MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7561, 28 May 1885, Page 6

MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

The monthly meeting of the St Matthew's (St Albans) Band of Hope, was held on Tuesday evening, in the schoolroom, about two hundred young people being present. The chair was taken by the Eev J. W. Stack, President of the Branch, and the proceedings were opened by singing a hymn, prayer, and the reading of a chapter of the Bible. Mr W. H. Shaw, Secretary to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, gave an interesting address on behalf of. his Society,.which was attentively listened to and appreciated by all present. After this some duets, songs and recitations were given, rendered" by members of the Branch. The hon Secretary, Mr H. Forward, was then called upon by the President to read a report on the prQr gress of the St Matthew's Branch of the Band of Hope. He informed the meeting that there were a large number of members' names on the roll, nearly all of whom were total abstainers, and only a few moderates. He: urged them to look upon moderation as only a step towards the more desirable aim of total abstainers, and asked the members to endeavour to bring, each of then*; one friend to the Band, when it would soon be

increased to double its present strength and usefulness. After the meeting, eight of those present signed. the total abstinence pledge and joined the Branch; also, several members of the Band, of' Hope joined the Band of Mercy, of which Mr. Shaw is the Secretary. •