TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1035, 25 May 1894, Page 5

TEMPERANCE CONVENTION.

A convention of temperance delegates was held in M'Kenzie's Hall, Balclutha, yesterday. Mr F. Graham presided, and the following delegates were present : — Balclutha : Miss- Anscombe, Revs. J. D. Jory and S. W. Cnrne, and Messrs Hogg, Sandilands, Ferrar, Bamage ; Waitaki : Messrs Walter Seth Smith, S. Seth Smith ; Warepa : Messrs J. Wilson, E, Ayson ; Puerua: Eev. A. M. Dalrymple, Mi W. Paterson ; Invercargill : Eev. W. Woollass; Waikaka: Mr W. Ayson; Port Molyneux : Messrs A. Pat-v-.on, J. M'Neur, S. Bakatipu; Waiwera: Messrs Boseveare and .Anderson; Wakatipu: Mr E. Dodds ; Gore and Mataura ; Messrs Baker and Bust ; Arthurton : Mr Cumming ; Tapanui: Mr Whitefield ; Clinton : Mr Jas. Begg ; Kelso : Mr Malcolm ; Catlins : Mr J. M'Call Smith . Wairuna : Mr Taylor ; North-East Valley : Mrs J. Hislop, Mr John Begg ; Port Chalmers : A. Thomson ; Dunedin : Eev. A. H. Wallace, A. C. Broad. Messrs A. S. Adams, J. W. Jago; Graham, J. Waikins, P. Bankin ; Eoslyn : A. C. Begg; Caversham : Eev. E. Walker, Mrs Walker. Mr A. Thomson moved — " That this convention congratulate the Clutha electors on their splendid vote for no license at the recent local option poll, and assures them of the practical support of the party throughout Otago in the event of any necessity arising therefor." He could not help being siruck with the marked change that had come over the Clutha district in this respect since he first knew it. Mr A. C. Begg seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr Jago aud carried, and acknowledged by the Eevs. Jory and Dalrymple. At the invitation of the chairman Mrs Hislop made a few remarks on the advisability and necessity of temperance instruclion being imparted in our public schools, more particularly in regard to the effects of alcohol on the system. Mr A. C. Begg moved — " That this meeting thank Mrs Hislop for her statement, and request that the boards of education and school committees take into their consideration the adoption of lessons on the nature and effect of alcohol in our public school." It seemed to him that this was most important as regards temperance in the future. Mr J. Begg (North-east Valley) seconded the motion. Mr W. Seth Smith supported the motion, remarking that he thought there had been considerable laxity in the matter. Mr Jago said the education board some years ago had put Dr Eichardson's book on the list of hooks to be used in the schools, but the difficulty was to make room for it in the present syllabus. However, what they wanted was really authorised at the present time. Eev. Mr Dalrymple said when he first saw Dr Eichardson's book he was greatly disappointed with it. It was far too elaborate for school use ; more scientific and fitted for students. Mr Jago said that Dr Eichardson's was the only book in existence at the time. There were several now. The teachers in some parts of America were required to pass an examination in temperance physiology. The motion was carried. Mr Jago moved urging a repeal of the provision for a half poll, a threefifths majority for prohibition, the three years licenses ; to make club licenses and railway refreshment rooms to be subject to the local vote ; condemning the. power given to any two members of committee, to grant a I conditional licenee. and the power of the chairman, the Stipendiary Magistrate to grant a club license ; affirming the desirability of the plain issue, license or no licence, being put to the electors, and that the license fees go to the consolidated fund, cost of elections to be a charge on same fund. — In support of the motion the mover eaid that out of 62 polls held 38 were void, a section of the community having effected their purpose by staying away. He was personally not so anxious for the repeal of the three-fifths majority, though that position could not be defended. But the question arose should a majority or a minority rule ? The three years' license was an innovation and should never have appeared on the statute book. There was not a railway refreshment room in the Colony that would remain open were their business confined solely to railway traveller? for which they were authorised, and it was scandalous that the Stipendiary Magistrate had power to grant a wholesale license altogether independent of the local option vote. Mr Malcolm seconded the motion. Eev, Mr Dalrymple was strongly in favour of a larger than a bare majority. Education should go in advance of legislation, and he should be sorry to see prohibition carried where public opinion was not strong enough to enforce it. Mr Dodds also favoured a good majority. Mr A. S. Adams said it-was a question as to whether majorities or minorities should rule. It must be the one or the other,

Rev. S. W. Currie said the logical position was that majorities should rule, but there was the question of expediency, which in this case he was inclined to favour. Rev. Mr Walker said with regard to the enforcement of the vote that was a matter of administration. Rev. A. H. Wallace said it was not right to place on the statute book of the Colony a proviso that a minority should rule. Eev. A. C. Broad and Mr J, M'Call Smith supported the motion, which, Mr Jago having replied, was cai-ried. A series of resolutions moved by Mr Adams relative, to the grouping of several electoral districts and laying down certain lines for the better advancement of the Temperance cause were carried. Included in these was a motion affirming the desirability of a prohibition vote being taken over the whole colony which evoked some hostile criticism.