WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9319, 14 March 1893, Page 4

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

The local branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union held a reception in St. Paul's schoolroom yesterday afternoon to welcome tbe delegates from other parts of the colony who have been appointed to attend the annual convention which commences its business this morning. The gathering was representative of the churches and of the local temperance societies. Afternoon tea was served by a number of ladies, after which Mrs Schnackenberg, Auckland, president of the New Zealand union, introduced a conversation on the desirableness of forming a branch of the Y* omen's Franchise League. She explained that the formation of such a league only committed those who joined it to seek to iavor the passing of a measure extending political franchise to women of full age. Several ladies expressed their sympathy with the formation of such an organisation, and it was understood that tbe matter would be brought before a public meetiDg to be held during the sittings of the Convention. The Kevs. 6. W. J. Spence, J. G. Pattersorj, Dean Hovell, P. H. Cornford, Messrs D. N. Adams and Begg, were called upon to express their views on the question of extending the franchise to women. Each speaker expressed hearty approval of the project, and promised to nse bis influence to hasten the framing of such a measure. Opportunity was taken by the gentlemen named to welcome the lady delegates to Napier. Before separating Mrs Plimmer, on behalf of the Southern, and Mrs Dewar on behalf of the Northern delegates, in neat speeches thanked the Napier Union for the hearty reception accorded them.