TEMPERANCE UNION

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 20 February 1933, Page 2

TEMPERANCE UNION

' ANNUAL, DISTRICT ASSEMBLY ELECTION OF OFFICERS The annual district, convention' of the Women’s Christian Tempreance Union was held at Waitara on Wednesday and Thursday. Delegates were entertained at a social evening on Wednesday. The Rev. Dixon, who presided, apologised for the absence of the Mayor and the Rev. Cummings. Speeches of welcome were made by Mrs Laurence and the chairman. Mrs Phillips,-district president, replied. Items of music and elocution preceded an address by Mrs Peryman, the editor and business manager of the ‘‘ White Ribbon. ’ ’

The business session opened at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday. Waitara, New Plymouth, Inglewood, .Stratford, Eltham, Ilawera and Ngaere were represented by officers and delegates, the total being 34. Each union gave a report of its year’s work. Addresses were given by Mrs Peryman and (Miss Graham (of the China Inland Mission).

Long service badges were presented to three members.

I The election of officers resulted in a return of last year’s officers as follow: President, Mrs Phillips; vice-pre-sident, Mrs Exley; recording secretary, airs Hayward; corresponding secretary, Miss Drew; treasurer, Mrs Tarraut; district superintendents, Maori work, Mrs Tuffery, backbloeks, Mrs AlcCallum; anti-gambling, Mrs Reed; home meetings, Mrs Hobbs; notable days, Mrs Mackinder; district “White Ribbon” agent, Mrs Laurence; evangelistic, Mrs Arthur.

HAWERA GARDEN PARTY ' FRANCES WILLARD DAY The pretty grounds of the residence of Mr and Mrs W. G. Simpson, “ Braeside,” South Road, Hawera, were the scone on Friday of a successful “At Home” organised 'by the committee of the Ilawera branch of the W.C.T.U. There was an attendance of over 50, including visitors from Wanganui, Eltham and Manaia. The function was arranged as a celebration of “Frances Willard Day.” An address was given by Mrs Ferynvnn, lady editor of the “White. Ribbon, ” the organ of the union. She recalled the origin of the union when, 55 years ago, the women of the world decided to link up -with an ideal of comradeship. They decided to work for the wmlfare of the young people and in a spirit of prayer 'they tackled the evils that beset them. Mrs Peryman briefly sketched the early life of Frances Willard and stressed the fact that she gave up a brilliant career which concluded in her being made Dean of her College. ,She had then for her co-adjutor, Anno Gordon, and the first big move was the merging of the British Women’s Temperance Association into the now world-wide institution, the W.C.T.U. 'Of this, Frances Willard was the third president. She served the movement faithfully well until her death and so great was her influence that the late W. T. 'Stead [Called her “The Uncrowned Queen of Democracy.” Later she was honoured by having her statue placed alongside that of Abraham Lincoln in a great Memorial Hall in New York.

| Mrs Peryman made an appeal to the 'women of the district to work steadily and unitedly for the young people. The president, Mrs J. Exley, thanked Mrs Peryman for her presence and for her address and then presented her with a bouquet on behalf of members. In the past Airs C. W. Curtis had always made bouquets and to acknowledge that help one was presented to her by Mrs Exley. Among those present was Mrs M. A. Hill, of Furlong 'Street, a member of 40 years’ standing. 'She was presented with a long service badge and a bouquet by little Aliss 'Sharp. The President voiced .thanks to Mrs Simpson for her .kindness in allowing the use of the house and grounds and xor generously providing 'such a daintv at'tcrnoon tea. She then' presented Mrs Simpson with a bouquet. Items were given during the afternoon as follow; Piano solo, “Beethoven Sonata,” Miss Alvinza Curtis; songs, Dawn, Gentle Flower” and “Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye,” Airs Hartlnan; recitations, Mrs iLeamon (two) and Mis.s Alargarct Simpson. Accompaniments were played by Aliss Gwen Purser A cake and sweets .stall was conducted by Ales dames Squire and Hurreli.