UNITED BANDS OF HOPE EXHIBITION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3307, 4 May 1885, Page 3

UNITED BANDS OF HOPE EXHIBITION.

A very pleasant evening was spent at the Congregational Church Cat Friday night. The object of the gathering was to distribute the prizes which had been competed for and gained at the Juvenile Exhibition, held on Eaßter Monday. There was a large muster of members and their friends. The President, Mr D. Haggett, occupied the chair. An opening melody haviDg been sung, the Chairman engaged .m prayer. Be then remarked that the interest taken m the Into Exhibition was evidence of the universal interest that was shown at the present m Bands of Hope. The promoters of these institutions •were convinced that the time had come when something effectivo must be done to stem the tide of Btrong drink, and provent the people from going to destruction through its influence. It was for the members of Bands of Hope to decide whether the people of this new colony should be happy and prosperous, through abstinence from drink, or degraded, poor, and miserable, through its use. The young people of the present day were to be the men and women of the future. Empires had fallen through the drunkenness of the people. Ho then spoke of the apparent good that had been done among the adult population through the great temperance reform that was now going on. Some who signed had relapsed into old habits, because they thought they might be depriving themselves of some comfort that they used to enjoy. In Bands of Hope they did not look so much to the old tipplers, although they had reason to be thankful for the various agencies that attacked them. The work among young people was the safest and best, because they had not acquired the craving for drink. No one liked strong drink at first ; the taste had to be acquired through yielding to temptation. Members of Bands of Hope simply wished to teach those who did not know what strong drink was that they could go through this world happier and better without it. The Chairman then referred to the millions of young people— " the people of the future"— who had pledged themselves by Dmno assistance, to abstain from that which they considered was the nations' curse 5 and he had no doubt that m tinio thesa would grow up to replace the tipplers of the present day, and be men and women of a sober and happy community. He then referred to the main object of the nje«t-

ing that evening, the distribution of the prizes, and hoped that no competitors would be discouraged at not obtaining a prize, but that they should rather bo stimulated with the determination to gain one at tho next Exhibition. He then asked Mrs Jackson (the Mayoress) to distribute tho prizes to the winners. The prize takers were .-—Misses E. Huggins, M. Packman, S. E. B. Brown, E. Brake, A. Mcllroy, N. Long, C. J. Clarke, A. Dickinson, I. Gallic, F. Brown, N. Parkes, A. Clarke, A. Hitch, A. Burford, A. Mcllroy, M. H. Dale, M. Jones, E. Parsons, S. Whittaker, A. Wright, M. Bateman, K. Bankß, N. Dale, I. Hitch, E.Vining, D. Haggett, M. Lawrence, R. North, A. McMeeken, G. Brown, a. Passmore, M. Alford, F. Pigley, S. Mcllroy, L. Wheeler, K. North, L. Whiteside, E. M. Ruby, M. Dash, A. Wright, and Masters H. and E. Ha"gett, F. Simmons, J. Hiskins, A. H. Thompson, J. W. Holdgate, and W. Storey. The prizes consisted of handsome books, silver medals, and other useful articles, and as the recipients stopped forward to receive their prizes, they were loudly applauded by their companions and friends. The distribution over, the Rev. J. Foster addressed those present. He was, he said, pleased at attending such a meeting, and he urged upon all members of the Band of Hope to strictly adhere to the pledges they had taken, and to remain true to them through life. By doing this their homes would be made all the more happier. They must bear m mind little hands and hearts could do a vast amount of good m the home circle. Speaking of the late exhibition, the reverend speaker said the excellent work he saw displayed there impressed him most favorably, and gave him the idea that the exhibitors had fully determined as they grew up to do all m their power to make their homes happy ones. Talking of these things reminded him of a celebrated preacher who on meeting certain lads always recognised them m a, respectful manner, because ho thought they might some day become great and leading men. He (Mr Foster) hoped many he now saw before him would realise the wishes of their friends m this respect, m a more or less degree. Whatever work they had to do should be done well ; and though many perhaps were somewhat disappointed at not gaining a prize this year, they should not despair, but rather work the harder tho coming year to reach the much coveted goal. Next year the Timaru Bands of Hope might possibly be strong enough to hold an Exhibition of their own, but they would always be willing to receive the support of kindred Bands of other towns. Mr Foster then thanked Mrs Jackson for so kindly attending to distribute the prizes, an j occasion which she would no doubt remember with pleasure for some time. Mr Haggett then rose, and on behalf of the Committee thanked those ladies who had so courteously lent valuable articles for the purpose of making the Exhibition more attractive. He was pleased to see the Mayor and Mrs Jackson present that evening. He hoped to see another Exhibition held shortly, got up by their friends the Wesleyans ; he was sure if they did so, the Congregationalista would be competitors. The Mayor m acknowledging Mr Haggett's remarks, said the meeting reminded him of by-gone days when he was a Band of Hope boy, and m thus recalling old and fond memories was a source of great pleasure to him. He was astonished at the completeness of their late exhibition, which, m his opinion, would have compared very favorably with many he had seen m London. He then addressed a few words of warm encouragement to all the members of the Band, and specially requested them to attend the technical classes about being formed here, so as to bo well fitted to take part m the battle of life. Speaking of temperance, he said sober habits acquired when the subject was young very rarely indeed left one m after life, and ho reminded them it was always more pleasant to practise good habits than bad habits. In conclusion he thanked them very sincerely, on behalf of Mrs Jackson and himself, for the vote of thanks they had passed that evening. The Rev. Mr Foster moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Haggett and the Secretary and Committee of the late Exhibition who had taken great interest m it and performed their duty so faithfully and well. The President replied on behalf of tho Committee that they would be well repaid for the trouble they had taken if they saw an indication of the young people doing their duty and walking honorably m whatever position m life they would be called upon to occupy. • Another melody having been sung and the Benediction pronounced, a most pleasant gathering was brought to a termination.