W.C.T.U. CONVENTION

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 19

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION

NAPIER, April 29. At the Women's Christian Temperance Union convention this morning the Mayor entertained the delegates to morning tea, and afterwards the delegates wore taken out by.tramcars to visit the acetone works: The afternoon session was devoted to a discussion on the plans of work for this year. \ April 30. At tho W.C.T.U. Convention the following resolutions were passed : . " That ihe resignation of Miss Powell bo accepted, with sincere regret, and that we place on record pur deep appreciation of the splendid work which she accomplished for the union during her 15 years of strenous service. Our union has greatly benefited by the enthusiasm, energy, and wisdom displayed by her in all .her work, and we wish for her many years of happy and useful service in her present position at Turakina College.

" That a remit bo "forwarded to the New Zealand Town Planning Conference urging that it use its influence with local bodies having the necessary powers to induce them to consider the suggestion that public recreation rooms be opened and maintained as a permanent peace memorial. "That the convention take into consideration the advisability of recommending the establishment, where possible, of hostels for young women and also for mothers with children. Further, that the convention should appoint an advisory board to assist unions that have the establishment of hostels under consideration." / May 1. At the W.C.T.TJ. Convention the following resolutions were passed : —■ " That it was now being recognised that the Stat© should provide for the maintenance of children who are deprived of theirfathers." " That this convention, while resolutely standing for individual purity of life and the absolute sacredness of the marriage tie, would ask that the claims of the children of the unmarried mother may be recognised. This is asked (1) in the interests of the children who, coming into the world with a stigma attached to their birth, have a claim on the State so that they may be enabled to become useful citizens, and (2) in the interests of the mother that in the struggle to regain her self-respect she may not be handicapped by the difficulty of providing for herself and her child." "That the Women's Christian Temperance Unions of the dominion press resolutely for the appointment of women police by sending resolutions to the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Police Department, also by deputations as their legal and parliamentary superintendent may advise, and, further, that every union be instructed to ask all parliamentary candidates for their electorate at the coming election whether they support this demand. '

The following officers' were elected : President, Mrs W. R. Don (Dunedin); hon. secretary, Miss Henderson (Christchurch); reo. secretary, Mrs W. A. Evans (Wellington) ; treasurer, Mrs Bendely (Auckland). Votes of thanks to hosts and hostesses, the local union, and others who entertained and helped closed the session.