MEETINGS. ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 149, 24 June 1903, Page 2

MEETINGS. ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

AUCKLAND BAND OF HOPE UNION.

The programme of the last annual gathering of the Auckland Band of Hope Union was repeated last night before a large audience in St. James' IlalJ, the Mayor (Hon. E. Mitchelson) presiding. He was supported on the platform by the Rev. R. L. "Walker, M.A., Mr C. G. Hill, president of the Union, and Mr J. H. Hannan. His Worship, when opening the proceedings, expressed his sympathy with the aims of the Temperance party, and said more could be done to teach sobriety by example and the teaching of the young than by fire brands and agitators. The only way to stop the illicit sale of liquor in the colony would be to punish it by Imprisonment instead of fines, as the profits were so large that fines were easily paid. There were signs that the people wished for the control of the liqnor trade, and he hoped the next poll would be even more successful for temperance workers than the last. An address upon Temperance subjects was given during the evening by the Rev. R. L. "Walker, who pointed out that New Zealand was far in advance of the Old Country in Temperance legislation. He was convinced that gambling was the evil which wanted fighting in the colony, for its Influence was more subtle than drink. They must, however, be careful to see that they were not dominated by the liquor traffic, or it would dominate the country.

The pleasing programme, contributed by the children, which had previously been so successful, was repeated under Mr S. Friths direction, and in addition there were several attractive items. Mr Hamilton Hodges STirre a baritone solo in arimlrable taste and tone, and thoroughly deserved his hearty encore, and Madame Laura Daw sang two very pleasing solos. Mr" Harry Jordan caused much merriment with a temperance recital, and was recalled, and Mrs T. Clark (vice Miss Brame) played a march on the pianoforte, which met with cordial appreciation, and had to bo repeated. Professor Potter's clnb display was splendidly .!•;>(•. the movements being varied and fiiiishml. Miss Thorne and Mrs Clarke won; the accompanists during the evening. nn<l Mr H. Townsend carried out the secretarial duties in connection with the gathering.