NATIONAL W.C.T.U. OF NEW ZEALAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8733, 20 February 1890, Page 4

NATIONAL W.C.T.U. OF NEW ZEALAND.

The fifth annual convention of this institution was opened at 9 o'clock yesterday morning in the large room of the Bible and Tract Depot. Ten. delegates and several visiting members were present. Mrs Packe, of Christchurch (president of the union), presided, and Mrs Hinton conducted the devotional exercises. I The President delivered an earnest opening I address on " The Work of the Union, and the 1 Best Methods for its Accomplishment," in the [ course of which the several departments of work '■ were discussed aud suggestions for their exten- : sion made. Appreciative reference was made to Miss Acbermaun and the valuable service done by her during her tour in New Zealand; and it was stated that it would be the duty of the present convention to take action with a view to the visit of another lady lecturer from England or America. Several important practical recommendations were made, which will come up for consideration during the sittings of the convention. The minutes of executive meetings held since last convention were read and confirmed, and necessary committees were appointed to arrange the business of the session. In the afternoon Miss L. M. Kirk submitted the treasurer's report and balance sheet, which showed a credit balanco of £19 12s 2d. Thiß, however, is more than covered by liabilities which have to be passed for payment. The report of the corresponding secretary was also read, This stated the number of members on the rolls of the several branches to be 599, showing a substantial increase on the membership of last year. The report also gave particulars of much good and effective work done by the several branches of the union, in the hold- I ing of meetings, the circulation of literature, and 1 the promotion of work among the young. I Testimony was given to the beneficial results f from the visit of Miss Ackermann, several I branches haviDg been formed by her instrumen- 1 tality aud ft considerable addition made to the 1 membership of the union. i