A Temperance Convention.

White Ribbon, Volume 8, Issue 96, 1 May 1903, Page 5

A Temperance Convention.

Having a few hours to spare on April 10th, I looked in at the Convention of Temperance Workers which was being held in Christchurch on that and the following days. The personnel of the Convention was decidedly interesting. First of all, an M.H.R. was in the chair—a happy augury of a time when all our legislators shall be men (and women ?) of not only sober habits themselves but ready to further any means which may help to bring their fellows to a like condition. Then, prominent among the most active members of the little company were several of the teaching profession. To mould the future of a country and its inhabitants first gain the ear of the parents, and next of the day school teachers. Bright indeed with promise is the district whose state school teachers realise their high privilege and holy calling, and throw their enormous influence directly on the side of temperance. Next to be noted was the number of young people who were delegates to the Convention, their presence not only giving freshness and enthusiasm to the proceedings, but betokening the fact that should the present leaders fall by the way, there will not be wanting well equipped men and women to take their places. As to the discussions and deliberations, it is not my purpose here to record them, but I may note that during

the few hours 1 was present at the Convention, the prominent idea was “ The youth of the colony for Temperance.” And the youthful speakers were the most emphatic on this point. The boys and girls of to day, said they in effect, will be the voters at the next election. Get hold of them. The young men and maidens of to-day will be our judges, our doctors, our professors, our politicians, our business men, our teachers, of fifteen years hence. Get hold of them. *>

Band of Hope work, too, came in for special pleading. Teach the children not only to abtain but also why they should abstain—the child’s natural tvky should not be stifled. Teach them not only to abstain from alcohol, but from everything that mars or deforms God’s noblest work. Give them practical instruction in matters pertaining to healthful diet, physical exercises, etc. Interest them in Nature, in everything, in fact, that will make them better fitted to resist the claims of alcohol should the evil ever seek to gain a hold. Make the Band of Hope true to its name in every sense of the word. Set an ideal before the young minds. Do not allow the dialogue to become a vehicle for the portrayal of vice and folly. Get hold of the children.

Naturally, the matter of Scientific Temperance Instruction in schools Hid not escape notice, and, in the opinion of those teachers present, the best way of securing this greatly desired end is to include it in the subject of physiology, as is done in the schools of the Dominion of Canada. — Onlooker.