NO LICENSE MEETING.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13168, 26 July 1911, Page 5 (Supplement)

NO LICENSE MEETING.

(From "Tho Colonist," July 17.)

Last night a no license meeting was lield in tho Theatre after the Church services had closed. Several ministers of religion and officials of the local No License Executive wero on the platform. Mr. McLaren, of Wakapuaka, presided. The hymn "Stand up, stand up for Jesus" was sung, after which the Rev. B. L. Thomas offered prayer.

The chairman, in his opening remarks, noted that the drink bill of New Zealand amounted to £3 13s lOd per head. In the areas where licenses exist it amounted to £4 *3s 6d per head; and in the no license areas to 18s per head. One authority had •checked tho figures given as regards the no license areas, and he had stated the amount was 16s 3d per head. He told of a statement, that there was more drinking in tho homes at Ashburton since no license came into force, being challenged by a gentleman who offered to pay the expensos of the commercial traveller, who made the statement, and give him £50 if he proved the truth of the assertion. The gentleman's challenge was not taken up.

Miss Grimley urged her hearers to use their vote at the ballot box in the interests of God and humanity. She said the drink hill of England amounted to £3 los 9d per head, so New Zealand although comparatively a voting country was not far behind in her expenditure for strong drink. Mr. Verco spoke of the growth of the no license cause in the United States, nnd particularly in the State of Kentucky, where he had spent six virs. He emphasised that if the Ohristians of New Zealand said the linunr traffic had to go, it would go. He t-hniplv urged all Christians to do !■!■:■!- cli'tv, and free New Zealand of tho traffic.

Mr. Robert Watson pointed to the growth of the no license vote in the Nelson electorate. Ho also pointed to the recent beneficial legislation. He urged those present to remember and strike out the top line. After the hymn, "Work, for the Night Cometh," was sung, the Rev. Mr. Lambert gave the closing prayer.