W.C.T.U.

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14047, 28 April 1919, Page 2

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT NAPIER. On the evening of Wednesday. April 23rd, a public welcome was accorded the more Ilian SO delegates, who assembled in sunny Napier for the IJilh annual conference. Mrs. Venables, president of the local branch, occupied the chair and voiced the satisfaction of the Napier members of seeing so many representatives from all over the Dominion. The Mayor proffered all assistance in seeing the beauties of Napier, and evinced well-informed and sympathetic interest in the great cause in whoso interests the Convention was being held. Rev. A. Hodge spoke as representing the Ministers' Association, Mr. Percy Peters on behalf of the local branch of the N.Z. Alliance, and Mr. Harding on behalf of Hie Rechabiles. Mrs. Hun. New Zealand president of the W.C.T.U., thanked the speakers for their welcome to Hie delegates. Replying to the Mayor’s offer she assured him there was no time for sight-seeing, as every minute would be needed for making plans for carrying on Hie next prohibition campaign. They had hoped that this Convention would have been a historic one, at which they would have celebrated the victory of the cause for which they have been working, but es that was declined they must work on anil Pr on. The Convention began on Thursday, April 2 i tli, Mrs. Don conducting Hie opening devotional meeting and giving an inspiring address on the importance of right thinking, since purity of action inevitably followed purity of thought. •The corresponding secretary’s report was a most instructive epitome of the year’s work. Special reference was made, to the fact that Airs. 1 awcctt and Miss Ruth Atkinson, a deputation to Paris to ensure the inclusion of wi«icn in some official way at the Peace Conference, had received the unqualified, support of Mr. Wilson, Mr. Lloyd George and Air. Alas cy. It. was decided to send a cable of congratulation from the Convention :o Miss Ruth Atkinson, who was formerly the vice-president of the New Zealand W.C.T.TJ., and was sent by that body as delegate to the British Dominions Suffrage Union Congress. Reports from the organiser of the Union occupied the earlier part of the afternoon session and showed progress in all directions. After a short interval, in which afternoon tea was served by the Napier ladies. Airs. Don delivered her presidential address, which, besides dealing with ■ the Dominion position and responsibilities, was packed with information as to the W.C.T.TJ. activities the world over.