THAMES TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 15, 24 October 1871, Page 3

THAMES TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.

The annual soiree of this Society was held last evening, the Rev. S. Davies, President of the Association, in the chair. There was a very large attendance, and amongst those present were many ladies. The following officiated at the tea tables, which were well supplied, and to which ample justice was done : Mesdames Bright, Rountree, J. P. Jones, J. Nicholl, and Misses Rowe (4), Marshall, Viall, and Meachatn. After tea, which was served in the Home Institute, the meeting adjourned to St. George’s Hall, where a very attractive programme was provided for the evening’s entertainment. The Rev. Chairman, in his opening address, congratulated the Society upon the progress it had made since its establishment at the Thames, of which this was the second anniversary. The cause of temperance, lie believed, was spreading throughout the world, and would ultimately triumph, because it had the cause of truth at its foundation. He called upon the Secretary to read the report. This was identical witli that submitted to the last meeting at the Karaka school house, and showed the society to be progressing. The balance sheet, submitted by the Treasurer exhibited a balance to the credit of the society of £2 19s. The following programme was then gone through in a very creditable manner, and to the manifest pleasure of those present — song, “ The Anchor’s Weighed,” Mr. Shelton ; address, Rev. Mi’. Butland ; duet, Misses Rowe ; “ Rock me to Sleep,” Miss 'Wiseman. This young lady was loudly encored, and responded to the call by giving “ Father Come Home,” with much good taste and feeling. The Rev. Mr. Butland then addressed the meeting in support of the temperance cause, illustrating his remarks by an anecdote of a publican, who, becoming convinced by a city missionary of the error of his way, shut up his pubic house, and is now a deacon. A reading from Tennyson by Mr. J. Speight, and an address by the Rev. Mr. Watters were very well received, and were followed by a glee by Messrs. Shelton and others. The comic song of “ The Student in London,” by Mr. Jones, elicited an encore. An amusing dialogue by Mr. J. Nodder and Mr. W. Bagnall caused much laughter. Mr. Mason and others addressed the meeting, urging the importance of the temperance movement, and congratulating those present upon the success which had attended it in this district. The Naval Volunteer Band lent its attraction to the evening’s entertainment, and at the close of the proceedings gave “ God Save the Queen,” in which all present joined. A very instructive and pleasant evening was passed, and the result cannot be other than gratifying to the members of the Society, and to all who were present on the occasion.