PROHIBITION COUNCIL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 699, 8 May 1916, Page 5

PROHIBITION COUNCIL.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the above was held in tlie rooms, Manchester Street, on Saturday. The president, the Rev. R. Gobble, occupied tlie chair, ami there was a good attendance. The chairman gave an address on the work of the council for the past year. It had been educating the young people in the direction of total abstinence, and the reduction of the debt incurred during campaign year. The balance-sheet showed that tlie debt had been reduced to the exeut of £350. Tlie following resolutions were passed: — ; (1) "That we co-operate heartily witli the W.C.T.U. with regard lo the petitions and public meetings for (i o'clock closing"; (2) "That this convention rejoices that since the war Russia has adopted prohibition with marvellous results, Great Britain, France, and Italy have passed legislation severely restricting the sale of alcoholic, liquor, South Australia and Tasmania have decided to close hotels at 6 p.m., and arrangements have been made for taking a referendum in New South Wales for the early closing of hotel bars. We regret that in New Zealand since the war began no legislation has been jiassed restricting tlie sale of liquor. We therefore urge the Government to introduce legislation for the suppression of 'shouting' ami for the (dosing of hotel bars from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m., during the period of the war, and for at least six mouths after peace is declared. " The Rev. .1. I'aterson, at the invitation of the executive, had prepared a new scheme of organisation, which he submitted to the meeting. The scheme provided for the Jinking up of all churches and temperance organisations, decentralisation of work, and the making of each electorate a unit for its own work. A discussion took place upon the general principles of the scheme, which was eventually enlarged to Include any or all organisations which were prepared to subscribe to the Alliance platform. The, scheme was then considered in detail, and with some amendments was adopted. Mr I'aterson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for preparing the plan.