THE FINANCE MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE Order of Sons of Temperance. At the reception meeting held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Saratoga, June 23rd, Sir LEONARD TILLEY, Finance Minister of the Dominion of Canada, said: As I was on my way to this beautiful city-this being my first visit-I was thinking why it was that Saratoga was selected as the place for holding the present session of the National Division of the Sons of Temperance of North America: and concluded that it was on account of its central position, central so far as the Union is concerned, and central so far as the Dominion of Canada is considered. We can labor in this work under both flags. I see the two flags, the Stars and Stripes and the British flag, entwined here. I remember when we met in session in New Haven, the brethren desired to have the two flags present, but only the Stars and Stripes were there. While the brethren were endeavouring to obtain a British flag, a brother from the other side of the line, whom I see present to-night, said, "You do not seem to have been very successful or you would have had one.' (Laughter.) Under the two flags entwined, if we are united, liberty and freedom will fly through the world. Let us show to the world that under those flags that enemy, that tyrant, that is destroying thousands and millions of our sons and daughters shall cease to rule and have power. When I entered this National Division, or rather, when I first became the Grand Worthy Patriarch of my own Province, I was not a very old man, and I remember the remarks that were made in my Province, the Province of New Brunswick, against the Order. It was declared to be an American institution, and the loyalty of all those connected with it was questioned. Objections were made to our regaliaour horse collars and objections were made to our titles, Grand Worthy Patriarch as I was at the age of thirty years. I remember well the expressions of the countenances of many when I first went to visit a Division, as they first saw me; they expected to see a grey beard and white hair in a Patriarch, instead of a young man. But I feel to-night that I am a patriarch indeed, and why? Because at this moment and at this Session there is but one brother present who stands senior to me in the National Division; there is but one Past Most Worthy Patriarch who stands ahead of me, and yet, hundreds and thousands and tens of thousands have passed away, having performed their work nobly and faithfully. It has had a very depressing effect on me to-night, to see how few of my old companions in the Order were present; the great bulk of the brethren are comparatively strangers to me. But my faith and attachment for the Order are strengthened when I think of what it has performed. What has it performed? Why, sir, it would take a night, it would take a week, to tell half what it has accomplished. In the first place, the happy thought, no matter where it originated, or who with, which led the founders of this Order in the United States to institute it in the British possessions, and subsequently to carry it into the whole world, was a magnificent one. The organization has had a wonderful effect on both sides of the lines. At the time this Order was introduced we had not the means of communication between the two countries that we have now, and we had learned to mistrust each other. We had learned to look upon our friends from Connecticut as the manufacturers of wooden nutmegs, and I have no doubt they looked upon us with similar mistrust. But when we had met as Sons of Temperance, we found that we knew no difference with reference to territory or with reference to our constituents, we met with hearts beating in unison, with love for our fellow men inspired by the love of God. A large portion of the friendly feeling between the two countries to-day results from the efforts of this organization. I have known young men, seeking situations, and bearing recommendations from the highest and most important functionaries of our land to the merchants of the cities of New York and Boston, to be unsuccessful; and I have known them to take from their pockets their certificates of membership in our Order, when the situation was at once obtained. I have known of persons who have been sick in foreign parts, who, when they came back or wrote us, said that they had not been treated as strangers in a strange land, but as brothers, by members of our Order. All this goes to cement that friendly feeling that has grown up between us, and which should never cease to be between us on both sides of the lines. In the days from 1849 down to '60, when the National Division has met with representatives from For the North and from the South and from the British Posssessions, I have seen the men from the North meet those from the South, and I have heard them make the remark that there was a vast amount of feeling between the two sections, for which, as they became better acquainted, they saw there was no ground. If the Sons of Temperance had been the governing power in the South and in the North, it is possible that you might have escaped that sad, that terrible calamity that led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of valuable lives, and hundreds of dollars, in the struggle for the union of this country. I have been in the habit of speaking of the Sons of Temperance as the standing army, in comparison with the other Temperance organizations that I designate as militia or volunteers. twenty years (I speak of Canada from 1848 down to 1868) I venture to say that this Order was the Order that was educating the people and instilling into their minds the principles that we wanted perpetuated throughout the country. Our people were so far educated between 1848 and 1855 by that organization alone, for we had no other organization of any efficiency, and the public mind of our Province was so influenced, that we passed through our legislature such a law for the suppression of this vice of intemperance, as was never before passed in any country, and it was signed by the Governor and approved by the Queen. * * What I have said in regard to the Province of New Brunswick is applicable to every one of the Provinces of Canada. There are thousands of men in this organization whose names do not appear upon the rolls of the Most Worthy Scribe, but they are true temperance men, and were first brought to engage in temperance work through our Order. In 1854, I said when elected Most Worthy Patriarch of this Body, "I am proud of the position in which my brethren have placed me." Since then I have been greatly indebted to my fellow-countrymen for political positions, and more recently for the honour which has been conferred upon me by my Sovereign, and which no man should undervalue. But to day I say again, that was a proud day in my life, and if I should live a hundred years, I should be recreant to you should I ever violate my principles or forget the honour you conferred upon me when you made me your Most Worthy Patriarch. (Applause.) Oh! this noble old Örder! Other orders have been introduced that have for a time outstripped us in membership, and, to a great extent, influence. They have had their day. In our organization, as in commercial life, we have good times and times of oppression; we have good times in the churches, times of great zeal and life, and times of coldness and inactivity. It is so with reference to the Sons of Temperance, and so with the Templars, and the other organization. But let me say, now is our time! I believe that we have touched low water. Since January last we have had an accession of between three and four thousand to our membership. The present is a time when there is a disposition to deal with this question. Let us buckle on the armour anew. Let the old men take hold, and the young men work, and let us build up the Order to the pinnacle it formerly occupied. We know not who may fall before the next Annual Session, but, who ever it be, let us stand with our faces to the foe so long as life continues. Let us battle to the last, and never surrender until the victory is ours, and the cause in which we have engaged has been successful. When I was master of my own time, I seldom failed to be present at the National gatherings of the Sons of Temperance, and I considered those meetings the most delightful times of the year. At this Session I have made new acquaintances of brothers who have more recently joined our organization, and I shall go home hoping that I shall be spared to meet you again another year, and hear then of very largely increased accessions to our membership over those of the past six months. (Renewed applause.) LEVER used to tell with infinite drollery the following story of Mr. McGlashen, his Dublin publisher, who, by the way, was a Scotchman. At a certain dinner, fearing to be made "fou" by the wild Irish authors and scribblers, he left the table, having taken his fair share of wine, to join the ladies in the drawing room. After a while the company heard unearthly noises in the pantry, just behind the dining-room. They listened and wondered. What could it be? Were there really ghosts in the house, as had been whispered in its ancient traditions? But, sum. moning courage, they went en masse, and they found that worthy McGlashen had, under the impression that he was going up-stairs to the ladies, ascended shelf after shelf of the pantry, and was at that moment lying at full length on the uppermost, kicking furiously at the ceiling and side-walls, and expressing the utmost surprise that he could not "get up stairs." Sons in Council. [The Editor must not be held to endorse all the opinions expressed in the page devoted to "Sons in Council." The page is set apart for original coniributions previously read in Division.] THE GOOD OF THE ORDER. An Essay by Bro. W. JOHNSON, G.S. of London. The primary object of this conference is to discuss the good of the Order after hearing, in simple language, of the mainsprings of our good fortune in London, how it can be equalled, if not excelled, by you and others. Without any special merit of my own, but simply owing to abundant and rare opportunities, if I am able to impart information, and what is, after all, of greater importance, inspire you with an intenser love to the Order, and a more ardent resolve to promote its welfare in the future, I shall consider myself well repaid for the time and trouble involved. Many of you have, doubtless, been debating my motives in coming down here, and wondering why the G.S. of London should, at his own charge, take all this trouble, when he has, or should have, quite enough to do in his own locality, to mind his own business. Brethren, if we all consulted only our own convenience, the attendance, either at Sub., Grand, or National Division, or indeed, at any temperance meeting, would be much less than it is, for, after all, the family instinct is strong within us. The equally binding law of public duty and the golden rule of charity step in and require at times a temporary suspension of the former, and hence we witness, on every hand, a vast army of noble workers in the threefold cause of religion, morality, and health; or, in other words, promoting the happiness of the greatest number. I am not here from London as a delegate to try and convert you to our views of policy and finance. As a matter of fact, not more than three members of my G.D. know of my visit, and, up to the time of my fixing the date, I had not mentioned the matter to any one. I say this because many representatives in N.D. have entertained the idea that the London members wanted to force their opinions upon the N.D. Our persistent attacks on what were considered the faulty and old-fashioned scheme of finance (and to which some members possibly look back with a fond indulgence, in spite of their better judgment) were not dictated by a mere caprice, or sense of superior wisdom, but from a profound conviction that the reforms advocated, and which had proved so successful with us, were based on sound principles, and calculated, if acted upon, to benefit the other G.D.S By way of introduction, then, a few thoughts may be advanced, as to some false notions concerning benefit societies. Fallacy No. 1 consists in supposing that, because a benefit society is registered under the Act of Parliament, it must therefore be safe. Some of the large collecting societies trading in this particular, as in others, on the ignorance of the working- man, foster this notion, but the best proof of its inaccuracy is the statement made by Lord Carnarvon last year, that in 1879 no less than one hundred and fifty-nine registered societies came to grief. As a matter of fact, the incorporation of a society does not embody the certification of a sound scale. The meaning of the Registrar's signature and seal is simply that he has perused the rules and found nothing in them repugnant to the letter and spirit of the Act of Parliament, under which he performs his functions. If he had to guarantee the sufficiency of the contributions and benefits, how many societies do you think would pass muster? What would be the use of the compulsory quinquennial valuation? Mistake No. 2 is in the notion that the society which promises most for the least money is the best and safest. As in trade, cheapness is seldom allied to excellence. If you want a genuine and good article yon must pay a fair price. We know that the converse is but too true, and many thousands of working-men who joined societies in their youth, and now, in their middle and old age, when their working faculties are on the wane, and they begin to experience the numerous ills that flesh is heir to, and the need for an occasional rest from their unhealthy and risky occupations, they find the help for which they had confidently looked when the evil day should come, not forthcoming, and are deploring the hard fate awaiting them, and cursing the ill-luck which they consider is the cause of their misfortune. A sad instance was brought before my notice a few weeks back. I had occasion to bring our society before a teetotal worker in London, and asked him to join us. He said he would be only too pleased, but he was over fortyfive, and therefore, could not. Then he related his experience of a club as follows:-He had belonged to one for over twenty years. At one time it had £27,000 in hand, but through mismanagement, and connection with the public-house, it had dwindled down, and at last, when, for the first time, through having fractured his arm, he declared on the funds, he was told his money could not be paid, as their funds were exhausted. Now there was not a single society would have him at any price. Mistake No. 3 consists in the notion that the best society is the one which offers the largest amount of special benefits. without extra payments, as, for instance, so much for confinements, substitute for Militia, loss of tools by fire, and, above all, funeral allowances for one or more wives, &c., &c. I could never understand the justice of requiring a bachelor to pay for the confinements or burial of somebody else's wife, or a clerk or tradesman having to pay for the loss of a workman's tools or freedom from Militia. For be it remembered, that, even if no direct levy is imposed for these special objects, and they be paid out of the common fund, the amount so paid diminishes its strength, and to that extent jeopardises the reserve which the non-participating member has been assisting to build up out of his own contributions for the inevitable rainy day. The ladies are treated with scant respect in this connection. The original idea seems to have been to consider them as "make weight," for which no equivalent in the shape of contributions should be asked, and this ungallant attitude towards the fair sex is still further maintained in undertaking, for the sum of 10s., to pay a further £10 for the death of a second wife, providing she does nor exceed middle age, say forty or fortyfive. The profitableness of this course can be easily resolved by arithmetic. Assuming that the 10s. registration fee was put in the benefit fund, instead of management, and, assuming further, what is most unlikely, that it was invested at five per cent, the second good lady would have to live fifty-five years, or say, be a centenarian, before the Society would gain one penny by the transaction. And, yet, if it were mildly suggested that such a society was promising too much, and could never carry out its obligations, the speaker would probably be told that he was vilifying the society, and insulting its officers. Fallacy No. 4 consists in supposing that because a society is making money, or to state it more accurately, putting by a portion of its income, after meeting current claims. it must, therefore, be trustworthy. That society must, indeed, be in a sorry plight which, in its early existence, does not manage to live within, at least, fifty or sixty per cent. of its income, as a large portion of its liabilities are the consequence of old age and decay, and so deferred to a distant future. The money so saved cannot be considered profit, as it would be in a trading concern, but goes to form a reserve fund from which the benefits may be assured as long as each member lives. Fallacy No. 5 is a somewhat similar one, and rests on the assumption that because a society has large funds it must be safe. A man may trade with large sums of money, but, if he owes a still larger sum, he is as insolvent as the poorest beggar in the street. One instance will prove my point here. The Manchester United Order of Odd Fellows in 1870 had 500,000 members, and 4,000,000 or 5,000,000 of money, and, yet, their own Secretary, Mr. Ratcliffe, was obliged to admit that they were, at least, £1,000,000 deficient. Much to their credit, the officers did not question the accuracy of the figures, but promptly took steps to remedy the insolvency. I will, however, give a still more striking instance from one of their own Branches. Staying down in Ashford the other day for a few hours, I noticed, in one of the rooms of my hotel, a balance sheet of the Lodge, which showed a capital of £1717. Knowing that many of the Lodges had been valued in 1879five hundred and sixty-one out of seven hundred and seventyfour were declared insolvent, and one hundred and thirty-five Foresters' Lodges out of one hundred and fifty-I had the curiosity to see if this was one of them-and it was. I found that they were established in 1843, and had only forty-five members, showing over £38 per head, and, yet, their surplus, calculated at the unusual rate of four per cent., was only £159, or £3 10s. per head, in other words the difference of £34 10s. each would all be absorbed in paying the future claims of each individual member. Another Lodge, established in 1834, with two hundred and forty-six members, and £2120, or nearly £9 per head, was reported insolvent to the extent of £1482. (To be continued.) Deptford, No. 243.-On Sunday, Oct. 9th, the Deptford Division held a public meeting at the Temperance Hall, Church-street, when addresses were delivered by Bro. Heath, G.W.P., Bro. Aldred, and others, explaining the advantages the Order; Bro. Childs presided. The Division is making slow but sure progress, having upwards of 50 on the books. On Tuesday, Oct. 11th, a tea and social meeting was held at the Museum, in honour of the marriages of Bros. Giles Helyer, Joseph Helyer, and Styles. About 100 members and friends partook of an excellent tea, and a profitable and pleasant evening was spent. Bro. J. E. Childs lent a choice selection of plants from his nurseries. Upwards of 180 present. London. The Islington Division, No. 457, held its first meeting in the new hall at Charlotte-street on Oct. 4th. One candidate was ititiated, and four proposed. North Ormesby.-At a meeting of the Capt. Pennyman Division on Monday, Oct. 3rd, the Rev. W. Sharrock was duly initiated an honorary member. Bro. Clarke, W.P., assisted by Bro. T. Rigby, of Middlesborough, G.S., conducted the ceremony of initiation. The Rev. Bro. W. Sharrock, in a few well-chosen remarks, expressed his pleasure in being associated with a friendly society based on total abstinence principles. A resolution was passed by a unanimous vote that the Division take part in the grand procession of friendly societies at the Middlesborough Jubilee. Middlesboro'.-The Erimus Division, No. 101, held their annual tea and entertainment on Wednesday, Sept. 28th, in the Temperance Hall. After a good tea had been partaken of by about 250 Sons of Temperance and their friends, a public meeting and entertainment was given. In the unavoidable absence of Alderman R. Archibald, the chair was taken by Bro. Surtees, of Sunderland. After the opening remarks, several good songs were given by our local artistes, and Bro. Sam. Wood gave some very amusing recitations. Bro. Thompson, of North Shields, spoke for a considerable time on the benefits of the Order, and his remarks were listened to with great attention. After spending a very enjoyable evening, and the usual votes of thanks, Bro. Surtees brought the meeting to a close. At the next Division meeting, several persons were proposed as members of the Order. On the occasion of the Middlesboro' Jubilee, and the unveiling of the statue of the late H. W. F. Bolckrow, M.P., on Thursday, Oct. 6th, there was a grand procession of the various friendly societies of the town and neighbourhood, the Rechabites were invited to take part. Accordingly, the Erimus and Perseverance Tents resolved to attend. By some oversight the Sons of Temperance were not invited, and as there is a goodly number of Sons of Temperance who are Rechabites, the Sons resolved to take part in the procession on the cordial invitation of the Rechabites, and arrangements which were made by the officers were carried out satisfactorily. The members of the two Orders met at 12 o'clock in the Northbrook-buildings, Linthorpe-road, thence proceeding to the Market-place, where all the Clubs were assembled. The two Orders were easily recognised by the rosettes which they wore. Sons of Temperance had red, white, and blue, the Rechabites white, which were much admired as they passed along in the procession. The members of the two Orders walked side by side, showing the good feeling mutually existing. Barnsley. The first annual Conference of the various divisions in the Barnsley district, was held at the Temperance Hall, on September 17th. The proceedings commenced in the afternoon, when the Conference was presided over by Bro. T. Ward, P.W.P., Barnsley. Bro. W. Watson presented a report from which we make a few extracts: In accordance with a resolution passed at Dodworth, on the 31st of January last, this meeting is held as the inauguration of an annual conference in this place; and, as it is twelve months within three days since the first gathering of the kind took place here, we deem it a fit time to say one or two things respecting the composition and work of this assembly. At the outset, it must be understood that this conference in not in any sense an official body of the Order. It has no constitution, no authority, and no funds; but it is of a purely voluntary character, if we may except the fact that some of the brethren have attended its meetings at the request of their division. There is no power invested in us, and we assume none, but the power to recommend to, or advise upon, any question that may from time to time be brought before the brethren in their individual divisions: and our only objects are to spread the cause of true temperance, and extend the operations of the Order of which we form a part in this district, so that good may come to our fellows. Your committee are of opinion that, notwithstanding there is a lack of constitution, authority, and funds, a great amount of good may be done, and the Divisions may be materially assisted by means of periodical gatherings, such as this and the others that have been held, when brethren can meet together to discuss the many important topics that arise from time to time, in which, as temperance workers and Sons of Temperance, we are interested. Nay, it is scarcely a matter of opinion, but one of fact. The extension of the Order is an important subject, and, already, efforts have been put forth that would hardly have been known had it not been for these conferences. Besides, those who attend them get educated, and help to educate others in the work of the Order; and, without doubt, we get to feel our oneness more than would be the case had we no such means for interchange of thought and for kindly greeting as these meetings afford. All the four conferences held previous to this one have been very well attended considering that the individual members who have come to them have not only received no fees for loss of time, but have had to bear their own expenses as well. The places visited by the conference have been Barnsley, Ardsley, Dodworth and Higham, in the order named. At each place there was held, besides the business meeting, a public tea and evening meeting, when addresses were given on temperance and the Order by several brethren, with more or less singing and musical entertainment. At the Higham afternoon meeting, a lengthy and useful paper was read by Bro. T. Depledge, of Dodworth, entitled "The origin and progress of the Order of the Sons of Temperance." As regards the extension of the Order, your committee have to report the establishment of two new Divisions. One at Wombwell, on Dec. 13th, 1880, and one at Worsbro' Dale, June 9th, 1881. The former is named the "Royal Consort," and has 23 members; and the latter the "Pride of Worsbro' Dale," with 24 members. These two Divisions, with a present total membership of 47, were commenced without drawing from the other Divisions their strength, having received only one member by clearance card. A glance at the report of the Bradford Grand Division for the half-year ending June 30th, reveals the fact that four-indeed five of the last six-divisions established therewith, were established in this immediate neighbourhood; and mainly through the influence of the brethren here to-day. These four divisions have been named respectively the "Victoria " (Ardsley), the "Hope" (Dodworth), the " Hope of Higham," Royal Consort," (Wombwell), and the " Pride of Worsbro' Dale." Unfortunately owing to the stoppage of the Dodworth and Higham pits, the "Hope of Higham" Charter has had to be given up, and the 13 members that were left after some had removed from the locality connected with the Albert Division, Barnsley. There are now five Divisions, with a membership varying from 17 to 136, of 251 benefit members, one honorary member, and 23 cadet or juvenile members; complete total, 274. When it is remembered that these figures not only represent so many persons connected with the Friendly Society movement, but a strong band of bona-fide teetotallers too, living in and near this town, we cannot fail to be thankful and take courage. Still, a great deal remains to be done which only Sons of Temperance can do. As yet there is only one Juvenile Section started in connection with our Divisions. That is the one at Dodworth, which, as already mentioned, has 23 regular contributing teetotal youths under the age of 16."-In the evening a public tea was provided in the large room underneath the hall. The ladies who officiated at the tables were: Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Nussey, Mrs. Watson, and Mrs. Gleaves. A public meeting followed, presided over by Bro. George Clay, W.P., of the Albert Division, Barnsley. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. G. Cragg, Dodworth; J. Rowney, F. H. Chadwick, T. Ward, T. J. Pick, and W. Watson, Barnsley. The speakers dealt with the temperance question generally, and particularly urged the merits of this Order. During the evening at intervals, Bros. J. Harper, of Ardsley, and R. Watson, of Barnsley, gave several songs, Mr. A. Barham giving two recitations. The usual votes of thanks closed the meeting. The Barrow-in-Furness.-Crystal Stream Division held a social tea-meeting, followed by a miscellaneous entertainment in the Primitive Methodist School-room, Hartington-street, on Oct. 8th. There were about 220 sat down to tea. tables were presided over by the following ladies: Mrs. A. Grainger, Mrs. T. Grainger, Mrs. T. Mayor, Mrs. J. Nicholls, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. T. Gregson, Mrs. T. Hodgson, Mrs. D. Timms, Mrs. Williamson, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Long, Miss Mateer, Mrs. Wheeler. After doing ample justice to the good things provided, the tables were cleared, and the room re-arranged for the entertainment, which consisted of a pleasing variety of temperance speeches, songs, recitations, &c. The chair was occupied by Bro. A. Grainger, who was supported by a number of the brethren wearing the regalia. The Chairman delivered a capital address, in the course of which he stated that the Division had enrolled 27 new members since January, and more were on the list for initiation. In eight years they had not had one death, and the average of their sickness had been only 14 days per member per year. Mr. J. W. Corlett, Miss Homar, Mrs. Mayne, Mr. Parsonage, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. John Brown, Messrs. Timms, Mayor, and Dudley, Miss Boyd, Miss Whiteside, and the Rev. J. Prestwich also took part in a very enjoyable evening. Carlisle. The "Border City" Division held its thirteenth anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 27th, in the Temperance Hall. There was a good attendance at tea, after which the chair was taken by Bro. T. T. Sessford, W.P., and an excellent selection of vocal and instrumental music was given by the following members and friends: Misses M. and E. Pickering and M. Brown; Messrs. T. Little, J. Walker, T. Ritson, and Humphreys; Bros. D. Hodgson, J. Lamonby, and J. Halstead. Mr. Ritson presided at the pianoforte. Halifax.-The Good Samaritan Division has received the following on the assets and liabilities, December 31st, 1881:"The assets are as follows: The present value of the members' contributions amount to £733 13s. 4d.; cash in Equitable Building Society £375 3s. 6d.; in Treasurer's hands £7 2s. 8d. ; in Sick Steward's hands, £1 19s. 8d. Owing by management fund £2 7s. 8d.; proportion of funeral fund £15 7s. 54d.; making a total of £1135 14s. 34d. The liabilities are: Present value of members' sick and funeral benefits £994 8s. ; members' wives' funeral benefits £94 17s. 9d.; balance in favour of the Division £46 8s. 64d.; this result is very satisfactory, shewing the Division to be perfectly solvent. The average age of members is 36.78 years; members' wives 37.11 years. As the members increase in age the liabilities will grow heavier, and it will be necessary the reserve fund should be safely and judiciously invested. The contributions to the management fund are not sufficient to cover the expenses, it is necessary they should be adapted to meet the requirements of the Division, as it is illegal to use any of the sick fund for this purpose. Á levy of 1s. per member would pay off present deficiency, and an additional payment of 6d. per annum would place the fund in a solvent condition.-CLARKE WILSON, Valuer, Commercial Clerk." Manchester.-On Saturday, September 24, a tea-party and entertainment was held in the Temperance Hall, Openshaw, to commemorate the seventeenth anniversary of the Good Intent Division; after a bounteous repast, which was partaken of by about 140 persons, the entertainment was given, when songs, duets, recitations, and speeches were efficiently rendered by brethren and friends of the Order. On Sunday, September 25, a demonstration was held, at 7.30, the chair being taken by Bro. James Beresford, P.W.P., and Bros. G. Beresford, M.W.C., W. H. Lowe, G.S., J. Walker, G.C., spoke as to the benefit of the Order. Both meetings were successful, some few signing the pledge; several have been added to the Division. The celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Domestic Mission Subordinate Division, No. 54, was held on Saturday afternoon, September 24, in the Walker-street Temperance Hall, Oldham-road. There was a good attendance of members and friends who partook of a well-provided tea; a public meeting and entertainment was afterwards held, under the presidency of Bro. W. Clarke, M.W.S., who delivered a short address, containing an epitome of the work accomplished by this Division during the past twenty years. He earnestly recommended those present unassociated with a temperance benefit society, to become members of this branch, pointing out the many advantages belonging to such an association. Bro. Pattison, F.S., gave a report of the financial condition of the Division, and stated there had been an increase to the funds over those of the previous year. Bro. Thorpe contributed a recitation, and Bro. Jordan sang Moods and Tenses," both with excellent effect; several other songs and recitations were well rendered and received. A pleasing variation in the order of proceedings was the appearance of the Oldham-road Amateur Minstrels, equipped in negro costumes, who gave a most amusing imitation of the orthodox tribe of minstrels, with judicious elimination of the more extravagant characters of their Order; the whole of the minstrels being members of the St. George's Church Sunday School. The main object of the gathering, however, was well kept before the meeting by Bro. Lowe, G.S., and Bro. Slee, P.G.W.P., who gave practical addresses strongly recommending the claims of the Sons of Temperance to the serious consideration of all those who had not yet become members of the Order. After the usual votes of thanks to the chairman, and to those who had contributed to the evening's instruction and entertainment, the meeting was brought to a close at ten o'clock. North Stafford.-The Grand Division held its quarterly meeting on Saturday afternoon, October 15, at the Wedgewood Division Room, Borough Arms Coffee House, Market-square, Burslem. The room is a great attraction to the members, as it is beautifully carpeted, &c. Bro. Wm. Hamilton, G.W.P., presided. The report of the committee on returns was very cheering, showing a total number of members in good standing of one hundred and seventy-seven in the district, not including the honorary members; the financial position is very good. The officers' reports were full of vigour and life, as, also, were the reports of the delegates, showing great progress during the present quarter. The next place of meeting will be Layton. Tea was provided by the manager of the house, in good style. Burslem.-On Sunday afternoon, September 25, some of the Sons, according to the usual custom, met at the Burslem Borough Arms Coffee House, Market-place, which was kindly placed at their disposal by the manager and directors of the company, for the purpose of forming themselves in procession to follow the remains of our esteemed and departed Bro. John Hancock, P.W.P. and Worthy Treasurer, to his last home. There were Brethren from the Dawn of Hope, Hanley, Onward, Newcastle-under-Lynne, and some of the North Stafford Grand Division officers, along with the members of the Wedgewood Division. After they had formed themselves into line, they proceeded to where the respected brother lay, and joined in a hymn sung by the members, teachers, and scholars. After that part of the Burial Service had been read by the Rev. G. A. Panter, Curate in Charge, of St. Paul's Church, Dalehall, he gave a short but pointed address, illustrating the great need of being always ready for the change from this life of mortality to that of immortality. When the reverend gentlemen had finished reading the impressive service at the grave, Bro. Wm. Hamilton, G.W.P., of North Stafford Grand Division, read the beautiful funeral ceremony of the Order. Bro. John Hancock was one of the earliest members in North Stafford; was one in forming the Onward and others, also was one in forming the Wedgewood Division, and has been the Treasurer. He was respected by all the members of the Division, as he was always ready to visit the sick brethren, and look after the welfare of any brother. Merthyr Tydvil, G. D.-On Saturday, September 10th, a New Division was opened in the Methodist School Room, at Ton, Pentre, Rhondda Valley, to be called the Blaguyrin Gobaith (Bud of Hope) Division. Twenty candidates were initiated. The Brethren officiating were T. G. Davies, G.W.P., W. Davies, G.W.A., H. Lloyd, G.S., E. Lougher, of Hope to Prosper Division. Jas Davies, and other brethren of Sceptre of Charity Division. There is every prospect of success for this Division, for on their third meeting they numbered thirty-one members, having since their institution initiated eleven. Crewe.-A conference was held in the Mechanics' Institute, on Saturday, October 8, Bro. M. Macleod, P.M.W.P., in the chair. There were delegates from all the Sub. Ds. in the Grand Division of Cheshire, including Chester, Runcorn, Hanley, Winsford, Northwich, Weston, and Crewe, numbering, in all, forty-five, besides a numerous attendance of visitors. The Rose of Crewe Sub. Div. provided a free tea, at the Euston Coffee Tavern, for all the delegates, and it was very enjoyable, and resulted in creating a stronger mutual feeling through the G.D. A committee was appointed, to carry out the extension of the Order, consisting of Bros. W. H. Hughes, Crewe; Rogerson, Winsford; Herd, Hanley; Boyle, Runcorn; Allford, Weston; (Continue on page 10). ORDER OF THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE Of Great Britain and Ireland (American Unity). The objects of this society are to shield its members from the temptation to, and the evils resulting from intemperance, and to afford mutual assistance in time of sickness or accident. The first is effected by the adoption of the total abstinence pledge, avoiding the public-house, and securing its members from the many evils attending upon unabstaining societies holding their meetings in public-houses, which have proved not only injurious to the societies themselves, but to the members individually-wasting the money of the one, and destroying the health, morals, and social standing of the other; the second, by the payment of a stated initiation fee, and a weekly subscription, affording advantages second to none offered by any other society. Societies or bodies of men can obtain a charter to open a new Division of the above Order, provided their ages do not exceed 45 years. Applications for charters to open new divisions. or any other information, can be had by applying to WILLIAM CLARKE, M.W.Š., 29, Pitt-terrace, Miles Platting, Manchester. JOHN PRESCOTT, G.S., 50, Leigh-street, Earlstown. W. H. LOWE, G.S., 1, Henry-street, Lower Moss-lane, HENRY GARSTANG, G.S., 35, Upper Kent-street, Preston. C. WESTERDALE, G.S., 7, Marfleet-avenue, Craven-street, HENRY NICHOLSON, G.S., Rodley, near Leeds. JOHN RICKARDS, G.S., 26, Oxford-street, Wednesbury. WILLIAM SCULLY, G.S., 16, Queen-street, Droylsden, Manchester. NATHAN YATES, G.S., 17, Grafton-street, Bolton. F. W. PHILLIPS, G.S., 50, Regent-street, Newtown, Bristol. STEPHEN GLADWIN, G.S., 6, Denmark-street, Darlington. WILLIAM GEORGE SUTTON, G.S., 7, Wellgate, Rotherham. JAMES MORGAN, G.S., 1, South Brighton-street, Southsea, Hants. THOMAS COOKE, G.S., Y.M.C Association, Camden-buildings, Runcorn. WILLIAM L. LINDSAY, G.S., Gillon's Land, Muiryhall-street, Coatbridge. JOSEPH ASMAN, G.S., Wigford-street, Lincoln. JOHN GRUBB, G.S., Windmill House, Mill-lane, Stockton-on-Tees. GEORGE HOOLE, G.S., 42, Havelock-street, Stoke-on-Trent. JOHN STEWART, F.S., 7, Swinton-row, Edinburgh. Mems. for the Month. THE Wednesbury Grand Division is arranging a joint conribution from the Divisions to the London Temperance Hospital. SONS will please note and make good public use of the paper by Bro. J. J. RIDGE, which appears in this impression. The brethren at Enfield are well-favoured in having so earnest and capable a coadjutor. THE Sons at Worcester have arranged a meeting in the Guildhall, for expounding the principles of the Order, and have secured one of the members for the city for the chair. OUR Grand Division at Hull has put in force the graduated scale, after much discussion and enquiry, with every prospect of success. THE paper on "The Good of the Order," by Bro. W. JOHNSON, was read at a conference in Manchester, some time ago, and is inserted by resolution of the N.D. THE Pension and Almshouses' Fund, started in London a year ago, is already in use. Two pensioners have been elected, one of them having been Secretary of a temperance society for very many years. He was an honorary member of the Sons. OUR American brethren, after a season of severe depression, are looking up. For the term ending 1880 they report 47,715 members, and 2,500 lady visitors. A supplementary return enabled the M.W.S. to announce a net gain of 3,100 on the current year at the June Saratoga Session. So the members now exceed 50,000. Ar the same meeting, Bro. E. J. MORRIS, M.W.P., submitted his correspondence with Bro. M. MACLEOD, P.M.W.P., on the subject of CLEARANCE CARDS. He also presented the fraternal greetings of our own National Division. A committee, consisting of Bro. J. STEARNS, P.M.W.P., Bro. H. S. MCCOLLUM, M.W.S., and Bro. Rose, M.W.A., were appointed to consider the correspondence and report next session, which will be held at Concord, N. Hampshire, on the second Wednesday in July. A MOTION to find a substitute for the present white badge was referred to a committee at the same meeting, who reported against the proposal. A substitute was adopted by the N.D. in lieu of the report, and a committee appointed to submit a new badge at next session. AMONG the brethren present at the session were the Hon. S. L. TILLEY and the Rev. GEO. H. HICK. We give part of Bro. TILLEY's speech in another page. Bro. G. H. HICK was one of the speakers at a meeting held in London prior to opening a Divison at Balls Pond. The Division bears his name. THE EDITOR will be glad to exchange papers with any of his co-workers at home or abroad, specially with those who report the doings of the Order in other lands. Brethren who correspond with the Colonies and the United States, will do well to secure us an early introduction by forwarding to their friends copies of The Son of Temperance. A DEPUTATION, consisting of Bro. JAMES VINCENT (City of London), and the M.W.P., visited the "William Tweedie " Good Templar Lodge on Tuesday, Oct. 18th, and explained the principles of the Order. The Lodge is one of the largest and perhaps the most active in the South of London. There is good prospect of a new division for London as the result. THANKS to the kindness of Bro. LLOYD, of Dowlais, we have been favoured with two or three numbers of the Sons of Temperance Magazine, the first of which appeared in January, 1851. If we mistake not, it bears Bro. H. HULME's imprint. The magazine was much smaller in size than our present venture, with the same number of pages. A gentleman widely known as a mesmeric lecturer was the editor. GRAND DIVISIONS would do well to follow the plan adopted by Middlesboro' the other day. The G.S. wrote the M.W.P. for a deputation. The latter suggested the officials of neighbouring grand divisions. The G.S. took the hint, and secured |