NO-LICENSE LEAGUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16492, 6 March 1914, Page 5

NO-LICENSE LEAGUE.

Annual meeting of lyttelton BRANCH.

ADDRESS BY MR A. TOOMBES

The adjourned annual meeting of the Lyttelton No-license League was held in the Methodist Schoolroom last evening, the Rev J. J. Bates presiding over a fair attendance. The opportunity was also taken to introduce Mr A. Toombes, provincial organiser of the Christchurch Prohibition League. In welcoming Mr Toombes the chairman said they were pleased to see that gentleman in their midst. In the past Lyttelton had had several good workers for the no-license cause, but the deaths of Mr G. Laurenson and Mr G. B. Nicholls had removed two stalwart officers and their loss was keenly felt. He was also sorry to say that, through removal from the district, the League had lost the services of Messrs S. R. Webb, T. Lindsay, C. Lindsay, C. P. 0. Ivempthorne, Benjamin and a number of others. He was pleased, however, to have an ardent worker such as Captain M’Kenzie in their midst. (Applause.) Mr Toombes, on rising, was heartily applauded. It was five years, he said, since he had visited New Zealand, and his visit had impressed him so m ich that he had accepted with pleasure the opportunity of again returning. He had done five years’ work for the cause in Queensland and he fully recognised that the work was a most important one and an issue that should he touched with no lack of enthussiasm. The eyes of Australia were looking upon the success of the movement in New Zealand, and the result of the next election would go a long way in strengthening the party in that land. Now that New Zealand had the 55 per cent majority on the national issue', he felt that the coming tight would he one of the toughest yet fought in the dominion and the campaign would he entered with plenty of enthusiasm. Speaking of the Lyttelton electorate Mr Toombes said he had been assured by Mr J. M’Combes, M.P.. that there was every possibility of the Port going “dry” at next, election, and Air Al’Combs had. also informed him that there would bo a big vote from a section not dreamed of previously. Continuing, Air Toombes said he was not there that night to give away lus fighting policy, hut- what was wanted was good organisation, and, he recognised this was a very important thing in the success of any movement. Individual enthusiasm was all. right, blit with good detailed organisation the results would be lietter and they could look forward to a big vote next election. He thanked those present for the hearty welcome extended him. (Applause.) The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr J. T. Norton; vice-presidents, Rev J. J. Bates, Rev A. Mitchell. Captain M’Kenzie. and Messrs J. M’Combs, AI.P., J. 01 liver and H. H. Cook; secretary. Air W. T. Foster: treasurer, Mrs Bromley; auditor, Air H. H. Cook; committee, Mesdames Hatchwell. Clark, Pitcsitlily, Wilson, Anderson, Norton, and Messrs F. Olsen and A. Clow; delegates to Canterbury Council. Alessrs AV. T. Foster. J. Oliver and J. M’Combs, AI.P.; delegates to Easter Conference, Messrs Foster and J. T. -Norton.