TEMPERANCE CONVENTION AT CLINTON.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1030, 20 April 1894, Page 3

TEMPERANCE CONVENTION AT CLINTON.

J A meeting of the Temperance Coni vention was held in the Clinton Presbyterian Church on Saturday last. The Rev. J. U. Spence in the chair. Delegates from the various temperance societies in the electorate were present. Although the, weather was | exceptionally severe, there, were !29 } I gentlemen present, including Messrs Malcolm and Comrie (Kelso), Dr de Latcvur and Stead (Tapanui), Roy and Taylor (Wairunn), Cumming (Arthurton), Smith (Owaka), Johnston (Kaihiku), Roseveare (2) (Waiwera), Hogg and Ramage (Balcltitha),Spence, 8.-g», Stewart, and Campbell (Clinton), Macandrew (Waipahi), W. Paterson and Gnggie (Puerua), A Paterson and M'Neur (Port Molyneux), and Russell and Ayson. The other gentlemen's names were not obtained by our reporter. A letter was read from the Prohibition League, Dunedin, congratulating the Clutha people on their suscess in carrying 'no license,' when it was resolved that the league be thanked for their good wishes. The Chairman informed the meeting that he believed that in the event of any law proceedings arising out of the recent election, any expense incured would be gladly shared by the temperance organisations throughout '(New Zealand. The secretary, Mr Malcolm, reported that he had sent instructions with the approval of Mr Hogg (representing Clutha Good Templar Lodge), to Messrs Adams Bros, to watch procaedings at Balclutha on Monday. A copy of the petition filed against the election was also read, setting forth the grounds of action. Mr Malcolm reported that on being made aware of applications being sent to the Colonial Secretary for club licenses, he had had petitions against these printed' and distributed. Dr de Latour said the convention need not be afraid. He was of opinion that the Government dared <jnot grant these licenses in opposition to the votes recorded on the 21th of March. He moved — ' That this meeting communicate with the member for the district, asking .him to write to the Colonial Secretary re. granting club licenses.' Seconded by Mr Paterson, who mentioned that the Inspector of Police was authorised to report on the matter. — Motion carried. Mr J. Taylor moved— ' That this convention heartily approve of the action of the secretary in the step ' taken against the issue of club licenses.' Mr Johnston seconded the motion, and said that there was not the smallest fear that club licenses would be granted. — Motion carried. Mr Comrie was of the opinion that a very strong petition could be got up, and would be signed by even more people than voted for no license. He moved — ' That this convention urge on all societies the desirability of taking up the petition and getting it signed.' Seconded by Mr Cumming. The petition as drawn up was here read and approved of. The motion was then carried, and it was agreed that copies be at once distributed. The delegate from Port Molyneux reported that more signatures had been obtained to the petition than voted for no license. Mr A. Malcolm moved — « That Messrs M'Nab, Pinkerton, Earnshaw, and Sir Robert Stout, M.RR.'s, and any others that would help, be asked to use their influence against the issue of club licenses in the Clutha County.' — Carried. Dr de Latour moved — • That in view of the manner in which the temperance vote was carried all over the Colony, the time has arrived when the control of all liquor should be placed in the hands of the people either by a plebescite or by national prohibition, and a copy of the resolution should be sent to the Premier, and to our member.' — Seconded by Mr Stead and carried. Mr Malcolm here referred to an article published in the Prohibitionist re the licensing election in Clutha, and wished it made known that he had nothing to do with the particulars of same either directlyor indirectly. The Chairman moved — ' That the convention's best thank 3 be given Mr • Malcolm, the secretary, for the manner in which he had carried out his duties.' Seconded by Mr Taylor and carried, the seconder suggesting that the thanks should take a more substantial shape. Mr Malcolm, in responding, said he felt deeply touched by the vote just, passed. He had no idea of thanks, and the work was a great pleasure indeed to him. The question of forming sub-conven-tions in the different districts with the view of having the convention better represented was discussed, but no conclusion was arrived at. It was resolved to hold convention meetings six-monthly \ special meetings to be called when required by the secretary. Mr Roseveare moved — ' That the various temperance societies he requested to enlarge their borders by any just means in their power.' Seconded by Mr Johnston, and carried. Mr Malcolm moved, and Dr de Latour seconded — ' That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded the press for the full- report of former meetings.'

The Rev. Mr Corarie was appointee treasurer to the convention. It was then resolved that the meet ing go. into committee.