W.C.T.U.

Evening Star, Issue 25620, 22 October 1945, Page 7

W.C.T.U.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE The annual district conference of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held in the North-east Valley Baptist Church, when a good number of delegates were present. Mrs J. Donaldson, district president, was in the chair. Mrs Sanders in welcoming delegates and visitors on behalf of the North-east Valley Union, said that, although the war was ended, they could not expect peace in the world while the enemy of strong drink had such control. She urged her hearers to put forth special effort for next year’s poll. The Rev. R. G. Bycroft, in his welcome on behalf of the ministers of the district, congratulated the union on its work, and stressed the need for temperance education.

In the afternoon Rev. Harris Whitfield gave an address on the evils of after-hour trading.

Interesting reports from the various unions showed that good wok was being done. A number were endeavouring to bring the evils of strong drink before young folk. An inspiring report was read from the young people’s branch. Included in their many activities were two meeting where temperance sound films were shown; at the first meeting 55 young people signed the pledge, and 70 at the second.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs J. Donaldson; vice-president, Mrs Sanders; secretary, Mrslßippon; treasurer, Miss Gibbs; white rihlion superintendent, Miss Ford; cradle roll superintendent, Mrs Flett; Y.P. superintendent, Mrs Dickinson. A vote of protest against the City Council granting permission for a Scottish Sunday concert in the Concert Chamber was passed. REMITS. The following remits were passed:— “ As it is essential that the effects of alcohol on the human body should be thoroughly understood, unions are urged to get in touch with all leaders of youth organisations, head teachers, and school committees in their districts and co-operate with them as far as possible in every effort to give the children and youths a thorough knowledge of the reasons why alcohol as a beverage should be severely left alone.” “ That a greater proportion of the film programmes suitable for children be provided.” “ That radio serials be improved, and that they be more character-build-ing and not connected with crime and sensationalism.” “ That this convention reaffirms its conviction that the liquor traffic is a menace to the best interests and welfare of the people of New Zealand, and its abolition would be beneficial to the individual, the home, and the nation. It therefore urges every Christian congregation io unite in a moral crusade of education in order to create a national conscience that will render the continuance of the liquor traffic impossible.” ...... “ That as the gambling evil is demoralising the country, we deplore the fact that the Government is giving this evil every encouragement, and we urgently request that in the interests of common morality the granting of permits for art unions cease.”