New Britain herald., 1930-02-28
President Smith Condemns "Dry" Law - Rev. M. J. Traynor Lays Many Evils to Alcohol - Rev. Francis Egan Delivers Feature Address of Oc- casiOn.

officials and state officers of the or Sanlzation, were among the approxi- nately $50 who celebrated the 18th anniversary of the Y. NJ. T. A. 6. K, society at d. banquet in the so- clcty's auditorium last night.
 X Tell-arranged program which included talks, vocal and instru- mental music and a series Of mono logues sustained interest for moro than three hours. At the end of the program Rev. Matthew J. Traynor. chaplain of the society, presented 22 members with gold medals as a re- ward for 25 years of membership.
 John J. Riley, chairman of the committee in charge, opened the program with a short talk after which he introduced the society's president, Thomas J. Smith, who acted as toastmaster Mir. Riley call cd attention to the fact that the Tabs was organized on October Is, 1851. He sketched its history from q modest beginning until the pres ant time when it has a membership Of GOO. He delivered a message from Thomas r. kchoc, first president and probably the only charter member living. Mir. kehoc is confined to his home by illness but he extended his best wishes to the society. Mr. Riley, who is one of the 25 year members, turned over the meeting to President Smith who was in the office when the D year members joined the organization.
 Tabs" Are Leaders
 Mr. smith welcomed the members and guests to the exercises which he said, marked another milestone to eternity He said not many had see the society's start and growth. He called attention 10 the number of members who had become lead CTS in professional, political and manu- featuring life, adding that it was a record of which the society may be proud.
 Speaking against prohibition, Mr. Smith believes that d total abstainer IS often given the preference in en- rloyment. The most important qucs- ion asked when q person is applying for q position is whether he drinks, the speaker declared.
 CongratulateS 2o Year Members
 Father Traynor congratulated the 22 members who were given medals for their service.
 It was Father Traynor's opinion that the members had removed serious obstacle. intcmperancc, in making q living and in serving God. He told the 20 members 0 look back to the time when they first took the pledge, and sec the wreck and ruin that intemperanCc has brought. He said they should thank God that they joined the society. Although it did not save them from all error 1t saved them from many things which might blast their homo life, he said.
 Continuing, he said
 "Alcohol is poisonous not a food stimulant. It is the cause of disease and it has caused the destruction of more people than all the wars com bined."
 He said men with the most bril- liant minds are sometimes victimized by intcmperance and 1t causes crime. insanity, and economical loss. Promising young men 25 years ago are among the misfts, the down and cutters in community life, he added. Twenty-Five years ago their future was just as bright as those who gathered for their reward last night in the opinion of Father Traynor who said that Christian mcttle and self control would continue their success in the future. In conclusion he urged the members to treasure the victory over an enemy which they had laid low.
 Rev. John F. Donohuc, pastor of St. Joseph's church, and Rev. Thomas J. Laden. pastor Of tho Church of St. John the Evangelist, spoke briefly, during which they con graduated the society. Both agreed that the tabs society was greatly needed in New Britain.
 Mayor Paonessa Speaks
 "You have heard enough from mo during the past few weeks with out listening to me tonight Mayor paoncssa said opening his talk. There is greater need of a temper ance organization than there has been at any time in the past, the mayor declared
 He said it will require money to keep up the building and he hoped the society would be able to raise necessary funds. He, himself, signed a pledge, and he expressed the wish the society with it's new officers would go ahead. Lead and we fol- low" Mr. Paonessa said in conclu- eion
 Old Timers Bridge Builders
 William F. Gleason of Torrngton told many amusing stories He urged the people to ponder over the ad- dress of Father Traynor, Members should keep in mind the fact that total abstinence is the real aim, he declared
 In conclusion he said much has been done but there is a great deal to be done and he urged the young CT members to follow the example set by the older men. He referred to the old members as bridge builders.
 Father Egan's Talk
 Rev. Francis Egan, a native of New Britain, who was graduated from St. Mary's school and whose homo was on Fremont street for many years, gave the feature ad- dress. It follows:
 To speak at such length, as would hefit the theme, of the glories of Nour society's forty-ninc years; to celebrate your triumphs, whose, in a manner, may every triumph Of New Britain he said to be; to draw a picture of the society's history. and to do this worthily, would be d