W.C.T.U. Annual Convention.

White Ribbon, Volume 6, Issue 65, 1 October 1900, Page 8

W.C.T.U. Annual Convention.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA. lhe ninth Annual Convention of the W.C.T.U. of Western Australia was opened on August 20th at the Leisure Hour Clubrooms, Hay-street, Perth. It was the largest yet held in the colony, and was opened under circumstances never enjoyed before, as, since their last annual meeting, the enfranchisement of the women of their colony had become an accomplished fact.

Mrs Clark, the Corresponding Secretary, read her report, which was encouraging, and, considering the membership for the whole colony is only -fiq, exclusive of honorary members, it is remarkable what the Union has accomplished. Preventive, Rescue and Legislative work has be< n vigorously carried on, and several Unions have been formed. lhe respect in which the Union is held is evidenced by the fact that sever d columns in the daily papers are devoted to the reports of their Convention proceedings; two lengthy leaders, on the whole favourable to the aims of the Union, being published in one paper at least during their sessions. A deputation of twenty ladies waite 1 upon Sir John Eorrest, the Premier, to urge—(i) the provision of an Inebilutes’ Retreat; (i) that the age of

consent be raised from 14 to 17 years ; (3) that sailors be enfranchised, anti vote by proxy, if absent ; (4) that boys and girls be trained in the schools in tmiperance physiology ; (5) that legislation be provided to prevent gambling; (6) that a Curfew law be enacted ; (7) that a Direct Veto Hill be introduced in reference to the liquor traffic. The Premier promised to give the subjects consideration. A Parliamentary meeting was held in the Town Hall, when Mrs Ferguson, Colonial President, took the chair, and addresses were given by the Premier, Mr James, M.L.A., Mr Wood, M.L A., Mr Haynes, M.L.C., Mr Kandell (Colonial Secretary), and others, on the subject of the Liquor Traffic ; th i speakers being sympathetic with the general aims of the Unions although not all agreed on every point. A Temperance Festival was held on another evening, which was presided over by Lady Onslow. The hall was decorated for the occasion wtth tlowers, banners and flags. Mrs Clark was the recipient of a handsome travelling bag as a token of appreciation of her valuable work. Mrs Ferguson was also presented with a large handsome gilt-fiame 1 photograph of the members of the Convention, grouped, edged by pictures of the various institutions carried on by the W.C.T.F.