W.C.T.U.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 September 1939, Page 10

W.C.T.U.

masterton branch. ADDRESS BY REV J. DAVIE. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging,” was the basis of an inspiring address given to the ordinary meeting of the Masterton branch of the W.C.T.U. by the Rev J. Davie. Referring to the Great War the speaker reminded his hearers of what Mr Lloyd George had said: “That Britain’s greatest enemy was strong drink” and the effects are still in evidence today, said Mr Davie. India was an outstanding example today where very large portions of the country were going dry, resulting in thousands of people flocking to Christian standards. The fact that millions of pounds were lost by this means in revenue was of no concern to a country rising above this menace to real progress, he said. To manufacture £1,000,000 worth of alcohol it required 500 workers. Nine times that number were employed in manufacturing foodstuffs. Alcohol was good for dead things, it preserves them, but live things it kills. Mr Davie was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address. The Temperance fact was presented by Miss Tankersley as follows: “I do not know any more potent cause of disease than alcohol; it is the commonest thing for people to be injured by drinks without being drunkards— Sir Wm. Gull. Afternoon tea which was much appreciated was served by the hostesses, Mrs Parker and Miss Jackson. The president read the report of the Wellington district executive which dealt with matters appertaining to the refugee problem, special petitions for peace in New Zealand, dates being fixed for a day in each month when the W.C.T.U. would be in charge of a hall at the Centennial Exhibition. Recommendations had been considered regarding the stricter enforcement of the law in respect to the Treaty of Waitangi. The president called on Mrs Speight to close the meeting, reading portions of the Dominion president’s letter prior to prayer and pronouncing the Benediction.