W.G.T.U. CONFERENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11784, 21 March 1924, Page 6

W.G.T.U. CONFERENCE

ENTRY TO SCHOOLS. TO GIVE SCIENTIFIC TEMPERANCE INSTRUCTION. Per Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, Maroh 20. Departing from custom, the annual convention of New Zealand Women’s Christian Temperance Union this morning decided to admit representatives of the press to the sessions. It is nine years since the last open convention was held. When the 39th convention opened to-day with Mrs W. R. Don, Duned'n, in the ohair, fifty-two delegates answered the roll call, hut later in the day about double that number was present. A plea for more efficient temperance teaching in schools was made by the president in the course of her annual address. The progress made in 1922 had not been maintained in 1923, more than h-nl-F the unions showing'a decrease in membership, stated the corresponding secretary (Miss O. Henderson, 8.A., of Christchurch), in the annual report. Only one organiser had been at work, whereas in 1922 there had been two, hut further than this there had been marked failure to collect membership dues. DECREASED MEMBERSHIP. The number of adult unions at the end of the year was 116.. a decrease of two, of “Y” unions eleven, Maori unions two, making a total of 127. Seven adult and five: “Y” unions had been formed, and eight unions had disbanded, being Matjakana, Marion, Patea, ICaikaramea, Okaiawa, Leeston, Milton and Mata or a. The membership of the adults unions was 58 < *0 as against 5969 for 1922, ft decrease of 119. The “Y’s” had a membership of 670, and Maoris’ Undone 27, a total of all members 6577, an increase of 76. The annual report of the treasurer showed the year had been commenced with a credit balance of £I4BB 9s lid. Receipts totalled £lO4l 8s lOd, expenditure £560 Is 9d, and on March 3rd 1924, there was a credit balance of £1969 17*.

INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOL. Regarding instruction being given in school, on the nature of alcohol and its effects on the human system, Mrs Don said that the law nllowed this, “but wo know that proper teaching on this matter ds not given though it is the unquestionable right of the child to receive from the Commonwealth the truth concerning thia vital subject. Year by year we discuss the question, but something more definite must be done, and that at once, to enforce scientific temperance instruction in our State schools.”