MO-LICENSE CONVENTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2190, 14 May 1908, Page 3

MO-LICENSE CONVENTION.

ft STIRRING MEETING. LARGE ATTENDANCE OF DELEGATES. (Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., May .18. Tho annual convention of iSo-bi-conso workers in this and tuo surrounding electorates opened m tno Baptist Church, .this afternoon at t o’clock. There aro about 100 delegates in conference, and tho questions under discussion are of prime importnneo to tho movement. In Rev. J. J. Lewis (Palmerston North), in a forceful and eloquent speech, welcomed tho delegates, and introduced tho business of the convention, iho Rov. Frank MacDonald (Palmerston North) read a very interesting article, entitled “Personal Work , and Influence ” An educational discussion followed, and tolling speeches were delivered by tho Revs. B. H. Ginger (Woodville), Mr. Townsend, Mr." Neal (Feilcling), Mr. Byron Brown (Otaki). Mr. Carson (A. anganui), Mr. Jackson (Mnsterton), and others. The need of instructing the now arrivals in tho Dominion in the principles of no-licenso was specially emphasised by one of the speakers. Mr. R. AV. Neal (Feilding) read the second paper, “The Best .Methods of Purging tho Roll.” Tho Rov. W. J. Williams (Wellington) opened the discussion, and congratulated the promoters of the convention on tlio practical and vital subjects of tho programme. At 0.30 p.m. a public tea was held in the Presbyterian Hall. At 8 o’clock a mass meeting was held in the Municipal Hall, presided over by Air. Byron Brown, a candidate for tho Otaki seat at tho general election and an ardonb prohibitionist. The Salvation Army band lead a march to the hall before the meetum. Among tho speakers wore Mrs. W. J. Williams (Sistor Olive), who is a splendid platform speaker, and the Rev. F. W. Isitt also addressed tho gathering. Tho other speaker for tho evening was the Rev. W. J. Elliott, at present stationed at Carterton. Mr. Elliott spent four years ©f his life in Clutlia after tho advont of prohibition in that notorious electorate. Ho is a line platform speaker, and tlio story ho told of his experiences in a town without an open bar wero interesting.- It ~ was resolved, on the motion of tno Rov. McWilliams, seconded by tho Rov. Jolly, “That this convention exposes its hearty and grateful appreciation of tho efforts made by tho British Government to check the evils arising from the existence of the liquor traffic by tho introduction of the Licensing Bill, and also marks with satisfaction tho stand taken by the Government, tiio TJnitcd 01iurcli©s ; Im© Temperance Reform Association, Trades Union loaders, and others in witlistanding the opposition of the liquor traffic and in support of measures making for domestic comfort, national health, and social -progress.