KAITANGATA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 22

KAITANGATA.

July 18.— Anattempt isaga'in to be made to form an Oddfellows' lodge here, and I understand that the promoters have eveiy reason to be satisfied with the support they have received, and Bhduld the movement be carried out, I have not the slightest doubt but that l^aitangata will be able ' to boast of one of the strongest country lodges in New Zealand. Ball.— The lords of creation are again astir, and have decided to hold their annual ball on the 4th of August. The management has been placed in the hands of a very reliable committee and great success is predicted for the ball. Direct Veto.— A meeting was held in the Presbyterian. Church last week to consider the Direct Veto Bill about to be introduced into Parliament by Sir Robert Stout. There were about 40 present including several ladies. The Rev. R. Fairmaid was voted to the chair. The following resolution was carried unanimously:— That this meeting expresses its sympathy with the Direct Veto Bill about tp be introduced to Parliament, and hopes it may speedily become law." The Rev. Fairmaid moved— " That this meeting pledge itself not to vote for any candidate at the forthcoming general election who will not support the Direct veto Bill." Seconded by •Mr Love. Messrs Beardsmore, A. Fraser, A. N. Hislop, and Carruthers spoke against the resolution. The mover withdrew his resolution, as the meeting considered it premature, but said he would only hold it in abeyance to be brought forward at some future time. A resolution was carried expressing deep regret at the death' of Sir William Fox, thereby removing one of the strongest and noblest pillars from the temperance party. -A- y°* e of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close. • • Athen-EUM.— The topic of conversation here last week was the tabling of a motion by Mr Algie at a meeting of the Athenaeum Committee as to whether the athenaeum should be kept open on Sundays. The annual meeting of subscribers was held on Friday evening in the reading room of the institution, Mr Nicholson in the chair. The room was packed to overflowing. The Chairman read the annual report and balance sheet, which was very satisfactory and showed the institution to be in a flourishing condition. Dr Fitzgerald and Messrs Nicholson and Cornish were re-elected members of committee. Mr, Algie's motion was then dealt with, and elicited a very long and animated discussion, I .^ which %

good many of the most prominent residents took part, the result being that the reading room is to be kept open on Sundays between the hours of 2 and 9 p.m.

WAITAHUNA.

July 19.— 1n compliance with the request of tr number of people in Waitahuna, Mr Adams, of Dunedin, lectured on the Temperance question last evening. The attendance was not large owing to the wet night. Mr Adams spoke forcibly and. well, putting some very plaiu though unpalatable truths before the people, afterwards asking the rather startling questions, What share had they individually in the sin and misery the direct consequence of drink? What bad each one done in common charity to help their weaker brethren and lift the grievous burden from the hapless wives and mothers whose aching hearts cried aloud in desperation at the awful blight falling on their husbands and bright young sons beneath which they wilted and died, some perchance struggling weakly and faintly to the bitter end 1 What nad theso men and women present done to avert their awful doom? Had not some, even calling themselves friends, thoughtlessly, if you will, but* none the less inhumanly, even tempted them to their fate? After the lecture a Good Templar Lodge was inaugurated with a me nbe'i' ip of 3Q.