WELCOME RETREAT LODGE, I.O.G.T., GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1478, 11 March 1886, Page 2

WELCOME RETREAT LODGE, 1.0.G.T., GERALDINE.

The fortnightly meeting of the above Lodge was held on Tuesday evening, the W.C.T. presiding. One member was reobligated, and after the transaction of business, the Lodge was closed and opened again to the public. The Juvenile Band of Hope was amalgamated for the evening with the Lodge, and there were also members from the Kiiton Lodge to hear a farewell address from the Rev. H. Clarke. In order to make the gathering as entertaining as possible, a good programme of songs, readings, and recitations was gone through. On the Lodge being thrown open the fiiß wag soon filled, many haying to be contented with «t'uding room. Tho proceedings were opened by a song by Mr Johnston, “ Matilda Baker," which found favor with many. A humorous reading by Mr T, Sbermtt followed, aid then the duet, “Flow on thou shining river,” was ably rendered by Miss Andrews and the W.C.T. Mr C. E. Sherratt sang well “ Oh mother guide my hand," Mr Waite then called upon members of tho Rand of Hope to take up the next part of the programme',' hut the boys rfnd git l -! were evidently somewhat diffident ia

coming before such a large audience, and few reiponded. Emily Hoskins and Emily Maslin recited two pieces very nicely, and Maggie Dunlop and Mary Coltman Bang a duet together, Refreshments in the shape of bans and coffee were then liberally handed round by members of the Order. The second part of the programme was opened by a solo, “ Horae sweet home,” by Mise Andrews. The W.C.T, then rose and said that all whose aim it was to advocate temperance felt heartily thankful to others who assisted them. This was the reason (hey had asked the Rev. Mr Clark to the meeting. He (Mr Clark) was a strong and able worker in the cause, and ns he was about to leave them and enter another field of labor, on behalf of the Welcome Retreat Lodge of Good Templars he offered Mr Clark sincere and hearty thanks for the assistance he had given the Lodge, and the keen interest he had always manifested in its welfare. (Loud applause.) Mr Clark said ho felt exceedingly pleased to find that bis efforts had been of use to them. It had always been a pleasure to him to attend the meet- ■ mgs of the Lodge, and he always gave his services heartily and did his almost to spread the cause of temperance. As most of his time had been engaged lately in arranging for bis departure be had not been able to prepare a special address. A« a large number of those present belonged to the Band of Hope he thought it would not be out of place to give a few words of advice to them. It was to the rising generation they had to|look for the success of the temperance cause. It was the duty of the people to train the young to principles of temperance, so that in a few years they would be its strongest advocates. He was glad to find that-tho Juvenile Band of Hope was such a great success. lie hoped the young members would not, however, be afraid on another occasion to give their pieces, bat come forward like men, and act in this as in everything connected with tho-temperance cause, as though they were men and intended to make their stand. Mr Clark then related anecdotee allowing the good children may do, and how their influence may conjointly be brought to bear upon the community. He then went on to say that everyone should be total abstainers from principle, and unless they were they could not be depended upon, as they must have some higher motive than mere sentiment. He then related an anecdote of J. B. Gough’s showing the injurious effect of drink and the great responsibility resting on those who sold it. He said what was wanted was that public feeling should be aroused on the question ; then the people would be educated to give their bodies and minds to rooting out the evil, and then total abstinence would progress on all bands, and instead ot three hotels in Geraldine the whole would bo swept out ef it. (Loud and continued applause). Mr Waite then moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Clark for his able and interesting address, which was carried by acclamation. An amusing little burlesque upon licensing benches was the concluding portion of the programme, the characters being sustained by members of the Lodge. The singing of the National Anthem brought a very social evening to a close.