HE AUCKLAND CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 13, Issue 155, 16 April 1908, Page 1

HE AUCKLAND CONVENTION.

'favourable breezes and smooth seas »voured the delegates that set out from ie South to journey to the twenty-third lnma! Convention of the New Zealand

W.C.T.U., hi'd in Auckland, where Mrs. Mary Leavitt founded ht r tirst Union. Starting with a contingent of eight front Wellington, which was augmented at different stations, the long railway journey from that city to New Plymouth

was rendered quite enjoyable by thi congenial company of those interested in the work of our great organisation, and the sea trip front New Plymouth to Onehunga was as near perfection as a sea trip can be. as far as weather was concerned.

At Auckland, our dear veteran comrades, Mrs. Dewar and Mrs. Hughes, with other members of the Auckland Union, were there to welcome us and draft us to the hospitable friends who had arranged to receive us during our stay. On Wednesday, a heavy downpour of rain at noon, and the threatening aspect of the weather, marred somewhat the attendance of the public at the welcome tendered o the delegates; but the hall was well filled, and the decorations were beautiful. .Miss Willard’s portrait was placed under the united flags of her country and ours, while a broad white ribbon was draped at one side of it. Mrs. Dewar, President of the local Union, occupied the chair, and warmly welcomed the delegates. Owing to domestic trouble the Secretary failed to send word of the place and hour to Canon Haseldean, acting President of the Auckland No-license Council, and President of the Manukau No-license League, who had promised to attend and speak, and who afterwards wrote to explain the reason of his absence. The last item of the reception was the most effective. Two little girls < Dorris Kendal and Olive Bishop), one a brunette, the other a blonde, dressed in white, relieved by crimson and blue respectively. presented Mrs. Cole with a beautiful bouquet of white flowers tied with long white riblmn, in the name of the children of Auckland, afterwards singing most beautifully, ‘There’s a Shadow on the Home.” Mrs. Cole was much moved, and for a few minutes could hardly reply, thinking, as she said, of the sufferings of the little ones caused by the drink traffic. During the rendering of this item a poor young woman in thi audience broke down, and was leaving when some of the local members followed her, and to them she said she had once been like those little juris, now she was a victim of drink. Oi.r friends prayed with her, and Mie is to be further seen, and we hope and L.'*He\c, succoured After Mrs. Cole’s ad D ess, rel're-.hinents and the Temperance Doxology brought a most pleasant function to a close.

The threatening weather prevented a moonlight excursion down the harbour nom being carried out, but a meeting was held in the Wesley Hall, Rev. G. Bond in the chair. There was a large attendance, considering only one notice could be given of the meeting. Mrs. Cole occupied a seat on the platform. Miss Roberts, Revs. Williams, Beecroft, and T. Fee were the speakers, and at its conclusion. “All Round the World the Ribbon White is Twined,” was sung magnificently.

On Friday, a public meeting was held in the Central Mission Hall, where Convention was held, under the auspices of the N.Z. W.C.T.U., Mrs. Cole presiding, when Miss Powell and Miss Roberts s|K>ke on the subject of “Alcohol as Medicine”, pointing out how strongly the best educated medical opinion is going against its use. A resolution was carried in favour of Temperance teaching in public schools.

Miss McCarthy spoke on the various injustices to which women are subject as regards employment, payment, and preferment to the higher positions, and Miss Roberts on the disabilities of married women, dealing viily w!tu two, their economic dependence and their powerlessness with regard to their children Resolutions becnr* <>>. bo.h were carried. Saturday afternoon (he local Union treated the delegates to an exclusion down the harbour, got up by the Christian Endeavoured. Leaving at 2.30, excursionists were landed at Motutapu, where a camp meeting was held. Hymns were sung, and Sister Moody Bell and Miss Roberts took part in the speeches. Then followed rambles and tea. and the return by moonlight. There were a number of very good singers, and an organ on board, and “Throw out the Lifeline,” "I Have an Anchor,” “The Lights Along the Shore,” etc., were beautifully sung, with solos and duets. The whole outing was most enjoyable, and the delegates had been for "ate enough to be present were de ed with the beautiful harbour, w s sunlit waves and dancing vachts o* * pry size. J. R. Garden Party. A most brilliant function was the garden party, held on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18th, in the grounds of the Hon. G. Fowlds, at Mount Albert. Over 200 guests were present. The Bavarian Band was in attendance, and both the music and the afternoon tea were generously provided by the Hon. and Mrs. Fowlds. Perfect weather aided the successful efforts of host and hostess to provide an exceptionally enjoyable afternoon's entertainment.