W.C.T.U.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 17 March 1914, Page 7

W.C.T.U.

CONVENTION 1914

The 29th convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union has just -closed at Gisborne, and the delegates _iave scattered over the Dominion, •carrying pleasant memories and many •earnest resolves for future effort. Many questions relating to the welfare ■of women and children, besides the total abstinence platforms, were discuss«d, but perhaps those that aroused 'the greatest interest were the Bible in Schools report, also that relating to the need of dealing in a more drastic way with the feeble-minded and degenerates, to protect them as well as society, and the paper read by Mrs Field on the White Slave Traffic. Last gear's resolution expressing approval of the Nelson over the New South Wales system brought a great many delegates pledged to support the latter, and there was much anxiety lest its discussion should cause a breach in* .the ranks: but at last a resolution was passed re-affirming the desire to have Bible reading in schools, but leaving individuals and unions free to support whatever system each considered hest, and it is hoped there will be ho fur*ther trouble. The urgent need of homes for the feeble minded was much emphaE slsed, ,so that by. outdoor employment 1 'they)mightbe trained to useful labor, ;and?tke sexes-kept; apari as a protection to society. Over Mrs Field's paper 'there was" much' difference of opinion, (especially by outsiders. .Dr. Elizabeth Dunn, of Wanganui, ..jgave'a very useful address to girls and , -women on Purity and Moral Education, for which many are grateful. The reception was presided over by the Mayor, Mr Kirk, who advocated differentiation, of education for boys and girls. A visit was paid to Te Arai Union president, Lajdy Carroll, and the beautiful new church, .with its fine carvings admired. The hew up-to-date Maternity Home and the creche ■were inspected, and the Guild ladies •entertained the delegatesEtp, tea: at "the tea rooms. 1!A garden party was lield at "Wainui," Mrs Cooper's beautiful home. Several ladieslvbccupied different pulpits -on Sunday, and the ■delegates attended in a body the Con-; ■vention service held in the Church on Sunday evening,' when a -ympathetic sermon was preached by the Rev. Dawson Thomas.

J. E. MAUNDER.