W.C.T.U.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 12, 11 June 1926, Page 5

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONVENTION. . The sixteenth annual district convention of the W.C.T.U. was held at Inglewood on Wednesday. There was a very representative gathering of delegates. ' ■- After devotions and all the usual procedure had been gone through, Mrs X. Jones read a most interesting and inspiring letter from Mrs T. E., Taylor, of Christchurch. An address was then given by Mrs Scott, Taranaki District President, the theme of which was '“Educate. Organise, Legislate.” Reports were read from the following: Aramoho, Eltham, Hawera, Inglewood, Manaia Ngaere Norxnanby Stratford New PlymoutirWanganui Central Wanganui East, Raetihi. Waitara, and Wayerley. A report was also read on “The Taranaki Seamen’s Rest,” organised by the W.C.T.U. It was decided to hold the. next district convention at Hawera, ‘ During the day, Mrs Craig, of New Plymouth, sang several times. In an address to delegates, Mrs Duxford said: In looking back on our last year’s work in connection with our organisation we thank God and take courage.. We thank Him for the privilege and opportunities we have for service, remembering the words of our Saviour, who said: “I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” His example is one of service for others, and as loving followers of His we are banded together for the love and sake of God, Home and Humanity. We come to conference with but one object—that of planning to help our fellow creatures, lifting up the fallen, helping those who are weak, and doing good wherever and whenever possible. One has only to scan the,, many and varied departments of work presented to our Dominion convention to realise the amount of work we try to do. Humbly we ‘confess much is left undone, but we must ever press forward, realising that it is but little that each can do, but little isi much if God is in it. Most important of all is the avolitiou of the liquor traffic. Were we not ‘ at the beginning of our movement, banded together for that one movement? Little by little,-the movement has grown, until now we can visualise that it is only a matter of time when alcohol as a beverage will be banished from our midst. Not only in our own little corner are we making headway against great odds. If we look at the world’s progress, we find that in all countries there is the same agitation against King Alcohol, not only amongst the English-speak-ing nations, but foreign lauds join bands in fighting this evil. And what of our last great battle, when so many were disappointed! Perhaps we do not all realise what a gigantic monopoly we are fighting and what a mieiity reform we are trying to bring about. It took America 50 years to abolish slavery. However, let us glance a-t our last year’s figures and, all things considered, we have every reason to take courage and go forward, for Prohibition is coming some day.