PROHIBITION WELCOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6065, 31 December 1897, Page 4

PROHIBITION WELCOME.

A meeting was held in the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, under the auspices of the Prohibition League, for the purpose of welcoming the Eev F. W. Isitt to Christchurch The Key T. H. Lyon presided. An apology for absence was received from Mr T. IS. Taylor. The Rev J. J. Doke said he was glad, and he was sure 'the audience was glad also, to welcome Mr Isitt. As one who was in sympathy with the League, he thought they should consider whether the cause of prohibition was declining or otherwise. He had seen more drunkenness during the last two years than he had during. the whole of the previous six. In reference to the rebuilding: of publichouses now going on at present in Christchurch, he said that no doubt the publicans thought they were secure in their position, but it would be seen later that their confidence would prove to be their downfall, and the result of the next elections would find them very much at sea. The Eev J. Orchard stated that he had been deputed to represent the "YVesleyan Church in welcoming Mr Isitt, and he was delighted to have the honour. The eouutuy had no greater friend than Mr Isitt. and the gathering that evening was one of the most representative he had seen in Canterbury. As for prohibition sleeping, he thought it was as strong as it was twelve months ago. The Eev C. Porter said he had been asked to welcome Mr Isitt on behalf of the League, and he was pleased to do so. As prohibitionists they were helping to bring about Christ's dream of a world dominated by the kingdom of righteousness. The Eev F. W. Isitt, .vho was greeted with loud applause, said that he would stand much to receivo a reception such as he had been given that night. He said that, with reference to his statement that in Mangaweka a publican who wished to get a license had got signatures appended to his application from persons resident outside the district in which it was to be granted, a certain lawyer had given him the lie direct ; but ho was prepared to prove the truth of his statement. That was a specimen of the way in which he was continually being called a liar ; and the thing was becoming monotonous. At the last elections 10,000 votes were lost to the ca^se through corruption and ignorance, and he challenged anyone to come forward and deny it. There was not half the drunkenness in Christchurch that there was in Wellington, and not one-sixth in Wellington that there was to be found in Sydney. Almost the first thing which attracted his attention when in Sydney was the spectacle of the sentry outside Government House in an intoxicated condition, and his efforts to appear dignified and salute properly were very ludicrous. New South Wales, with double the population of New Zealand, cast 159,0C0 votes at the last general election, while New i Zealand on the liquor question alone polled 263,000 votes. In conclusion, he thanked the audience for its kind reception and patienc hearing, and urged that on the eve of the New Year they should determine to go on with the work with more enthusiasm than ever. The meeting then closed.