GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9241, 19 December 1888, Page 5

GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MISSION.

The Gospel Temperance Mission was continued last evening in the tent at the corner of Custom-street. There was a large attendance. Mr. W. McDowell, 8.A., presided. Ho stated that during his recent travels he had seen the havoc drink had

caused. The drinking customs of America were very great; but, on the other hand, the Temperance party there were very strong, and they were doing a grand work. In passing through London the frightful sights he saw only tended to strengthen him in his total abstinence principles. _lb was a matter for rejoicing that the majority which threw out the resolution in the House of Commons for closing the hotels on Sunday was of so insignificant a character. In conclusion he asked his hearers to threw in their lot with the Temperance party till the colony was rid of its national curse. The Rev. J. K. Davis followed, and said he wished to speak as a man to men. He never felt satisfied about a young man until he had signed the pledge. A great responsibility rested with the women, and many a man fell through the carelessness of the wife. He had in his ministerial experience Been many fall a slave to this debasing vice, but he was thankful to say he had seen many rise in the social scale on giving it up. The Rev. J. D. Gilinoro then adpressed the meeting, and said he was glad to see tho press ranged on the side of temperance. This he regarded as a hopeful sign, as was also the fact of so many ministers of various denominations being gathered together to advocate the cause of total abstinence. In numberless

cases he had seen the men could not abstain but for the Gospel; therefore it was appropriate this work should be done by a Gospel Temperance Mission. As a man, he would appeal to his brother men to help on the good cause. Mr. T. E. Corkill followed, and urged the young men especially to sign the pledge. For the future welfare of the colony it was their duty to do so. Mr. Cook made a few remarks. The Ponsonby Wesley an choir assisted. We omitted to mention that the Isorth Shore choir, on Monday, rendered good service. There were 13 pledges taken. To-night Mr. D. Goldie, M.H.R., will preside, and the speakers will be the Rev. T. Spurgeon, Mr. F. G. Ewington, and Mr. Hunter.