TEMPERANCE LECTURE.

Western Star, 30 August 1918, Page 3

TEMPERANCE LECTURE.

Last evening quite a, gratifying number of ladies and gentlemen, sympathetic to the temperance movement, met in the Riverton Methodist Church to hear the Rev. J. A. Loehore, Organising Agent for Wallace to the N.Z. Alliance, deliver a thrilling lecture on the new situation, with its perils, responsibilities, and unique; opportunities for the overthrow of the drink traffic in New Zealand once and for all. In graphic style the lecturer told, first, how the six o’clock closing of the hotel bars was carried in New Zealand, 'althoiigh up to. almost tire very last moment of the Parliamentary Session the measure seemed to, be doomed. Graphically, too, he described the part taken in the total prohibition movement by the Auckland and Dunedin business men since the great war began. The part that Canadian example and influence played here must have been a revelation to many present. Not the least thrilling part oif the address was where the lecturer showed that not only were all the old reasons for a speedy settlement of the liquor question present with us still, but that other and even more clamant ones were here too. The returned soldier problem was sympathetically and intelligently dealt with. The matter of compensation to; the trade, if the promised poll were carried this, year for national prohibition on the bare majority, with immediate effect, was carefully considered. What national prohibition will mean to the country from, every standpoint—social, economic, and religions—was all passed; in review, and strong indignation, was stirred up when it was shown that we were suffering from; the lack of much in the Dominion < to-day because the limited shipping space available wa;s secured for the conveyance of drink. In closing, the lecturer intimated that he was but one of the forerunners of a number of able Canadian men who would soon be on the scene, and stir the land to yet greater enthusiasm in this righteous cause by ,ai recital of what the great American dominion has already clone.

A strong committee was then formed to organise and secure signatures to the petition to be presented to Parliament at an early date . The chair was occupied by Captain Carmichael, and the meeting opened and closed with prayer.