NO-LICFNSE CONVENTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14213, 14 May 1908, Page 8

NO-LICFNSE CONVENTION

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING.

(Pi* United Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., May 13,

The annual convention of no-license workers in this and surrounding electorates opened in tho Baptist Church this afternoon. There aro about 100 delegates in conference, and the questions under discussion are of prime importance to tho movement.

The Rev. J. J. Lewis (Palmerston North), in a forceful and. clonuent spoceh, welcomed the delogates and introduced the business of the convention.

Tho Rev. Frank M'Donald (Palmerston North) road a very interesting paper entitled "Personal Work and Influence."

An educational discussion followed, and telling speeches wero delivored by,- tho Revs. I!, H, Ginger (Woodvillc), Mr Towns end, Mr Ncal (Feilding), Mr Byron Brown (Otaki), Mr Caison (Wangauui), Mr Jackson (Masterton), and others.

Tho Viced of instructing the new arrivals ill the colony in the principles of no license was specially emphasised by one of tho speakers.

Mr R. W. Ncal (Feilding) -read the second pa))er,> "The Best Mel-hods of Purging the Roll."

The Rev. AV. J. Williams (Wellington) opened tho discussion, and congratulated tho promoters of the convention on the practical and vital subjects of the programme.

At 5.30 a public tea was held in tho Presbyterian Hall, and at 8 o'clock a mass meeting was held in tho Municipal Hall, and presided over by Mr Byron Brown, a candidate for the Otaki seat at tho general election, and an ardent prohibitionist. The Salvation Army Band led a march to the hall before tho meeting. Among the speakers were Mrs W. J. Williams (Sister Olive), who is a- splendid platform speaker. Tho Eev. F. W. Isitt also addressed the gathering. The other speaker for the evening was the Rev. W. J. Elliott, at present stationed at Carterton. Mr Elliott spent four years of his life in Cluf-ha after the advent of prohibition in that electorate. He is a fine platform speaker, and the story, he told of his experiences in a town without an open bar was interesting. It was resolved, on the motion of the Picv. Mr M'William, soeonded by the Rev. Mr Jolly—"-That this convention expresses its hearty and grateful appreciation of the efforts made by the British Government, to check the evils arising from the existence of tlm lie-air traffic, by the introduction of the Licensing Bill; and also marks with satis/action tho stand taken by the Government, the united churches, the temporanco reform associations, tho trade union leaders, and others in withstanding the opposition Of the liquor traffic, ajid in support of a measure making for domestic comfort, national health, and social progress."