W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3586, 11 March 1914, Page 6

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

REST AND REFRESHMENT BOOTHS. A WOMANLY STYLE OF SERVICE. The W.C.T.U. Convention resumed business at 9.30 yesterday morning, when the following report on tho above subject was presented by Mrs Howard:— _ , Invercargill;—Both Rest and Refreshment Booths have been thoroughly aild successfully worked by the W.C.T.U,, meeting with enthusiastic appreciation by the mothers with their Jittle ones, and the people generally. This department supplies a mucli needed means of benefiting the families and public, and is. besides, a splendid way of making our work known in a very tangible and acceptable way. Even our opponents in temperance work recognise the womanly style of this form of service. Gore.—Our largest auxiliary has had a Rest Tent this year at their large gathering for tho first time, which proved very useful. Timaru.—This year our Union was advised to increase the size of last year’s tent, and prepare for _ a still larger attendance. _ Provision jas again made for mothers and little children. Unfortunately, both tho show days of the A. and P. Association were wet, which interfered largely with the success of our work, proceeds not meeting expenditure; but the workers were not discouraged. Trusting for more favorable weather for the next effort of the kind. Christchurch.—This department was again in strong evidence at the A. and P. Show in November, and was extensively patronised, several thousand being served with luncheon -and afternoon tea. The Union would: like to emphasise the fact that this work is one of our regular departments, and is undertaken to try and counteract in measure tho temptation and evil ofthe licensed bar, and is not run on business lines as a speculation, or as a money-making concern. In connection with the department a committee was appointed: early in October to arrange for a new “hot water system.” This proved most satisfactory, and was n great boon to all mothers. 3 his department of our work proved successful again. Our funds will bo materially augmented. . Kaiapoi.—ln April last our Union ran the refreshment at the huge Cycle Club’s sports on Easter Monday. This was a big undertaking, as it included knife and fork luncheon, afternoon tea, and soft drink stall. It was a big outlay, hut wo more than paid expenses, and were congratulated on the splendid luncheon. With our own coffee rooms we are continually letting the big room for socials, meetings, and wedding parties; and in connection with the latter, the Union members provide all the labor, such as decorating, arranging and waiting on the tables, etc. . .... Rangiora.—During the visit of the men of H.M.S. New Zealand to our town a very large numlier of the public gathered to welcome them- We had a rest tent and tea provided: for mothers and little children. Also at our November Show wo held a crcehe, at which our members worked well. It was not a financial success, but we hope for better things next year. Stratford and Ngaere.—Arranged to to combine at the Agricultural Show, and: provide a Rest Tent double the size of last year; also a tent adjoining for refreshments. This latter privilege was put up at public auction, and they were outbid'. The Stratford Union gave their attention to the Rest Tent, the Ngaere Union not being required, although more than willing. Wanganui.—On Labor Day members of our Union took charge of tho special stand in Cook’s Gardens for the use and convenience of women and children, kindly granted by the Show committee.

Palmerston N.—Our Union catered for the three days of the, A. and P. Show, held in November, and in spite of rough weather and labor troubles, did fairlv well, and made a substantial profit. The popularity of our refreshment rooms was shown hv tho fact that we did more than our share of business, and that the other caterers ’.offered to quite the same extent, which gave us great encouragement for another year. Our Rest Room is close to the town, and is used by country people and girls in business. Placards have been placed in prominent places advertising the rooms. A small committee manage it, expenses being borne by Union. Warkworth.—Hired a tent ior mothers and ohildj'cn visiting the Agricultural Show, which. fully met the •mods of mothers. Ashburton.—During the year the Union has taken charge of a Rest Tent for two days at both the Spring and Autumn Shows of the A. and P. Association. This convenience was much appreciated. A box for offerings was placed on tho table, and all who felt grateful for the rest dropped in a coin. Literature lias been distributed on every occasion. Hawera.—Here also our Union provides a Rest Tent at the A. and; P. Show. A box for receiving donations

was in evidence, and literature distributed. Now Plymouth.—This Union took charge of a room on the visit of H.M.S. Now Zealand to their port. This labor of love was rewarded by being tho means of comforting little ones and restoring them to their friends. Stratford.—The Rest Tent secured by tho efforts of the members of the W.C.T.U. in connection with the Agricultural Show held on December '2nd and 3rd was very much appreciated by the lady visitors, especially those who brought young children. The thanks of the members are due to the Committee oft the Show, who so kindly provided and erected the commodious tent free of all charge. Tho seating accommodation was kindly lent by tho Trustees of the Methodist Church. Much useful literature was distributed by members of the W.C.T.U. Several delegates gave interesting accounts of the good work which was being carried on in this department by their Unions. • The report was unanimously adopted. i