This is an age of specialists, and Mr. John Abbey is certainly the
specialist of the temperance propaganda in relation to agriculture.
The son of a yeoman, he very early turned his attention to the
importance of "soberising" our harvest fields. By his writings,
his speeches, and the invention of teetotal drinks called Stokos,
Hopkos, and Cokos, he has gradually produced a wonderful change in
agricultural circles. It is Mr. Abbey's habit to go the round of
the agricultural shows in their season, where he pitches his tent,
in which he dispenses his drinks, distributes his literature, and
discusses "the why and because" of his movement with all and sundry.
From the many letters received by him, we are permitted to quote one
from a correspondent who farms seven hundred acres:--
"I am glad to tell you that we have done harvest without a drop of
beer being given to the men, and they appear to like Stokos better
this year than ever. They usually had eight gallons or more a day,
and worked well with it, and throughout the excessive heat we had
not a man ill. Years ago the men would get beer into the field,
and there was a great deal of drunkenness among them, but now I
am thankful to say that Stokos has, by virtue of its excellent
qualities, practically _driven the beer out of the field_, and work
goes on delightfully."
[Illustration: (_Photo: A. E. Coe, Norwich_)
MR. JOHN ABBEY.]
It may be mentioned that this agricultural work is only a detail of
Mr. Abbey's life, for he is the Organising Secretary of the Church
of England Temperance Society for Norwich Diocese, having previously
held a similar appointment far many years in Oxford Diocese.
[Illustration: MR. ABBEY'S TENT AT THE NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
(_Distributing Temperance Drinks._)]
COMING EVENTS.
On April 13th a concert will be given at Stafford House, under the
patronage of H.R.H. the Duchess of York, in aid of the Church of
England Temperance Society Juvenile Union. On April 19th the annual
meeting of the Guild of Hope will be held at Grosvenor House, the
Duke of Westminster in the chair. On May 1st the annual meeting of
the National Temperance League will be held in Exeter Hall, the
Archbishop of Canterbury presiding. In July there will be two fêtes
at the Crystal Palace--one on the 5th by the National Temperance
Choral Society, and the other on the 29th, under the direction of
the Church of England Temperance Society.
"GIVE THE BOY A CHANCE."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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