WAITAHUNA BLUE RIBBON TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1173, 22 August 1885, Page 3

WAITAHUNA BLUE RIBBON TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

A meeting of the above-named Society was held in the Good Templars' Hall, Waitahuna, on the evening of Tuesday last, when the Rev. J. Skinner (President of the Society) delivered a lecture on "Switzerland and the ascent of Mt. Blanc." Mr Macandrew presided on the occasion, and there was a crowded attendance both of old and young. After singing and prayer, the lecturer began by warning his audience not to expect too much. The best mineral oil lamp, he said, was far from being equal to limelight and they must therefore forget all about £he splendid limelight exhibition wtaoji'-ttiey had in the hall a few years before. He then started on his excursion from Geneva, and took the audience with" him up the lake to the Oastte r bf phitloh. From that beautiful castl*6 "'they*' won't" ' up the Rhone to' M»rl;igny, and then up the PaBS to the monastery -of St . Bernard. After describing all about 3 the monks and their dogs, he crossed over ' to the valley of the Chamounix at the very foot of Mt. Blanc. Before beginning the ascent of the mountain, the lecturer told his audience what tourists needed to take with them, and how necessary it was to have guides who were thoroughly experienced. As they ascended the mountain the various changes in vegetation were pointed out, as well as the animals that were common in that region. Alter they crossed the snow-line, the glaciers and avalanches were described, and also the mode of avoiding the many dangers that beset travellers amid the snow and ice. After encamping for a night they in due course reached the top of the great mountain. The intense cold allowed them to linger only for a little before they began the descent. The younger portion of the audience was greatly amused at the process of "glissading " down tfee snow-slopes, and the mis>

haps that befel some of the travellers caused a good deal of merriment. The down journey was rapidly accomplished, and all reached the green earth again in safety. The whole route was illustrated with beautifully colored views, and every one seemed greatly to enjoy the excursion. After the usual votes of thanks had been accorded the lecturer and chairman, a new Committee was elected for the year. The members are : — President, Rev; J. Skinner ; Tice-Presidents, Mr Macandrew and Mr. N. Nass ; Treasurer, Mrs Coray ; Registrar, Miss York ; Secretary, Mr Wm. Auld, junr. Committee of Management: Mrs M'Kenzie, Miss M'Kenzie, Messrs Fraser, Paaskeson, G. Stevenson, Wm. Blaikie, G. Ross, and F. Webster.