The End of the War – Good Templars

Brother Austin, the Grand Chief Templar of Victoria, presided over the meeting of the Mutual Help Lodge held at the lodge room in Graham Street on the Tuesday evening [12 Nov 1918]. The meeting was opened with the singing of the National Anthem followed by the lodge’s version of “God Bless Our Splendid Men”.
Brother C H Martin moved

‘That this meeting express its unswerving loyalty to the British throne and Empire, and its gratitude to Almighty God for the glorious victories won over the unrighteous powers of might, by the army and navy in conjunction with the Allies, and that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Defence, congratulating him on [the] successful work of his department, and the noble part taken by the splendid men of the Australian Imperial Force abroad in securing victory’.

The motion was carried enthusiastically.

The gathering heard that all eligible members (over 60 men) had enlisted and at least ten had laid down their lives in the cause of liberty. Reference was also made to a quote from Lloyd George who had said early in the war, the Empire had three great foes to fight – Germany, Austria and drink. Good Templars had done their part in defeating Germany and Austria and would continue to carry on until the third and greatest foe – drink – had been defeated.

A programme of patriotic songs and recitations was rendered. One piece, “The Kaiser’s Dream” recited by Brother Gregory was heartily applauded as especially appropriate for the occasion.

An apology was accepted from Brother Berglund who had received word from the front of the death of his son, Brother Liententant Berglund. The secretary was directed to convey to the parents the sympathy of the members.

References:

1918 ‘Good Templars.’, Port Melbourne Standard (Vic. : 1914 – 1920), 16 November, p. 3. , viewed 09 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88368390