SOUTH DUNEDIN W.C.T.U.

Evening Star, Issue 23100, 28 October 1938, Page 16

SOUTH DUNEDIN W.C.T.U.

The branch met on Thursday afternoon in the school room of the Cargill Road Methodist Church, Mrs Donaldson presiding and Mrs Pilling conducting the opening service. Correspondence was received from the secretary of a progressive society in Auckland asking for information re the success of the working of liquor laws in Sweden, where a Government-restricted form of rationing existed. Miss Gray, district secretary, who was present, consented to inquire into the accuracy of the statement and to obtain information if (possible. Sister Alice, Dominion organiser, spoke of her work at Home and in New Zealand, giving many proofs of the benefits of temperance teaching, resulting in changed lives and happier homes, citing also several Anglican bishops in New Zealand, who warmly upheld the work and influence both of the New Zealand Alliance and its ally, the W.C.T U. She also bore testimony to the work of medical experts and other scientists. The speaker gave instances of the effects of alcohol in plant and animal life. One experiment may be instanced. An incubator containing 100 eggs was filled with alcoholic vapour, which entered the cells, which are porous. In every case deformity in some form resulted. Sister Alice spoke also of painful effects shown in the children of alcoholic parents. The speaker ended on a joyous note of confidence in the ultimate success of temperance work and teaching. Miss Gray also spoke briefly, emphasising the fact that in Sweden temperance teaching in schools was supported by the Government. Both ladies were heartily thanked.