MODERATE LEAGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15748, 24 October 1914, Page 9

MODERATE LEAGUE.

AUCKLAND BRANCH FORMED.

A successful meeting was held in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening when the formation of a branch of the New Zealand Moderate League was decided upon.

The chair was occupied by Mr. W. Thome, who said that it was time there was a strong moderate party in New Zealand. Temperance, as he understood it, meant moderation as opposed to extremes. The Dominion's secretary of the league, Mr. W. Gorrie, said he regretted coming before them at a time when great national issues were pending, but his league felt that the war against prohibition was of great importance. Continuing, the speaker outlined the objects of the league. In conclusion, he dwelt upon the difficulties of administering a prohibition law, and particularly upon the loss in revenue and disorganisation of finances, which, he said, would follow such a law. The league he represented existed to defend the use and not the abuse of alcohol. (Applause.) Mr. W. W. Daw and Mr. J. Court then moved and seconded: "That, an Auckland branch of the New Zealand Moderate League be now formed, and that the conveners of the meeting be elected an executive with power to add to their numbers to forward the objects of the league within the province." After the motion had been supported by Messrs. F. Louis Armitage, D. Brophy, and F. Farrell, it was carried by a majority of those present. Before the meeting closed Mr. W- Thome was elected president of the newly-formed branch, and many of the audience enrolled as members.