IN THE LION’S DEN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2450, 15 March 1909, Page 6

IN THE LION’S DEN.

A humorist at Newcastle, New South Wales, who attempted to “pull the leg” of the Rev. Frederick Colwell, as he himself described the affair, appears to have reckoned without his host, judging from the story told to the Methodist Conference in Sydney. Mr. Colwell was invited to attend the annual ball of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, and replied that if he was allowed' a few minutes’ chat with the guests during the evening he would attend. This request was conceded him, “and I went to the ball with Mrs. Courtney Smith on my arm,” he said, amidst much laughter, “and a finelooking couple we were.” When they arrived at the door the doorkeeper whispered sympathetically, “You are going into the lion’s den, Mr. Colwell,” but undismayed that gentleman replied, “Yes, and tho Lord will do with me what He did with Daniel.” The sequel was that Mr. Colwell secured his interval, and addressed 150 or .00 persons, publicans and their wives and sons and barmaids he called them; and told them that it was part of his duty to fight thb traffic, not the people conducting it in small hotels, many of whom were forced into the trade, and that he had no fault to find with them personally. The lady partner also added a few words of advice, and with Mr. Colwell then left the merrymakers to their amusement. While the opponents of the liquor traffic spoke kindly to these engaged in it the better able would they be to do their duty, was Mr. Colwell’s final observation to the conference.