BAND OF HOPE UNION ENTERTAINMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3383, 31 May 1881, Page 2

BAND OF HOPE UNION ENTERTAINMENT.

TIIKRE was a large gathering; of persona at the Temperance Hall last evening, assembled for the purpose of listening to Several addresses by friends and promoters of the recently established Band of Hope Union, for the district of Auckland aud suburbs. A very interesting programme of ballads and •.-elections of music had been carefully prepared for the occasion, and which was duly appreciated. Mr Thomas

Buddie was appointed Chairman, and in his opening remarks, expressed his pleasure at seeing .«o many persons present, and his warm sympathy with so useful a movement the immediate object of which was to spread intelligently a knowledge of the principles which Ihe Union had at heart. Mr Huddle then read the report, t-hewing the operations of the three months since the formation of the Union. The

Union had not been idle. 120 copies of circular (A) had been issued to Sundayschools ; good results) had followed, and more was anticipated. The report went on to shew that IS Hands of Hope existed in the Auckland province, but the nieniborship is nut yet ut-certuinablc. Five have joined the Union, and it is confidently hoped that when tho nature of the Union is thoroughly understood every society will he affiliated. In some cages it is the acknowledged want of proper management only which is the cause of inattention to circular (B) attached. The Union lias, thanks to the exertioiui of Mr Joseph Newman, sent home a sum of money tor literature for distribution, and the other operations of the Union will be further extended. The Speakers' Plan Committee is at work, and steps have been taken to organise a competition for prizes. A service of song is in preparation, to bo given by members of the various Bands of Hope, and it is believed that by such means a connectivencss and friendly relationship will be brought about whioii will prove of mutual benefit to all, and help tlie pi ogress of the work amongst the young, l'lie early formation of senior societies is desirable, and will receive the attention of the council. 1 lie report was adopted. Having made some remarks on the proposed Cofl'ee Palace as a means of counteracting the unhealthy influences of the j^tn palace, Mr Buddie called upon gentlemen to deliver their promised addresses. Key Samuel Edger, B. \., was the lirst speaker, and was rather surprised at the character of the audience, composed mostly of juvenile. Ho did not believe in popular excitements, cither in relation to temperance, politics, or religion. In dealing with children patience was essentially necessary. Mr Ed«er theu poiu tod out the dilfeience between the CnfTco Palace and the Band of Hope Union. The aim of the former was to cure an existing evil, but the object of the Union was to prevent the evil fruin permeating society in the future. The speaker then proceeded to shew the importance of inculcating just principles in the minds of young pcraous, ami forming habits calculated to fit them for the due performance of duty. Mr George Hemus spoke at some length, and said that he felt a deep interest in the movoment, and hoped yet to sco a town hall erected, in which the Union might hold its mass meetiugs once a year, as iv former days in Kxeter Hall, and in the halls of other English cities. Mr Eiemus' speech was listened to with much attention, aud characterised by occasional quaintness and sparks of humour. The remaining speaker was the Rev. L. M. Isitt (Wcsleyan Minister), who urged the necessity of an organised plan of operation ; he thought they need not wait for the great hall hinted at by Mr Hemus, as the Choral Hall was within reach aud sufficient for present purposes

At intervals a number of very pleasing ballads were given, Miss Goodacre, the temperance pianist, playing the accompaniments. The ballads "At tho Ferry," by Miss Dobson, aud " Good-by, Old Home," by Miss Lawrence, gave much satisfaction. Mr Littlowood, who had got fairly over his cold, sang with good effect, "Eileen Alaunah ;" Mr King came forward with his favourite ditty "The Vagabond ;" Mr Goodison sang "Forging the Anchor." The meeting closed in tho usual way-