The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1888-07-24
The Hamakua Temperance Society.

The Hamakua Temperance Society.
Mr.. EDITOR: The 10Th of June, 1888,
spent at Paauhau, Hamakua, Hawaii,
will be remembered with pleasure by
those who participated in its festivities.
The birthday of the temperance society
it was my privilege to form. For several
weeks earnest pleas had reached me
from special committees and private in
dividuals to be present on that occasion,
offering to pay my expenses and send
an escort to conduct me thither. After
a rough voyage and few stormy days,
the morning of June 10Th broke clearer
than we feared. A kind Providence
kept the impending rain at bay. BY ii
O'Clock the church was filled, the people
having gathered from Laupahoehoe, 10
miles south, and Waimanu, as far north.
The church was decorated with paalpa-
lac (ferns), awapuhi (the fragrant GIN
ger) and lovely flowers. Back OF the
pulpit was worked "Aloha," bordered
on each side by welcome" A decor
ated arch OF bamboo plants was over the
speakers. At the further end OF the
church was "Aloha Oukou." Fragrant
leaves and bright flowers were inter-
woven and festooned from the four
corners OF the church, meeting in CEN
ter OF beauty overhead. Our pathway
to the church was spread with the favor
tie palapa'a e and the sweet ginger, as
were the steps and floor OF the pulpit;
and so outside and inside Natures wei
comes peeped from each nook and cor
ner, and ''Aloha Nui" beamed from
every face. Bonnie blue ribbons were
worn by all; by many who had nobly
resisted temptation, and had come OF
victorious.
At my LETT presided Judge Miau, the
President OF the Society. At a signal
from him, the audience rose, salams
were interchanged, Gods blessing was
invoked, and the report OF the delegate
to the Honolulu Annual Temperance
Convention heard, after which, in rich,
clear tones, sang Mrs. Haena, the VIE
OF the Secretary.
The orator of the day was Mr.. Charles
Williams, half white gentleman, edu-
Gated at Punahou, under Prot. W. D.
Alexander. In an evil hour he became
a victim TO strong drink; but through
the interpostion of Mr.. R. A. Lyman,
Treasurer OF the Society, he had been
able to overcome. His utterances, as
he stood before us that day, elected
close attention. The Presidents annual
report states that he established at
Kaala aibranch society, numbering AZ
members. At Paauilo also a society
numbering 27, at Waimanu society
numbering 40.
Mr.. ]. NJ. Horner of Kukaiau, inter
preted by Mr. Williams, followed in
words that thrilled the audience. He
led US on to victory through license,
high license, local option, until he
reached the highest round in the ladder
Prohibition. When he drove the nail
in the lid OF the encofined demon
of strong drink, it created a
round of applause. As for me,
no words could express my Joy in refer
ring to one year ago, and to the present
occasion. The work had been carried
on with degree of faitbfulness and sue
cess that was truly gratifying. 1t was
an unspeakable Joy to look into faces,
and hear voices of those who hailed me
as their "makua."
The exercises were closed by singing
" My Country tbs of Thee" we adjourn
ed to the house of my hostess queen,
Mrs r. A. Lyman. The long front YER
anda, commanding magnificent view
of mountain, slope and ocean, wasspread
with greenery, and a choice variety OF
viands. Haoles and Hawai- ans did the
feast Justice. There was banqueting
hall for the little ones, and the parlors OF
the Lyman house were thronged with
merry guests. Good-byes and alohas
were said, and each departed, grateful
and happy over this birthday OF the one
year old Society OF Hamakua; child OF \
our love, God bless and keep thee everl
MARY L. GREEN.