BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1246, 30 September 1884, Page 3

BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

There waa a very large attendance at the Blue Ribbon Array meeting which was held in the Volunteer Hall, Terauka, last Bight. Just as the meeting was assembling the news of the Rev. P. Wills’ death was received, and, as he was a prominent and earnest member of the Army, quite a gloom was cast over he proceedings. It was at first decided not to hold the meeting, but on reconsideration the leaders came to the conclusion of going on with it, as people had come from a distance to hear the Rev. Mr Slocoinbe (of Christchurch), who was the speaker of the evening, Mr Stewart (Orari) occupied the chair. After the meeting had been opened in the usual manner, tha Rev. Mr Slocombe delivered a very earnest address on Temperance, at the conclusion of which 10 new members joined. The Rev. Mr Hamilton then referred in feeling terms to the sad death of the Rev. Mr Wills, and urged upon his hearers to reflect upon the suddenness with which he was taken away. He pointed out that it was not a matter of pounds, shillings and pence, so much as the business of their immortal souls. He then implored any one who was wavering to come at once and Jon the blue ribbon. After a few remarks from the Chairman and the singing of a hymn, the Rev. Mr Hamilton moved a vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr Slocombe for his address. Mr A. Russell seconded it, and the motion was carried amidst acclamation. The meeting then terminated in the usual manner.