THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1737, 23 August 1883, Page 2

THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

A social gathering of those interested in the Gospel Tempeiance Mission anrl Bine Ribbon Army was held at the Oddfellow's Hall, Hamilton, on Tuesday evening. There were over fifty persons present, and the chair was occupied by the Rev J. Dukes, Wesleyan Minister. The proceeolingscommenced with Hynm 84, Sankey's collection, and the chairman engaged in prayer. The following programme was then gone through :— Duet, " Lord of all power and might,'' Mrs Home and Miss Trewheellar ; reading, from J. B. Goughs -works, Mr N. R. Cox ; solo, "My Wandering Boy," Mrs Salmon ; address, Mr French ; solo and chorus, " The drunkard's lone child," Mrs Dukes and choir ; Hymn 15. The meeting closed with the benediction, pronounced by Mr Dukes. In the course of his remarks, Mr French referred with pleasure to the spread of the Gospel Temperance movement, and said energetic measures were now being taken to bring the natives under its influence, At the re* quest of the chairman, those who had already joined the Army, and those who purposed doing so, remained behind, the former to receive the tickets of membership and the latter to make the neeess.try declaration and obtain the blue badge. Including those who joined on Tuesday, the adherents of the Army in Hamilton and neighbourhood now number about (30. The chairman announced that meetings would be held monthly, alternately at Hamilton West and Hamilton East, and expressed a hope that each successive meeting would be as productive of good as the fiist. At the closy of the proceedings those present made a subscription to defray the preliminary expenscsr