SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 247, 18 January 1916, Page 6

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

P ROC ESSION T II KQUG H THE STREETS OF SYDNEY.

Unusual interest was taken in the •conveyance to Parliament House of the huge petition for 0 o’clock closing of liquor bars. A petition of two miles in length, with 144,600 signatures, demanded a triumphal procession. The signatures were obtained by voluntary workers mostly. The Churches, Temperance Societies, and other willing workers (including scores of women) all contributed their quota. At the given signal, about 200 members of the National Women’s Movement, and a number of ministers and laymen, headed by the Marshal, Mr Phillips, led the way into George Street. Immediately following came the motor lorry carrying the petition. This was wound on a large reel, which was decorated with ribbon* and wattle. Around the lorry were many painted placards, advocating 6 o’cloc k c losing. Members of the* Professional Musicians’ Union on the lorry played throughout the pro ession patriotic airs. After the lorry, about 40 motor cars followed. Archbishops Wright’s car, occupied by Archdeacon Boyce and others, taking precedence. Then came the beautiful floral car belonging to the State President of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which carried some of the' officers, and Mrs Helen Barton, of Glasgow. Most of the temperance societies were represented by one or more motor cars. Many painted placards and banners were carried, illustrating temperance sentiments. The streets from the Town Hall to Parliament House, were lined with onlookers, but very little demonstration was made until the women, who headed the procession, arrived at Parliament House by 1.25. They were heartily cheered as they marched inside the* gates. The lorry pulled up at the step* as the band played, “Advance, Australia Fair.” —N.S.W. “White Ribbon Signal.”