Post #632298 by TikiTomD on Sat, Apr 14, 2012 6:37 AM

On 2012-04-13 14:04, bigbrotiki wrote:
One can maybe assume that, from a German and European standpoint, compared to all the scholarly research into culture and other scientific aspects of the locale worthy of being published, the mention of a recreational alcoholic beverage was viewed as too trivial, or maybe even reprehensible. It fell to other places and peoples to raise it to a level of legendary stature.

Sven, I’m thinking the “or maybe even reprehensible” predominantly applied. Missionaries were early or earliest on the scene throughout Oceania. Then, from the mid 19th century on into the 20th century, temperance movements were gathering strength all over the world, to include Oceania, especially New Zealand and Australia. It probably was not a good time to publically glorify your prize cocktail, lest you become a target...

**Band of Hope Temperance Society. Blenheim Blue Ribbon Branch :This is to certify that [Lottie Maria Brewer] is a member of the above society having signed the following pledge. [Luther Shelford, June 1886. no 6]. Published by Campbell & Tudhope, Glasgow.
Reference Number: Eph-D-ALCOHOL-Temperance-1886-01**
Shows text in inset oval, flanked by figures of Industry and Temperance, with beehives below, cornucopia and sheaves of grain, as well as homilies which include: "Resist temptation";"Be ye steadfast, unmoveable";"Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess";"Wine is a mocker - whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise";"Work while it is called to day".

The Clutha Leader December 5, 1890

Disclaimer: The following graphic containing “Groggy” is not intended as a reference to anyone living or dead (not you either, GROG).

Artist unknown: The Groggy Goddess of Liberty; a symbolic design for the newly-formed Liberty League, dedicated to the promoters and their friends. ... Remember the Newtown job, and vote No License! [1890s?]
Reference Number: PUBL-0107-001[/b]
Drawing on a leaflet promoting temperance, titled `The Groggy Goddess of Liberty!', depicting a drunk statue of liberty, atop a stack of rum, gin, beer, whisky and wine barrels. Text above the image reads "A symbolic design for the newly-formed Liberty League" Text below reads "Dedicated to the promotors and their friends. Messrs T Kennedy MacDonald, J T M Hornsby, John Plimmer, Staples & Co, and All Representative Liquor Sellers, who deserve the Thanks of their Country for their Glorious Defence of Liberty - to get Drunk.

**Temperance Ladies' Brass Band, possibly in Auckland, [ca 1910s]
Reference Number: 1/2-000336-G**
Temperance Ladies Brass Band, possibly in the Auckland area. Photograph taken by William A Price, ca 1910s.

On 2012-04-13 14:04, bigbrotiki wrote:
So Tom, when is YOUR book coming out? :)

As much fun as this is, that may have to wait awhile, as I have a demanding day job launching rockets. I’m quite happy to be a contributor.:)

On 2012-04-13 14:07, thePorpoise wrote:
book? he's negotiating the screenplay and movie rights!

Porpoise, you’re on to something there. Oceania in the 19th and early 20th centuries had all the elements to make a multitude of great movies: gorgeous scenery, conflict among indigenous peoples of many origins among themselves and with the colonials, intrigue among the traders and three major colonial powers, interesting historic characters (native and papalagi), and it had pirates! In Papeete, the Cercle Bougainville with it polyglot steward, Joseph, seems a South Seas incarnation of Rick’s Café in the movie Casablanca.

-Tom