Minutes OF THE Twenty-Third annual Convention of the New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union, held in Auckland, March, 1908.

White Ribbon, Volume 13, Issue 155, 16 April 1908, Page 2

Minutes OF THE Twenty-Third annual Convention of the New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union, held in Auckland, March, 1908.

MARCH 12th, Morning. At Ift o'clock the President took the chair and conducted the prayer meeting. At 10.30 the roll was called, the following members answering to their names : Mrs. Cole, President; Miss A. F. Webb, Corresponding Secretary; Miss M. S. Powell, Recording Secretary; Miss McCarthy, Treasurer; Miss Cole, Business Manager “White Ribbon.” Superintendents of Departments—Miss Maunder. Scientific Temperance Instruction; Mrs. Griffin, Peace and Arbitration; Mrs. Spence, Work Among Young People; Sister Moody Bell, Home Meetings. District Presidents Mrs. Dewar, Auckland; Mrs. Graham, Gisborne: Mrs. Oldham. Napier; Mrs J. SmiCn. Wan ganui.

District Secretaries —Mesdames Chris* tie and Street, Auckland; Mrs. Israel, Napier, Mrs. Taylor, Wellington. District Treasurers —Mrs. Hughes, Auckland; M s. McLeod, Wanganui. Delegates—Mrs. Taylor, Auckland; Mis Plunnner. Ponsonhy ; Mrs. Minchin, Cambridge; Mrs. Wilkinson, Devon port; Airs. Crowe, Otahuhu; Mrs. Sundilands, Napier; Mrs. Ballot, New Plymouth; Mrs. Fenwick, Tariki; Mrs. Wickham, Ngaire; Mrs. Upton, Wanganui; Mrs. Taylor, Wanganui; Mrs. Frost, Feilding; Mrs. MacAlistf r, Wellington; Mrs. Loutley, Lower Hutt; Aliss Roberts, Christchurch; Mrs. Ellen, Kaiapoi; Mrs. Crump, Nelson; Mrs. Parker, Bimhehn; Mrs. Heat ley, Dunedin. Proxies were appointed as follows : Petone, Mrs. Cummin; Greymouth, Mrs. Jeniiaon; Waimate. A’iss Dewar; Lyttelton. Mrs. Harbutt; Ormondville, Miss Wilson. The minutes of the concluding session of 1907 w< re read and confirmed. Mesdames Jones and Cooper were appointed Committee of Courtesies. Resolved —“That we send our own reports to the local papers.” The following reporters were appointed : —Press Association, Miss McCarthy; “Herald,” Mrs. Israel ; “ Star," Sister Moody Bell ; “Outlook." “Vanguard.” “White Ribbon,” Ashburton and Christchurch papers. Miss Roberts; English “White Ribbon,” Sister Moody Bell; Cambridge, Mrs. Minchin; Napier. Mrs. Israel; Dunedin, Mrs. Heathy; Haw era and Oamaru. Miss Maunder; Invercargill, “Church Nc ws,” Waimate “Guardian,” Palmerston North, Westport “News," Miss McCarthy;, New n ly* moutn, Mrs. Billiot; Wanganui and Timaru, Mrs. Upton; Greymouth and Masterton. Mrs. Jen i on; Nelson, Mrs. Crump; Wellington, Mrs. MacAl ster; Gore and Milton, Mrs. J. Smiih; Waihi, Miss Dewar; “Free Press," Miss Webb; Gisborne, Mrs. Graham; “Watchword,” Miss Maunder; Tauranga, Mrs. Oldham. The President's Address, which was a masterpiece of information upon the progress of the movement throughout the world, was read and adopted, being received with prolonged applause. Resolved —“That the President’s Address be printed in the “White Ribbon,” in full, and that a copv he forwarded to the Alliance, accompanied by the suggestion that they consider the advisability of printing portions of it in leaflet form. Noontide hour of prayer was observed, and a telegram of greeting was read from Mrs. Webb, New Zealand Superintendent of Partt) Afternoon. Mrs. Mac Alister conducted the devotional exercises. The Recording Secretan reported upon the Executive meeting held on Wednesday, 11th. Resolved —“That ten minutes interval he taken in the afternoon.” Miss Maunder was appointed Conve'J tion letter writer. Greetings were received from Mrs. A. R. Atkinson, the Auckland Band of Hope Union, and City Prohibition and Temper-

ance League, Mrs. Eason, Tariki, Christchurch, Masterton, Greymouth, Waimate, Iteefton, and Nelson Unions, from Mesdames G. H. Blackwell, Kaiapoi, and Lill, Ashburton, and Miss Hughes, Adelaide. The Corresponding Secretary then read the annual report, which was adopted with acclamation. A very hearty vote of *ha T uks was accorded to Mrs. Cole for her address, also to Miss Webb, for her report. Mrs. Spence presented her report of Work Among Young People, showing that 53s Cradle Roll cards had been circulated. and that the little village of Tariki has a Cradle-roll of 115. The report of Evangelistic work was read by the President, in the absence of Mrs. Kirkland; also that of Sabbath Observance, Mrs. Lill, Superintendent. Proposed—“ That we pass a vote of sympathy with Mrs. Harrison Lee In the sad bereavement which has overtaken her in the death of her husband." Carried, by a rising vote of Convention. Letters of sympathy were also directed to be sent to Mrs. Newton, of Christchurch, Mrs. Daldy, Mrs. Troy, Mrs. Ruby Nicholls, Mrs. Maine (Auckland!, Mrs. Herd (Waihi), Mrs. McCly' ont (Reefton); also a letter to the reh es of tiie late Sir John Hall, appreciative of his work for the women of New Zealand MARCH 13th, Morning. The prayer meeting was conducted by M r s. Oldham Greetings were received from Mrs. Johnson, Port Chainrers, and Meed am es Itoase and Crutch, of Hawera. Mrs. Soulby, Kaia|W)i, and Mrs. Gaskin, Greymouth. A report was read from Wanganui Union re Putiki Native Branch, supplemented verbally by Mrs. J. Smith. Mrs. Hughes reported from the Auckland district. and a letter from Mrs. Ngapua (the mother of Hone Heke, M.P.), was reported upon. Miss Barton also reported upon the work in the far North. Mrs. Ngapua reported 290 pledges taken. The New Zealand Treasurer’s report was read and adopted. This showed that the sum of £l3l 14s lid had been re- | ceived, disbursements amounting to £6B 12s 2d; balance £63 2s 9d. The Treasurer called attention to the tact that a considerable portion of this would be swallowed up by Convention expenses. The report of the Exhibition Bay showed: receipts ClB7 12s 7‘/fed. expenditure £IBB 11s 1 V^d; deficit 18s 6d. The President explained tnat there still remained assets to the fund in the shape of furniture, which was retained by the Christchurch Union in the hope of establishing headquarters. Afternoon. Mrs. Dewar conducted devotions. Discussion upon the Financial statement was resumed. The following resolution was moved by Miss Roberts, seconded by Mrs. Wickham -“That all Unions be strongly urged to institute two Ped Letter Days— Franchise Day, Sept. and Frances Willard Day, Feb. 17. That on both these days every effort be made to increase our membership, and also to raise a fund, that of September

19 being devoted to the New Zealand Fund, and the money raised on Frances Willard Memorial Day to the local Union, a portion being forwarded to the New Zealand Treasurer for the World’s Missionary Fund.” In connection with the financial report of the Exhibition Bay, it w’as resolved “That for the present the Christchurch Union be custodians of the furniture, etc., left over from the Exhibition Bay, that Union being empowered to use it in any way they may choose for the furtherance of the work." Resolved “That a letter be sent to Lady Henry Somerset, conveying our hearty thanks for the gift of her portrait, and our appreciation of the work she is doing in the Duxhurat Home.” letters were directed to be sent as follows :—To the Auckland Total Abstinence Society, thanks for their gift of almanacks for delegates; to the circuit steward of the Auckland Methodist Mission. asking him to reserve seats for twelve of our delegates at Mr. Stewart's lecture on “Drinking Among Women.” In response to a letter from Miss Upward. of Tasmania, it was resolved to deputationise the Premier of New Zealand, requesting him to forward the following resolution to the British Government : “This Convention strongly protests against the forcing of opium upon the Chinese people, and feels it is quite unworthy of the Great British People to encourage amongst a weaker people so demoralising a habit as the opium habit’.’ The report of the Scientific Temperance Instruction Department was given by Miss Maunder, who referred to the deputation which waited upon the Hon. G. Fowlds at the close of the last Convention. Miss Maunder had also circularised the members of the medical profession of New Zealand as to the use of alcohol in sickness or health, the replies being upon the whole favourable to our cause. Fifty-one doctors reported ; “Never use it at all.

Reports of the Evangelistic, Sabbath Observance, and Scientific Temperance departments were adopted, coupled with a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Maunder for the energy put into her department. In response to an appeal from the New Zealand Treasurer for support for the .V w Zealand funds, promises were made amounting to Cl 4. several delegates promising to bring the claims of the fund before th*dr Unions.

lit solved—“ That i deputation wait upon the Minister of Education to bring under his notice the recent work by Sir Victor Horsley on “Alcohol and the Human Body," and to ask him to make it the text-book for teachers’ examinations: also to ask when he will introduce legislation with a view to getting a temperance text-book into the public schools, making Scientific Temperance Instruction a compulsory class subject and. further, to ask why no temperance readings are appearing in the ‘School Journal.’ ”

The report of Educational Meetings Department was read by the Superintendent and adopted.

Evening. An open session was held in the West Street Church, visitors oi both sexes being invited to attend and take part in the discussion. There was a good attendance, and a fair sprinkling of the sterner sex. The following resolutions were carried : "That in the opinion of this meeting, the teaching of Scentific Temperance in connection with physiology and hygiene in our schools is a necessity, in order that the injurious influence of alcohol, physically and morally, on the development of the individual and the race may be clearly understood by our children. This meeting therefore urges that Scientific Temperance Instruction be included in the examinations for teachers’ certificates, and be made a compulsory class subject in the schools." “That this public meeting affirms the principle of equal pay for equal work, and that in seeking preferment women should be eligible for all positions for which they are fitted, on equal terms with men, and that the time has come for the removal of all civil and political disabilities under which women labour.” “That in the opinion of this meeting the legal recognition of the economic equality of husband and wife is desirable for the attainment of justice, and for the furtherance of a truer marriage relationship.” MARCH 14th, Morning. The prayer meeting was conducted by Mrs Graham. A letter was read from Rev. Canon Haseldine, acting President of Auckland Provincial No-license Council, explainii g the mistake which led to his absence from the Reception on Wednesday, and concluding: “I would not trouble you with this letter if I did not fear that the members of the W.C.T.U. might think I was lacking in sympathy in not being present. I was quite looking forward to the meeting, and hoped I might be asked to say a few words. I have the greatest respect for women generally, and tl: a W.C.T.U. in particular.” A letter was sent to Rev. Canon Haseldine, expressing our thanks for his explanation and his appreciative remarks. Convention then went into committee upon the “White Ribbon.” Miss Cole, business manager (who most kindly took charge w’hen Mrs. Spencer resigned the position), stated that the paper was paid up to date, and in a sound position financially. A vote of thank: was carried with acclamation, and much appreciation of Miss (’ole’s work was shown. The “White Ribbon” report was adopted. It was agreed that a letter of sympathy lie sent to Mrs. Spencer in connecti: n with her late sad bereavement, coupled with thanks for her services as business manager of the "White Ribbon in the early part of the year. Miss L. M. Smith’s resignation as Editor of the “White Ribbon" was handed in, and received with many expressions of regret. The Secretary reported that at the Executive meeting on the 11th, the name of Miss Roberts was suggested as Editor, but as she was not able to

take the position, the Executive recommended Mrs. Oldham. Mrs. Oldham asked to be allowed to hold over her decision till Monday. Ve»\v great regret was expressed at the resignation of Miss L. M. Smith, a unanimous and hearty vote of thanks being accorded to her fcr her admirable services as Editor, as well as for the faithful and self-sacrificing manner in which she had discharged the duties of the office, the hope being expressed that sic would soon be restored to her usual h« alth.

Proposed by Miss Powell, seconded by Miss Roberts —“That the fares of the Editor of “White Ribbon” to the Annual Convention shall be a charge on the New Zealand funds.” Carried. "That a very cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Miss Jessie Mackay for her able services as Associate Editor, coupled with regret at her resignation.” Carried. MARCH 16th, Morning. Mrs. Cumming conducted the prayer meeting. Amendments to the Constitution, of which notice of motion was given at last Convention, were then presented. (1) Moved by Miss Powell, seconded by Mrs. Macalister, —“That the Convention may appoint a Vice-President-at-Large to sit upon the New Zealand Executive.” Carried unanimously. (2) Notice of motion given by Mrs. Seed, proposed by Miss Maunder, and seconded by Mrs. O. Taylor.—“ That it is desirable that the position of the New Zealand officers should be held for only five consecutive years, and that the same officer should not be eligible for re-elec-tion to that particular office for two years.” Lost, 7 votes for, 31 against. Moved by Mrs. Oldham, seconded by Miss Roberts. —“That no grants be made to any department of our work until all our liabilities be discharged, as the principle of granting money for aggressive work that belongs to our credtors is wrong.” Lost, 11 votes for, 20 votes against. A letter was received from the President. signed, “A Parent,” and enclosing Cl 10s in aid of the work.

Resolved —“That the whole report of Convention proceedings be printed in the Convention Number of the “White Ribbon,” and also that twelve copies of the Conv* ntion Number be granted to the New Zealand Treasurer for d stribution to donors who are not members of the Union.”

The report of the Exhibition Ray was read and adopted. The noontide hour of prayer was observed by a chain of prayer.

Greetings were read from Mrs. Gaskin, of Grey mouth. The following reports of departments •were read and adopted:—Unfermented Wine, Mrs. Gaskin. Supt.; Hygiene,, Mrs. W. S. Smith, Supt.; Press. Mrs. A. Mitchell. Mrs. W. S. Smith was requested. by resolution of Convention, to print. at the expense of the New Zealand funds, her valuable paper on the Feeding

of Infants, with endorsement from Dr. Truby King, copies being forwarded to the Superintendent of Work Among Young People, for use in connection with the Cradle Roll.

Mrs. Oldham being willing to accept the position of Editor of the “White Ribbon.” her name was proposed bv Miss Powell, and seconded by Mrs. Heatley, and carried with acclamation. Resolved —“That the question of business manager and publisher be left in the hands of Mrs. Oldham, the Executive arranging if the Editor fails to do so.” Afternoon. Miss Powell led in prayer. Miss McCarthy read a paper on “How'to Make the Work of Unions Effective.” An interesting and helpful discussion followed; among other suggestions were the following: That the example of the Waimate Union in placing placards at the railway station, containing facts bearing upon the No-license question, be commended to other Unions. That canvassers should send 2d. to Rev. E. Walker for literature for workers, which he has promised to send if postage is supplied. It was resolved. —“That the Executive of the New Zealand Union offer a prize for the Union which shall organise a Y. branch with the largest proportion of members.”

“That a special grant of two pounds I C2) be made to the Superintendent of Work Among Young People to carry on her work ”; ar.d also "That a letter of sympathy be stnt to Mrs. A. Thorne, of Ponsonby, in her affliction.” Carried by a rising *ote.

A Literature Committee was appointed, as follows: —Mrs. Cole, Miss Roberts. Miss Powell, Miss Maunder, and Miss Met !irt hy The Question-box proved a success, some interesting questions being put in. MARCH 17th, Morning.

The prayer meeting having been conducted by Mrs. Upton,

letter was read from Miss Anna Gordon, the secretary and beloved friend of the late Frances E. Willard. Miss Gordon commented on the hopeful outlook for the Temperance Cause the world over; referred to the work of the children in connection with the recent Local Option poll in New South Wales, and to the fact that Finland had lately admitted women to Parliament, quoting the opinion of Mrs. L. M. N. Stevens, National President of America, but that it is probable that within the next ten years the whole of the United States will be und* r Prohibition.

The reports of the Resolutions Committ< e was presented by Miss Roberts, convener. and on her motion, seconded by Miss McCarthy, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : “That the Convention urge the Premier to introduce a Rill raising the age of protection to 21 years.” “That Convention desires again to enter a strong protest against the continue d delay in the repeal of the C.I). 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.”

(1) “That this Convention is of opinion • that in connection with all public institutions for the care of men. women, and 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 bee-keeping could easily he provided, rendering the homes practically selfsupporting. 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.Unions, requests the Premier to introduce legislation during the coming session to give effect to the foregoing resolutions.” “That ' ? 'e opinion of this Convention the tin * now enforced where charges j ;nal offences against girls are made s be entirely abolished."

“That in view of the hardships annually imposed upon many innocent children by the condition of illegitimacy, and the absolute uselessness as a deterrent from immorality of legal disabilities inflicted upon these children, it is high time that all such disqualification* were removed. That considering ta) the great mortality among illegitimate children; (In the neglected condition of many of thtm helping. as they do, to swell the ranks of the criminal and diseased, the Convention proposes Ist. that parents should be obliged to contribute, according to their means, to the support of their children; 2nd, that failing the ability of their parents to contribute, the State should make proper provision for maintenance, supervision, and education of all such children; 3rd, that these children, where paternity is proved, should possess 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 appointed. whose duty it would be, before the birth of an illegitimate child, to discover paternity where possible, with a view to enforcing the proper maintenance of the child.” “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, but in helping to relegate them to the lower branches of the industries. This Convention therefore urges that all sex distinctions eit*\ forced in the -Yets should be abolished.”

“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 be tween nations, and so avert war."

“That this Convention deplores the spirit of militarism sometimes inculcated in the young, and urges upon all parents tin nect ssity of teaching their children the nobleness of adjusting quarrels by the exercise of reason, justice, and forbearance. rather than by force.” “That in the opinion of this Convention ; the time has come when all disabilities 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 Dominion, should be removed; and that, with regard to all powers, rights, and duties of citizenship, absolute equality should be the law of tin land" That this C* n vent ion is of opinion that j in all cases where men and women are I 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 ex* rcise th* Parliamentary franchise should also be allowed to exercise th** local franchise; tID that it is desirable that women should occupy seats on all local bodies; (cl that effective provision should be 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 tin* necessity of introducing a hill providing for th* application of tin* Initiative and Referendum on all questions of social importance.” “That this Convention urges the substitution of the Elective Executive for tin* pr* sent lop-sided system of Government by representatives of only one party, and believes that this change would lie largely conducive to the public weal.” Moved by Miss Roberts, and seconded by Sister Moody hell, and carried unanimously : “That this Convention desires to record its deep thankfulness to Almighty God for the splendid success attending the efforts of the Prohibition party in different parts of the world, especially in the rnited States and Finland, and prays that the people of this Dominion may so realise their responsibilities to God and their fellow-creatures that at the forthcoming Local Option Poll the drink traffic may be swept from this land. “That this Convention desires to express its appreciation of the action of the Auckland City Council in excluding in (oxieants from the PavihMi of the Vic toria Park, and commends their public spirited action to the attention of all bodies having charge of similar places of recreation and public resort.” “This Convention of enfra ichised wffcjen desire to tender to th** suffragists <:< Great Britain their deepest sympathy with them in th* sufferings they are enduring in their heroic struggle to obtain the.suffrage for the British women, and their most earnest wishes for the speedy

success of the cause so dear to women on both sides of th** world This Convention deplores the fact that British statesmen still refuse to recognise the undoubted right of every woman to a voice in tin* making of the laws by which she is governed. With full knowledge of the beneficial effects resulting from female suffrage in New Zealand and Australia, this Convention earnestly hopes that the 111**11 of our dearly loved Homeland, with true British love of justice, will unite with their country women in demanding for worn* n as full a franchise as they themselves enjoy." "That while two local Unions passed resolutions drawing attention to th** management of the Te Oranga Home, this Convention wishes it to be distinctly understood that the aforesaid resolutions were in no way intended to reflect upon the present Minister of Education, as the system was in existence when he came into office." “That this Convention urges local Cnions to consider the question of fruit markets, and endeavour to initiate or furthc r steps which may be taken in regard to establishing them in their respective districts." The Legal and Parliamentary report was then read and adopted; discussion postponed, as the hour for the election of New Zealand officers had arrived. Mesdames Street and Frost were appointed tellers, and tin* results were as follows ; —President Mrs. ("ole; VicePresident at-Largc, Mrs. A. it. Atkinson; Corresponding Secretary, Miss A. F. Webb; Assistant Corresponding Secretary, .Miss Allen; Recording Secretary. Miss Powell; Treasurer, Miss McCarthy. Afternoon. 'l'll** Superintendents of Departments were appointed. At the suggestion of the Executive Committee, seven new departments were created and filled. Resolv* d— “Seeing that the liquor traffic exists in thirty-six electorates in spit** of a collective majority of nearly 20.000 votes polled at the last election tor its abolition, this Convention considers that the time has come when in th** in* erests of democracy and justice, the unjust pr >vision of a three-fifths majority being required to carry the issue of Nolle* use should be abolished. This Convention urges the Government *o introduce legislation whereby all forms of license shall be placed under the popular vote, a bare majority of votes polled being sufficient to carry any issue. “That this Convention draw the attention of the New Zealand Alliance to Commissioner Dinnie’s l**tter to the Secretary of the Licensed Victuallers’ Employees of Christchurch, dated Wellington. February 28th, IkOS. and urge tin* Alliance to take action thereon, it being the opinion of this Convention that pressure is being brought to bear to prevent the expression, on th** part of the Police Inspectors, of the beneficial effects of No-license.” “While appreciating the legislation passed last session, which in some measure reduces the facilities for gambling, this Convention strongly protests against

th** retention of the totalisator on th** grounds, ill that it gives Government sanction to a vice which is disastrous to social life; (2) that it is inconsistent with numerous enactments against gambling in other forms; CD that public revenue is deriv* d from a practice which all wis** Governments have found it necessary to suppress. Th** Convention also protests against the legislation that has rend* red the licensing of bookmakers possible by the various jockey clubs.” "That this Convention deeply deplor* s tlx* increast ot drinking among young men, and is especially grieved that tlx* drink habit is taking hold upon many women, as proved by recent <* idem**' brought >efore the Auckland Licensing Committee. The Convention earnestly implores all men and women who haw the good of the community at heart, not to fail to record their vote* 'gainst th** licensed liquor traffic at the next Local Option Poll.” “That this Convention regrets tlx* ae ceptance by athletic clubs, young men's associations, ritl** clubs, etc, of prize's and donations, presented by tlx* Licensed Victuallers’ Association. Seeing that at the last election th** No-license votes were in a majority of I.'».SS4, a large number of athletes and riflemen must either accept what is contrary to their principles, or forego tlx*ii chance ol success in competitions." "That the Convention expresses its gratification at the faithfulness with which th*> police are discharging their duties in connection with licensing matters, as evidenced by the re|x>rt presented to tlx* Christchurch Licensing Committee re the Criterion Hotel case, and tin* recent exposin'** of tlx* drinking among women in certain hotels in Auckland." Greetings w’ere received from the Auckland Temp* ranee Crusaders, and the Marton Cnion. Reports of Literature. Horn** Meetings, Bibb in School,-., and Narcotics were read and adopted. .News having been received of tlx* pro motion to higher service ot Dr. Mary Wood Allen, for many years lb** World’s Superintendent of Purity, it was agreed to send a letter of sympathy to her daughter, this being carried by a rising vote of Convention. Amendments to the by-laws ot tlx* New Zealand Constitution were made. Resolved—“ That the Executive be empowered to make i grant tip to cr» to th* Maori Work Department sis occasion requires.” The President announced that the deficit of ISs fid on the Exhibition Bay hud been removed by th** sal** of sketches ol Miss Wiliard’s life. A lett* r was read from Mr. W. Richardson, containing suggested reso lution-.t for the Convention, and ordered to lie upon the table. MARCH 18th. Morning. IW'votiona! exercises were * d by Mrs. Plummer. The Legal and Parliamentary report was adopted. Moved by Miss Powell,

seconded by Miss McCarthy,—“That the Lite rature Committee be a standing committee.” Votes of thanks were passed to Mr. Day, of Christchurch, for his kind services in auditing the balance-sheet; also to Miss M. 15. Smith, of Christchurch, for performing the same office for the business manager of the "White Ribbon.” Resolved, —“That this Convention of the New Zealand W.C.T.C. desires to express its appreciation of the long and faithful services of the late Dible-reading iu Schools Superintendent, Mrs. Dewar, the first member of the W.C.T.C. in New Zealand. Moved by Miss McCarthy, seconded by Miss Roberts, —"That the New Zealand Treasurer be empowered to supplement the funds of the Literature Department if considered necessary by the Literature Committee." Carried. Moved by Miss McCarthy, seconded by Miss Roberts, —Amendment to the bylaws of the New Zealand Constitution — "That Article 6 he amended to add after the word ‘fares' the words ‘by the cheapest route,’ and after the word ‘Treasurer’ add ‘any deviation from the above to be left in the hands of the New’ Zealand Executive.'” Moved by Miss Roberts, seconded by Mrs. Hughes,—"That all re|K»rts of departments be presented to Convention before any new business is taken." Carried. A letter was read from Dr. I*. Hercod. of Lausanne, Switzerland, President of the International Temperance Bureau, Decided that we affiliate with the Dureau. Convention authorising the New Zealand Treasurer to forward an annual affiliation fee of Cl. Reports of Work Among Seamen. Peace and Arbitration, and Purity, wen read and adopted. A letter was read from a White Ribbon worker iu India, re Miss Slack’s proposed visit to Australia, and possibly New Zealand. Referred to Executive Committee. Votes of thanks were passed to the entertaining hostesses and to the Auckland District Union. Also to the managers of West Street Church of Christ, for so kindly placing the Schoolroom at our disposal, and to the deacons of the Tabernacle, for allowing us the use of it for a public meeting. A vote of thanks was also accorded to the local Press. Invitations were received for Convention 190 i». from Wellington, Mastcrton, and Gisborne, that of the former being gratefully accepted. Resolved. ‘‘That a letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs. Evans, of Napier." Convention closed with the singing of “God He With You," and the pronouncing of the Benediction. M. S. POWELL. Recording Secretary.