TEMPERANCE PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1933, Page 11

TEMPERANCE PROBLEM

SOCIAL PROGRESS WORK

Two addresses were given at the first combined meeting of the Women's Social Progress Movement, which was held in St. John's Schoolroom, Upper Dixon Street, yesterday afternoon. The speakers were the Rev. J. R. Blanehard and Mr. J. Malton Murray. Miss Mary McLean, C.8.E., presided over a large attendance. "The Temperance Problem" was the subject of the Rev. J. R. Blanehard's address. One thing needed today, he said, was for responsible people' to awaken to the fact that there was a problem of temperance. "It is my firm conviction," he remarked, "that the' day will come when humanity will abolish the manufacture and sale for ordinary consumption of those alcoholic beverages out of which, this problem emerges." Such a step, however, needed 'the enlightened conviction and aroused conscience of the people, other-.' wise such a step would be not only impossible, but likely to create worse evils than it might cure. An educational policy to inform the mind and awaken the conscience was the task before the present generation. Much could be done in the home, the church, and the school in that direction.

Mr. J. Malton Murray said there was urgent need 'for wakefulness, because there could be little doubt that efforts would be made to undo air that had been done by the temperance forces towards emancipating New Zealand from the liquor traffic. If the temperance forces wished to avoid seeing these efforts put into operation, they must rouse themselves and re-create that coordinated organisation that had been so powerful in the past. In this dircction^ women could exert a powerful influence, since the new organisation would have to depend upon voluntary service for its efficiency. Mrs. T. B. Strong, in proposing a vote of thanks to the speakers, spoke appreciatively of the able way in which they had presented facts. She felt that women did not always have sufficiently accurate information, which was most important. Votes of thanks were also accorded Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, who delighted those present with her singing, and to those who had given the society the use of the halL