NAPIER DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 13, Issue 158, 15 August 1908, Page 4

NAPIER DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The first session was held in St. Paul's Schoolroom on Wednesday morning, August sth, at 10.30. Mrs. Oldham, who occupied the chair, opened the meeting with prayer, followed by Mrs. H. Lee reading a passage of scripture. The president welcomed the visitors from W aipukurau, Waipaw.a and Hastings. Addressing the meeting, she explained the definite work that had been done by the union in the past. Several superintendents of departments gave their reports, to which the president spoke.

The Maori work was discussed, and correspondence was read from Miss Barton, the New Zealand superintendent. Miss Stirling spoke of her work amongst her people. She argued that the Government ought to tak * steps to have the girls taught the love of home and the beautifying of it. If a house could be procured, with a capable lady in charge, dressmaking could be carried on and housekeeping properly taught. Miss Stirling also made mention of the fict that her heart was sore to see her country women, especially in Hastings, so much under the influence of drink. In Paki Paki 12 Maori women had become converted, and were anxious to taka their stand for temperance. At Moteo and langoio, too, the work was increasing. In Wairoa they were anxious to form a union amongst themselves. A petition signed by about 4000 natives, asking for local option had been presented to the Premier during the Maori Congress recently held in Wellington.

It was decided that as soon as possible a union be formed in Wairoa, to be followed by the opening of a native branch. A chain prayer brought a profitable Mornings work to a close. On Thursday morning at 10.30 Mrs. Oldham occupied the chair. Mrs. Harrison Lee gave a very helpful Bible reading and offered prayer after which a paper by Miss McCarthy was read on “ Enlarging our Borders. ” This led to a spirited discussion on the way to improve our work. Time was given to a conversation on the need for Purity amongst our <*irls, mention l»eing made that our Purity superintendent, Mrs. Sandilands, was laid aside by sickness and it was hoped the work would l>e taken up by a lady who was present and had promised to consider the matter.

The President spoke of the White Hi linos paper and the value it should be to every ardent up-to-date worker, in educating and giving information on the questions which are constantly arising in the work for humanity, and it was felt it ought to he a duty for each White Ribboner to further the interests of our *wn paper. Mrs. Venables, of Hastings, proposed that the next District Convention he held on or near February 17th, 1909. Mrs. Logan, Waipukurau, moved a hearty vote of thanks lie given to the Napier friends for hospitality and for promoting such a means of benefit for the unions in the district. This was seconded by Mrs. das. Bibby, and the first Napier District Convention was closed by the singing, with clasped hands, “ We’ll claim the W orld for Christ’s own Kingdom some glad day.”