W.C.T.U.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 61, 15 March 1929, Page 4

W.C.T.U.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

A CHALLENGE TO WOMEN

The forty-second annual convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union continued in session yesterday afternoon under the presidency of Mrs. Hult. Mrs. T. B. Taylor, in her presidential address, said that the union rejoiced with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family in the recovery of Hit! Majesty the King, and hoped that his progress towards health would continue. It was difficult, she continued, to strike an" optimistic note. The first_ impression after last year was one of failure —failure in the supreme end and purpose of the society, and failure to hold fast to what had been'igainefl. To some that failure had meant almost 'a complete loss of faith in human possibilities, but to others the result of last year's poll cairie as a challenge—a necessary one. She invited her hearers to loflk at what the world generally was thinking and doing on this and other questions for the wellbeing of the human race. They were living in a new age, a scientific age, one of co-operation among nations, and the promise of a,new understanding. Last year had Been more international gatherings than ever before in one year, and it was of great significance .that women's contribution was recognised equally with that of men. They played a conspicuous part in the intellectual life of the community. At the conference of the Institute of Pacific Relations, Miss Helen Kun, a Korean woman, had contributed a research paper on her own country. Women were found in the League of Nations Secretariat, ■ Labour Office, and several permanent commissions, biit no woman had yet been appointed a full delegate. Women were doing great things, and setting us in New Zealand a high standard of possibilities. In many countries women had shown that they placed no limit to their aspirations in the service of humanity. England had had as many as eight women in its Parliament, and an, increasing number of women- Mayors, Justices, and police. Women in the Homeland were slowly but surely making a place for themselves in public life. In Republican Germany there Were 30 to 40 women deputies, and in spite of opposition women there had contributed largely to the construction of the constitution 1 of their country.

That record should make wohien in New Zealand open their eyes and ask where they were trending. Women: had attended many conferences, the big missionary conference in Jerusalem, the Iriternatidtial Congress on-Alcoholism, the W^G.T.U; Conference at Lausanne, and lastly, the PaiiPacific Women's Conference, and it might be asked whether!they were of lasting use to any but those who attended. That depended largely on those sent, and her hearers - should see that on their return .they had every opportunity to pass on their message. New Zealand might be said to have reached the high-water mark of women's achievements in 1020, when v mother was made equally a guardian with the father of her child, women Justices were appointed, and family allowances given. Since then, except for the Mental Defectives Act of last year, little that affected women greatly had been accomplished in the Legislature.

No women had been elected to' Parliament, and last year there had been a sliflnp in the Prohibition poll. One could only account for that by apathy and want of-fftith.. What had they, done with their 35 years of franchise? The women were not influencing the big things of the nation, and when face to face with that of other countries their record was iifit imposing. Women had university privileges many years ago, but were playing no ambitious part in university, life. Although living under the most democratic* conditions citizens never seemed to rise above the standard of satisfied mediocrity. ■Mrs. Taylor urged that only a spiritual vision could bring forth a life of high endeavour. Nevertheless, they must not be utterly pessimistic. "Though our work has not stood the test we must go forward with renewed courage and effort to facet the future," she said, and quoted Hausman: "Great, causes must face and number their: defeats; this is how they conic to victory." The last poll was significant of the fact that the knowledge of what the drink traffic stood for Was hot knot™. They must take the Whole World in review and realise their part. The liquor' interests knew that the nations were awakening, and this made them redouble their activity. The W.C.T.U. must do the same, must teach the effects of alfiohol On the children and especially ou heredity; must realise the nature of the fight and counteract the incorrect statements put forward. The women had the means itf the V branches, their evangelistic work, cradle roll, and must make faithful use of all of them. In America the women who started the fight believed themselves called and chosen to do the work, and by .that faith they had succeeded. As Lady Astor had. once said: "I don't say women will change s the world, but I do say they can if they Want to," concluded Mrs. Taylor.