N.Z. ALLIANCE

Southland Times, Issue 19898, 17 June 1926, Page 8

N.Z. ALLIANCE

SOUTHLAND AREA CONVENTION. PLANS FOR COMING YEAR. The annual convention of the Southland area of the New Zealand Alliance was held in the Y.M.C-A. Rooms yesterday afternoon and evening. There was a good attendance of delegates from the various districts, presided over by the Rev. J. Lawson Robinson, vice-president, in the absence of Mr. J. S. Baxter, who has left for Australia. Before the business was commenced Mr Robinaon extended a hearty welcome to the delegates and officers of the alliance present. Mr. C. R. Edmond, general secretary of the alliance, addressed the gathering on matters of organisation, making special reference to the council and leagues. He expressed the hope that the convention would be instrumental in bringing these sections of the alliance to a state of even greater efficiency than in the past. Mr. Edmond said that a new area organiser in the person of Mr. L. G. Bradley, of Auckland, had been appointed in of Mr. O. S. Hopkins. and he would be visiting various parts of Southland within the next few months ■M order to get into contact with the - Ties and district committees. Mr. Edui. wd asked the convention to give Mr. Biarfley every assistance in perfecting the organisation. The Dominion president of the alliance, Mr. John I. Royds. Christchurch, also addressed the convention. Mr. George Tuck M.C., educational and research secretary, spoke on matters pertaining to the educational policy of the alliance, outlining the aims of the organisation. He also asked that the convention should explain to him the local needs of Southland people so that he might arrange for the distribution of suitable matter. Another important question that should receive careful consideration was the formation of Bands of Hope for the purpose of educating young people. The evening session of the convention was presided over by Mr. Royds. The following officers to the Southland area were elected: President. Mr. J. S. Baxter ; treasurer, Mr. C. W. Brown; secretary, Mr. L. G. Bradley. Mr. Edmond gave a further interesting address dealing with the political situation and the proposed legislation to be considered by Parliament at the forthcoming session.