Mexborough & Swinton Times — December 1, 1893
Temperance Work at Conisborough
On Tuesday evening, Mr. C. Bassett-Vincent, who is well known as the founder of Railway Unionism and the Railway Servants’ Orphanage, gave his popular lecture on “The slums of London and other cities of Great Britain.”
The lecture was to have been given in the Victoria Hall, but some time before the chair was occupied the place was crowded, and the premises occupied by the Salvation Army, being more capacious, were obtained, and soon that large room was full also.
The chair was filled by Mr. Lawton, in the absence of Mr. B. G. Dufton, who was unavoidably prevented from presiding.
At the commencement of his lecture, Mr. Vincent explained that the real object of his visit to Conisborough was to strengthen the “Morning Star” Lodge of Good Templars, which was desirous of increasing its membership.
He then, in his usual graphic manner and force, introduced his audience to some of the most remarkable scenes witnessed by him in his journeyings through the country. His description of the “Thieves’ kitchen,” in the “Mint,” London, was of the most interesting kind, as also the escapes he has had from violence at the hands of midnight ruffians.
The London docks, Ratcliffe highway, Whitechapel, Manchester, and other centres were dwelt upon, in which he went to show that strong drink was at the bottom of all the crime and misery existing in our so-called Christian country.
For an hour and ten minutes he kept his listeners in rapt attention, and at the close won most hearty applause.
The Rev. Mr. Barr proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Vincent for his excellent lecture, which was seconded by Bateson, and enthusiastically carried.
Mr. Vincent said they could best show their appreciation by joining the Order of Good Templars established in the village.
The usual vote of thanks to the chairman concluded an intensely interesting evening.