Christchurch Young People’s No License League.

White Ribbon, Volume 9, Issue 98, 1 July 1903, Page 4

Christchurch Young People’s No License League.

During the last few months the League has been holding its weekly meetings with success varying with their character. The educational value of these meetings has been uppermost in the minds of the committee, and as a result Dr Gibson gave a chat on the nature of alcohoi, etc., illustrated by diagrams. The enthusiasm of the speaker waxed with the increasing interest of his audience, and it is hoped that we may have another evening with Dr Gibson. The need of practice in debating has been recognised, and different members have taken part in four debate* on State Control, two of them being intersociety debates. Two evenings have been spent in Mock Parliament, discussing an Eight-hours Bill, drafted and introduced by a Member of the Cabinet. The House adjourned for some weeks and on sitting again will continue the animated and keen discussion on this Bill. The question box, elocutionary evenings, a ladies’ and a gentlemen’s evening, the “Journal” and business meetings have filled the time.

While the League has been meeting together for its own benefit primarily, the idea that it must justify its existence by work for others has been steadily acted on. A committee to provide Band of Hope programmes has been appointed and this committee has already visited six Bands of Hope and provided the evening's programme at each. This includes musical and other items and an illustrated lesson on the effects of alcohol. With the aid of our indefatigable secretary, we are seeking out those societies needing help, and do our best in giving it. It is intended to form a physiology class among the members shortly, and many other plans are being made.

At a recent meeting, the League said good-bye to its president, as Miss Henderson, but hopes to welcome her as Mrs McCombs. Mr McCombs is one of our foremost members, so the change will not affect the League in any way but pleasantly. The members gave their president a little token of their regard in the form of silver mounted brushes, and Mr McCombs in the form of a silver shaving mug.