Independent Order of Rechabites.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 40, 16 February 1901, Page 3

Independent Order of Rechabites.

THE GENERAL MEETING.

The Council reassembled at 9 o’clock yesterday morning, opening with the usual ceremonies.

Bro. Harding, of Tent No. 82, Woodville, who had boon absent through illness at the previous meeting, took the obligation and his seat.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was received from the Woodvillc Tent in regard to death certificates, and the matter was referred to the district officers.

Tho following telegram was received from Dunedin :—“ Although, absent with you in spirit in all your deliberations, trusting your meeting together will result in the extension of Rechabitism throughout the colony. Fraternal greetings to all, specially those brothers who met at Invercargill.—Roscvear.” A question was raised by Bro. Gellyman (Blenheim) as to whether a Tent could accept a doctor’s certificate other than the Tent surgeon, and it was pointed out that the matter lay entirely with the Tent.

The proposed alterations of general laws were next considered.

A motion was brought forward by No. 1 Tent, Wellington, to allow the District officers, not being representatives, to vote at District Council meetings, except the D.C.R., who would have a casting vote only. After some discussion the motion was negatived. No. 1 Tent, Wellington, brought up the matter of honorary members, wishing them to be debarred from holding office in the district. A lot of discussion took place on the subject, and eventually the matter was thrown out.

A lot of discussion took place on the question of delegates’ expenses, and a motion was carried that in future all expenses be paid by the district. Tho following telegram was received from Bro. Fraser, son of the District Secretary ; —“ Father thanks the District Officers and Tent representatives for their letter of sympathy. He is slightly better.” ■ ' '

A telegram was also received announcing the death of a daughter of Bro. Flyger. A motion of sympathy with Bro. Flyger was unanimously - adopted, the brethren standing. • *- A motion by Tent No. 27, Invercargill, asking that the district bear the cost of opening new Tents, was unanimously adopted.

The meeting then adjourned till 8 this morning.

Drive in the Country. At half-past one yesterday afternoon the'brethren assembled’at the "Victoria Belfry, where Mr Des Barres’. brakes were in waging, and there, was a drive into the

country. The party proceeded via the AYhataupoko-Ormond road, and on reaching Mr Barker's the party turned down the Makauri road, and proceeded on the AVaerenga-a-hika road to Ormond. They then returned, travelling by the middle road as far as Mr J. Tombleson’s, where they disembarked. The visitors were regaled by Mrs Tombleson (in the absence of Mr Tombleson in Napier) with a plentiful supply of refreshments, which were much appreciated after the dusty drive. Shortly before leaving District Chief Ruler Bro. AV. J. Gaudin expressed the pleasure he and his fellow brethren felt at the hospitality accorded them, and said that the kindness of their hostess would never be forgotten. Mrs Tombleson, in reply, said that if they were satisfied that was all she desired. The party then continued their journey, and reached town shortly .after 6 o’clock. Complimentary Soiree.

A complimentary soiree was held last evening, in McFarlane’s Hall, in honor, of the visit of the district officers and representatives. The hall had been decorated by a number of Rechabite almanacs being placed on the walls. The tables had been very nicely arranged for the occasion, having been placed across the top of the hall and down both sides. The laying and decorating of the tables had been done by the Sisters and lady friends of the Tent, and looked exceedingly nice. The fables faix-ly groaned with the good things provided. The District Chief Ruler presided, there being a very large attendance. Grace was said by Bro. Rev. Canon AVebb, and then sung by those present. The cravings of the inner man were soon satisfied, the waiting being done by the brethren of the Juvenile and adult Tents, and by the lady friends of the Tents.

A violin solo was given by Mr Cullen. Bro. Whitaker (New Plymouth), in a short speech, pointed out the advantages Rechabites had over other Friendly Society members, the Rechabites having healthier and longer lives than other members. Referring to the local brethren, he said that he had never met such hospitable folk. Gisborne was a grand town, and he would say that when they reached home any lip-falls of theirs would be for the benefit of Gisborne.

Mr AV. Samson contributed a song, Public Meeting.

At 8 o’clock a public meeting was hold, there being a very large attendance. His AVorship the Mayor (Mr J. Townley) presided.

The overture was played by Messrs J. Chrisp (cornet) and C. East (piano). The Chairman said he was very glad to sec such a large number present, and was also,pleased that the district meeting'had been held in Gisborne. His AVorship put forward the benefits to bo derived from the Order, especially in regard to total abstinence. He urged on all to join, and also impressed on members the necessity of total abstinence.

Mr J. East contributed a song. District Chief Ruler Bro. AV. J. Gaudin expressed his pleasure at the remarks that had fallen from the Mayor. The Order, he said, had been founded in 1855.

The ruin brought by drink had been drawn attention to in that year, and a number of working men near Manchester joined together, resolving to establish a society on strict temperance lines. The Order gradually extended its sphere to other parts of the world, and commenced work in this colony in the sixties. The total membership of the Order now stood at 280,000, with total funds of £1, 200,000. The Order was peculiar in one respect to other Friendly Society members, the Rechabites having healthier and longer lives than other members.

Bro. T. Fathers, District Superinteddent of Juvenile Branches, said he hoped that the Mayor would become a Rechabite. In a humorous strain he mentioned the diffidence the district officers had of coming to Gisborne, but as they had come they were loth to depart, for they had had a real good time, He considered that Gisborne had a glorious future before it. He had travelled a lot, but the further he went the more proud he was of New Zealand. He had been entertamed that afternoon by a splendid drive; he had seen water and gas coming from the same pipe; he had seen the gas burning and the water boiling; and he had drank of the water in a cup of tea 1 Continuing, he urged on all to carry out the principles of total abstinence, and all who were in sympathy with the principles he urged to join the local Tent. A presentation was then made by Bro. Fathers to Bro. T. Harding, the present being a sash, given to the brother for his having passed through the offices in the Juvenile Tent with credit to himself and to his Tent. Ho trusted that the brother would stick through life to the principles of total abstinence.

A telegram was read from Bro. AA r . H. Hamblett, secretary of the local Tent, wishing all a pleasant evening, though regretting being unable to be present.

Bro. Rev. J. G. Paterson said he had the pleasure of being a Rechabite, and he regretted not having taken a very prominent part. He was glad they were having a good time.

Presentations of framed Past Chief Ruler’s emblems were made by District Chief Ruler Bro. Gaudin to Bros. H. AVebb, A. Pool, A. AV. Kirk, A. Georgeson, AV. H. Hamblett (received by Bro. Georgeson), and E. A. Slack (accepted on his behalf by Bro. Nasmith). The recipients returned thanks for the. presentations made.

Bro. Rev. Canon AVebb said he had taken a great interest in the Order, having helped to form the Gisborne tent. He considered that the Order excelled all other Orders in that it trained its members in temperance. He hoped to see the Tent increase in membership, and the formation of branches in Ormond and Karaka. He was glad the representatives were pleased with their stay, and hoped he would see them again in Gisborne. An excellent recitation was given by Bro. Tills.

Bro. AVestney (Invercargill) in the course of a few remarks said it had given him very great pleasure to be present at tho meeting in Gisborne. He urged upon all who had temperance leanings to join the Rechabites, either as full-benefit, jhalfbenefit, or honorary members. Bro. AV. Roland contributed a recitation.

Bro. J. Piper, P.D.C.R., said they had received a welcome in Gisborne, and such a one as surprised them. “ Even the sun had welcomed them with melting tenderness,” said the brother. Bro. Piper went on to give an excellent address, showing how the temperance movement had spread during the last 60 years. Bro. Peckover said he had joined tho Bath Temperance Society 64 years ago, he being now 72 years old. He claimed to be the youngest Rechabite present, being initiated at the last meeting of the Gisborne Tent. He urged upon the boys the necessity of answering “ no ” to temptation.

Bro. Ambridge (1.0.0. F., M.U.), Bro. Leslie (1.0.0. F., A. 0.), and Bro. Dower (U.A.0.D.) offered hearty greetings to the visitors, and hoped their stay would be an enjoyable one. Miss Jellyman sang “ The Holy City.” On the proposition of Bro. Stead D.D.R., a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Gisborne Tent for the manner in which they had • been entertamed.

A vote of thanks to the Mayor, proposed by Bro-. Mayson (Napier), and the singing of the National Anthem closed the proceedings. Mr C. J. East played the aocompani. meats during the evening,