THE NO-LICENSE MOVEMENT

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12478, 14 April 1906, Page 7

THE NO-LICENSE MOVEMENT

ANNUAL CONVENTION OF PROHIBITIONISTS.

From forty to fifty delegates to the annual convention of No-lioense workers in Canterbury met in the W.C.T.U. rooms yesterday morning, and were officially welcomed by tihe Roy. S. Lawry, ticiallv welcomed by tho Rev. S. Lawry. The annual report was adopted, and the measurer, in his balance-sheeit, showed a small surplus. LOCAL OPTION IN GREAT BRITAIN. lie Rev. F. W. Isitt asked permission to move without notice, and _ permission being readily given, accordingly moved—''That thi6 convention of workers for No-license (meeting on .a day when Christendom holds in special reverence the memory of Him wno died to save men from all evil) expresses its deep gratitude to God for, and heartily congratulates its comrades throughout tho colony on ttae resolution by which 271 membere of tho British Houeo of Comnions (only 44 opposing) voted on April 11th in favour of the adoption of the principle of local option k\ Great Britain, and were avowedly induced to do co in part booauae of its success in the colonies. It regards this fact as proving that God has given to those living in this young colony a great trust —an endowment of opportunity, which is remarkable for co small a population living in a young land at the utmost distance from tho centre of the Empire, and it believes that the possession of so great a trust demands that titioso to whom it is given shall exercise increased oarni-abiieas, liberality, and systematic effort to carry No-license in at least the great majority of electorates at tho poll of 1908." The motion was agreed to. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Tho officers elected for the guidance of affairs during the ensuing year wero:—President, Mr J. A. Flesher; vice-presidents, Mr H. G. EU, M.H.R., Mr T. E. Taylor, and the Rev. L. M. I*-itt; secretary, the Rev. 6. Lawry; treasurer, Mr R. Ellison. This drew a sotto voce remark from a lady that now the Council was entirely' in the hands of the gentlemen, it was to bo hoped they would justify tho selection in their works. THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE. The importance of the annual Colonial Conference, to bo held in Auckland in June, was emphasised, and it was urged upon Councils and Leagues that all should send representatives, even if travelling expenses had to be paid by the society represented. THE REDUCTION ISSUE. The reduction vote was referred to by the Rev. S. Lawry, who was emphatically of opinion that more prominence should be given to the reduction issue and the temptations to drink lessened wherever possible, Speakesrs to the subject were strongly reductionist in their utterances, and it was resolved—"That every possible effort be mado to instruct the people as to the value and importance of voting for 'reduction' as well as for 'Nolicense' by striking out the top line only." PLEDGE-TAKING. The Rev. L. M. Isitt opened up tho question of pledge-taking, and impressed the conference with the importance of renewed efforts in the direction of pledging young and old against aloohol. An interesting discussion was interrupted by the luncheon adjournment. The convention resumed at 2 p.m., Mr J. A. Flesher presiding. THE MAJORITT FOR NO-LIOENSE. It was resolved, on tho motion of Mies Roborts—"That this conference expresses its deep thankfulness to Almighty God for the success of the No-lioense movement throughout New | Zealand, as evidenced, by the large increase in tbe colonial majority, which :bas risen from 3000 in 1002 to nearly 1 16,000 in 1905. This convention deplores the fact that so many Christian men and women have, by their votes, given continuance to a traffic which during the next three yea:m, wiil not only bring degradation and misery to very many of their fellow creatures, but will also send numbers to an untimely and dishonoured grave." GENERAL. The Rev. R. S. Gray spoke on the constitution of the Council, outlining a plan aimed to make tho Council accurately representative of the temperanoe and No-licenss forces of the province. The constitution agreed upon finally was the result of much discussion, and will come into force from March next. A discussion on " Preparation for the Poll" was opened by Mr J. A. Flesher, who received a vote of thanks for his paper. CLUB CHARTERS. In the matter of club charters, it was resolved—"That this convention indignantly protests against the action of Government in granting charters for the sale of intoxicating drinks to clubs at Mastorton, Feilding, Hastings, and Wellington. As the people affected by these licenses recorded a majority vote far No-liocn6e, and the colony as a whole determined in its favour by a majority of some 16.000 votes, this convention regards tlie granting of these charters as a flagrant defiance of democratic principles, and expresses the hope that the Government will not similarly set at naught the expressed will of th© people." EVENING SESSION, The first business on resuming waa tho following motion by Mr H. G. Ell, M.H.R., which was adopted unanimously : — <; That this Convention of temperance workers would strongly urge upon.all temperance organisations and sympathisers the desirability ot making every effort to secure the election of temperance Licensing Committees." The Rev. F. W. Isitt spoke on finance, and an interesting discussion followed, resulting in the following resolution being carried:—"That the Convention approves of the financial scheme propounded to provide funds for the future work of tne No-License cause, and pledges itself to do its utmost to make it a complete success.'' The subject of literature was introduced by Air H. G. Ell, M.H.R., and was discussed at length. Mr George Dash spoke on social clubs, outlining the financial machinery of three institutions known to him. The discussion of tho subject resulted in a motion being carried, referring the question to the Executive, and the passing of a vote of thanks to Mr Dash. The question of scientific temperance instruction in public schools wiae discussed, and the necessity for the subject being compulsory in tho public schools was affirmed.