The Northern News. — 1896-05-23 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

BAND OF HOPE.  The monthly gathering of the Haltwhistle Band of Hope was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when there was a large attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr Winchester, who made his first appearance on a temperance platform. —The CEIAIRMAN, in opening the meeting, said he did not intend to take .up much of their time as they had a long programme before them, and Mr King wonld, no doubt, have a lot to say by-and-bye. He had been a pretty regular attender at the Band of Hope meetings there, and was glad to say had felt all the better of it. He was always pleased to see such a good attendance, even though numbers of those present might not be members for there was sure to be a good result. He would impress upon every member to try and bring some of their friends with them. They were met there to try and further the temperance cause and to put down the drink traffic as much as possible. Though it looked rather impossible at present, they hoped that by-and-bye the traffic might be done away with altogether, but it could only be done by their banding themselves together and using their utmost influence in the work. They must not think it impossible. "Rome was not built in an day," and no doubt with a little patience all they wished might be done. Looking around, they could see the dreadful havoc the drink was continually doing. For generations whole families had been brought up with it from their very infancy, and with this example of fathers and mothers with the whisky bottle continually in their hands, it was not astonishing that the younger children followed the example. They must sorely pity these, and do their best to show them in a frieedly spirit the evil of their ways, and gently persuade them to give up the drink. Others again who had been brought up well, when they grew up to manhood, get mixed up with companions, who, without thinking of doing any harm, enticed them to have a drink. They gave way, and entered on a downward career, which they found it very difficult to give up. There were many reasons for this, he might begin to like the drink for its own sake, or he might go to the publichouse in order to be in his friends' company, where he might have a jolly evening, but not such a nice morning, as his headache would tell. And again, he knight feel afraid to give it up lest his companions chaff him, and, in fact he thought thiswas the reason with numbers. Now, what did the drink lead to? It led to all sorts of vice, it was the curse of the land,all manner of crime was its results, it was continually tilling our gaols, there were continual fights through it, and murders, suicides, etc., were mostly to be accounted for by the drink. But he could not stop here, he must also speak of the swearing, which was quite associated with drink, many, who were realquiet fellows when sober, were most unruly when drunk, and uttered oaths which made one shiver. and he was sure many would be disgusted with them  selves if they had the sense to know what they had been saying, but there was an old proverb which said" When the drink lain the sense is out"and he supposed itwas true. He knew well how hard it was to say "no" when tempted by friends and they must not be cowards, but stand the fire boldly and never mind the jeering. Now a word to the ladies, they might not have so much temptation, altho' he was sorry to say there were plenty of the female sex also addicted to drink, but he thought the wives who were abstainers might have a great influence over their husbands and families by keeping a clean house, looking after and providing good meals, and in every way making them feel that it was much more comfortable at home than at any public-house. There were many more ways to entice him to stay at home but at present he had not time to enumerate them. Now as to the children he thought it was a grand plan to have a Band of Hope and that everyone should join when young and use as much influence around them as possible to keep their friends away from the drink. He could not picture to them tue awful scenes which he had come across both in Scotland and England, but he hoped from what he had already said many would come forward and sign the pledge. The following programme was then proceeded with : Song (accompt. Miss K. Graham) Miss Brown Recitation ... ... Miss B. B9.rnfather Song (accompt. Mr King) Master T. Carr Recitation ... Mr R. Richardson Hexhatn Address ... Rev. H. King Duet (accompt. Mr King) Masters Skelton and Wanless Recitation ... ... Mr J. T. Lawson Song (accompt. Miss K. Graham) Miss Brown . .  Mr King delivered an excellent address, which was listened to with marked attention.—On the motion of Mr Leake, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman and performers. —lt was announced that the next monthly meeting will be held in the Market Place, weather permitting. Thu proceedings of a very enjoyable evening were brought to a close with the doxology and benediction.