TEMPERANCE UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24716, 19 September 1941, Page 10

TEMPERANCE UNION

THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE The annual district conference of the W.C.T.U. of Otago was held at Green Island, on Tuesday last. Mrs Sanders, district president, opened the Conference, and short addresses of welcome were given by the local president. Mrs Mason, and the Rev. T. M. McDonald. Some 40 or 50 delegates and visitors attended. The former, in their reports, showed that progress had been made in the different departments. Cradle roll work and the Young Members’ organisations had been fostered carefully, Mrs Garden, superintendent of the Y branches, having accomplished excellent work and received help and guidance from experienced leaders. Temperance teaching in Sunday I schools was thoroughly discussed, and it was decided to ask ministers of churches to give this matter greater prominence in their teaching. It was hoped also that superintendents of Sunday schools would see that temperance lessons were not neglected. It was suggested that talks over the air might be given by prominent W.C.T.U. speakers on this and kindred subjects, and it was decided to refer this matter to Mrs Mitchell, corresponding secretary for the Dominion. It was reported that 1500 signatures had been obtained for a petition for the enforcement of liquor laws, and it was expected that the Dominion effort would reach 30.000, or a little over. Mrs Hiett. Dominion president, gave an outline of the life and work of two great leaders and former Dominion presidents, Mrs T. E. Taylor and Mrs W. R. Don. These ladies had served in many capacities. Mrs Don had addressed the United States Congress during a visit paid to the States some years back, and was known and honoured by leaders in the prohibition movement there. Mrs T. E. Taylor had carried on the work which actuated the highest activities of her husband, had been a thoroughly public-spirited woman, had worked in the Peace Movement, and had bestowed time and labour in the protection of children Three young ladies provided a pleasant interlude, Miss Myrtle Smellie recited “Song of England.” Mrs Dickin--5? n H ie Olive Tree,” and Miss Jessie Thompson sang “Whatever is, is Best" The district officers were all reelected—Mrs Sanders. Miss Gray, and Miss Lord, as president, secretary, and treasurer, respectively. Miss Ford gave some_ intreesting items regarding the patriotic efforts of members, donations given, etc. Various remits, resolutions, and suggestions were discussed, one of the most important being the resolution to urge the Government to rescind the existing permit for the sale of liquor in camps. Other resolutions dealt with the export of beer to overseas soldiers gambling and raffles for patriotic purposes. and after-] our and Sunday trading. Thanks were expressed to Mrs Mason, representing the Green Island branch, for the hospitality and courtesy to its numerous guests for the day.