TEMPERANCE UNION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23770, 25 September 1940, Page 16

TEMPERANCE UNION

AUCKLAND CONVENTION COMMENT ON GAMBLING CONDEMNATION OF HABIT That every new motor-car on the road and every new aeroplane in the sky was one more argument for total abstinence was stressed by Mrs. Hugh Kaspcr, district president of the Women's Christian Temporance Union, in an address to delegates at tho 17th annual Auckland district convention yesterday. Mrs. Kaspcr said that the rapidly growing number of road deaths was causing concern in the public mind and although porsons charged with driving cars while under tho influence of liquor were punished, she did not consider that sufficient was said about strong drink in connection with such accidents. There seemed, sho said, to be a conspiracy of silence about the drink problem in connection with road accidents.

"Wo deplore the fact also that gambling is on the increase in the Dominion," continued Mrs. Ivasper. "There are in this country numerous forms of gambling, and even church members indulge in it. Very often it is for a good cause, but that does not

alter the fact that it is still gambling, fn days gone by this was man's sport, but to-day a woman who takes part in gambling may be a social leader or even a church worker." Referring to the work of the union Mrs. Kasper stressed the importance of the activities of the youth departments and pointed out that the basis for the junior programme was the training for good citizenship find tho need tor temperance education. Mrs. Kasper then reviewed the activities of the union in other countries, including the United States,. India, Egypt, Hawaii, Canada and Australia. In Australia, she said, there were no special gains in the field of temperance. On the contrary, the continued increase in drinking by women and young people was a matter for grave concern. The morning session commenced with a* Communion service conducted by the Rev. E. T. Olds. The business included the report of the corresponding secretary, Mrs. J. Williams, which dealt mainlv with the work of the various branches, including 28 in the Auckland district. The revenue account presented by the treasurer, Miss L. M. Read, showed tho finances to be in a satisfactory condition. The report of_ the recording secretary, Mrs. 11. Joiner, stated that there was a membership ot 604 in the Auckland district. At the conclusion of the business devotions were led by Sister Jessie. The following officers were elected:— District president, Mrs. Hugh Kasper; vice-president, Mrs. F. W Mountjo.v; corresponding secretary, Mrs. J. \> \ - liains: treasurer, Miss L. M. Road; recording secretary, Mrs. A. Jj. .Lewis.