W.C.T.U.

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 55, 6 March 1937, Page 2

W.C.T.U.

THE MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Pahiatua branch of the W.C.T.U. was held on Thursday in tho Presbyterian Schoolroom, there being a good attendance <ff members. Owing to the absence of Mrs Paterson, who is in Nelson, Mrs J. D. Wilson presided, and Mrs K. L. Warren led in devotions. The secretary (Mrs C. M. Roberts) read the minutes of the last meeting. These were passed as correct and duly confirmed by tho vice-president. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Wilson for the use of her grounds for the W.C.T.U. garden party. Members were very grateful to all those who helped to make the function a financial success, almost £5 being realised. Mrs Hansen moved that greetings from tho Pahiatua branch be sent to the M.C.T.U. Dominion Convention which is being held in Christchurch next week. This was seconded by Mrs Willis and carried. It was arranged to hold a “Mothers* Day* 1 some afternoon in May, arrangements to be left in the hands of Mrs Hansen and Miss T. Gardner. The scientific fact, “Teetotallers at the Top/* was read by Mrs Carthew, and Mrs Wilson read a manifesto issued by the Christchurch Council of Christian Congregations entitled “Gambling —What*s the Harm?** This pamphlet points out that gambling, whether for largo sums or small, blurs the margin between right and wrong, and unites in itself nearly every condition of folly and vice. This is borne out by the verdicts of our judges; there is hardly a newspaper but in it one sees that some young man has been brought to downfall by yielding to the cursed fascination of gambling. A very large proportion of the crimes of forgery, embezzlement and breaches of trust, are commit- | ted by those who have become victims !of the gambling habit. Our welfare is being menaced and the tone of the community lowered by the prevalence of the habit. Gambling destroys the mutual character of life; men and women should learn that gambling is vicious and immoral, and against the best interests of home, family and State.

Mrs Wilson was thanked for her interesting contribution. Afternoon tea was served by Mr 3 Bick and Mrs Carthew.