BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1479, 13 March 1886, Page 3

BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

A meeting of the Winchester branch of the Blue Ribbon Army was held last Thursday evening in the school, at which there was a crowded attendance, notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather. The chair was occupied by the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, and the meeting opened with the singing of a hymn, after which the rev. Chairman read a portion of the scriptures, and the Rev. Mr Cecil engaged in prayer. Hymn No. 317 was next sung, and the rev. Chairman gave a telling address on the evils of intemperance. He congratulated the Secretary on the success of his efforts in getting the meeting up, and urged on the Committee to co operate unitedly in the great c.use they had in hand. The motto of the Blue Ribbon movement was “Charity towards all; malice towards none.” They did not make war upon the sellers of drink, but upon the drink itself. The Blue Ribbon movement was the most effective way of dealing with the great evih It "would educate public opinion, and public sentiment would Be aroused, till at last the effect of the movement J would be felt in the Legislature. Mr Stewart, of Orari, also made a practical, telling speech, in which he painted the evils of drink in an effective way, and pointed out how much happier and better were those who did without it. The Rev. Mr Cecil told some anecdotes illustrative of the evils of drink, and pointed out that if alcoholic liquors were ranged on one side and temperance on the other the contrast would be such as would make people think. Both could easily be khown by their fruits. It was their duty to remove drink out of the way of their weak brethren in whose path it was a stumbling block. Amongst the audience was a large contingent from Temnka, including several members of the Band. These played several selections during the evening and also accompanied some of the hymns. Miss Blyth presided at the harmonium, and acquitted herself in her usual able style. Beside the items above particularised, a very efficient choir sang Hyms 292, 409, 227, 207,31, and 160 excellently. Miss Marshall and Master W. Storey sang a duet, Master Arnold Cooper recited a piece capitally and, as also Master Storey. At the interval refreshments were handed round. Without finding any fault with this part of the programme we may say that it appeared to many that it would have been better if the refreshments wore held back to to the close of the meeting. At the same time it may be said that the refreshments wore capital and thoroughly appreciated. At the close Mr Cook moved a vote of thanks to those who came from Temuka, and the compliment was acknowledged by Mr Cooper. The proceedings terminated with the rev. Chairman pronouncing the Benediction.