MISS BALGARNIE'S MISSION

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 111, 12 May 1902, Page 2

MISS BALGARNIE'S MISSION

At the conclusion of ! the usual service at Knox Church last night, Miss F. Balgarnie gave an address to a large congregation. Preaching from tbe parable of the Good Samaritan, she said Christians too often forgot their responsibility, and Christian nations often carried wrongs to nations previously free from them. In Jerusalem a brewery had been established, with capital from Christian countries, and Europe had inflicted great injury upon Africa by deluging the land with vile iiquyr. She came to New Zealand thinking she had come to Utopia, but she soon found this country, too, was cursed. At Wellington she saw a woman entering an hotel with an infant in her arms—a sight she did, not expect to see outside London. The average consumption of liquor per head in New Zealand was higher than that of New South Wales, and but little below that of England. New Zealand had a splendid chance of building up a great nation. The London County Council, when licenses came into their bands, suppressed them, and the magistrates in Liverpool had closed more public bouses than the people in Victoria. In New Zealand women had the franchise, and the people had grand power to reduce public houses, even if they did not, refuse the licenses. She urged all Christian people to carry out their high ideals into practical life, and to remember their responsibility at the local option poll.

This afternoon a social reception was held in the Central Mission Hall, Albert-street, to welcome Miss Balgarnie to Auckland. The chair was taken by Mrs A. Dewar, president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and there was a good attendance. Mrs Dewar welcomed Miss Balgarnie, and addresses of welcome were also given by representatives from the various churches and temperance organisations of the city. Miss Balgarnie replied in a few select words. Several mnsical items were rrive.n and a recitation was <riven by Miss Kathleen Taylor. Miss L. Brame acted as .accompanist. Afternoon tea was handed round by the ladies of the W.C.T.U., and a most enjoyable afternoon was snent.

'r'his evenincr, in tbe same ball. Miss Balg-amie will give an address on "Our Glorious Cause." The Eev. Hugh Kelly, M.A.. will preside.