TEMPERANCE UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 87, 13 April 1938, Page 2

TEMPERANCE UNION

GON VILLE BRANCH. A meeting of the Gonville branch of the W.C.T.U. was held in the Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 4. The president presided and opened with hymn 70 and prayer. Mrs. Beck led the devotions and read a paper on “Pets Becoming Pests” and gave instances we have all seen in our own New Zealand:—A Scotchman brought his favourite Scotch thistle from his native land to plant in his New Zealand garden, an Englishman his favourite “blackberry” to flourish here, and then the little pet rabbits brought to Australia to cheer the little daughter of a lonely emigrant, and we all know how they have become very expensive pests in our bonny New Zealand. Then to look into our own lives and see “pets” through indulgence become “pests.” In this well favoured land we have opportunities of living in comfort and prosperity so that selfsacrifice has become rare and hard to most of us. What about that “spot” so many refuse to give up for the sake of those weaker than themselves and when we take that which is harmful rather than exercise courage to do the right, then our “pet”becomes a “pest.” Self-discipline is truly the essence of the message of Jesus, who said to His followers, “If any man will follow Me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”

Minutes of previous meeting were read and duscussed.

The delegate to the annual convention held at Napier then read a very comprehensive and stirring report which was enjoyed by all. Mrs. Clegg proposed and Mrs. Beck seconded, that a very hearty vote of thanks be given to Mrs. Britton for her full and interesting account. It was decided that the committee meet after Easter and draw up a syllabus for the year’s meetings. Apologies were received from Mrs. Hussy, secretary, and Mrs. Parker, organist, Mrs. Ogg playing in her absence.

Prayers by several members, then the Lord’s Prayer and the Benediction brought a' very interesting meeting to a close.