TEMPERANCE REFORM COUNCIL

Otago Witness, Issue 4038, 4 August 1931, Page 71

TEMPERANCE REFORM COUNCIL

Ine monthly meeting of the United Temperance Reform Council was held on Tuesday evening. The Rev. John Pringle, vice-president, presided, and there was a large attendance of members and delegates. Aliss Annie M’Lay, W.C.T.U., lecturer and organiser, gave an interesting address, stressing the • moral and spiritual basis of the campaign against the licensed traffic. Aliss Al'Lay was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her inspiring speech.

The following resolution was adopted:— “ That in the event of any licensing amendment legislation affecting local option, the Otago Temperance Reform Council demands of Parliament ‘ The restoration of local no-license and reduction polls for all licensing districts throughout the Dominion, giving to all communities the right to control the issue of licenses in their own districts.’”

The council appreciated greatly the appeal of the Dominion president of the Presbyterian Women’s Afissionary Unions to all its members “ that they should do their utmost in helping to eliminate the licensed sale of alcohol, specially because of its evil effects upon young people; and pointing out that just so soon as Christian women took this matter up wholeheartedly, the wasteful and hurtful evils would be routed out.” It was resolved that the president’s message be distributed as ■widely as possible.

Various matters concerning the ensuing campaign for national prohibition were considered, earnestness and determination marking the spirit of the meeting.