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Temperance - notes

Wellingborough & Kettering News, January 17th, 1880, transcribed by Kay Collins

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY—The 60th anniversary of this society was celebrated on Tuesday by a tea and public meeting. The meeting was presided over by Mr. D. Darnell, Mr. J. Jacquest occupying the vice-chair. Amongst the others present were-Messrs. E. Knight, J. Cave, J. Sargent, senr., S. Knight, senr., Burton, Maurice, Skinner, C. Bayes, J. Claridge (secretary), F. Knignt (treasurer), J. T. Colson, G. Denton, Jas. Sargent, C. Hewitt, C. Cunnington, E. Claridge, J. White, J. Freeman, C. Freeman, T. Wilmott, I. Chettle F. Vorley, and several ladies. The financial statement, as read by the Secretary, showed a deficiency of £3, but against this there were arrears of contributions, to the amount of £1 12s. To meet the year's expenditure a subscription was started in the room, and with good results. Reckoning the contributions as fully paid up, the Society is left with a balance in hand of 12s. The total expenditure for the year amounted to £24 2s. 10d. The Committee's report, read by the Secretary, adverted to the difficulties which teetotalers had to contend with forty years ago, and the progress which their principles had since made. The good work done by the United Kingdom Alliance, and this Society, was referred to, and allusion made to the loss which the Society had sustained in the past year by the loss of the president, the Rev. E. Bradfield. The report stated that an application made for an indoor beer license was opposed by the Society, and refused. In conclusion it was announced that it was in contemplation to start a coffee tavern in Rushden. The Treasurer's report, as read, was adopted, and a vote of thanks having been accorded to Mr. J. Claridge for the report presented by him, he was re-elected secretary. After discussion, Mr. E. Knight was chosen president in the stead of the late Rev. E. Bradfield; Messrs. D. Darnell and J. Jacquest were re-elected vice-presidents; Mr. F. Knight was re-appointed treasurer, and Mr. G. Denton was elected as auditor; Messrs. G. Bayes and J. T. Colson being chosen as collectors. On the motion of Mr. Denton, it was decided that the collectors should be supplied with cheque books. The following were elected to compose the committee for the ensuing year:

Messrs. J. Cave, W. Clarke, W. Claridge, E. Claridge, C. Bayes, J. Sargent, jun., A. Corby, and T. Wilmott. A vote of thanks was accorded to the lady collectors—Miss. E. Sargent and Miss S. J. Colson. Miss Colson was re-elected vice-president, and Miss M. Bull was chosen vice Miss Sargent who resigned. Thanks were voted to the editors of the local papers, and this brought the business to a close.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, February 14th, 1880, transcribed by Kay Collins

LECTURE—On Wednesday evening last, Mr. J. R. Wilkinson, of Addington, delivered a lecture in the Temperance Hall, on Afghanistan. Mr. W. Wilkins, of Rushden, presided. There was a good attendance, and the lecturer, in conclusion, moved a resolution condemnatory of the late war, which was seconded by the Rev. Mr. Josephs, and carried by acclamation.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, February 14th, 1880, transcribed by Kay Collins

Disorderly Proceedings at a Temperance Meeting
On Tuesday last the annual meeting in celebration of the opening of the Temperance Hall was held. A public tea was provided, and, according to custom, free tickets were given to those whom it was thought would be most benefited by the meeting. There was a good company present. After tea a public meeting was held, when the Hall was crowded. Mr. E. Knight presided, and after singing, and prayer by Mr. W. Gross, of Caldecot, the Chairman congratulated those present on the happy circumstances under which the meeting was held, and the good Temperance Societies were doing throughout the land.

Mr. D. Darnell then addressed the meeting on the evils of drunkenness. He said strong drink was injurious to the pocket and health of those who indulged in it.

A voice: "You ought to let that alone, as you have diseases as well as us, and it is very well to get drunk, but the wust job is to get sober.''

That and other similar remarks caused roars of laughter, and much confusion, which the speaker took in good part.

A gentleman on the platform rose to a point of order. He said Mr. Darnell should not hit their friend so hard as he could neither sit nor stand it.

Mr. Darnell continued his address. He did not mean to say that total abstainers were free from disease, but at any rate they never experienced the difficulty of getting sober. (Laughter) He asked them to give up the drink.

A voice: I will, if you will be a Conservative like me. (Laughter)

Mr. Darnell: My time is about gone.

A voice: I am glad it is. (Laughter)

After a part song by the choir, Mr. John Cave spoke and dilated on the history of the Rushden Temperance Society, which was started 38 years ago by nine of them signing the pledge, and praying for success, and now look at what it had done for the village. It had blessed them in basket and store.

A voice: Have you got it all honest? (Laughter and interruption)

Mr. John Jaquest said the speakers at this meeting were engaged in a good work, and all men engaged in a good work were entitled to a fair hearing and respect. They had good working men in this society—like John Sargent.

A voice: You don't class yourself with him, as you grasp all you can, and keep it. (Roars of laughter) You make believe teetotalism is the best, but you are always on the worrit. You never have time to have your meals or anything, and I wish you would have more rest. (Laughter and confusion)

At the conclusion of Mr. Jaquest's address, Mr. Mackness sang a Temperance melody. Mr. A. Corby addressed the meeting, amid much interruption.

After a song by Mr. Underwood, Mr. Josephs, of Birmingham, commenced to speak. He was soon interrupted by the now familiar voice, but succeeded in silencing it, and delivered an address which was listened to with interest by many present.

The proceedings terminated without the exhibition of any bad temper.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, March 6th, 1880, transcribed by Kay Collins

ENTERTAINMENT—On Monday evening a musical entertainment was given in the Temperance Hall by Messrs. Miller, Tompkins, and Loakes, of Kettering. The Hall was well filled.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, September 11th, 1880, transcribed by Kay Collins

DR. LYNN gave one of his performances in the Temperance Hall on Saturday evening. The performance was highly appreciated by the audience present which was not large.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, February 12th, 1881, transcribed by Kay Collins

TEMPERANCE SOCIETYThe annual meeting of this society was held on Tuesday evening in the Temperance Hall. A satisfactory report was presented of the work of the society during the past twelve months, and officers were appointed for the ensuing year.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, February 26th, 1881, transcribed by Kay Collins

TEMPERANCE SOCIETYA meeting of this society was held on Wednesday evening in the Temperance Hall, at which Dr. Lees and Mr. Mart delivered addresses, and resolutions similar to those passed at Kettering, on Monday, were carried unanimously. The Rev. Canon Barker presided, and took a very hopeful view of the Temperance movement. He was at a dinner party, in London, the other day, he said, and he found that four out of five gentlemen present were total abstainers. (Applause.) Referring to the Local Option Question his opinion ,vas that before that measure was passed public-houses should be closed on Sunday. Dr. Lees spoke for an hour and a half.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, October 29th, 1881, transcribed by Kay Collins

LECTURE—On the 19th inst. a lecture was given in the Temperance Hall, by the Rev. I. Near, of Ringstead, entitled "From the cabin to the Capitol," being a review of the life of General Garfield. There was a good attendance, and the lecture was listened to with evident interest.

Wellingborough & Kettering News, October 29th, 1881, transcribed by Kay Collins

LECTURE—On Tuesday evening a lecture was given in the Temperance Hall, by Mr. Gale, of the Reform Union, on "Coming Political Struggles." Mr. W. Wilkins, president of the Rushden Liberal Association, presided. The Chairman having made a brief and appropriate address, the Lecturer combatted a "rest and be thankful" policy, and contended that having inherited great political privileges it was their duty to strengthen and improve them, so as to adapt them to the times. The Tories had changed their name, but their policy remained the same, and there was just as much need as ever to advocate Liberal principles. Even the ballot might have to be fought for again, as there were some of the Conservatives who wished it to be optional. Referring to the County Franchise, he did not think the anomaly now existing could be maintained much longer. The lecturer referred at some length to the English Land question, predicting that there would be a fierce struggle before it was settled upon a just basis, and producing figures to show the necessity for reform. He next alluded to the House of Lords, and expressed his opinion that it would have to be brought more into unison with the wishes of people. Having also offered a vigorous defence of Free Trade principles, the lecturer concluded by urging that Englishmen should seek for the greatness of their country, not in its military prowess, but in its love for righteousness, justice, and peace The usual votes of thanks having been accorded, the proceedings terminated.

Wellingborough News, 11th March 1882, transcribed by Kay Collins

CHURCH TEMPERANCE SOCIETY—On Tuesday last a meeting in connection with this society was held in the large hall at the Coffee Tavern. The chair was taken by the Rev. Canon Barker, who delivered an excellent opening address, and speeches followed by the Rev. Mr. Hayes, of Swineshead, and the Rev. A. E. Kinch, of Bozeat. Musical selections were given at intervals, in admirable style, by Mrs. Barker, Miss K. Packwood, and Messrs. W. Packwood, Farey, C. Stringer, W. Skinner, and K. Skinner. J. E. Smith accompanied upon the piano. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the speakers and the friends who had provided so great a musical treat, and the proceedings were brought to a close with the National Anthem, the Chairman making a brief incidental allusion to the dastardly attempt upon the life of the Queen.

Wellingborough News, 1st July 1882, transcribed by Kay Collins

LECTUREOn Friday evening the Temperance Brass Band paraded the town, and assembled on the Green, where a temperance lecture was delivered by Mr. W. Bell, of Loudon. Mr. E. Knight presided, and there was a good attendance.

Wellingborough News, 9th September 1882

A National Temperance Jubilee celebration took place on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace. In spite of unfavourable weather, the gathering was very successful, between 50,000 and 60,000 persons visiting the Palace. Several foreign delegates were present. In the course of the day a telegram of loyal greeting was sent to the Queen, who telegraphed her thanks.

Wellingborough News, 10th February 1883, transcribed by Kay Collins

CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY—On Monday evening the above society had a tea in the Infant Schoolroom, when upwards of 100 attended, after which au interesting address was given by the Rev. Canon Barker, and the Rev. T. Grabham, rector of Irthlingborough, gave a magic lantern entertainment. This was followed by games, and a pleasant evening was spent.

Wellingborough News, 17th October 1890, transcribed by Kay Collins

RUSHDEN TEMPERANCE SOCIETY—The quarterly tea and meeting of the above was held on Wednesday at the Coffee Tavern. The tea was provided in the reading room, and about 30 sat down, including Revs. W. J. Tomkins, T. G. Harper, and A. C. Smith, Mr. J. Cave, Mr. J. Sargent, Mr. Wm. Clark, sen., Mr. Chas. Bayes, Mr. Thos. Willmott, Mr. T. C. Clarke, and other prominent temperance workers. As soon as tea was over the Rev. W. J. Tomkins was elected chairman, and business was commenced, the chief item being the celebration of the Jubilee of the society. After considerable discussion it was decided to hold a series of meetings during the second week in January, commencing on the 12th and Mr. John Cave was requested to preside at the first meeting, he being one of the originators of the society. The speakers during the week will include (if possible) Mr. Raper (of the United Kingdom Alliance), Mr. Chas. Pollard (Kettering), Rev. T. Lord, Mr. Whittaker, Mr. E. Grubb, and Mr. W. Bell. On Friday it is proposed to hold a Childrens' Meeting, and on Saturday a tea and social entertainment. Strenuous efforts will also be made to induce Dr. Lees to visit Rushden and conduct services on the Sunday and Monday following. A long conversation then followed respecting the Saturday night meetings, some of: those present contending that Sunday afternoon, or evening would be much more suitable. Ultimately it was decided to hold meetings on Sunday afternoons during the month of November, and that the ministers of the town be asked to render all the assistance they can to make these meetings a success. The secretary (Mr. J. Claridge) was requested to write to Mr. T. Burton, conveying an expression of sympathy with him in his bereavement in the death of his wife.


Wellingborough News, 28th November 1890, transcribed by Kay Collins

TEMPERANCE SUNDAY, Nov. 30th—“Darkest England and one way out of it” will be the subject of a sermon on Sunday evening next at the Old Baptist Chapel, by the Rev. W. J. Tomkins. Service at 6 o'clock. Working men specially invited. Seats and hymn books will be found. Advt.


Temperance Society

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