“BLUE RIBBON” CRUSADE.

Woodville Examiner, Volume 3, Issue 281, 7 September 1886, Page 2

“BLUE RIBBON” CRUSADE.

Mr Matthew P.nmett commenced his Gospel Temperance Mission in AVoodville on Saturday. The Mayor of Palmerston, Mr A. Pnrgnson. brought the lecturer over from Palmerston, arriving in Woodvillej a little before six o'clock. Soon afterwards a reception tea was held in the Free Methodist Church, at which about twenty persons representing the local temperance organizations, etc., were present. At seven o’clock a torchlight procession was formed .•ppositc Mr 'deters’ stables under the superintendence of Lieutenant Xewson, the members ot the temperance societies appearing in their regalia. Headed by the Hide A olnntcer Brass Band the procession paraded the streets of the town, and finally halted in front of the Theatre Boyal. The large building was soon crowded by persons anxious to hoar the lirst lecture, iho attendance is said to have been the largest ever seen in Woodvillo inside a building. At the commencement of the proceedings, Air Howry explained that Air Fotmtaiue was to have taken the chair, but lie was prevented from coming, in bis absence Air Haggen had consented to preside. On the platform wore Messrs Sowry (chairman of the Town Board!, Mr Ferguson (Mayor of .I’amiorstonl, the Bov. J. Wrigley and Air -I. Miller Smith.

A hymn having been sung", prayer was offered up bj- Mr J. Hiller Buiit.li. Addresses of welcome were then given by Bro. Pinfold (Tlechabitos), Bro. S. Hutchings (Hood Templars), Bro. 11. Hawkcn (Blue L’ibbon Society). Rev. J. Wrigloy (Methodist). Mr .). Miller Smith (Presbyterian), Bov. F. Robcrtshaw (Church of Kngland), Mr J. Richards (Primitive), and Mr Ferguson. After Mr Sowry had made announcements as to the meetings to be held, The Chairman introduced dir Matthew Barnett, the lecturer, in a well chosen speech. He referred to the great success of the work in which Mr Burnett was engaged, and especially commended his work amongst the natives. He spoke ot the interest the Hon. J. Ballauce, Native Minister, had taken in the temperance mission amongst the natives, and alluded to Mr Ballance's speech at Wanganui a few evenings ago. Mr Burnett, before commencing his address, eulogised dir Ballance’s action in the movement among the natives, and said that to him principally was due his success in this direction. Mr Burnett then commenced in’s lecture, and related how Big Ben and r i'tle Johnny bd't prize figlx-ii.g and l; :oan. n• ■ ■)]■ ', ’' nm

conclusion </£ the a.;idres ■> ’J v i tarnst?asked the people to come forward and take the pledge, and about 70 responded. Votes of thanks were then passed to the Chairman, to Mr Sherwin tchmrmaster) the choir. Mr Fennell (secretary) and his assistants, and to the Band.

On Sunday Mr Burnett conducted. in the Theatre'Royal, the usual Methodist services. ITis subject in the morning was The Princes of God and of men,", and in the evening Tire Prodigal Son, illustrated from life in Melbourne." Both services ■were well attended. On Sunday afternoon a children's Temperance Mission was held in the Theatre, and Sunday School children from the Church of England. Methodist, and Primitives School, attended. Mr J. Sowry presided. A large number signed the pledge.

Mr Burnett attended the Public School on Monday afternoon, and gave an interesting address to the children on u iho Little Drummer Boy."’ Mr -T. Miller Smith also delivered a short address. A good many of the children came forward and joined the Band of Hope. Mr Burnett expressed himself highly delighted with the appearance of the children, and paid a compliment to Miss Frame in respect to the children's singing, which ho said was the best, both in tune and harmony, ho had heard in any school in the North Island.

The proceedings on Monday night were half-an-hour late in commenting. Mr C. Hall occupied the chair, and gave a short but interesting speech on the subject of the lecture. Mr Burnett then gave a discourse on “ Fatlier Matthew and Dr Guthrie." which proved to be the best lecture oi the icncs

ir. We regret Unit -jirosqm,- .-in otnr i :(<• ■ pn * lu'li'-: ns from giving a snmniiifv of it. i .‘ring tlui evening tin- natal singing ti k ni-:c ■. and a further number hi' iiic* amli. n-r wpri l decorated v.'ith the 1 1 1 1If*1 f* ribbon. This aherno-m Mr Burnett lectured to women only, ami to-night lie- gives hi* threw'i'll address.