W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 103, 2 May 1919, Page 3

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

During the Saturday morning session, the report of the Mine-sweepers’ Fund was read, and also a Jotter from the High Commissioner, expressing the deepest gratitude and appreciation of the recipients for the help and sympathy accorded them. The corresponding secretary also read a number of letters that had been received from individual sailors and mine sweepers, captains of vessels, lighthouse keepers, and other*, whose work lay in lonely, isolated spots, showing how much help and comfort the gift had been to them. The ' sum collected amounted to £1,074 9*, Od, of which £63 10s Od, came from the Y’s. Under Mrs Napier’s organisation £2OO had been collected altogether by the young people of New Zealand and cabled to Sir Thomas Mackenzie. Specially good work has also been done by the Timmu Union in providing a rest-room for sailors, giving social evenings with refreshments and entertainments whenever a Home boat has come in, besides meetings on Sunday evenings. A pleasant change .and recreation was afforded on Saturday afternoon in the shape of a drive to the beautiful grounds of Mr and Mrs Holdswofth, near Havelock N., which were kindly lent for the occasion. The delegates were conveyed in motor lorries,, and greatly enjoyed the drive through the lovely country, rich with the autumn foliage. Every attention wa, shown to the visitors by the host and hostess; Afternoon tea being provided by the Hastings Union. Inc 1 usual Convention photo wa fl taken on the lawn, after which the visitors wandered through the ground*, and admired the magnificent view. Very hearty .thanks were tendered to Mr and Mrs Holdswo’ th and to the Hastings Union. The Convention service on Sunday evening was held in the Methodis Church, the delegates marching to the church in procession. The sermon was preached by Rev. T, R. Richards., wio based his remarks on Dent. 33,16, ihe goodwill of Him who dwelt m the bush, dwelling upon the value of the vision of God in giving strength to the character, and steadfast perseverance m carrying out the life work. The church was wotlfilled, and Mr Richards gave a cordial welcome to the Union members. AH r the evening service a meeting was held in the Princess Hall, the subject considered being Christian citizenship. Ihe nau was crowded, Mrs Don occmymg the chair, and briefly introducing Mis Kine ' ton Parkes, the first speaker. Mr e P arl je snake of the special importance of this ,*>-übject at the present Gme ot transitmii. land reconstruction, saying that it should ,bo considered from the highest stand point; religion and politic*, should never ! L divorced. She defined .the of igood citiznsbip as not bemg self '^ ie ‘od bub always looking for the good of the whole; this wa* the point of view from which all problems should be con Biderod. ’Whether m education, commerce, housing plans, social hVKiene oi' in dealing with the liquor traffic, th . same principle should bo Wl' e <* through; toe problems cannot be solved from the selfish point - of view. Ihe Christian citizen will reflect God m h>s life, by doing always the best he can, we should not limit our trust m God nor allow fear of results to ke ?R ( ‘ ’there is need for more help . in civic life, and it must .come from the right women : exceptional women shmild. ho encouraged ,to come forward. Women should use their vote for r ’^ hte “ l ’J ; , n .®g S and should put beauty and the weUj eiuK of the community befoie the acquis - ‘tm of wealth. Short but teHing addresses were also given by Mrs Peryman and Mrs Lee-Cowie, urging women to shoulder their responsibility and to come forward for work. In response to their appeal about 30 expressed their willimrness to become members of the W.C.T.U.