Third Triennial Convention Of the W.C.T.U of Australasia.

White Ribbon, Volume 2, Issue 23, 1 May 1897, Page 9

Third Triennial Convention Of the W.C.T.U of Australasia.

This Convention met at Brisbane, Queensland, on April 27th, fifty-two delegates from the various Unions being present. The Presidential address by Mrs Nichollswas able and comprehensive. Interesting reports were presented by superintendents of departments. Mrs Nicholls (S.A.) was re elected president of the Australasian Union, the result being received with loud applause. Miss Lockwood (S.A.) was elected Australasian secretary, and Mrs Thompson (V.) treasurer. An especially interesting report was that given by Mrs Lodge, of Tasmania legislative work, stating that though their labours had not been in vain, but had produced great and substantial improvement, nevertheless rosecoloured views should not be entertained. No great permanent improvement in the conditions of the country could be expected until Government declared that the liquor traffic was an

evil which must be put down in the interests of society. Reference was made to the efforts taken to secure the repeal of the C.D. Act, and to obtain permission for suitable workers of the W.C-T.U. to visit prisons, gaols, and lockups for the purpose of holding services, distributing literature, and securing signatures to the total abstinence pledge. The reports of the col nial superintendents of legislative work were also read, detailing improvement in liquor and other laws obtained. 44 The Brisbane Courier ” criticises the proceedings of the Convention in a manner not unkindly but still disapproving of almost everything the women have been trying to do. An editorial begins thus :—“ It need not be said that we are in hearty sympathy with the general object held in view by the union, which we take to be the higher welfare of the people.” But when it comes to commenting on the details, especially those dealing with legislative enactments, it says:—“lf this union degenerates into a political and scientific association, if it insists on dealing with everything in heaven above and earth beneath, its primary social object will be smothered, and it will dissipate its energies to cackling impotency. We beseech our woman reformers, whom we would like to see a power, to remember that the greater the comprehension the less the intensity. The flood shallows as it spreads. Let them hark back to their first love, and they will yet do great things.” In effect, therefore, the Editorial advice is by all means go on working for the “ higher welfare of the people,’ but don’t be political, don’t be scientific. If you do, we cannot countenance you.— It is needless to say that unjust laws cannot be altered but by legislative enactment, and Editors may as well try to stop Niagara as to try and persuade women to cease working on practical lines.