NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 108, 7 May 1926, Page 13

NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Alliance opened at the Dominion Farmers' Institute yesterday morning, when 100 delegates and representatives assembled for the first session. Mr. John I. Roydß, of Christchurch, president of the New Zealand Alliance, occupied the chair, and welcomed the delegates. He also made special reference to the presence of the Eight Hon. Sir Eobert Stout amongst them, and invited the annual meeting to associate Sir Robert Stout with it. This was agreed to with acclamation, and Sir Robert Stout briefly and suitably responded. The following is a list of the representatives of churches and temperance organisations with seat and vote at the annual meeting:—Rev. W. Greenslade (Methodist), Rev. F. E. Harry (Baptist), Rev. J. Patterson (Presbyterian), Rev. E. R. Weeks (Congregational), Rev. W. G. Carpenter (Church of Christ), Commissioner R, Hoggard (Salvation Army), Mr. S. Hurst (1.0. G.T.), Mr. T. Fathers (1.0. R.), Mr. W. H. Kersley (Y.M.C.A.)j Mrs." Bowron (Y.W.C.A.), Mr. L. E. Falkner (Auckland Band of Hope), Mr. G. Petherick (Canterbury Band of Hope), Mr. J. W. Todd (Otago Band of Hope), Mrs. T. E. Taylor (Dominion president, W.C.T.U.), Mrs. Benfell (Auckland), Mrs. Jones (Waikato), Mrs. Murray (Tara.naki), Mr. J. Aitken (Wanganui), Miss Heaton (Hawkes Bay), Mrs. Evans (Wellington), Mrs. R. M'Callum (Marlborough), Mrs. T. A. Field (Nelson), Miss B. M. Harband (North Canterbury), Mrs. J. Henderson (South Canterbury), Miss C. Kirk (Otagq). Mr. Royds, in his opening remarks as chairman, referred to the result of the poll in 1925, and announced that although the victory was not yet won, lie linked himself amongst the optimists. It was remarkable that, despite all the forces and influences arrayed against the movement, the Prohibition vote had actually increased. He begged his hearers, however, to keep before them the ideal of carrying Prohibition with a really substantial majority. That was the task that lay before them, and which he believed would be accomplished. The annual report, which covered the operations for 1925, including the poll .and embracing a comprehensive review of anti-alcohol and Prohibition progress throughout the world, was adopted. Following this the financial statement, report on the financial campaign budget, and programme for 1926-27 were presented, discussed, and adopted. The afternoon session was devoted to the questions of licensing legislation and political action. A number of remits bearing on these were submitted and considered, particular interest attaching to them in view of the'fact that the Prime Minister had consented to receive a deputation. In regard to political action the meeting adopted the following resolution:—• "That this annual meeting expresses its appreciation of the efficiency with which the policy of political action adopted by the New Zealand Alliance has been administered; records its gratification at the results achieved by that administration in the recent Parliamentary elections; and declares its conviction that the policy is sound in principle and effective in practice." The evening session was devoted to the subject of "Our Education Policy and Programme," introduced by Mr. G. A. Tuck, educational research secretary. Mr. Tuck gave a thoughtful address, outlining suggestions with a view to securing a wider and more complete education of young and old in regard to the scientific facts concerning alcoholic beverages, and the economic and social considerations arising out of the operations of the liquor traffic. The keenest interest was displayed by those present. Particular attention is to be paid to the education of the children and adolescents.