W.C.T.U.

Otago Witness, Issue 3774, 13 July 1926, Page 71

W.C.T.U.

At a meeting of the Womens’ Christian Temperance Union, over which the president (Mrs Hiett) presided, Mrs Didham gave a Bible reading on “Standing in truth and righteousness.”

As Parliament is now in session it was again decided, after Some discussion, to urge upon members of Parliament the necessity of amending existing legislation so as to provide for: (1) the employment of women police (2) The appointment of women justices of the peace. (3) The inclusion of women upon juries. (4) The mother of a family having equal rights of guardianship with the father. (5) Amendments. of the Destitute Persons Act in the direction of (a) placing the onus of proving inability to pay upon tho dependant; (b) making provision whereby men committed to gao] for non-compliance with maintenance “orders shall be employed upon remunerative work, and their earnings from the beginning of their sentence be applied to the maintenance of their dependents. Mrs Denton Leech briefly explained th# representation on the League of Nations, and was heartily thanked for the informal tion. Mrs Donaldson, a recent arrival from the Glasgow Union, was warmly welcomed, and when responding, gave some interesting facts about a World Convention held recently in Edinburgh. It was reported that the union had been asked to appoint a suitable woman to act in connection with the parents and teachers of the children drafted into backward classes. Mrs Bryant was appointed superintendent of the Cradle Roll in place of Mrs Twose, who has left for Oamaru, and to whom a letter of thanks was sent. Reports were reeoived from Mrs Hutton about women’s meetings in churches, and concert parties on behalf of the union in various institutions, and from tho representative upon the women’s rest room and creche. A talk on the appointment of officers and plans for the coming district convention concluded the meeting.