Temperance Lecture.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4997, 3 May 1889, Page 2

Temperance Lecture.

In spite of great counter attractions a large audience assembled to listen to Miss Ackerman’s second lecture in tbo Assembly Rooms last evening. The Rev. W. Woollas presided; Miss Ackerman gave a telling address on the evils of intemperance. Among the many points urged, she insisted that the ignoble array of drunkards was most largely recruited from the obstructive body of “moderate” drinkers. After her instructive and [also entertaining address, Miss Ackerman stated that at the afternoon meeting of women she had formed a branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and announced the names of the leaders. At the request of several friends, conveyed through the chairman, Miss Ackerman afterwards gave some account of her mission work among whites and native in Alaska, that cold and dreary, great north-west territory of the United (States, purchased by them from Russia some twenty years ago. It was among the aims of tbo “ W.0.T.U.,” Miss Ackerman explained, to bo an aggressive body, using its influenoe, by such direct and indirect methods as were found open to them, upon elections of licensing bodies, and upon the eleption of members of legislatures Prohibition being their " ticket.” No oath of membership is required, but members must sign the pledge and are expected to subscribe half-a crown a year to the funds. Men are accepted os honourary members—without the privileges of voting on any question -on payment of 6s per annum. At the close of (he meeting a number of ladies signed the roll of the local branch.