THE HOPE OF HAMILTON LODGE. I.O.G.T.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1365, 31 March 1881, Page 2

THE HOPE OF HAMILTON LODGE. 1.0. G.T.

A socilx gathering of the members and friends of the above lodge was held in their new hall, Hamilton East, on Tuesday evening last, ths anniversary of tfre openjog of the hall. There was a very good attendance, between 60 and 70 persons being present. The room" was tastefully decorated with evergreens, and during the evening an abundance of refreshments were provided. Sisters Smith and Palmer, and Bror. Palmer, Hayes, Tippin, and Newton were very energetic in attending to the ©otnforts of those assembled. The ohair was occupied by the W.O.T. Bro. R. Harris. The proceedings opened by the singing of one of the Good Templar odea, after which The Chairman said he would not detain them by making a long speech. He was Very pleased to see such a lar#e attendance) that" evening. It was only about 14 months ago that the building of the hall wao first contemplated, and it must indeed be very gratifying to the member* that they had made such headway. Although they were not yet out of debt he hoped they would soon find themselves in that pleasant position. He would not go into details regarding the building of the hall, but would leave that for his i friend Bro. Tippin to explain. As regards temper? nee he said the pledge of total abstinence was the essence of Good Templarism'; it made members refrain from breaking it when once taken, and he trusted they would always keep that aim in view. Around the youth especially is the Order designed to throw its protecting mantle ; hence persons assuming the Good Templar's obligation should be fully impressed with a sense of its saoredness and perpetuity ; that they are not obligations to be taken on and laid off at pleasure, but run parallel with the whole being, and last during our whole mortal career. Once a temperance man, always a temperance man, is the only safe principle for Good Templars. Especially dangerous to him who has the habit fastened upon him would be the idea that his pledge was only binding while it is his pleasure to abstain. Happily then it was that the pledge was perpetual, and should it rest upon any less firm or sure basis the very first temptation presented to the former inebriate would carry him far beyond the reach of mortal aid, and thus thwart the high and noble objects for which they were banded together. With regard to his small experience as a Good Templar he had every reason to be proud of it, not only for financial reasons, but on account of the healthfulness of abstinence. It was a source of great pleasure to him. Even during his time lie had seen doctors, lawyers and other eminent men, that, when not under the influence of drink, were ornaments of society ; but who, when under the influence, sank to the lowest depths and became complete wrecks. Again what crimes were committed under its evil influence ! Surely such facts as those ought to make any sane man become a Good Templar. The chairman then read eotne very interesting sketches written by eminent men on the benefits of temperance, and in conclusion said that whilst extending charity to erring members they should remember that the highest duty of Good Templars' was to preserve the purity of the fraternity, and make the lodge-room as saored to morality and virtue as were their own firesides. It was in the lodgeroom that they introduced their wives, sisters, daughters, brothers and sons, and they could not be too vigilant in guarding the purity of the common altar. He woula ask those who were not Good Templars to join for their own sakes aud others and to those who were ho hoped the Lord would grant strength of heart and mind to enable them to keep the pledge until the end of their lives. (Cheers.)

Bro Tippin, W.V. , on rising, said he had hoped that he would not have been called upon to make a speech. As far aa his recollection went the building in which they were assembled cost £135. When the hall was first contemplated MrCoates gave as his subscription the piece of land uponwhichth6halhserected,andbytheaid of several other gentlemen who liberally subscribed two guineas each, the building committee were in a position of call for tenders and proceed with the work. It was true the structure was not clear of debt yet, but he trusted that by this time next year there would not be a penny owing upon the hall. The W.V. then gave some very amusing incidents in connection with his experience of Good Templarism, and resumed his seat amidst cheers. The business of the lodge was concluded by singing the " Closing Ode." Refreshments were then handed round, and singing and dancing indulged in for the remainder of the evening, every one dispersing highly pleased with the evening 8 proceedings.