Abstract of the Minutes of the Twenty-second Annual Convention.

White Ribbon, Volume 12, Issue 142, 15 March 1907, Page 2

Abstract of the Minutes of the Twenty-second Annual Convention.

llkld in Cbnisichum ii, February 14th to 2!>m, I^U7. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY J4th. Morning. Devotional exercises were conducted by Miss Powell. At l<i o’clock the roll was called, the following members re sponding:— Mrs < ole, President; Miss Powell, Corresponding Secretary; Miss Moody Hell, Recording Secretary; Mrs Dolinnann, M.A., Treasurer; Miss L. M. Smith, Editor “White Ribbon"; Miss Jessie Mackay, Associate Editor; Mrs Spencer, Business Manager “White Ribbon.'' District Presidents -Mrs Dewar. Auckland; Mrs Oldham, Napier; Mrs Hoxall, Wellington; Miss Roberts, Christchurch; Mrs (inskin, Grey mouth; Mrs \V. R. Don. IMinedin. District Secretaries —Miss Amlmry, New Plymouth; Miss Tucker. Wanganui; Mrs Day and Miss W. •Smith, < ’li r i st church; Mrs Soul hv, Kaiapoi; Mrs (iriffen, Blenheim; Mrs Hansen, (irey mouth; Mrs A. Mitchell, Invercargill. District Treasurers—Mrs Hughes, Auck land; Mrs Seed, Christchurch. Superintendents of Departments —Mrs Kirkland. Evangelistic; Miss Maunder. Scientific Temperance Instruction; Mrs McCarthy, Press; Mrs Darling. Mothers' Meetings; Mrs Sheppard, Legal and Par liamentary. Delegates Mrs Rodger, Waikari; Mrs Vents, Devonport; Mrs Hill, Ponsonhv; Mrs Bonse, Matapu; Mrs Wliiteombe, Christchurch; Mrs Pearson, Dunedin; Mrs Bill, Ashburton; Mrs Targuise, Timaru;

Mrs .lohiison, Port Chalmers; Mrs Evans, Kaiapoi; Miss Hrechin, Wanganui; Mrs Freeman, Napier; Mrs Hatchwell, Lyttel ton; Miss Dewar, Auckland; Mrs Somer ville, Onehunga; Mrs Parkinson, Greymouth; Miss Wilkinson, Wellington. Miss Sarah Smith, of Langley Mills, England, was made a visiting member of the Convention. Reporters were appointed as follows; Local papers. Mrs Dolinnann and Miss McCarthy; Press Association, Miss Powell; ‘‘White Ribbon," Miss L. M. Smith; “Vanguard.” Miss Roberts; “Christian Worker," Mrs Hughes; Eng lisli “White Ribbon,” Miss S. Smith; Napier. Mrs Oldham; Marlborough. Mrs (irifl'en; Rangiora, Mrs Darling; Dunedin. Mrs Don; ll.twera, Miss Maunder; New Plynioith, Miss Amluiry; Wanganui, Miss Tucker; Waiiuate, Mrs Dohriiiaun; Ash burton. Mrs Kill; Southland. Mrs Mit cliell; Palmerston North, Miss Maunder; Timaru. Mrs Wagstaflf; Oatnaru. Miss Me Cartliy; West Coast, Mrs Hansen; Nelson, Mrs Somerville; “Outlook,” Mrs Old ham; (lore, Mrs Soul by; Masterton, Mrs Hoxall and Miss Wilkinson Mesdanies Seed and Day were appointed coinniittee of courtesies. Minutes of com hiding session of C<»n volition of 19ot> w'ere read and confirmed. (irectiligs were received from Nelson and Port Chalmers branches, and from Mrs Blackwell (Kaiapoi), Mrs Crump (Nelson), and Miss Hughes (Victoria). The lamented deaths of Mrs R. Dick and Miss Hancock (Dunedin), and Miss Dalryinple (Levin) were referred to. Letters of sympathy were directed to he sent to Sir John Hall. Mesdanies Daldv. Blackwell, Crump. Webb, and Miss Patterson. The address of the President was read and adopted with many expressions of appreciation, a hearty \ote of thanks being carried with acclamation. Reports of Evangelistic and Home Meeting Departments were read and adopted. Afternoon. Mrs Li 11 conducted the devotional exercises. The roll was called. 44 membeis responding. Greetings were received from Mr. David Whyte (Auckland), and from Tariki branch. The report of the Exhibition Hay Committee was presented by Mrs Day. Miss Roberts giving a sketch of the educational work carried on there, and proposing that a letter of thanks he sent to Mr. Cole and Miss Nellie Cole for their services in connection therewith. Carried unanimously. Mrs Seed presented the financial report of the Bay up to date showing that some of the Unions had not sent in their assessment. Resolved — “That the Christchurch Union he re quested to continue the work on the understanding that they would he suitported by the Unions throughout the colony. Miss Roberts was requested to draft a letter re tile Bay, which Miss Maunder undertook to copy and forward to those branches which had not already contributed.

Rev. F. W. Isitt was cordially welcomed and spoke on the “ Bare Majority," delivering a message from Mrs A. R. Atkinson. Miss Roberts read a valuable paper upon “The Changing Attitude of the Medical Profession ’Towards Alcohol," An interesting discussion followed, and a vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Robert s. Greetings from Mrs Rose (Blenheim) were received. Reports of Medal Contests and Hygiene and Food Reform were presented and adopted. MARCH 15th, Morning. Mrs Kingston was appointed proxy for i ■ riki. ( orrespoiidence from Mr Veats (Devon port), and the Matapu branch were read, cash contributions being enclosed towards t lie * * White Ribbon. ’ Resolved —“That a hearty vote of thanks he given to Mrs Sheppard, for the loan of her valuable exhibit to the W.CT.U, Bay of likenesses of leaders in the lnt«o national Women’s Council, also for her able literary help in connection with educational placards and pamphlets. The report of Unfermcnted Wine Department was read, an interesting dis mission taking place. Mrs Oldham was requested to write to those firms supplying fruit-juices, asking them to advertise in the “ White Ribixui.” Report of Work Among Seamen was read, interesting details being given verbally re the Sailors' Rests at Dunedin. 'Timaru. and Lyttelton. Mrs Hansen stated that the Grey mouth District Union had decided t<> embark upon this work. Mrs Don mentioned the comfort-bags, pledge-cards, etc., supplied at the Dunedin Rest, and Miss Roberts exhibited Redwhite and blue pledge cards for Bands of Hope, etc. Miss Howell read the report of Educational Meetings, and appealed for more papers to circulate. The hope was expressed that the valuable papers printed in the “ White Ribbon from time to time were read at a meeting of each Union. Above reports were adopted. Afte r the noontide hour Miss Sarah Smith England) gave a short address, referring to woman’s suffrage at Home. Resolved—“ That votes of sympathy be written to Mrs Hunt (Christchurch) and to Mrs Newton and Miss Gordon upon the death of their mother. Afternoon. Mrs Sheppard was called upon to read the Legal and Parliamentary report in connect ion with which it was resolved: “That the Convention urge tin* Premier to introduce a Bill raising t’ie age ot pro teetion to "I years. “That Convention desires again to enter a strong protest against the eon tinned delay in the repeal of the C.D. Acts.” “That in the opinion of this Convention hospital accommodation should be provided for those suffering from venereal diseases who shall voluntarily present themselves for treatment.

“That this Convention draws attention to the horrors and evils of war, and ex presses the earnest hope that all Christian Governments will resort to Arbitration as a means to settle differences between nations, and so avert war.' “That this Convention deplores the spirit of militarism sometimes inculcated in the young, and urges upon all parents the necessity of teaching their children the nobleness of adjusting quarrels by the exercise of reason, justice, and forbear mice, rather than by force. “That, in tin* opinion of this < onven tion. the time has come when all disabili ties which at present hinder women from sitting as members of either of the Houses of Legislature, or from being elected or appointed to any public office, or position in the colony, should be removed; and that, with regard to all powers, rights, and duties of citizenship, absolute equality should be the law of the land." “That this Convention of the N.Z. W.C.T.U. protests against the legalization of the Totalisator on the grounds: (1) that it gives Government sanction to a vice which is disastrous to social life; (l!) that it is inconsistent with the numerous enactments against gambling in other forms; (it) that it derives public revenue fiom a practice which all wise govern nients have found it necessary to sup press; (4) that it has failed to decrease the number ot bookmakers, whose illegal pursuit it was intended to abolish. (1) “That this Convention is of opinion that in connection with all public institutions for the care of men, women, ami children, popularly elected Hoards of Control should be established, composed of men and women; (2) that this Convention is of opinion that provision should be made for all those men and women who are irresponsible through deficiency of sexual control, and for their own protection and that of the community, separate homes should be established for such men and women, where they could be detained and cared for mentally and physically. The Convention suggests that such homes should be in the country, where occupation in the open air, such as gardening, fruit growing, poultry and beekeeping could easily be provided, and thus render the homes practically self-support mg, as well as being conducive to a healthy and happy existence of the inmates; (3) that this Convention, composed of delegates of the W.C.T. I uions, requests the Premier to introduce legis lation during tin* coming session to give effect to the foregoing resolutions." “That in the opinion of this Conven tion the time-limit now enforced where charges of criminal offences against girK arc made should be entirely abolished." “That in view of the hardships an miallv imposed upon many innocent chil • Iron by the condition of illegitimacy, and the absolute uselessness as a deterrent from immorality of legal disabilities in dieted upon these children, it is high time that all such legal disqualifications were removed. That considering (a) the great mortality among illegitimate children; (b) the neglected condition of many

of them, helping, as they do, to swell the ranks of the criminal and diseased, the Convention proposes —Ist, that parent? should lie obliged to contribute, according to their means, to tin* support of their children; 2nd, that failing the ability of their parents to contribute, the State should make proper provision tor maintenance, supervision, and education of all such children; 3rd, that these children, where paternity is proved, should posses? an equal legal status with those born in wedlock, and should be registered in the name of the father; 4th, that a public officer, who should be a woman, be ap pointed, whose duty it would be, before the birth of an illegitimate child, to dis cover paternity where possible, with a view to enforcing the proper maintenance of the child. ’ “That this Convention representing nearly 1000 New Zealand women, heartily thanks Mr. Kettle, S.M. of Auckland, for his recent outspoken utterances as to the responsibility of the illegitimate father (as well as mother) id’ the children born out of wedlock, as the Convention considers that the shielding of the father’s name bv society generally is injurious to the interests <>f public morality." “That in the opinion of this Convention the teaching of Scientific Temperance in connection with physiology and hygiene in our schools is a necessity, in order that tin* injurious effects of alcohol, physically and morally on the development of the individual and of the race may be clearly understood by our children. This Convention therefore urges that Scientific Tom perance Instruction be included in the examinations for teachers’ certificates, and made a compulsory class subject in the schools." “That in the opinion of this Convention the legal recognition of the economic equality of husband and wife is desir ble for the attainment of justice, and for the furtherance of a truer marriage relationship. “That the restrictions on women’s time and labour contained in the factory Acts are prejudicial to their economic interests, in not only lessening their chances of employment, hut in helping to relegate them to the lower branches of the industries. This Convention therefore urges that all sex distinctions enforced in the Acts should be abolished.” “That this Convention is of opinion that in all cases where men and women are engaged in the same work, either in the employment of the Government or of private individuals, equal wages should be paid for equal work.” (a) “That all men and women entitled to exercise the Parliamentary franchise shall also be allowed to exercise the local franchise; (b) that it is desirable that women should occupy seats on all local bodies; (c) that effective provision should ho made by local bodies for the undertaking and maintaining of all possible services, and also of reproductive works and industries.” “That this Convention urges upon the Government the necessity of introducing a Bill providing for the application of the

Initiative and Referendum on all (pies tinns of social importance. “That this Convention urges the sub stitution of the Elective Executive for the present lop-sided system of Government by representatives of only one party, and believes that this change would largely help the public weal." The Corresponding Secretary’s report given by Miss Powell, was received with due appreciation, discussed and adopted. The Anti gambling report was read, and an interesting discussion followed, Mrs llisiop (Dunedin) giving the results <*t her observations during a recent visit to M elhourne. Mrs Hughes presented the Literature report and balance-sheet. (Questions were asked and it was stated that with regard to literature boxes at railway stations application should be made to the traffic manager. The reports having been adopted greetings were received from Mrs Har rison Lee and the session dosed with the Benediction. FEBRUARY 16th, Morning. Mrs Kirkland conducted the devotional meeting. Greeting (Gal. ff-9) was received from Mis Webb. Resolved —“That a message of appre ciation and sympathy be sent to Mr. Edward Taylor. Addington.” Miss Maunder read the report of Scion tific Temperance Instruction, the discus sion upon this important department being postponed. The financial statement was tlieu read by the treasurer and adopted, a cordial vote of thanks being accorded to Mrs Dohrmann, M.A., for the excellent way in which she had carried out her duties. An offer of 20/-, given or collected during the year towards the N.Z. treasury, was made by Mesdames Kirkland, R. Evans, Harrison, Don. Dewar, Sheppard, Oldham. Boast*. Mitchell, Darling. Griffon, Dohr maun, Lill, and Misses Roberts, Wilkin son. Maunder, McCarthy, and Powell. Mrs Soul by mentioned that in their Union the members were each subscribing a penny per w’eok. Oil account of the wet weather the Garden Party was postponed until Wed nesday, but the Convention arranged to adjourn to the Exhibition, and meet at the W.C.T.U. Bay before tea in the afternoon. Miss Maunder’s report was then dis cussed, and a deputation (consisting of Mrs Cole, Miss Roberts, Miss Maunder, Mrs Dohrmann, and Miss McCarthy) was appointed to wait upon the Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister of Education, with reference to the introduction of Scientific Temperance Instruction into our schools. In connection with Mrs Dewar’s report of Bible in Schools, a number of members emphasised the great importance of having Scriptural teaching for the children. It was pointed out that upon application lo the various school committees permission would be given for having Bible-class instruction after school hours.

In tln* regretted absence of Mrs Superintendent of Purity Department, Mrs (’oli* read the report. Many Unions reported having held meetings addressed bv Mr. R. 11. W. Bligh, and inueh appreeiation of his work generally was expressed. Above reports having been adopted, anneuneements were made as to the Sunday evening meeting, and that of Monday evening. FEBRUARY 18th, Morning. The devotional meeting was eondueted by Mrs Boxall. Mrs WagstafT took lier seat as proxy for Ormondville. The ‘White KiblH.ii" financial statement was presented by the business manager, a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Spencer being carried with acclamation. The noontide hour of prayer having been observed, a vote of thanks was accorded Miss L. M. Smith for the skill and courage with which she had carried out her editorial duties, also to Miss • lessie McKay for her admirable articles and able assistance to the editor. The President impressed upon the delegates that whatever is decided upon bv Convention is binding upon all the Unions in the colony, which are urged to send a delegate to assist in the discussions and in administration of W.C.T.U, business. Mrs Spencer laid before the delegates a scheme in the interests of the “White Ribboii " accounts. Afternoon. I’lie session was opened with singing and prayer by Mrs Oldham. The N.Z. Treasurer reported a donation of £2 2s from a well-known Canterbury farmer as a thank-offering for the rain. The further discussion of the “White Ribbon" was adjourned until Tuesday morning. Correspondence was read from Mrs Harrison Lee, Mrs Napier, Miss Anna (•onion (U.S.A.), and Colyton branch. Miss McCarthy presented her report upon Influencing the Press. Resolved—- “ That in future the title of this department be * The Press.’ Resolved—“ That a committee consist ing of Mrs Sheppard, Mrs Cole, Miss Roberts, and Miss McCarthy be appointed to prepare a statement as to the duties of all local and New Zealand officers, etc. under the head of bye-laws.” Reports were then presented as follows:—Work Among Young People i Rand of Hope. Cradle Roll, etc ) 'Vntion was made of the fact that Miss Sarah Smith, of England, was willing to visit branches and organise V Unions. Maori Work Reference was made to Miss Stirling, a weaker among the natives. Motht ts Meetings—lt was suggested that the ( radle roll might well be worked in connection with this Department, both organisations thereby benefiting. Narcotics—The President advised members to be on the alert, and to write to the Inspector of Police when the law forbidding smoking upon the part of boys under fifteen was not observed. 'The reports were then adopted.

Mrs Mitchell read a paper by Rev. A. Mitchell on “ No-license in Invercargill' —the largest town in Australasia under No-license —which proved to be a testimony very encouraging to our workers. The Napier Resolution,

of which notice of motion was given last year, was read by Mrs Oldham, and ran as follows:—“That no N.Z. officer retain her position for a longer period than live consecutive years, and that she be not eligible for re-election for two years from the date of such retirement.” Lost by a large ma jority. Resolved—“ That this Convention affirms the right of the bare majority to rule in connection with ail forms of liipior license. FEBRUARY 19th, Morning. Devotional exercises were conducted bv Mrs LilL Letters of sympathy were directed to be sent to Mrs McLeod, St. Albans Lane, and the family of Rev. .1. and Mrs Orchard, both of whom had passed away during the year. Resolved—“ That a letter be sent to Mr. W. H. Judkins, of Melbourne, expressing our appreciation of the grand fight he is making in the interests of moral reform, and congratulating him upon the results already achieved. “White Ribbon' Paper—A long dis cussion took place; the business manager particularly requested that notes re change of address reach her before the Mh of the month. After the noontide hour of prayer the election of officers was proceeded with. Mrs Cole, being the only nominee for President, was declared duly elected. Mrs A. R. Atkinson was re appointed VicePresident at Large. Miss Alice Webb having declined nonii nation for the post of Corresponding Secretary, Mrs Dohrmanii, M.A., was elected, and upon her nomination Mis.' Alice Webb was appointed Assistant Correspond i ng Secretary. Recording Secretary —The nominations for Miss Moody-Del I and Miss Powell being almost equal. Miss Hell expressed a strong wish to retire in favour of Miss Powell, but Convention ruling that the names be balloted upon. Miss Powell was elected. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Miss Hell, much appreciation of the way in which sin* had performed her duties being expressed. Miss McCarthy was then elected treasurer, and the session closed with the I toXologV. Afternoon. Mrs Somerville led the opening exercises. It was reported that the number of sig natures obtained to the Anti gambling petition lately presented to Parliament was close on 20,000. “White Ribbon” business was further discussed. Various recommendations re lating to the paper were handed for consideration to a subcommittee appointed to deal with the matter, and consisting of the President, Mesdames Spencer,

Sheppard, W. S. Smith, and Oldham, and Misses L. M. Smith and Roberts. The necessity of additional advertisements being urged, promises to do their best were received from Auckland, Napier. Wellington, New Plymouth, Ashburton, Grey mouth, Timaru, Waimate, and I >u tied in.

A letter, with greeting, was received from Mrs A. R. Atkinson.

Miss L. M. Smith was re-appointed editor of the “White Ribbon,” with Miss Jessie McKay as associate editor, and Mrs Spencer as business manager. Superintendents of Departments were appointed as follows: Evangelistic, Mrs Kirkland; Home Meetings, Miss Mood\ Hell; Purity, Mrs Webb; Educational Meetings, Miss Powell; Sabbath (Ibserv a lice, Mrs W. T. Li 11 ; Work Among Young People, Mrs Spence; Medal Contests, Mrs Evans; Scientific Temperance Instruction. Miss Maunder; I'nfermented Wine, Mrs Gaskin; Hygiene, Mrs VV. S. Smith; Press, Mrs A. Mitchell; Mothers Meetings. Mrs Kirkland; Bible-in-Schools, Mrs Dewar; Narcotics, Miss Alice Webb; Work Among Seamen, Mrs Whitby; Peace and Arbitration, Mrs E. <’. Somerville; Literature, Mrs Hughes; Anti gambling. Mrs Maculister; Legal and Parliamentary, Mrs Sheppard. Resolved —“ That Mrs Maealister be re quested to circulate an Anti gambling petition throughout the Unions this year. Re Dr. Frederick Hell—The President was desired to write to the* local papers. Resolved —(1) “That this Convention tenders to the Hon. .las. Carroll its hearty thanks for his action in declining to allow alcohol to be used at the tangi of Toliu. ’* (2) “That this < (invention expresses its pleasure at the refutation by Dr. Roman* of the statement that he applied for permission to use liquor at the tangi of Tohu. (J) “That this Convention of enfranchised women tender to their sisters in Great Britain their deep sympathy with, and appreciation of, their heroic struggles for the political freedom and rights which the* women of New Zealand enjoy. 'The Convention expresses the conviction that the persecution which they are suffering and the sacrifices which they are making will speedily result in the triumphant success of their cause.” (4) “That this Convention strongly pro tests against the lax administration of the licensing laws in No license districts, and begs to call tin* attention of the Minister of Justice to the need of more vigilance on the part of the police.” (•*>) “That this Convention expresses its gratification that the predicted failure ot the Christchurch Exhibition owing to the absence of all liquor licenses has proved utterly false. The Convention considers the splendid orderliness and sobriety of the great crowds which have attended the * Exhibition, and the general success of the undertaking, are a standing object lesson of the value of No license. (H) “The Convention tenders to the Christchurch Licensing Committee its hearty thanks tor and deep appreciation

of their action in refuting all licenses to tin* Exhibition, and for closing licensed bars at 10 p.in., such action being in tin* very best interests of the community." Invitations for tin* Convention of I9<IS v were received from Kaiapoi, Wellington. ~nd, and Invercargill, that of Auek land being accepted with thanks. The < 'on vent ion decided that Mrs bill’s scheme as to the equalization of delegates’ expenses be considered at the next < 'on vention. Resolved —(a) “That this Convention strongly protests against Sir Joseph Ward s latest proposal to devote funds obtained through the totalisator to benevolent and charitable purposes. The Con vention considers the application of money obtained through legalised vice most pernicious in principle." (b) “That grants of 5/- each be made to Superintendents of departments." (c) “That €1»» for 190(1, and £lO for this year (1907) be handed by the New Zealand Treasurer to the “White Ribbon" in payment for Convention numbers. FEBRUARY 20th, Morning. Miss Maunder led the Convention in prayer. The Treasurer was called upon to state the condition of funds up to date. Resolved —“That accounts be paid from the balance of £lO at present in the N.Z. treasury. The following notices of motion (re amendments to the Constitution) were sent in for next Convention: — “That the Convention may appoint a Vice-President-at-Large to sit upon the N.Z. Executive. —M. S. Powell. “That it is desirable that the position of the N.Z. officers should be held for only five consecutive years, and that the same officer should not be eligible for reelection to that particular office for two years. ’ ’ —Pluebe Seed. Mrs A. R. Atkinson was appointed representative on the Executive of the N.Z. A Ilia nee. The President emphasized the duty of the local branches to advertise their meetings in the columns of the “White Ribbon. The Secretary was instructed to write to Miss Minchin, Feilding. Miss Surah Smith was asked to state her method of organising, branches desir ing a visit from her being requested to communicate with Miss Powell, who will organise her plan of travelling. Greetings from the Convention were sent by Miss Smith to the B.W.T.A. Resolved —“That the Literature Pe partment be occasionally allowed tree space in the “White Ribbon.’’ “That a committee consisting of the President, Mrs Sheppard, Miss Roberts. , and Miss McCarthy be appointed to arrange for the printing and publishing of a leaflet containing the N.Z. Constitution, list of World’s and N.Z. officers, and other details, which the Committee may approve. “That all matters relating to the

W.C.T.r. Pay at the Exhibition be left in the hands of the local committee.’’

Votes of thanks were passed to the hostesses who had so kindly entertained the members of the Convention, to the loeal Press, the vocalists and speakers at the public meetings, and to the Christehureh District Pnioii. Mrs Sheppard, in a felieitons sjieech, proposed a loving vote of thanks to Mrs Cole, whieh was carried by acclnmatin . Mrs Cole having suitably responded the Convention concluded with the singing of “God be with you till we meet again." (Copied !*;/ M S. /'nii'dl.)