THE W.C.T.U.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17224, 6 October 1927, Page 8

THE W.C.T.U.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WHANGAREI, Wednesday. The Auckland provincial conference of the Women's Christian Temperance Union opened this morning in the Methodist Church. Mrs N. S. Bcnfell, provincial president, presided. The secretary reported that there were now 20 branches, with 1055 members, in the province. Most were successful. This was an increase of three branches and 147 members. A total of 15.277 signatures was reported to have been obtained to a petition against the amendment of the Gaming Act.

Regarding temperance teaching In schools, the president said scientific instruction was now given and was part of the health syllabus.

The election of officers resulted:— District president, Mrs Bcnfell, president, Mrs M. Finch; corresponding secretary, Mrs J. Williams; recording secretary, Miss L. M. Read; treasurer, Mrs W. Taylor; district president, Band of Hope and "Y ' : work, Mrs 11. Kaspar; district president, peace and arbitration departments, Mrs Judson; district president, school of methods, Mrs Williams; superintendent cradle roll, Mrs Chandler.

Resolutions favouring the employment of women police and the establishment of Women's Courts and a six-day week for nurses were passed. It was also resolved to urge the Government to set up a committee of inquiry into mental defectives and sexual offenders, and that men in gaol for failure to obey maintenance orders be put on remunerative work to assist their dependents. ■ The following resolution was carried unanimously:—That it would be in the best interests of child welfare if the child welfare branch of the Education Department were separated from the department, and became a separate and distinct department under an officer directly responsible to the Minister in charge.