CANTERBURY DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 15, Issue 172, 16 October 1909, Page 4

CANTERBURY DISTRICT CONVENTION.

On August 14th we gave a reception to Mrs Stevenson. llis Worship the Mayor presided ; the Kev. Mr Hunt and Rev. Mr Stinton also spoke. In reply Mrs Stevenson raid she was glad to feel that the welcome so heartily given was not for herself alone, hut as the representative of the W.C.T. U. Sim referred to her first visit to England, and said that it would take mote than all the jingo politicians put together to make any real severance between America and England. She spoke of our work ill every land, and gave many encouraging facts.

Mrs Cole, New Zealand President, presided over a large audience in the theatre in the evening, Mrs Stevenson took as her subject, “Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee which franieth mischief by a law," and spoke of the applicability of these words to modern times. The liquor traffic is the soul of iniquity, hut people are now awakening to its tremendous power for evil. She congratulated the women of New Zealand upon their possession of the power to vote, and urged all to use their influence to sweep away the drink traffic from the land.

Wednesday morning’s session was presided over by Mrs Cole ; 30 answered to the roll call. Mrs Stevenson gave us a stirring and uplifting address, and u r ged us to always wear our badge, giving instances where blessing had resulted Mrs Lill read the report for the year,

which was adopted. Mrs Hardslcy was appointed Press reporter. At the afternoon session Mrs Fill proposed a “ Mother’s Day ” should beset apart. Jt was resolved that it be a recommendation to Convention to consider the question of appointing a “Mothers i>ay ” for the Dominion. A paper by .Mrs Wise on “ Compulsory Military Training ” was discussed, and the following resolution carried : “ That this meeting of delegates deeply regrets that the canteen is not yet removed from our volunteer camps, and urges the Covernment to abolish such a menace to the moral well-being of our young men. ’ A paper was read by Mrs Fill on “ The Pinal Aristocracy.” This ra.t a cheering and inspiring paper. A paper by Mrs Sheppard was read on “ The Co-(2uardianship of Children,” and the following resolution was passed : “That in the opinion of this Convention mothers sutler a great iniquity and grievous wrong by being deprived by the law of the guardianship of their children, and call upon the < Government to remedy this wrong l»y introducing a measure w hich shall provide that both father and mother shall he co guardians of their children.

Follow ing this paper came testimonials on “ Why 1 am a White-ribboner.” It was beautiful to listen to the words of the old, and cheering to hear the testimonies of the feeble. Almost every member stood and confessed to the joy it gave to he a Whitc-ribboner. Mrs Cole clos?d with helpful words of counsel. In the evening a social was held. Mrs Cole presided, and Mrs Fill read a paper on “Our Boys and Girls,” followed by words of advice and counsel Reports of work done were given by the Unions. A fuller report of the Timaru work, reviewing the past 20 years, was encouraging in the great advance made. Musical items and recitations were much appreciated. Votes of thanks were passed to all who had helped to make the Convention a success, and a hearty invitation to hold next year's District Convention at Wainiate was accepted. As a result of the Convention and Mrs Stevenson s visit 26 new members are added to our tanks.

It was decided to make a levy of Id per year to each member for a fund to go to the expenses of the Secretary of Convention. Mrs Fill kindly donated this year’s expenses, 255, to start the fund.

On Thursday morning, at the invitation of the Chairman of the Harbour l>oard the delegates and friends had a sail

round the harbour in the Hoard’s launch Mrs Stead, of the Sailor’s Rest, provided morning tea. A drive round the outskirts of the tow n was also enjoyed. All are agreed that the Convention has proved a happy success, and has created fiiendships that wc trust w ill grow closer as the years go by.