PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

White Ribbon, Volume 12, Issue 142, 15 March 1907, Page 5

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

Mv Pear Comrades,

In coining before you for the first time as President of the N.Z. Union, I offer to you each my heartfelt thanks for the great honour conferred upon me, and the confidence placed in me. The responsibility of the position has weighed heavily but I have experienced every consideration from tin* New Zealand officers, and mv Christchurch comrades have strengthened mv hands bv their kindly help and advice. For all this I would express my deepest gratitude. The work has been arduous, vet with improved health and strength 1 have been enabled to meet the demands made upon me. Owing to a large amount of correspondence having fallen to mv share, and also to the local conditions having made it necessary for me to give up much time to work in Christelnireh, I have not been able to visit many of the Unions. In the spring I met the members of the Ashburton, Timaru, and Dunedin Unions, and last April mv first visit as N.Z. President was made to the Kaiapoi Union. I have been most happy in my work, and have realised how good our Heavenly Father is to those who call upon Him, and who look to Him for daily strength and guidance. In Memoriam. At the conimeneement of mv address it is fitting that I should mention the passing of the Hon. R. .1. Seddon, late Premier of the colony, in the midst of activities aim of plans of work for tin* future, lie was suddenly called away, his death coming as a great shock to the people of this land, which he loved so well. To his sorrowing wife and family your President, on behalf of the N.Z. Union, tendered a message of heartfelt sympathy. Two members of onr Union in New Zealand — Mrs Dick and Miss Palrvmple—have also since last Convention passed beyond the veil. The Great Reaper has likewise been busy amongst many of the notable men and women of our day in other lands. First among these I would mention Sir Wilfred Lawson, that brave, bright spirit who stood as the leader for many years of that apparently forlorn hope, the band of men and women who in England clung through evil and good report to the great principle of Local Veto. We thank God that before he closed his eyes to this world’s light he saw that principle receive

the affirmation of a large majority of the British House of Commons. Josephine Butler at this name every woman’s heart should throb with gratitude, for this noble spirit stood, in spite of fierce persecution and ridicule, for the abolition of all legalised viee. Her strenuous labours on behalf of the downtrodden and outcast, and her fearless advocacy of a “White Life for Two’’ will never he forgotten while our organisation exists. The Baroness Burdett Uoutts, while not identified with our organisation, must he mentioned. She carried on for many years a great work for the amelioration of the distressed and the destitute. She dispeusisl with lavish hand the great wealth entrusted to her, and now, after a long and well-spent life, she has passed away mourned by thousands. No woman in the British Empire ever before exercised for so many years such au influence for good by the distribution of wealth.

Our sisters in the United States hav* lost tnrough the past year four notable women. who have proved by their lives how much may he done by those who have cwu «*».;< and faith to sustain them in the rigl. against prejudice, apathy, and li eas.-1 evil. Susan B. Anthony and Mary Livermore what stirring strenuous times 11»» ir names bring to our reniem brance ! H"W they stood for the emancipation of woman from the disabilities under which she ha v been placed by long usagi and prejudice, is an oft told tale. Is it not se.d that two women of such towering intellect should in their own land be thought only worthy to rank with idiots, criminals, and luuatics? Both passed away without enjoying the right for which they spent themselves. But others have entered into their labours, and ti>-day, in Australia and New Zealand, the women are reaping the harvest which was sown by these earnest, large-hearted, big brained pioneers. Mrs Elizabeth .1. Thompson—is there one in this audience who does not know how this woman, laying aside the nervous shrinking from publicity which many true smils have to overcome, placed herself at the head of that noble Kind of women who went out to endeavour, by their prayers and sup plications, to close the saloons, which were proving death-traps to the husbands and sons of their countrywomenf May vve never forget that it was from tlies'* beginnings that our organisation sprang, and that we owe it to this small ban 1 of brave souls that we are a power in the world today. Truly, they did not “know to what these things might grow.”

Mary H. Hunt, whose work for the young in the United States to-day is showing such wonderful results, has also passed to a life of larger activities. She laboured for twenty five years for the introduction of scientific temperance teaching in the public schools of the United States, and succeeded in her efforts. 22,900,000 are today being taugh* the nature and effects of alcohol. What her work will ultimately mean to that country we cannot to day judge, but vve know that her efforts for the instruction

of the young in these truths is revolutionising the thought of tlw* ilay on this question. Premier Interviewed. Soon after Sir Joseph Ward's return to the eoloiiv and his elevation to the Premiership your President and Miss Roberts waited upon him in Christrhureh. On behalf of the Union In* was cniigratu lated upon his appointment to the leader ship of the Government, and on the sue cess of his efforts at tin* Postal 4’nnferenre, held in Rome, to obtain the assistance of the various count l ies repr* sente<! in suppressing the eireulatiou through the post of gambling *ireulars. As a petition in favour of the abolition of tin* totalisator was being circulate.l bv the ITnion throughout tin* colony the time was thought to be opportune for ascertaining from the Premier what was likely to be done during the coming ses sioti in that direction; also if tin* Government were disposed to do wliat had already been proposed in Australia, 1 * suppress the publication of betting news and the results of Tattersall’s sweeps. We received a non-committal answer, though we were informed that his colleagues would be eonsillted on the matter. Subsequent events proved that we were to be bitterly disappointed. Abolition of the Totalisator. This department has had special attention this year, and an effort has been made to impress our legislators with the fart, that the best element in the community is in favour of the suppression of the gambling machine. The work of eireulating and obtaining signatures has been well taken tip and carried out by our Unions. It has been calculated that litmMt persons signed the petition, and in fare of the fact that our plans were in the beginning upset by the sudden death of the late Premier, and in the end the work had to be done very hurriedly. I think we may congratulate ourselves on the results. But the answer to our petition in the House of Representatives was most disappointing. The Premier’s Bill, though in many respects good, failed to satisfy at all those who desire to see the suppression of licensed gambling. Sir Joseph Ward’s Bill aimplv provides for a heavier tax on the totalisator, which tax may be applied to the relief of the local Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, thus making it almost impossible to induce ratepayers to look with distavour on an evil which eases them of rates. Feeling assured that our Unions would not approve of such a provision in the Bill, vour President wrote to the head of the Government to that effect. As thp same Bill, or a similar one, is certain to be introduced into Parliament next session we think no tune should be lost in pre paring and circulating another petition on the same lines as the hist. Much interest has been aroused throughout the colony on the question of the Abolition of the Totalisator. Newspaper editors. bulges, the ministers of religion have been speaking and writing with no uncertain sound, being almost unanimous in dennn-

ciation of such a source of evil and degradation. Our opponents, also, *re at work, and petitions in favour of the totalisator are being largely signed at race meetings. hi not let us lose the ground we have gained, but with God's blessing continue the light against a legalised vice which is Helping to uiidci mine the morality of the nation. W.C.T.U. Exhibit. The 4'onvention last year approved of a suggestion made by the Christchurch branch, .hat the X.Z. Union should be represeuted at the International Exhibition, to be opened in < liristchurch in November, linni. To this end an appeal for fund* was made to the brain lies of the l nion throughout the colony, and the response has been met by most Unions, with promptitude and generosity. A committee was formed of sox era I members of the 4 ’hristclmrch Union, whose duty it has been to carry on correspondence with all I tarts of tin* world, collect exhibits, arrange for space, and for the erecting, furnishing, and fitting up of the bay. This has entailed a large amount of work, but I may perhaps be allowed to say, that vour President has enjoyed very much lln* opportunity presented for intercourse witli our sisters in many lands. The letters received, full of kindness and cheer, the evidence given of hands always ready to aid where possible, and the kindlv advice offered where needed, go to prove that the tie that binds our organisation together is not one of empty name alone. As the secretary will offer a detail*- I report, I need say no more, excepting that il is certain our presence at tin* X./. Exhibition will have a far-reaching effect, and will advertise our Union as it lias not been advertised hitherto. The educational value of our exhibit is considerable, and our good fortune in securing Miss Roberts as attendant ensures that tin* work s being well done. The only place in the Exhibition where woman’s work for humanity has received any recognition is at tin* W.C.T.U. bay, and for that reason tin* Union has included in its exhibits photographs of women who, while not members of our organisation, have don-* much for the furtherance of social reforms. A Liquorless Exhibition. When a proposal was made by the Exlii hition Commissioners to override the decision of the Christchurch Licensing Committee by applying to Governmeir for a permit to sell liquor at the Exhibition. a letter was drawn up by your President and forwarded to all l nions, embodying a resolution asking the Government not to interfere with the decision of the Christchurch Licensing Committee. Each Union was advised to pass such resolution and forward to the House of Representatives. As the Government declined to interfere with the decision of the Christchurch Licensing Committee, no further action was taken. When the Government’s decision was made known the most doleful prophecies were indulged in to the effect that the Exhibition would be a dismal failure, and that it would be

•is well t«> close it at oiiee, for very few would wish to attend an Kxliioition where Ibjiior could not be procured. The person who has stayed away from the Exhibition because lie could not obtain liquor has yet to be found. Seeing that during tie* three months the Exhibition has been open a million persons have visited it, i f can scarcely be argue*! that the absence of liquor has been disastrous, except lo thus** who expected to make money out of its sah*. The effect of the absence of liquor lias been seen in the absence of drunkenness and crime. Although dens** crowds have often assembled in tin* Ex hihitimi and its precincts order has always been in evidence, and as far as a constant visitor can judge, then* is not much work, if any, for the large body of police who patrol tin* grounds. The sm-cess of t In* Exhibition from a liquorless poin*- of view is not to he lost sight of by those who are advocating the e.tal abolition of tin* liquor traffic in New Zealand. We hav* once more tin* privilege of testifying that absence of liquor means absence of crime, and increase of respectability and morality. Sly grog Selling in Ashburton. While touching upon Liquor questions I may draw attention to recent happen ings in Ashburton. The seeming sympathy of tin* magistrate with lawbreakers in sly grog selling cases, as evidenced by th * difficulty in securing convictions, induced an appeal by petition to tin* Government, which was followed up by a persona! appeal to tlx* Premier, who said amongst other things “That in a No-license dis trict sly grog selling must be suppressed.'’ The magistrate has since been relieved of his duties in Ashburton. Bare Majority. Th** No License party have decided on a campaign in favour of the principle of the bare majority being used to decide the question of license or no license. For years past the principle would have been recognised if a sympathetic Government had been in office. Every reasonable man and woman admits the unfairness of the handicap under which th** Temperance party is labouring at present, and even it it be only thought a question of expe diency for the purpose of preventing any district from going back to license on a narrow majority, we have no right to th<* advantage on that score. Besides which no politician has the power to promise that th«* law will not be varied, so soon as it would be to the advantage of our opponents. Nor could we conscientiously oppose the change then. I would urge all our members to help in any endeavour made to remedy a wrong, under which we at tin* present time lose the victory for no license in most of the North Island electorates, beside many in the south. Children’s Rest. As a Women’s Union it was thought only titling that we should make an effort to induce the Government to make some provision whereby the mothers who visile*! the Exhibition might be relieved of th** car** of their little ones while they them

selves enjoyed without hindrance what Plight otherwise become a weariness to the flesh. An arrangement was conic to whereby the l T nion undertook all responsihilitv for the rare of the Children, ami * the Fxhibifion authorities all finaneial responsibility. This “Heat” has proved a great boon, and I would here thank the Premier and Commissioners who so kindly granted tin* request of the Union. Domestic Science. In this address, given before a gather ing of women, it is fitting that attention should be called to a movement recently made to plac e the management of domestic affairs on a scientific basis, flu* proposal of Mr. .1. Stndholme that a lecturer on I inmost ie Science should be appointed at Canterbury College, has been recognise I bv the University Senate, and a degree in Domestic Science and Home Kconomii s is to be established. I am persuaded that nothing so important for the well being of the home and its inmates has been suggested for some time. Surely this recognition of the importance of the sub joct by the Cniversitv of New Zealand should go far towards raising the standar 1 of domestic work and domestic workers. Neglected Children. The recent disclosures made concernin ; the death of an infant in a licensed home, brings verv forcibly before us the need of a home provided by the State tor flies * unfortunate little ones. This I'nion for manv years has advocated the building of cottage homes where such children may have the care of motherly women, where a home atmosphere could be cultivated, and the child receive loving attention, not because the foster-mother receives so much a week for its care, but because it is a sacred charge, to be trained in the bes» wav, and under the best conditions possible to be a worthy citizen of the State. How long will the State wait before ir enters upon this sorely needed work Money thus spent would return the highest interest, for it would mean a saving to the taxpayer if these children can In* so trained as to become good citizens. That such can be done the work of the iat° Dr. Harnardo gives proof. While we wait for this reform the (lovernment is spend ing large sums in experimental farms, and in introducing to the colony special breeds of cattle and horses. May we not ask them to consider the question—“ls not :« man better than a sheep? Parliamentary. We are gratified to be able to congratulate ourselves, and all who are working in the interests of moral reform and clean administration, on the elevation to the Cabinet of the Hons. (». Few Ids and if. MeNab. The appointment of these two men to Cabinet rank could not have been foreseen a year ago, when w’c were lamenting the defeat at the elections of several doughty champions of the rights of the people. We rejoice that two such friends to moral reform have been placed in the (Government of the country. The recent appointment to the 1 pper House of the Hons. (». .T. Smith, ( . M. Luke, -I.

Harr, and .1. T. Paul is also very grati fving to those who have the best interests of New Zealand at heart. Though w * may hold the dew that the l’pper House would be better ended than mended as a nominated Chamber, vet we cannot blit be extremely pleased that the Reform Party in New Zealand has received a’ last some acknowledgment at the hands of t he (Government. Temperance Sentiment in Other Lands. While rejoicing that here in this colony Tcmperanc* sentMiient is grow ing, w e would praise our Cod for the advance all along t’.e line, in other lands Turning to America, the birthplace of prohibition, we gather from reliable authority that in contradistinction to all that has been sai 1 and written by the enemy, the cause winning its way by leaps and bounds. At the present time, eighteen hundred square miles, or nearly one half tin* United States, is under prohibition, either by local, county, or State legislation, md there is good reason to hope that in Oklahoma forty thousand square miles will he added to prohibition territory, when in a few months the people of that State shall declare in the Constitutional Convention, or by the votes of the people that their State shall be free from legalised saloons. Outside the States which have a prohibitory law. Oeorgia has 117 counties. I2<i of which are dry, seven tenths of Texas, a State having an arei almost as large as (Germany and Austria combined, is under local pro! ibition. In Oregon, at a recent local option poll, onethird of the counties raised the banner of prohibition. The leading liquor organs in the States of North America are grow ing alarmed at the spread of Anti-Liquor sentiment. One delivers itself in this wise:—“ A wave of prohibition is sweep ing over this country, from one end to the other, that threatens to engulf and carry to destruction the entire whisky enterprise. ’ And so the good work goes on. The sentiment against the liquor trade is growing daily in the United States. “Our enemies themselves being the judges. *’ Shall w*e not rejoice with our sisters of America in this glorious result, brought about largely, no doubt, by the unremitting labours of the members of the W * .T.T . V From San Francisco comes one of tin* greatest object lessons of our time, where during those awful days succeeding earthquak * and fire, the sale of alcoholic liquor was prohibited. The absence of crime and disonierliness under prohibition was in strong contrast to the conditions that pre vailed when high license was reinstated. So awful were the results of the latter system that men and women went armed for their own protection against the desperadoes that thronged the city. Turning to Kurope, we find that during :» late session of the British Parliament, by a majority vote, it was decided that the time had arrived for an alteration to be made in the Licensing Law*, and it is hoped that some measure embodying tin* demands of the Temperance party in flreat Britain may in the near future b» granted to the people. We gather from

a copy of a letter relating t«> a most important matter affecting the well-being of ;tll uncivilised races, “That President Koosevelt has renewed the proposal made in vain in 1 I to a former British (Government That Britain shall join America in submitting to other Powers a treaty that will aim to unite ail civilised races, to protect all uncivilis«*d races against all intoxicants and opium. We trust that this renewed appeal may not he made in vain to the British Parliament. In (Germany, Franco, and Italy scientific research is being carried on, and efforts are being made to educate young and old as to the evil effects of alcohol on the individual, and the race. Surely never before 111 the history of the world has so much attention been paid to the liquor problem, and we trust it means tile hand writing on the wall that presages the downfall of this—the greatest enemy of the race. In all the reforms referred to above our W.C.T.U. women ar* taking a part, and to-day the largest women's organisa tion in the world is uplifting the banner of Temperance in many lands, and telling out in various tongues the wonder!til news that even here we may have a new earth, wherein dwclleth righteousness. Work for Coming Year. Scientific Temperance in Public Schools. —The time is ripe for our Union to endeavour to obtain some measure of instruction in this subject for the pupils in public schools. Whv should we not during the coming year make a special effort in this direction. With the present Minister of Kd mat ion at the head of the Department it should not be difficult to arrange. The young in our schools to-dav nrc the coming voters, and what such instruction would mean to this lain! may be judged by the effects of such teaching in the United States to-day. As physiology is already taught in many schools, it would not be adding largely to the syl | a bus, ns instruction in the effect of alcohol on the human body would naturally come under that heading. Tt will he advisable to request that the subject be made not a pass, hut a compulsory class subject, and a beginning might be made by including it in the curriculum for teachers ’ examinations. Removal of Women’s Disabilities. — r I his also is a subject we might with advantage pay attention to at the present time. The Hon. R. McNab has ever been our verv good friend in the House of Representatives, and has time after time brought in a Bill embodying our proposals. The present opportunity should not be lost, and I trust we shall make a great effort during the coming session to obtain some recognition of our claims. As a paper bearing on the subject is to be given before Convention, I forbear to say more at this time. Abolition of the Totalisator \s work also for the coining year, T have already intimated that the agitation in favour of the abolition of the totalisator should be continued.

While we in New Zealand are unite I in work and fellowship with our sinters in many lands, let eaeli one ask herself if she is doing all she can to hasten the time when this land of ours shall be freed f~nni the soeial evils that prevail* when the weak niav find no stone of stumbling in their path, when to the little ones there shall be no eause of otTeiiet, when all that is best in humanit/ shall have free room for its development I trnsi that the unity of spirit and the bond of peace that eoines from oneness of aim and purpose may be ours. Ot*i intercourse with eaeh other should give to iis the broad-minded tolerance and the large hearted lies* which is missed bv tlios** whose lives stop at their own doorstep. or whose leisure time is absorbed bv social pleasures and frivoious gaiety. Mnnv plead home ties as a reason for holding themselves aloof from this work. Itut to these we would say, that while a mother's duties commence at home, they do not end there. Her child’s footsteps lead out, ultimately, into tne world, an I it is there also, our work uniat carry us, so that the world may be a better place in which the children may grow up. I pray that the blessing of the Lord mav r«-st upon our deliberations, and that we may do everything with a single eve to llis glorv and the good -ot humanity.