W.C.T.U.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 266, 23 August 1949, Page 4

W.C.T.U.

SAILORS’ DAY HELD Sailors’ Day was held at the Ashburton Women’s Christian Temperance Union meeting in the Baring Square Schoolroom. Sister Mildred presided and led the devotions. The president welcomed the speak(,er, Captain Thomas, who gave an interesting address on the work carried on in the interests of soldiers and sailors in New Zealand and over'seas. Captain Thomas said that thanks were due to the sailors for so many things that the people enjoyed. Captain Thomas spoke of the soldiers’ and Sailors’ League, which (began in 1899, and said that spiritual awakening was the only antidote to combat the power of evil. Billy Sunday had been a great force in bringing about temperance and reform over seas. Sister Wilson voiced the thanks of those present to Captain Thomas for his encouraging talk. Sympathy in bereavement was expressed to . Mrs H. Retford, and to the family of the late Mrs Rooke. The president spoke of the faithful work and loyalty of Mrs Rooke in connection with the W.C.T.U. Members stood in silence, and Sister Mildred led in prayer for the bereaved.

A report of the executive meeting, held in Timaru, was given by. Sister Mildred, who detailed arrangements made concerning the convention to be held in Ashburton next month. Business was fully dealt with, mostly in connection with finalising the procedure of the convention. The welcome to delegates will be held in St. Andrew’s Hall. The Rev. Baird will be the speaker, and the Mayor and Mayoress will be present. The temperance fact for the afternoon was: “As I looked at the hospital wards to-day and saw that seven out of 10 owed their disease to alcohol, I could but lament that the teaching about this question was not more direct, more decisive, more home-thrust-ing than ever it had been. I am disposed to give up my profession and to go forth on a holy crusade, preaching to all men ‘ Beware of this enemy of the race.’ ” —Sir Andrew Clark, M.D. Many useful gifts were received, also donations of money, which will be forwarded to the Timaru Sailors’ Rest. Afternoon tea was served and the meeting closed with the Benediction.