TEMPERANCE NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3771, 28 March 1891, Page 2

TEMPERANCE NOTES.

NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS The advance of total abstinence principals, of which this demonstration was only our local expression may be noticed in the general tone of society towards the subject; which is so modified that the professed abstainer is not now regarded as one who feels he cannot protect himself against intemperance without a solemn pledge; bat his presence among moderate drinkers is a check and reproof; none bat the very lowest classes now vsnturing to sneer at him. The manner in which the congregation a,id clergy of the various religious denominations have adopted the total abstinence practice not merely as a social reform, but as a religious obligation, demonstrates how the heart of the masses beats on the subject. We find also in the House of Lords a considerable number of avowed abstainers, and in the Commons uo less than over one hundred members. The several great organisations for the abolition of the drink traffic by legislative effort is also a notable feature in our progress and the general agitation of thought throughout Europe and America gives us every reason to believe that the labours of Theobald Matliew had a large share in the causing of such a grand reformation. His like has not since appeared. May it not be that, having done the work given to him to do, the spirit of social reform was then liberated, and ever since has been operating on every earnest soul which loves his fellow-man ?

One lesson was taught by this demonstration which should impress all most hopefully—the evil spirit of religious antagonism was completely cast out, and men of all shades of thought commingled as brethren to aid righteousness of life, a consummation infinitely higher than unity of opinion! —Dublin Coffee Palace and Temperance Journal.

A -MODEL COUNCIL. The Rerv. Cjesar Caine, of York, says that 110 board in the land is more in touch with the people than the London County Council. They had bought in Bethnal Green over 15 acres of proporty. A good pirt of this had been a perfect rookery of filth and crime. The whole of this property was about to be pulled down, and with it 110 less than 12 public houses, on the site of which dwellings for the working class were to be erected, and not a single public house. This same body had also taken over asylums and industrial schools, where additional temperance and other good work was being carried on. In one of the industrial schools a band of hope has been inaugurated, with the result that over 400 of the youths had joined. Means were also being adopted to follow these youths on their leaving the school, and to endeavour to see that they keptfaithful to their pledge. The county couucil had taken over the parks in London, and issued notices that no drink, should be sold in any of these parks or open spaces under their control. They were determined to put down the drink in music halls, as they considered that drinking should not be associated with the pleasure of the people. So that in the future few, if any music halls, would be able to have a drink license. Temperance teaching was now to be given in the day schools, and temperance reading and copy books were to be provided. He only wished the authorities woald allow him to write the copies, which would be something after the following style :—" The public house is a huge nuisance and a misery."