W.C.T.U.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 6 October 1936, Page 3

W.C.T.U.

DISTRICT CONVENTION MEETING AT MOTUEKA ELECTION OF OFFICERS The District Convention of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held at Motueka, there being a good attendance of delegates and visitors. The president, Miss Cooke, opened ■convention with devotional exercises and oared her remarks on the Master’s words: “Look and Live.” The prayer sigil followed, the pledge was repeated, and the roll called. Mrs Walker gave the Temperance Fact —“Alcohol as a Remover.” “Someone has said that alcohol will lemove Stains from summer clothes. This may be true, but stains from summer clothes are only a few of the things alcohol will remove. It won’t stop at stains; it will remove the summer clothes as well. It will also remove spring clothes and autumn clothes, and likewise winter clothes, too. It will remove coal from the shed and flour from the barrel, and bread from the tin; and the smiles from the faces, and laughter from the lips of children. As a remover, alcohol has f ew if any ecuials in these directions. Delegates and Mrs Aldersley, a visitor from Lower Hutt, were warmly welcomed by Miss Cooke and MioS Cresswell. The secretary, Miss Cresswell, gave a comprehensive report of the years work. Prohibition was not the only plank in tho Union’s woik, for much was being done for the social welfare of (he community. The district treasurer reported a credit balance of £ll Gs Od. Mrs Per.vman wrote from Wellington and sent greetings to Convention. She appealed for an increase of subscribers to the “White Ribbon” paper. She asked that a copy of her letters be sent to all district unions. The noontide hymn was followed by a short address by Mrs Chambers based on “The woman who only touched Christ’s garment.” Mrs Aldersley gave some facts relating to the headquarters in Wellington. The land was valued at £.1,000 and the residence at £1,200. The speaker went on to say that the property, which was a valuable one. v.as reallv the responsibility of every member, and that each should at least endeavour to give a small sum regularly, to wipe oft existing debt. After luncheon, the afternoon session was opened with prayer. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President: Miss Cooke. Vice-president: Miss Tarrant. Secretary: Mrs Cresswell.

Treasurer: Miss Petherick. The old superintendent 'of various branches of the work were re-elected and three new ones were appointed, namely Mrs Russell, anti-gambling; Mrs Gubb, peace; Mrs Martin, notable days. , i , The Rev. Mr Bailey welcomed the delegates to Motueka and congiatulated them on the business-like methods of work. Mrs Aldersley spoke on Prayer and Work.” She urged members to fit themselves for work, to plan to attend every meeting, to be ready to take some part, to have the courage of their convictions, to encourage others to work. Good reports were received from the secretaries of the Richmond, Motueka and Nelson Unions. All expressed a desire for further effort on the part of members, especially in the work among the young folk. The superintendents of the various branches have done valuable woik during the year. Mrs Field spoke briefly on the prayer sigil. She said the menace of war was still serious, and tho only help was the Spirit of Christ in the hearts of all men everywhere. Mrs Ross read a paper on “Peace” which was written by Mrs T. E. Taylor. Resolutions relating to the evils of gambling in any form; after hour drinking in hotels; scientific temperance lesson in schools; and intoxicated motor drivers, were all carried unanimously. These resolutions aio to be forwarded to various members of Parliament.

Morning and afternoon tea was very kindly provided by the Motueka Union. Convention closed with the Benediction.