MATTHEW BURNETT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3912, 14 September 1891, Page 3

MATTHEW BURNETT.

(Auckland Herald Correspondent). A congratulatory reception was given a few evenings ago to Matthew Burnett," the Australian social reformer and temperance adyocate, at a meeting convened at Exeter p a il by the committee of the London Auxiliary United Kingdom Alliance, and attended by representatives of B li the leading temperance organisations of the United Kingdom. Yen. Archdeacon Farrar presided, and among the speakers were—SirWilfred Lawson (Bart)M.P, and Messrs W. Johnston, M.P, Uowen Rowlands, JJ.P, and Joshua Bowntree, M.P, the last named being the member for Mr Matthew Burnett's native town, Scarborough. A resolution was adopted rejoicing in the diffusion of temperance principles, and the growth of temperance legislation ihe British Empire, warmJSJpMfßgfatulating Mr Burnett ™ eminently successful Tpitainnw in Australia and New ZealiftEW&nd praying that with renewed ffalth and strength he may •' - continue for many years hiß beneficent labors. Mr Burnett responded at length,~giving details of his 27 years' labors for temperance reform, daring whioh time he had travelled throughout Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, and work 3d among the Maoris and other aborigines, as well as among Europeans. He had covered the great Australian Continent, 25 timoa larger than Great Britain and Ireland. Governors, bishops and men of all classes andopinions bad assisted frim in his work. He had taken 177,000 pledges, and given 150,000 bine ribbon badges. In New Zealand '? ■ Sir George Grey, the ex-Governor, ■ and many other leading men in the colony supported him, and the Government rendered every assistance to reach the natives. |r"~ - Ncr6o chiefs and BCOO of |1 their people had taken the pledge, lIH and he had appointed the chiefs as flepnties to carry on the work, which F llriiatill being vigorously carried on. t 5He had given 12,600pubhc addresses, U fiunder the strain of which his voice way, necessitating a visit to his country, accompanied.by Mrs

Burnett add his two daughters. Under the influence of rest and change Mr Burnett is rapidly regaining the power of his voice, ani hopes speedily to be able to return to Australia and to his accustomed work. Mr Rowntree, M.P., having to leave, left the following note, which was read at the meeting:—" I am glad to have joined, none the less sincerely because silently, in this welcome to our two guests. Asa Yorkshirernan I can heartily testify that my friend Mr Burnett and his labor 3 are much honored in his own country and in the neighborhood of his old home. The temperance workers there as well as everywhere, may Ibarik God and take courage."