GOOD TEMPLARS' ANNIVERSARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1992, 24 July 1874, Page 3

GOOD TEMPLARS' ANNIVERSARY.

Tho first anniversary of tho establishment of fche Order of Good Templars in Canterbury was celebrated by a tea and public meeting at the Oddfellows' Hall, last night. The whole affair was a marked success, and being taken as an evidence of tho progress made by tho Order during the short period thafc has elapsed since the first lodge was opened in Ohristchurch, ifc must be deemed highly satisfactory. Tho tea was laid afc six o'clock, and though every advantage had been taken nf fche great holding capacity of tho hall, ifc was only by means of three sittings down thafc the vast throng of persons could be accommodated. At a reasonable estimato, fully nine hundred must have partaken of the tea which, ifc may be observed, was supplied by Mr Poole, confectioner, High street, on whom ifc reflected the greatest credit,. The tables were presided ovor by lady members of the Order, and it is needless to say that their duties were anything but light. In addition to tho city lodges being well represented, thoro were brethren from most of fche outlying lodges in attendance, and most of fchem wore the regalia of the Order. Tea being over, the tables were cleared away for the public meeting, at which there was a considerable augmentation of numbers. Every pnrt of the hall waa densely packed, arid there must havo been ovor a thousand persons present. Tho chair was taken by District Deputy Right Worthy Grand Templar the Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, and the officers of the various city lodges, wearing their insignia of office, occupied seats on the platform. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the National Anthem, in which all the audience joined. The Chairman, on rising, said as thero were eight speakers on tho programme, it had been decided to limit tho timo for each address to ten minutes. In face of this it would therefore nofc become him to occupy the attention of the meeting for long, bufc, as he was the first to introduce Good Templarism into New Zealand, he thought he would be justified in making some reference to the progress mado by the Order generally (cheers). Well, Good Templarism was first established in New York in the' year 1851, and though comparatively little was done for a time, owing perhapß to the disturbed state of the United States, yet as soon as the war was over very energetic labours were expendod not only in America but also in sending missionaries, as ifc were, to other countries. In tho year 1868, Mr Joseph Malms introduced the Order into England, and in about a year afterwards there wero 400 lodges in existence thore, to say nothing of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. (Cheers.) Since then, tho Ordor had continued to make rapid progress, and thero aro now in England alono 4000 lodges, with no less than 300,000 members. (Loud cheers.) They must bear in mind, too, that theae members had been all gathered in since 1868. (Cheers.) In 1869, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge sent Bro Roherts to Scotland, and a greafc deal in the cause had been done there, Two years ago there wore, on the average, about 600 persons initiated into the Order in a week, and though he did nofc know what the total number of members in Scotland was, ho know that the Order was making as rapid progress thoro as in other parts of tho world. A few months after tho Order was introduced into Scotland it was introduced into Ireland, and in this part of the Empire there was now a Grand Lodge, and members were being initiated by the hundred por week. (Cheers.) In Decembor, 1871, the Order was introduced into Queensland, No. 1 lodge being in that yoar established at Brisbane. In 1872, two lodges were also established in Melbourne. (Cheers.) When ho first went to Australia, about two years ago, there wero only two lodges in tho whole of theso colonies, and now there wero Grand Lodges in Victoria, Tas . mania, and Queensland. (Cheers.) There were also a great many lodges in New South Wales, but ho could not say whether tho Grand Lodge of New South Wales had yet been organised. Ho (Mr Westbrooko) had the happiness of helping to introduco tho Order into Sydney. Ho was present at tho first meeting hold for that purpose, and took a very activo part in it. (Cheers.) Ho loft Sydney about two years ago for Invercargill, and in thafc town on the 9fch of Sept., 1872, tho Southern Cross Lodge, No. I—tho1 — tho first established in New Zealand — wns inaugurated. (Cheers.) When, thereforo, thoy considered thnt it waa only two years aince the Order waß introduced into Now Zealand, tho mooting that evening waa aimply wonderful. (Loud cheers.) He waa nofc quite certain how many lodges thoro were in New Zealand, bufc ho knew there wero moro thnn 80, and he thought thero wero about ono hundred. (Cheers.) The Right Worthy Grand Lodge of America had now dropped the two latter words, and had bocomo fcho Right Worthy Grand Lodge of tho World. Thiß lodge was mado up of delegates from the various Grand Lodges, nnd ifc meets once a year at different places. Ho did not know the exact number of members of the Order throughout the world, but ho believed ifc exceeded 1,000,000. (Loud cheers.) Thoy should nofc, however, be satisfied with this succesß, or decrease their efforts, but work on for a Btill greater measure of success.

(Cheers.) Some person l.iid asked whether the Oroi-r was necessary, when inch ns those bearing the naa/i. of Sous of Temperance and Rechabitcs already existed. lie had no hesitation in saving yes. The Sons of Tern perancc and Rcchabitea were benefit societies, and were highly recommended by all Good Templars, bufc they did not do all that wus required. (Hear, hear.) There were, for instance.many members of tho Oddfellows' and Foresters who did not wish to join another benefit society, therefore the. Sons of Temperance or Rechnbite Ord srs did nofc meet their requirements. Wiiile the Order of Good Templars embraced all persons, whether members of benefit societies or not. (Cheers.) It must, therefore, be admitted that the Order was alike desirable and necessary. (Cheers.) The -Licensed Victuallers banded together to protect themselves, and he thought ifc necessary that fche supporters of temperance should do the aame — (cheers) — not to protect the sale of intoxicating liquors, but to oppose it— (cheers)— to fight against ;it, and to endeavour to have ifc swept away. (Cheers.), He would not detain them any longer, but would afc once call upon the Rev R. Morton to deliver an address. (Cheers.) The Rev R. Morton said, it seemed strango to addreßß bo many members of the Order thafc evening, when ifc bad existed in New Zealand such a short time. Ifc wa? but littlo over a year sinco ho, in a conversation with Mr Westbrooko, afc Invercargill, pointed out that Good Templarism had not been introduced into Christchurch. (Cheers.) Mr Westbrooko replied, that he would send ud information to their patriarch, Mr Exall — (cheers)— and this was done. Shortly afterwards Bro. Mackune opened the first lodge in Christchurch, ancl there woro now many loiges in existence, und a largo number of members. (Cheers.) Only a few days ago, he attended a meeting of the Woolston Lodge which had 70 mombera, and they told him tho lodge was only a baby as it wero. (Laughter and cheers.) Well, all ho could say, that if it was only a baby, it was a vory large one. (Cheers.) He hoped the Order would go on increasing in strength, and that before next year, they would have a Gocd Templar Hall to meofc in. (Cheers.) He hoped fchey would be able to restrict the power of publicans, and he had no doubt that if the mombers of tho Order Btuck together they would bo able at any rate to make a large hole in those powers. (Cheers.) Progress was a good thing, and those who had introduced the Order into Now Zealand had reason to bo satisfied with fcho results hitherto achieved in this respect. (Cheers.) They had laid a good foundation, and ifc was to be hoped a good substantial superstructure would be raised upon it. (Cheers.) He had heard hard things said against Good Templars, but fchey must be prepared to tako all this patiently, always steadily pursuing the glorious object they had in view. (Cheera.) He then concluded by speaking in eloquent terms of tho great and good work they had before them in the reformation of drunkards. j Part Bong, " Good Templars' ode," by the Misses Bennetts (3), Mason, Cox, and Williams; Messrs Johnson (3), Clark, Walker, and T. G. Smith. Song ond chorus—" Tho Tomplar Innovation," by Bro Long and company. The Chairman said he. would next call upon a gentleman whom he might term fche patriarch of the Order in Canterbury, to address the meeting. He alluded to* Bro Exall. (Cheers.) Bro Exall, on rising, aaid he had to apologise for the absence of Bro S. P. Andrews, M.P.C. who had been unexpectedly called away on business to the Selwyn. Hethensaidthataßhe(Mr Exall) first introduced Good Templarism into Canterbury, he might briefly refer to tho circumstances connected with it. (Cheers.) About tho beginning of last year, the hon secretary of fcho Temperance Alliance received from Mr Westbrooko, who was thon at Invercargill, a number of Good Templar pamphlets and a copy of tho constitution of fche Order. In consequonce of that, he prepared a Beries of articles explanatory of tho principles and objects of tho Order and he had inserted them in the Lyltelton Times. Soon afterwards BroMackuno camo to Cantorbury and instituted the first lodge in Christchurch, and thoro are now twenty lodges in existence. (Cheers.) Of theso, Bro Mackune instituted four, Bro Caygili had instituted several, as also Bros Andrews, tho Revs. J. Ward, and VVarboys. Tho chairman -had also done his share and he (Bro Exall) had instituted a fow. (Ohoers.) The mission of the Order was a two-fold ono — curativo and preventative. (Cheers.) Thoy aimed at Bhowing that persons could live and enjoy life, without touching alcoholic liquor. They not only refrained from using it themselves, but discountenanced it in every possible way. (Cheers.) Thoir mission was in truth a noblo one, and should enli9fc thoir strongest feelings in its support. They should get in strong for legislative enactment. (Cheers.) The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in delivering his budget, to fcho Imperial Parliament, had shown a greafc increase in the revenue, from the consumption of alcoholic liquors, and a cry had gone from ono end of England to tho other that something must bo done to stop this. (Choors.) And that something was boing done, a fact i which should encourage tbo supporters of temperauco in this colony to take action. (Cheers.) Song— "Tho Bandit'a Life," Mr Walker. Part song— " Hail, brothors, hail !" by tho ladies and gentlemen previously mentioned. Bro tho Roy G. Bond (Woeleynn) was the next speaker. Ho said ho thought the robust forms and healthy countenances before him i were a better argument in favour of Good j Tomplnrism than any ho could use. (Chcors.) | His feelings that evening were a mixture of sorrow and joy— sorrow at thero being so much trouble and unhappinoss abroad, and joy to sco that it was being dissipated by Qood Templarism, which could nofc bo deouied a struggling light, but a full meridian sun, spreading lifo and comfort all around. (Cheers.) He then dwelt in eloquent terms upon tho force of habit, and the power of example, concluding by exhorting nil young men to beware how they permitted pernicious habits to grow upon them, and by urging all thoso who had not yefc done so to como forward that evening ancl sign the plcdgo. Pianoforto duet— Mra Anderson and Miss Mitchisson. Recitation—" War to tho knife," Mr Blair. Song—" Thou art so near, nnd yet so far," Mr Carder. Song— "l cannofc sing tho old songs," MiBS Mason. Bro tho Rev S. Macfarlane (United Free Methodist,), next addressed fcho meeting. He Baid tho great object of the Order Bhould be to educate and agitate. (Cheers.) They should educate the rnombers iv fche principles of temperance, showing fchem that, physiologically, medically, rationally, morally, and iv every other sense that was good, they wero right in warring against tho drinking of alcoholio liquors. (Loud choors.) They

should establish juvenile lodges (hear, hear), and let fchem bo»in to do ifc that evening if tbey had fcho chance. (Cheers.) Ho said this nil the moro feelingly, bee_u*o he had at one time doubted the advisability of establishing juvenile lodges. The members of the Order took tho pledge nofc to drink, smoke or swear, and he thought juvenile lodges established on theso principles would be the hope of the Order and of the world. (Loud cheers.) No doubt the wearing of regalia and tho singing of 80 ng S) as tney were doing that evening, were attractions to many, and unless fchey educated the brethren and sisters in the principles of tho Order, and induced them to lovo the Order for the sake of those principles alone, they might lose some ot their members, which was not "a con-um-mahon devoutly to be wished." (Cheers.) They must aso agitato. (Hear, hear.) Last luesday night, a meeting of Licensed Victuallers was held in Christchurch, wifch the object, as he understood ifc, of getting a clause inserted in the new Licensing Bill— which it was said would be of a more liberal character than the one now in forco, and they all knew what that meant— by which they would bo enabled to open their houses on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Now, it it was right for these gentlemen to petition the Parliament, tho Good Templars, if fchey considered they were doing what was right, should also send up a petition praying that no such power as that asked for should be granted. (Loud cheers.) He hoped some one would draw up such a petition for the chairman fco sign on behalf of tho meeting, to the effect that if any alteration was made in tho law at all, ifc should be in the direction of further restrictions to the publican, stating that they (Good Templars), as peaceful law-abiding citizens, protested as firmly, clearly, and distinctly as fchey could against any legislation for opening public-houses on a Sunday. (Prolonged cheering.) He could not sco what they existed for as Good Templars if it was nofc to do their best to control a trade which all tho world over wa.s creativo of misery— (cheers)— and all fcho world over was ruinous to the moral, intellectual, and physical well-being of the people. (Loud cheers.) They ought to do all they possibly could to retain what privileges they now possessed aB tho opponents of drinking, and if by any means possible to extend them. (Cheers.) There were thousands interested in this question besides Good Templars. (Hear, hoar.) All Sunday school teachers, all church and chapel going people, and all who took an interest in the morality ef the community were interested in preventing public houses being opened on Sundays. (Cheers.) Opposition to the attempt of fche Lioensed Victuallers should be commenced somewhere, and if tho Good Templars did not commence it, he did not know whero it should be commenced. (Hear hear) It might be said, "You fanatical Good Templars will be defeated," and it might be so. They might be defeated onco, twice, but ho, for one, was prepared for ifc, and should be prepared to bo defeated again and again, yet as the tide recedes and advance again, and as the sun eventually shines from the heaviest of clouds, so would they riso again after every defeat, and never resfc satisfied until they wero surrounded by a sober, intellectual, and moral people. (Loud cheers.) It was because he believed Good Templarism to aim afc this thafc he had joined it, and he would stiok by ifc as long as his life lasted. (Prolonged cheering). Part song, " The Templar Band." The Chairman said he would ask the permission of tho meeting to depart somewhat from the programme, in order that fche Rev S. Macfarlane might, move a resolution in keeping with hiß remarks on the subject of opening public-houses on Sundays (Cheers.) Ho would take a show of hands as fco whether this should bo done. (Cheers.) The meeting unanimously agreed to the resolution boing moved. The Rev S. Macfarlane then moved— "That a petition bo signed by tho chairman, and sent to tho Houso of Representatives at Wellington, such petition to be as follows :— That your petitioners, in publio meeting assembled, recognise, thankfully, the benefits resulting from the present Licensing Act, and would praj your Honorable Houso to maintain tho provisions of thafc Act in its integrity." (Cheers.) Mr Hutton seconded tho motion, which was carried unanimously. The announcement made by tho chairmau to this effect was received with loud cheers. Mr J. Cutler, who said he was a teetotaller of 35 years' standing, next spoke, and strongly urged upon all Good Templars to agitato for the restriction of facilities for drinking. Song, " Mary of Argylo " — Mr Clark. Part aong, " Tho Pilot." Bro Fitzgibbon was the next speaker. Ho endorsed all thafc Mr Macfarlane had said, and expressod pleasure at fche resolution which had just boon carried. Ho said Jthey could not make men sober by Acfc of Parliament, but whilo they had an Act they should make tho besfc of it, and not allow their opponents to get ifc altered in favour of themselves. (Cheers.) They should not, howover, rest satisfied with this. What they required was that which Fathor Mathow accomplished in Ireland, whon public-houses were closed by tho scoro and distilleries by tho dozen. They wanted to oducato tho pooplo against, intoxicating liquors ; in Bhorfc, to bring moral suasion to bear. (Cheers.) If Qood Templarism had gainod such a sturdy growth in ono short year, as ovidonced by tho large attendanco that, evening, it was not difficult to tell what thoy would bo able to do in a fow years, if they kept faithful to fche cause. (Cheers.) By the sheer forco of numbers, they might bo able to shut up several public-houses. (A voice : " All.") As ho had said they wanted to educate the people, and to do this fchey must go forth as apostles, each ono striving to inculcate the principles of tho Order among thoso with whom they camo in contact. (Cheers.) Above all 'things, they should not neglect tho rising generation, tho youth of tho colony. (Hear, hear.) These wero what their hopes for tho future must chiefly depend upon. (Hear, hear.) It must be very satisfactory to all lovers of tho well-being of tho human raco to note tho progress being made by nofc only tho Good Templars, bufc by all temperance societies. (Cheers.) He had recently seen a report of tho homo Church of England Temperance Society, and fchey would scarcely credit the number of local societies thero were in tho different parishes in England. It was by such moans ns tbis, more thnn by Act of Parliament, that they must hope |o overcome the liquor traffic — (hear, hour), — and abovo all he agreed with Mr Maefarlnno that juvenile lodges ahould bo established not only on temperance grounds, but also because they would tend fco suppress other juvenile vices. (Cheers.) Bro Buxton moved a vote of thanks to the

chairman for presiding, whi.h was cavriad by acclamation. The chairmen briefly acknowledged the vote. Mr Poole siid he desired to tender his sincere thanks to the ladies who had kindly presided at the tables during tea. (Cheers.) Tho Chairman said the thanks of the meeting wero certainly duo to tho ladies and gentlemen who had kindly assisted in carrying out the programme, nnd ho would ask the audience to endorse this by a hearty round of applause. The call was heartily responded to. The Chairman announced that a special meeting would bo held in the Dauntless Lodgeroom on Friday evening, for tho purpose of getting up a petition in accordance with Mr Macfarlane's resolution. The proceedings were then brought to a close by the singing of the part song " The Fays' Good Night." Mr James Anderson presided afc the piano during the evening, and contributed greatly to the success of the musical portion of tho programme.