W.C.T.U.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 139, 29 May 1914, Page 6

W.C.T.U.

PROVINCIAL CONVENTION. (Waipukurau Correspondent.) Delegates from the various Unions of the vV.C.T.U. in the Hawke’s Bay' district assembled at St. Andrew s Hall, Waipukurau, on 'Thursday for the first district convention. Airs. Hopknk, president of the local union, gave a hearty welcome to the visitors at the morning session. Airs. J. H. Oldham, president of the Napier branch, presided.

A discussion on methods of work for the approaching licensing poll ensued. In the afternoon session Airs. Bibby of \\ aipawa introduced the subject of corporal punishment in day schools. Objection was made to the caning of children for inability’ to learn. Airs. Robinson stated that from- her experience the difficulties of the teachers to maintain discipline arose from its absence in some of the homes.—A resolution was carried asking the Al mister of Education to enact more stringent regulations to control the administration of corporal punishment. Airs. Bibby moved that this convention views with alarm the abolishing of the right of parents through school committees to deal with the selection of teachers, and desires that, the right should be restored. Opposition was shown to the trend at present existing to place the control of educational matters in the hands of officials, while the parents who have to pay the cost are supposed to take what is given them. — The resolution was carried unanimously. The treatment of drunkards and the need for teaching giiTs' the dangers of life were also dealt with. Mrs. Bibby' was nominated as the next president.

It was decided that the next convention be held at Waipawa. In the evening a public meeting was held, at which the Rev. N. O. White presided. The Rev. Stace spoke on the need for personal effort by the holding out of the hand of brotherhood to weaker brethren and the value of pray er. Air. Oldham, in an interesting address, outlined the growth of the world-wide organisation from a band of praying women. Bitter experience had taught that prevention was better than cure, and, while the union was out to do everything in its power to help to reclaim, they aimed at the root of the drink evil. An interesting account of what had been accomplished by the sisterhood so that the white ribbon had become a badge of protection enabling its wearers to go unmolested in city slums where police had to go in pairs, was terminted by an appeal for an increased membership.

Alusieal items helped the harmony of the evening. The audience were the guests of the local union to a well served supper.