GOOD TEMPLARS IN SESSION

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 88, 16 April 1903, Page 3

GOOD TEMPLARS IN SESSION

Press Association. Electric Telegraph, Copyright. ■■Wanganui, April 15.

At the 1.0. G.T. Grand Lodge session to-night it was decided that the Grand Lodge office remain in Dunedin. A deputation from the Maoris, headed by Wiki Kemp, waited on the session and and expressed the hope that the Grand Lodge would help them in their endeavor to prevent the sale of liquor on the Wanganui River. It was resolved that the Grand Lodge protest against the action of the Wanganui Licensing Committee in granting packet licenses on the Wanganui River, and express sympathy with the Maoris in their efforts to prohibit the sale of liquor in the proclaimed area. A reference in tie Grand Chief Templar's report deploring the apathy of the people, and stating the principles of the Order regarding the liquor traffic, was adopted. . A clause in the report summarising the result of the local option poll was then carried by a standing vote, expressive of the thankfulness of Grand Lodge for the advance made by the prohibition movement. A clause was adopted approving the resolve where reduction has been carried of returning electors to the Licensing Bench pledged to use the utmost power the law "grants in closing all bars possible. Another clause which deplored the leakage in the Order was adopted.