The Blue Ribbon Army.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4510, 19 June 1883, Page 2

The Blue Ribbon Army.

The inaugural meeting «f this movement on' tbe • Thames was held in the Academy of Muaie last evening. The building was crowded in every part. On the stage, beside the speakers and several Auckland friends, were the local minis* ters »nd a strong choir. The Rev. 0. E. Barley occupied the chair, and after the meeting had been opened with singing and prayer, in a few remarks introduced tbe ': ' •». ' ' " '." "' ' •

Rev. G. B. Munro, who said they had come to the Thames to fight against the stronghold of Satan through faith in God. The Blue Ribbon Army was not sectarian, and for that reason all. churches.could meet on one common platform to forward its cause. It was also a decided movement, and better, than that, it was Scriptural in its teachings. It was making good progress in England. He thought all ministers should be total abstainers, and in bis opinion the time would come before long when no minister or person holding a public position would be able to keep it unless they w ere total abstainers. Alter giving some statistics as to how the work was spreading, he concluded by exhorting all Christians to put forth their energies, and work for the gospel temperance movement. Mr Thos. '. Spur geon • gave a gospel address, illustrating it by relating several incidents which he had come across daring bis ministry at Auckland and elsewhere. He rejoiced in the Bine Ribbon army, because it was linked with the gospel, which was the only thing that could help a man to conquer his evil passions. .. He also liked the wearing of the " bit o' blue," as it showed what side the person was on, and thus often kept him out of temptation.'

■ ■ Mr Douse said they might ask what was the need of any more temperance organisations on the Thames. For reply hie would say that there was still plenty of work for the Army to do; in New Zealand alone 2000 persons died every year from the effects of the cursed drink, and in, England sixty times that number. In the management of the Army each district organisation was presided over by a Christian committee, and the expenses were defrayed, by voluntary contributions.

After the meeting had been closed in tbe usual manner, in answer to an appeal to those present to take the pledge and don the blue ribbon, about 100 came forward. A grand demonstration is to be held this evening in the Congregational Church, Mary street, and all- who cannot find room there are requested to go to the Primitive Methodist Church.