady responded with "Driven from home." Mr T. Sherratt came next with a humorous reading, which seemed to please the audience immensely. A duet by Miss Andrewa and the W.C.T. was very nicely given, and heartily applauded, Mr C. E. Sherratt followed with a eolo, "Think before you speak." The Rev. J. Boothroyd was then called upon to address the meeting. He expressed bis pleasure at being present, and also lo hear that Good Tetnplary was progressing in Geraldine. He had himself noticed signs of improvement since he came to Geraldine. He referred to the great hold the temperance movement was taking upon the people of England, and gave some quotations of the numbers that had lately takon the pledge in some of the larger towns there. He also stated that he bad noticed in the papers that the priaon population of England was decreasing, and had been for many years pa6t. While in 1878 there had been a prison population of 20,900, it was now/mlylG^OGO—some 4700 persons less in prison last year than in 1878. This he thought was owing in a great measure to the spread of temperance principles. The people had become more eober, ani consequently there was less crime. The Rev. Mr Boothroyd also referrtd to the progress of temperancn in New Zealand, mentioning the New Zealand Temperance Alliance, which had in view the furtherance of the tomperance cause in New Zealand. He strongly urt;ed his hearers to go if possible and hear the great temperance lecturer, Mr Noble, who was at present in New Zealand, and told an anecdote which Mr Noble used to relate illustrating how a person or a lodge may think that progress is being made when it really is not. He referred to Dr Guthrie, the great worker in the temperance cauee, having been in> duced to sign the pledge through the influence of an Irish coachman, who was an abstainer, and he (the speaker) urged upon his hearers to remember that they each had an influence, and that they ought to abstsin for the sake of those around them. Mrs Porteous was the next on the programme, and gave a song, for which she waa encored, but did not respond. The W. C. T. also gave a solo, " Kathleen Aroon," and was followed by Miss Maslin with the solo "The Old Kentucky home." Mr O. E, Sherratt next gave a humorous reading, which he, as Overseer of the asphalting operations at present being carried on in Geraldine, would do well to remember. It was entitled " Our new payment." Mr E. Logan was the last on the programme, and sang in capital style the cornic song "Rather," which took so well with the audience thnt an encore was demanded, and as a response " John the Masher" was given, which pleased the audience immensely. In closing the meeting Mr Maslin made a few remarks in reference to the progress which had been reported, ' and urged upon those present to become total abstainers, especially the young men, and enumerated some of the benefits that occurred through being pledged against drink. He advised those present who could possibly manage it to go to Timaru next Thursday and hear Sir William Fox, who w*s to speak there that evening, in case the demands upon his time should prevent him from visiting Geraldine. iVEr Maslin also stated that it was intended to pay an omcial visit to the Pride of Peel Forest Lodge on the following evening, and invited all members who could make it convenient to go. A coach would convey the party there and back at a moderate charge. A party of about 13 in number, including Mr W. S. Maslin, D.D., and the W. C. T. of the Geraldine Lodge, paid a visit to the Peol Forest Lodge on Tuesday evening, proceeding thither by Mes3Brß J. Mundell and Co.'s coach. The night waa beautifully fine, and ample preparation had been made to receive the visitors, an abundance of tea and good thirjgs being provided. Not the least feature in the evening's enjoyment was a wood fire, which provd very attractive to the guests after their long drive. During the evening several songs were sung and readings by tlio visitors and members of the lodge, and matters of interest (o Good Templars generally were tiilkod ovtir. T' o p illy returned to G'eraldno about 12 o'clock, hoviug enjoyed uicst thoroughly,