W.C.T.U

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 395, 24 April 1908, Page 6

W.C.T.U

By request of the W. C. T. U. Miss Mary McCarthy forwards us a special report of the recent convention at Auckland. Space precludes us giving it in full, but its chief features appear. The reception took place in the Central Mission Hall and was presided over by Mrs Dewar, Auckland president. The Rev. Mr Luxford welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Minister?' Association, and remarked that he had at one time been opposed to Woman's Franchise but the beneficial results had converted him. „ , , Mr Poole, M.P., said he had always believed in the franchise for women, and he made a powerful appeal to the woSlen to go forward in their work for humanity. A letter was read from Canon Hazeldean apologising for his absence, which he much regretted, as he had a great respeot for all women and the Women's Christian Temperance Union in particular. On Saturday afternoon the visitors were taken an excursion down the harbour to Home Bay, Mototapu, and on Wednesday after Convention was over, a garden party was held at the residence of the Hon. George Fowlds, who provided the band and the refreshments. A special train with about 230 people took the party to Mount Albert. The visitors were entertained daily for luncheon at Buchanan's. Altogether no effort was spared on the part of the Auckland Union to make the visit of the delegates a pleasant one. During Convention £1 10s was sent by a mother who had seen four lads, one in knickerbockers, entering a publio house bar. The letter said 10s was for a ticket for Clara Butt's concert not purchased; £1, four boys at 5s per head. The usual evening discussion open to the publio was held, and Mrs Powell brought expert evidence to show the absolute uselessness of keeping the brandy bottle in the cupboard. She quoted Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson aud other men of science. Miss Roberts explained what is meant by the economic independence of married women. While granting that most men were better than the law assumed them to be, there were cases of individual hardship that made it necessary to amend the law. Legally a man was bound only to give his wife food and shelter and as much clothing as he thought fit, legally he can take her children from her and even will them to the care of a stranger, he can will away the property she had helped to obtain. Most men the best interests of their wives and ohildren but those women on "whom the law pressed heavily often endured great hardships rather than court publicity. Miss McCarthy spoke in favour of the principle of equal pay for equal work and the elegibility of women to fill any positions for which they were fitted. The treasurer, Miss McCarthy, reported that the New Zealand Union receipts were £181 14s lid, and expenditure £68 12s 2d ; balance £63 2a 9d. Receipts from- all sources, local Unions and Departments £1649 10s l%d, expenditure £1203 15s 2d. Total balance £445 12s lid. Replies from questions sent to the medical profession reveal the fact that while a number of medical men still use alcohol, the number Is decreasing. Most of the churches now use unfermented wine in the Sacrament Sailors' Rests were maintained by the Unions at Timaru, Greymouth, and Dunedin. The Lyttelton Rest is helped by the Union there. Timaru alone records 1610 visits from 980 sailors. In Auokland district alone 290 fresh pledges were taken among the Maoris. The anti-totalisator petition promoted by the Union resulted in 36,000 signatures of whioh Dunedin obtained the largest proportion—6soo. The corresponding secretary, Miss Webb, reports the work of 53 branches The convention has accepted the invitation of the Wellington Union for 1909.