TEMPERANCE ADDRESS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1557, 24 February 1887, Page 2

TEMPERANCE ADDRESS.

Mr D. Goldie, of Auckland, delivered a temperance address to the children belonging to the Geraldine Band of Hope and their friends in the Primitive Methodist Church on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance of both members and friends, the Church being crowded to excess. Mr J. S. Waite, Superintendent of the Band of Hope, was present. The lodge was opened in the usual manner by the W.C.T., Harry Howard, who then called upon Walter Muslin and James Riordan, two mites of boys, who gave the recitation, “The North Wind doth Blow,” in a capital style. Three little girls, Edna Sherratt, Mina Dunlop, and Emily Maslin next sang a trio, “The three Sisters,” which was much enjoyed. A recitation by Maude Moss, “ Father’s Learnt to Pray,’’ was well received. The juvenile Jhairman then called upon Mr Goldie to deliver his address. Air Goldie, who was received with applause, said he never before had such a young Chairman, but he found he Oiled the office very well. The parents of Geraldine should be very thankful to Air Waite for I the exertions he was making on behalf of the children, He (Mr Goldie) knew \yhat

it was to work in a Band of Hope, and the amount of trouble it involved. He thought Mr Waite was doing a splendid work. Me considered these Bands one of the finest institutions of the colony—they were excellent for bringing out the young people to stand before the public. Mr Goldie then went on to say that there were always two sides to a question, and there were two sides to the temperance qiifsiion. There could be no middle course. He said their influence was either for or against total abstinence, and contended that the moderate drinker was doing far more harm to the temperance cause than the confirmed drunkard, and vividly illustrating bis remarks. He would that evening call their attention to five reasons why they should become total abstainers. First, it was the cheapest side. Under this heading the lecturer gave his audience some startling figures as to the amount of money spent yearly, both in New Zealand and the Old Country, in strong drink. In order to give both old and young some idea of the enormity of the sum thus spent, Mr Goldie illustrated in a very forcible manner what could be done with a like sum in the way of feeding and clothing those who were poor. Secondly, it was the best side, and this view was also forcibly illustrated. Thirdy, it was the right side. While speaking under this heading the lecturer quoted several of the highest authorities, among them the late Professor Kirk, author of the “Papers on Health,” as to the baneful effects of strong drink upon the human system, even when taken in very small quantities. It was the right side because God commanded it, and it was best for their health. Fourthly, it was the safest side, which was most clearly pointed out. Fifthly, it was ths winning side. All persons liked to be on the winning side. Old aod young, whatever their pursuit might be—the boy at hia marbles and games, the politician, the soldier in the campaign, or whatever the pursait might be—all liked to be on the winning side. While speaking under this head Mr Goldie dealt with the question of prohibition, which he believed would scon be gained for New Zealand as it had been elsewhere with the happiest results, The lecturer spoke for about forty minutes, during which time he was listened to with the most marked attention, and on resuming his seat was loudly applauded. Emily Maslin was then called upon for a recitation, and gave “ What are you going to do, boys,” in a first-class style. Mary Coltman and Mina Dunlop next endeavored to sing a duet, “I have got a Pocket,” but the humor of the piece was too great to allow of their risible faculties being kept under control and they retired. Ada Hoskins gave the recitation “ Somebody’s Mother,” capitally. Maggie Morrison came next with the recitation “ The Children’s Army.” Willie Maslin followed with the reading “Barbara Freche” which was nicely given. The Rev. J. Boothroyd next addressed the meeting for some little time on total abstinence. He was happy to say that the Band of Hope movement had bad bis keenest sympathy ever since) he knew right from wrong. During the course of his remarks he referred to the fact that the Mahomraedans are bound by their religion to abstain from all intoxicating liquors. Mr E. Mabin proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Goldie for the interesting and exsellsnt address which he had given. He (Mr Mabin) was sure that all those present bad been strengthened and encouraged in their total abstinence principles by the address they beard that evening. The vote was carried by acclamation. Mr Goldie briefly responded. Willie Maslin, as secretary of the Band of Hope, in a speech which caused considerable amusement, thanked Mr Goldie for his address. Mina Dunlop, Edna Sherratt, and Emily Maslin sang the trio “ Drink from the Well,” this time very nicely. George Bloomfield gave a reading “ When Grandfather was Young” in a masterly style. Sister Porteons closed the musical portion of the programme with the song “On the Bright Golden Shore,” Miss Andrews presided at the harmonium in her usual excellent manner. Mr Waite then name forward and thanked those present for their attendance and also the trustees for allowing the Band of Hope the use of the church. He also intimated that it was intended to bold a concert in conaeotion with the juvenile lodge at an early date, on which occasion a small charge would be made for the purpose of replenishing the funds of the lodge. The meeting was then closed by the Rev. Mr Boothroyd with prayer.

The Rev. Mr Smalley and Mrs Smalley conducted a temperance demonstration in Timaru on Tuesday evening. A p»o* cession was formed at the Breakwater, which, headed by a brass band, marched to the Salvation Army Barracks,where a meeting was held. The building was well filled and some earnest addresses were delivered. Sir W. i'ox, and Mr Glover conducted a very successful temperance meeting at Hokitika on Tuesday night. These gen • tlemen purpose visiting all the large centres.