DAY OF PRAYER

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24820, 9 March 1946, Page 2

DAY OF PRAYER

OBSERVANCE YESTERDAY The women’s world day of prayer was observed in 50 countries throughout the world yesterday. The theme chosen for consideration was “The things that make for peace.” The observance of the day has grown in importance year by year, and is now an international interdenominational movement.

In Christchurch the celebration opened on Thursday night, when a service for young women and for those unable to attend services yesterday, was conducted in the Anglican Cathedral by the Rev. W. Wisdom, vicar of Sumner, who also delivered the address. Yesterday two well-attended services were held at the Church of Christ. Moorhouse avenue. In the morning Mrs L. S. Ware conducted the service and in the afternoon Mrs Major Searle (Salvation Army) conducted the service, assisted by Mrs F. J. T. Grigg. The speaker was Chaplain Major J. Hiddlestone and the organist on both occasions was Mrs J. Pugh. Later the congregation was entertained at afternoon tea by the women of the Church of Christ.

The Christchurch United Women’s Missionary Committee, which was in charge of arrangements in Christchurch, provided speakers for many services held in country towns.

WOMEN’S TEMPERANCE UNION ANNUAL CONVENTION Yesterday morning an innovation was introduced in the procedure of the convention of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union now being held in Christchurch. Grouping for the discussion of the various departmental reports was carried out and the findings of the groups will be presented in open convention during later sessions. The morning’s work concluded with an address by Mrs H. Kasper, of Auckland, Dominion vicepresident. On Thursday evening a reception in honour of members of the convention was held at the Jellicoe Hall? Mrs H. S. Griffiths presided, and short addresses were given by the chairman (Mrs J. Lorimer, representing the National Council of Women). Mr E. R. Clark (representing the churches), and Mr Ford (representing the Band of Hope Union). The Dominion president (Mrs J. Hiett). in reply, dealt with the wide scope of the organisation and with the evils brought about by alcohol. which she described as a' narcotic drug and a protoplasm poison that reduced endurance, rapidity of muscular action, and resistance to infection. as well as weakening emotional and nervous control. After the business meeting a programme was provided by the following:—Mrs Claude Davies, who sang solos, and with Mrs C. L. Crowlev and ; Mrs D. A Lawson, vocal trios: Misses i Doreen Jones and Muriel Stanley, who I played piano duets: Mrs Middleton. who contributed musical monologues:, and Mrs S. Milne, who played the ac-' companimenta.