CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6728, 24 February 1900, Page 7

CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

+ (Published by arrangement). JUVENILE WORK. There is terrible need' of this, as the little book, " Alcohol and Childhood; " — which should be read by every lover of children — tells us. From information supplied us, we gather that in one year in London alone, 500 children, under ten years of age were taken up in a state of intoxication ; 1500 under fourteen ; P.OOO under twenty-one years of age. ■ The- Church of England Temperance Society is trying to do a double work, to cure those who are fallen, to prevent the young from falling ; but, alas ! for public generosity, the public will subscribe largely ■to minimise the mischief already done, but they will not subscribe to cut it off at its source.— (C.E. Temperance Chronicle.") The usual monthly meeting of the St Matthew's Band of Hope was held last Monday evening, in St Matthew's Schoolroom. The president (Rev H. Williams) took the chair, and* a large number of juveniles and adults were present. The proceedings having been opened by singing the hymn " Rescue the Perishing," and the usual office, the President gave a most instructive address, which was attentively listened to and appreciated by all present. During the evening the following programme was given: — Recitation by Miss Gretton, "The Lips that Touch Liquor ' ; action song by seven girl membeiis; dialogue, "Starting a Colony," by eight girl members (this was given in a very creditable manner and applauded) ; a recitation by Miss Eldridge (this was a-lso exceedingly good) ; a musical trio by Misses Bain (2) and Buchanan (the performers were in costume, and showed great ability; this was encored and greatly appreciated). The proceedings terminated by a magic lantern exhibition of some two dozen I very interesting pictures on different sub- ! jects by Mr Griffiths, one of the vestrymen of St Matthew' # s. The children's pence collected amounted to 6s. j