DUNEDIN PROHIBITION LEAGUE.

Evening Star, Issue 8773, 14 March 1892, Page 2

DUNEDIN PROHIBITION LEAGUE.

The following are the essential parts of the report to be presented by tbe Committee at this evening’s meeting of the Dunedin Prohibition League

It will be in the recollection of most of those present that, on tbe 22nd June last in this room, the temperance friends then present resolved themselves into a committee of the Dunedin Prohibition League. About forty persons gave in their names as members. A constitution was formed and adopted by a subsequent meeting, since which some good work has been done by tbe League, notably that in connection with the ‘ Prohibitionist ’ newspaper. On the 17th August it was decided to commence the free distribution of 5,000 ‘Prohibitionists’ fortnightly, at a cost of L3OO per annum. At first sight the financial aspect seemed an insuperable difficulty, but by the energy and perseverance of three members of the Executive this was entirely mastered, and on the 2btb September last the first issue of 5,000 arrived in Dunedin. The enthusiasm created fcy the arrival of this first batch will not soon be forgotten by those who were there ; and we may say, without exaggeration, that tie institution of this free distribution has marked what may not inaptly be termed an “ epoch ” in the history of Prohibition work in this district. Tbe following members of the League were appointed representatives for their various districts, with an undertaking to deliver the several totals allotted to them:— A. S. Adams, Leith Ward, 1,400; A. C. Broad, Bell Ward, 900 ; Miss Brownlie and Miss Nicol, High Ward, 600; R. Fleming, South Ward, 400; Rev. T. Hinton, Caversham, 350; W. Wardrop, South Dunedin, 300; John Wilson, Roslyn, 250; Jas. Arthur, North-east Valley, 250; James Beadle, Mornington, 200; Robert Jack, Ravensbourne, 150; James Powell, Maori Hill, 110; W. Somerville, Anderson Bay, 50total, 5,000. These representatives have helpers working under them, each representative being held responsible for the proper performance of the duties allotted to him. We have, therefore, some 120 workers, most of them men of experience in the work or women cf sterling worth, able to give an account of the faith they profess, periodically visiting the homes of tbe people, and as opportunity serves, enforcing the principles of "total abstinence for the individal, and prohibition for tbe State.” Many of tbe workers are asking for a large supply of papers, and everyone speaks hopefully of the effect of our new mission.

While working on separate lines we claim to be in sympathy with every other organisation having for its object the uplifting of humanity, and the extension of Christ’s kingdom upon earth. To those who are fighting the battle of the women’s franchise we give the right hand of fellowship, and wish them God speed, fully believing that tbe snrest way for the accomplishment of our own aims will be by placing woman in her rightful position, apd denying her nothing she is entitled to either of privilege or right. We are in no way disheartened by the ■mall reverse at Ravens bourne or the adverse judgment of Mr Justice Denniston in the case of Sydenham. Tbe defection of Ravensbourne is more than made up by the victory at Gatlin and tbe Sonth Molynenx, and we have every confidence that the judgment of the law lords at Home In tbe case cf Sharpe v. Wakefield will bear npon the case of the Sydenham Licensing Committee, and Justice

benalston’s decision be upset In the Court of Appeal about the middle of May next. In conclusion, we may say that while every week adds strength to onr numbers what we most want is an increase of funds, and it is suggested that a vigorous canvas for an increase of subscriptions be made so that we may be able to begin the year with a good hope of enlarging our efforts, and so thoroughly covering the whole of the City that at the next election our work shall be easy and our victory sure.