W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 71, 24 March 1936, Page 10

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS.

Reports on scientific and medical temperance, the educational bureau and work among juveniles and Maoris were presented at the 51st annual convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union which continued yesterday. The report on the work among the Maoris was presented by Miss Henderson, who stated that now was the time to make more earnest measures to keep drink from being distributed among the natives of these islands. A member brought a message from Rotorua Maori women, asking that a branch of the W.C.T.U. might be formed in that district The anti-gambling report, presented by Miss A. McLay, was adopted. Resolutions under this head included one moved by Miss Cook, as follows:— "That the Government be to legislate so that promoters of art unions be compelled to publish statements of receipts and expenditure at the same time as the results are published, Or as soon after as possible." Another proposed by Mrs. Moyes was to the effect that Parliament be urged to bring down legislation making it illegal for any child under the age of 16 to sell tickets for raffles, art unions, or any form of gambling. Mre. Bedford proposed "That the convention should urge unions and individual members to take a stand against participating in any v form of gambling whether by means of the totalisator, art unions or anything that encouraged the spirit of gambling." These resolutions were carried.

The presentation of banners took place'during the afternoon, the awards being: —Greatest increase of membership: Napier 1, Mount Albert 2. Largest roll of little white ribboi\ers: NelsOil 1, Oahi 2. Largest cradle roll: Southland district. . Largest Loyal Temperance Legion roll: Nelson. Largest Baitd Of Hope roll: Ponsonby. The gold medal for the special children's essay was won by Daphne Keen, of Waitnate. Bannerets for unions securing 16 or more new white ribbon subscribers were presented to Brooklyn, Hamilton and Mastcrton branches, Wellington district winning the prize one guinea for the largest district increase.

In the evening displays showing model meetings in all departments of W.C.T.U. activity were given under the direction of Mrs. Kaspar. A pageant, "The Century," Showing the progress of temperance work, was given, the whole being very effective.