DUNSTAN BAND OF HOPE,

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 203, 21 December 1871, Page 6

DUNSTAN BAND OF HOPE.

The Kettledrum, held on the evening of the Bth inst, at Clyde, to celebrate the establishment of the. Dunstap Band of Hope, was a most unequivocal success. The attendance was larger than at any similar entertainment given in the district, aijd fche high quality of the amusement provided for the delectation of the audienGe was amply testified to by the repeated bursts of applause, and the many encores that were vociferously demanded. Tea was on the table at

half-past 6 o'clock, at which hour a goodly • number of the juvenile and adult population of the district had assembled. Indeed, so great was the attendance that although accommodation for 140 had been suppjied it wa^ fQ un 4 insufficient, and numbers had to wait till the early coiners had paid their devoirs $q the good things provided, before they coujd get seated at the tables. However, despite this drawback, good humor prevailed and everyone present seemed to take great intei-est in the proceedings. The various tables were presided over by Mesdames Hazlett, W. W, "Wilson, C. P. Bock, G. Clark, Miller, Thormahlen, McConnoohie, Rankin, and Irving, and Miss Coleman. The tables were beautifully decorated with artistically grouped bouquets of flowers, and were well garnished with the good things of this life, iv the shape of edibles, which were in ample quantity, of excellen' | quality -and every variety. The walls of the Hal! were tastefully adorned ■ with floral embellishments. The banner of the Society, on which was inscribed " Dunstmi Band pf Hope," " Peace and good will to all men," was unfurled and attracted attention, as it was the first exhibition of the banner of such a j society in Clyde, and the artistic style it as'-is got up in evoked considerable praise. When all the tables were occupied the coup (Tail showed as pleasant a sight as could be seen qn the goldfields, and the smiling faces of old and young of both sexes involuntarily caused a wish th.it such reunions were I more frequent. The decorations and arrangements wore under the management of Mr. T. Webb, who ably fiil- [ filled the trust reposed in him. L fter tea was over the tables were cleared aud removed into an adjoining room, and the Rev. Joshua Jones touk the Chair. '

The Chairman said that he was glad to see so large an assemblage, and he heartily congratulated the Band of Hope on the success of its first meeting. Total Abstinence Societies were started with a view o.£ suppressing the evjjs of intemperance. Bauds of Hope differed from those societies in cheir operation. One aimed at the cure of the evil by inducing men to give up the use of all intoxicating liquors; the other sought to prevent the young from falling into the temptation and allurements. th:»t beset their youthful path by training them to right thoughtsabout the ■'.'creature," aud exposing the evils to which it so often leads ; also by bringing them together pledged to abstain i fvom its use. They would not fall into the habit of taking intoxicating liquors if they did not acquire a taste for them, and it is a well-known fact that if a glass of liquor were given to a man unaccustomed to the use, his palate would, naturally reject it. By repeated efforts however, for social purposes, he might soon find his distaste passing away, and from rejecting be brought to tolerate, then to like spirits until they became a necessity, and finally fall a victim to their demoralizing power. Acting on the principle that prevention is better than cure, those who are alive to the evils of strong drink, and realize the difficulty that lies in the way of the reform of adults, seek to prevent the young from falling into the drinking customs of society. He was glad to find the Clyde Band of Hope a great success, and he hoped that it might go on its way and prosper, and that all the children of the\ township would rally round the standard that had that day been unfurled, upon which was inscribed a motto f;hat must recommend itself to all — ''Peace and good will to men."

All the choruses sung by the members of tho Society were exceedingly well received, especially the trio " Drive the curse away," which was excellently rendered by Mrs. Eankin, Miss Mary Jane Hastie and McConnoehie. Mr. WW. Wilson recited the " Charge of the iSix Hundred " splendidly, eliciting loud and continued applause. The duets given by Messrs. Harvey and Campbell were performed in a manner which would be creditable to* first-class professional musicians. The exquiste selections they beautifull) played evoked rapturous exclamations of delight from the i audience, and certainly were a treat very seldom enjoyed on the goldfields. Mr. Robert More i-ecited a piece composed by himself, describing the ups and downs he had experienced caused by the baneful effects of intemperance. Mr. Wm. Petrie sung " Erin's Isle " in good styhspv Jftr, JHcConnochie's i*endering of the song " Bonny Prince Charlie " was not as good as he usn-illy sings. Mp. Smith recited " Jock Thorn, pson's e'irly rising." This piece was most amusing to those who understood it, bnfc noue besides Scotchmen c0.q14 comprehend the meaning of the Scottish, expressions it contained. ]y>, Webb r.ecif ed- a Roen* composed qy a i

lady for a similar occasion, in which the " advantages of such meetings, of kindly words, and friendly greetings," were set forth and concluding witlji the following lines ; — Long may we gather as we do to night ; Long may we flourish blending might with right ; Bound in one faith, doing all faith can, To serve God's beauty in his imago man.

Mr. Rankin, the President of the Society, briefly explained the reasons which induced tha originators of the Society to take the matter in hand, and hoped that the Band of Hope would be productive of much good both in the present and future, and that the principles of true temperance would take firm root in the Dunstan district.

The National Anthem was sung, and Mr. iVLcConnouhie proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev, Mr. Jones, for his kindness in presiding over the meeting.

Dancing was commenced shortly afterwards, and was kept up with much spirit until the rising suu gave warning to those present that j.t was time to repair to their homes.