This is a medal of the Melbourne Total Abstinence Society. The Society was one of several organisations in nineteenth century Victoria established to promote temperance, oppose the extension of hotel licences, and educate children and adults about the dangers of alcohol. Others were the Order of the Sons of Temperance, the International Order of Good Templars, and the Band of Hope.

Melbourne Total Abstinence medal, obverse.

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Melbourne Total Abstinence medal, reverse.

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Obverse – The arms of the Temperance Society supported by a husband, holding a flag inscribed SOBRIETY, and a wife, holding a flag inscribed DOMESTIC COMFORT. Above them on a ribbon is the legend PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TO MEN. Below the on another ribbon is BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. At the base of the medal is the legend TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.		Reverse – Around the medal on a wide border is the legend THE MELBOURNE TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY. At the centre within a wreath of oak branches and below a pair of shaking hands is the vow WE AGREE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING LIQUORS EXCEPT FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES AND RELIGIOUS ORDINANCES.

Donated by George McArthur, 1903