W.C.T.U.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14135, 15 February 1910, Page 3

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONVENTION. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Feb. 14. At the W.C.T.U. Convention Mrs. Hobbs, a White Ribboner from Victoria, was introduced. She stated that .the Women of New Zealand had, seriously retarded the iattainment, 'of the women’s franchise in Victoria, on account of tho waj : in which their votes, had. been cast against the liquor traffic. The report of tho Department of Nonalcoholic' Medication showed that a number of unions bad disseminated information: upon the subject. Attention was particularly called to, the fact that a certain tonic wine was frequently used by temperance people, the opinion of a prominent medical practitioner being stated to the effect that it was just a light wine similar to claret, with a verv small quantity of drugs. The proposal to pool the fares ot delegates, which had been submitted to the unions throughout the country, was recommended by the convention. ■ The report on ‘.‘Sabbath Observance, expressed appreciation .of. the action taken by the' Presbyterian Cliunch in this connection. Satisfaction was also expressed at the action of the Premier in prohibiting firing in military camps on Sunday. . Tho Maori report showed that m addition to the membership already returned, a large number of men had signed tho pledge and mined the.union. The students at the To Ran College, Gisborne, were all interested in temperance work and willing to help. Miss Hera Stirling was appointed organiser, to act as far as is consistent with her other duties. _ In the afternoon Miss, Powell, who is retiring from the honorary office of secretary, which she. has filled for fifteen years, was presented by Mrs. Kirkland, on behalf of the unions throughout the dominion, with a peggy bag well lined with sovereigns. } Resolutions were passed (a) expressing appreciation of tho advanced and humane methods employed by the Minister of Justice, especially as exemplified in the new reformatory prison now in course of erection in Invercargill; (b) emphasising the necessity of a, police matron being appointed to all lockups where women prisoners are taken, such matrons to be available, day and night; (c) calling attention to tho necessity for separate lavatory accommodation for women on the Main Trunk railway, and (d) tho better protection of passengers (upon nil lines) from the annoyance caused by drink and drunkenness.