W.C.T.U.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13377, 19 March 1909, Page 8

W.C.T.U.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELECUAM.) WELLINGTON. March 18. \t. tho W C.T.U. Convention to-day a 'report was presented showing that the m-esent membership ol the WC T\U? wa. 1855. Gratification was exDressed at the splendid advance Sfby the local option poll vote for NoJicenee. In the Dominion >.ohad been steadily growm&and tho last poll save tile magnificent majority of 33.331 votes over the op"Wo hope and believe/ says tho report, "that mtanbere ot the W.C.T.U. will give all possible help in the agitation for the removal of the three-fifths disability from the temperance section of the community. In the opinion of the Union it is much to be regretted that any No-hcense voter does not feel bound to vote reduction as well as No-license, as in the country districts reduction would mean prohibition over a large area, and consequently temptations to dunk would be less numerous, and the result would bo lessened drunkenness. Now that the No-license party is gaining in numbers and influence, it ie time to claim from Parliament tho right of the Dominion option by a bar© majority. The Union condemns the establishment of canteens at military camps and in some of the orderly rooms, and it makes a protest against drinking on trains, and the placarding of liquor advertisements at railway stations. Referring to tho Cabinet reconstruction, the report says:—''To say that the new appointments are satisfactory to the progressives or to the party of reform, would be far from the truth. In fact, Sir Joseph Ward seems to have gonp out of his way to show contempt for those who stand for the defence of all that is best in national life." At the afternoon session the corresponding secretary's report showed that nine new unions were organised. Part of this increase was due to work done among Maoris. Several new Maori unions had been formed. Victoria Home for friendless girls (Invercargfll) was doing useful work. Efforts -were being "made to sta:rt a maternity home in connection with this work. Napier still led in its paid-up membership. Dunedin had made tho largest proportional advance. Band of Hope work was taken up by many unions, Otautau leading with a membership of 160 ,<and Bluff being a good second. The cradle roll showed a largo increase- New brandies had been formed at Napier. Ota'hulru, Hastings, and Onehunga. The. Newtown Girls' Association carried on useful -work, and a dressmaking class was' held. At the Denver (U.S.A.) Convention, at Miss Gordon's Tequest, the boy representing New Zealand was dressed in a suit from tho Kaiapoi factory.

Miss Barton read the report of work, among tho Maoris, special mention being mado of tlwj mission at W'hanapara, which had done excellent evangelistic and temppTan.ee work. The- Auckland union had kept the work going in several native villages. A committee was set up to arrange for consolidation of work among Maoris. At the- evening session the Union passed a resolution urging the Government to introduce immediately a definite scheme of scientific temperance instruction into State schools as a compulsory class subject. " A resolution was passed sympathising with women who are fighting for votes in Britain.