TEMPERANCE UNION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22852, 6 October 1937, Page 5

TEMPERANCE UNION

DISTRICT CONVENTION NORTH AUCKLAND BRANCHES [from our own correspondent] r WHANG AREI, Tuesday The annual district convention of the North Auckland branches of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was concluded yesterday. The following branches were represented:—Te Kopuru, Dargaville, Hikurangi, Maungakaramea, Pukehuia and Whangarei. Mrs. W, J. Roberts, president, appealed to all members to go forward and do what was right irrespective of any other consideration. Beports on various subsidiaries of the union were presented by Mrs. Vyle, Mrs. Weir and Mrs. I. McFarlane. Tho financial statement showed a slight advance in the credit balance. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs. W. J. Roberts (Pukehuia); vicepresidents, Mrs. Vyle (Whangarei), Mrs. F. Wordsworth (Dargaville), and Mrs. Hill Taylor (To Kopuru); correspondence secretary, Miss Edmed (Dargaville); recording secretary, Miss M. 1. McLeod; treasurer, Mrs. W. T. Weir (Tauraroa). « A protest was made against the proposal to remove the hotel licence from Puhoi to Wellsford. It was decided to write to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, the Hon. R. Semple and Mr. J. G. Barclay, M.P., protesting against the proposal. Referring to drinking among Maori*, Mrs. Peryman, editress of the White Ribbon, said that King Tawhia gave permission for the land to be sold for the Main Trunk line on the understanding that no liquor should be sokl in the King Country. She alleged that pressure was being brought to bear upon the Government to break that pact. Recently she had visited Princess le Puea's pa at Ngaruawahia and had seen the efforts made for the revival of the Maori arts and crafts. "These Maori leaders," she said,, "arc striving to elevate their people, but no effort is being made to stop the ruin of the race by liquor."

Tho president stated that the appointment of women police would be a great help in combating the evil of drink at dances. It was decided to write to the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, M P., and Mr. J. G. Barclay, M.P., urging the formation of women police corps in New Zealand

The convention also decided to write to the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, supporting him in trying to keej) the roads clear of drunken motorists.