MINUTES OF THE Twenty-fifth Annual Convention of the New Zealand Women’s Christian Temperance Union, held in Invercargill, February, 1910.

White Ribbon, Volume 15, Issue 177, 22 March 1910, Page 4

MINUTES OF THE Twenty-fifth Annual Convention of the New Zealand Women’s Christian Temperance Union, held in Invercargill, February, 1910.

Thursday, February 10th. Convention was opened at 9.30 hy Mrs Cole, N.Z. President. “Give to the Winds Thy Fears” was the opening hymn. The Crusade Psalm was read and Mrs Thompson’s work commented on. The roll was then called, 53 responding. New Zealand Officers—Mrs Cole, President; Miss Powell, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs A. Mitchell, Recording Secretary ; Mrs McCombs, Treasurer; Mrs Oldham, Editor White Ribbon. District Presidents—Mrs Neal, Napier ; Mrs Upton, Wanganui; Mrs Harrison, Kaiapoi ; Mrs Blair, Dunedin ; Mrs Baird, Invercargill.

District Secretaries Mrs Watker, Gisborne; Mrs Day, Christchurch ; Mrs Bendely, Christchurch; Mrs McDonald Palmerston North; Mrs J. McKenzie, Invercargill; Mrs Dick, Dunedin.

District I’reasurers—Mrs Dearlove, Napier; Mrs Small, Invercargill. Dominion Superintendents of Departments -Miv Dili, Sabbath Observance, Ashbuiton; Mrs Henderson, Maori W’oik, Hamilton; Miss Maunder, Scientific Temperance Instruction, liawera. Delegates—Mrs Thorpe, Auckland; Miss Barnett, W’aipawa ; Miss Harrison, Napier; Mrs I. Wright, Wellington; Mrs Blythe and Miss Lovell-Smith, Christchurch; Mrs Jansen, Lower Hutt;

Miss Stirling, Hawke’s Bay Maori Bum lies; Mrs Sheppard, Lyttelton; Mrs G. Andrews, Ashburton; Mrs Moore, W’inch more; Miss McCarthy, I W’aimate ; Mrs Don and Mrs Rule, ; Tima u ; Mrs Kirkland, Dunedin ; Mrs; F. Wright, North East Valley; Airs Soutl, South Dunedin; Mrs Mocdy, Bluff; Mrs D. Strang, Invercargill; Mrs Rhodes, Gore; Mrs Brown, Otautau ; Mrs Rickus, Tiniaru ; Mis Papakura, Colac ; Miss Cole, Christchurch; Miss W'ardell, Dunedin. Proxies Mrs Lennie, for Ponsonby; Mrs Campbell, for Tariki; Mrs Morrison, for 5 asterton; Mrs Bardsley, for Petone; Mrs Cumining, for Rangiora. The minutes of the closing session of 1909 were read and confirmed. Mesdames McGruer and Hunter were appointed a committee of couitesies. Reporters were appointed as follows: —Airs Day, Southern Cross ; Miss Lovell-Smith, Southland Times and Vanguard: Mrs Henderson, Southland News; Miss Maunder, English White Ribbon , Haw era and Queenstown ; Mrs Neal, Napier and Blenheim; Mrs W’right Hastings; Mrs Douglas, New Plymouth an I Westport; Mrs Walker, Gisborne and Balclutha; Miss McCarthy, W’ai m ite ; Mrs Bardsley, Timaru ; Mrs Henderson, Hamilton and Cambridge; Mrs W right, Grey mouth ; Mrs Moody, Bluff andOrepuki; Mrs Jansen, Petone; Miss Barnett, Tapanui, Waipawa, Vaipukurau; Mrs Don, Outlook and Tauranga ; Mrs Campbell, Palmerston South; Mrs Kirkland, Oamaru and Nelson; Mrs Lill, Ashburton and YVhangarei; Mrs Baird, Otautau; Mrs Upton, Wanganui and Milton. Convention Letter Writer Mrs Bardsley. Greetings were read from Mrs Cameron Superintendent Dominion Juvenile Templars Nelscn, Mrs Gaskin, W han garei, Mrs H. G. Hughes, New Plymouth, Timaru, Petone, Palmerston N, Kaiapoi Gisborne, Ponsonby, Mrs Gain, Dunedin Mrs Pemmell N.B. Wales . Mrs Kelli Victoria , and the Countess of Carlisle

Correspondence was read from the Premier re resolutions forwarded from Convention of 1909, also re delegates’ railway fares; R. S. Meiklejohn, secretary to His Majesty ; the Foreign Office; S.S. Company re concessions to delegates. Mesdames Sheppard, Lill and Oldham were appointed a committee to obtain information regarding the registration of the New Zealand Union. The President read her address and a vote of thanks was carried by acclamation, accompanied by a recommendation that the Unions should read it in full at their meetings. This was seconded by Miss McCarthy and spoken to hy Mesdaines Sheppard, Blair and others. Noontide hour was observed. At 12.15 Convention adjourned for lunch. Afternoon. The session was opened hy Mrs Upton with singing and prayer. The roll was called, fifty three responding. The minutes of previous session were read and confirmed.

Greetings were received from Port Chalmers, Auckland, Mrs Peck, W aimate, Mrs C. W*. Brown Invercargill; Mrs Canon Webb Ormondville, Mrs Dewar and S. Evans, both of Auckland. Miss Powell then read the Corresponding Secretary’s report, which was adopted. Mrs Upton, Superintendent of Evangelistic work, read her report. Mrs Cole read the reports of Home Meetings Miss Moody Bell , W ork among Young People 'Mrs Spence), Hygiene (Mrs W\ S. Smith), all of which were adopted. During the discussion on Hygiene the following resolutions were passed :

“ The N Z. W.C.T. U. in convention assembled wishes to express its high appreciation of the action of the Otago University in founding a chair of Domestic Science and appointing a lady professor to fill the position. The members trust that ere long the Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland University Colleges will follow the lead.” “That the N.Z. W.C.T.U. at its twenty-fifth Annual Couvention desires to express its appreciation of the work in the Karitane Home, and directs the Convention Letter W’riter to write to Dr. Truby King to that effect.” “That Convention recommends the Superintendents of Departments and ‘Y’ Branches to procure the services of Plunket Nurses and medical practitioners in delivering lectures to the ‘Y’ Branches.” Resolved, that letters of sympathy or greeting be sent to the following Mrs

Brown Invercargill, Mrs Fulton Taieri, Mrs Troy Greenmeadows, Mrs Mary Clement Leavitt, to the World’s Officers, Mrs .Jewett editor of the MWA/’s II lute Ribbon , Mrs W. Kay, Mrs Stevenson, Mrs .J. K. Barney, Mrs Rohinson [nee Miss Murcutt , Mrs To Tau, Miss Ander son Hughes, Mrs Gray, Mrs Veals. It was also agreed to send one of the Convention Souveniors to tin* Presidents of the National Unions of all the countries in which our organisation is represented. Report of Work Among Seamen (Mrs Whitby was read hy Mrs Cole. Mrs Papakura, delegate for Colac Bay. took her seat at this session. The Benediction being pronounced, the session closed at 5.30. Morning Session, Friday, Feh. nth. Devotions. Minutes of last session read and confirmed. Forty-four members answered the roll-call. Creetings from Devonport, Revs. F. lsitt ami J. Dawson, Mrs. Logan, Waipukurau. Reciprocal greetings were sent to Revs J. Dawson and F. lsitt. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs McComhs, New Zealand treasurer, for her financial report. The adoption of it was proposed by Mrs Sheppard. Miss McCarthy supporting it, and also speaking in hearty appreciation of Mrs McCombs work. Mrs Cole, Mrs Oldham, and many other ladies also spoke in very high terms of her arduous work during the year.

Decided that the Convention number of the White Ribbon be sent to all donors who have contiibuted one pound and over the the Organising Fund.

A recommendation was made that the parent union should financially assist the “ V '* Unions when necessary, Resolved that “Y” Unions he permitted to fix their own fees, according to the needs of their districts, hut that the capitation fee of sevenpence be still retained, and paid into the New Zealand fund.

Noon tide hour. Resolved that a treasurer l>o appointed for the Organising Fund. Resolved that the Superintendent of the Maori Work should be treasurer also.

Mrs Cole read the report of “ Unfermented Wine, ’ Mrs Caskin.

It was resolved —“That evidence he secured regarding relapses into drink through the use of fermented wine

at the Communion I'able, and that a leaflet he prepared by Mrs Sheppard in accordance with the motion. Miss Powell read her Organising Report, which was adopted, and sin* was heartily congratulated on the work done. Afternoon Session. Devotional services were conducted by Mrs Baird. Forty-eight responded to the roll-call. The minutes were read and confirmed Mrs McCombs proposed that Miss Powell be re appointed Organising Secretary, which was seconded by Miss McCarthy, who, with the President and many other ladies spoke in high appreciation of the work done by her during the year. Resolved, that an Organising Committee be appointed, consisting of Mrs Baird, Mrs Douglas, Mrs Harrison, and Miss McCarthy. Reports on Press Work Miss Trevurza , and Bible in Schools (Miss Dewar were read by Mrs Cole, and adopted. Creetings were received from Miss Trevurza (Ashburton , Rev. Hay, President Baptist Union Dunedin , Mrs Blackwell (Kaiapoi), and W.C.T. U. Feilding). No report of Mothers' meetings was sent, but an animated discussion took place, and the following resolution was passed : —“ That it be a recommendation to the Unions to work the Cradle Roll in connection with the Mothers’ Meetings.” “Purity ’’ report (Mrs Webb', was followed by a very instructive and interesting discussion. The session closed at 5.30 p.m.

Morning Session, Saturday, Feh. 12th. Devotions were conducted by Mrs Upton. Fifty-three members answered the roll-call. lhe minutes of last session were lead and adopted. Agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr Hawkins and Mr G<*«* for their kindness in erecting the whare foi the Maori demonstration at the Conversazione.

Mrs Siddels’ report on Anti-Narcotics was read and adopted. The White Ribbon report was given hy Mrs Oldham, on which Convention went into committee, so as to fully discuss the matter. Miss Powell and Mrs McCombs moved and seconded the adoption of the report, and with the

President and many other ladies spoke in warm appreciation of the excellent way Mis Oldham had carried out her duties as Editoi and Business Manager.

Reached that Miss Harrison, Mrs Oldham’s daughter, be appointed to fill the position of business manager of the White Ribbon, with an honorarium of £ls. *

Very hearty votes of thanks wore accorded Mr Deal love and Mr .J C. Thompson, auditor, of Napier, for valuable assistance rendered to the White Ribbon editor.

Resolved that at the request of Convention, our White Ribbon Editor’s photograph be placed on the front of White Ribbon paper. Resolved that a telegram of greetings be sent to Congregational Union, in session in Auckland, 1 Thess. 5—23.

Miss Maunder read her report on Scientific Instruction, which, after much valuable discussion, was adopted. “ Anti - Gambling report Mrs .Jemison , was read by Mrs Colo, and adopted. Greetings were received from Central Unon, Wellington. The session closed at 12.45 p.m.

Monday Morning, Feb. 14th. Devotions were conducted hy Mrs Blair. At the roll-call 17 responded. The minutes of last session were adopted. Mrs Hobbs, of Victoria, gave a short interesting address on Women’s Franchise in Australia. Greetings were received from Mrs Atkinson, Wellington, and Upper Hutt branch.

Mrs Neal read her report “NonAlcoholic Treatment of Disease,” which w'as adopted. In connection with this the following resolution was carried : “ That the notice of the New Zealand Alliance he called to the many medicated wims sold by chemists and druggists, with special leference to Steam’s wine.” The equalisation scheme, was now brought forward by Mrs Bill, re travelling expenses, and the following resolution adopted : —“ That the Convention recommends, for the adoption of all members of Convention this scheme, whereby all fares to Convention be equalised, and to take etlect next )ear. Noon-tide hour was observed, and the Convention adjourned at 12.10 to the Town Hall to be photographed.

Afternoon Session. Mrs Douglas opened with prayer At the roll-call 49 responded. The minutes were read and confirmed. Mrs Rutledge was appointed proxy for Blenheim. Mrs Lill read her report on Sabbath Observance, and the following resolution was passed :—“ That this Convention, now in session, wishes to express to the Premier, its appreciation of his action in putting a stop to all tiring practices in volunteer camps on the sabbath day.” Literature report (Mrs Hughes was read, and adopted. Mrs Henderson, Superintendent of Maori work, read an excellent report, after which Miss Stirling also spoke of the work done amongst the Maoris, and submitted the following resolution : “ That in view of the regretable resignation of Mrs Te Tau, the Convention take steps to place the Maori Fund on such a footing that Mrs Poraumati be engaged, when at liberty, as paid organiser, and failing her, it would be advisable to appoint a district organiser for each district.”

It was proposed that Miss Stirling be appointed general organiser as far as is consistent with her ordinary work.

The follow ing ladies were appointed on the Maori Committee :—Mrs Henderson, Mrs Oldham, Miss Stirling, and Miss M. S. Powell.

A presentation w as made of a purse of sovereigns and a peggy bag to Miss Powell from the unions as a whole through out New Zealand, as a small token of love, appreciation, and admiration of her work during the many years she has acted as New Zealand secretary of the W.O ! U. Also “ 1 lx Souvenir, bound in kid, from the Inveicargill Union. Miss Powell suitably responded. Legal and Parliamentary repot t Mrs Low’, M.A.), was read, and adopted. No report to hand on prison work. The following resolutions were passed : 1 “That this Convention of the New Zealand Women s Christian Temperance Union, now holding its sessions in Invercargill, wishes to convey to Dr. Findlay, Minister of Justice, its appreciation of his efforts to carry out humane and scientific methods in the reform of the criminal, as is shown in connection with the Invercargill reformatory prison. 'The Convention notes with gratification the preventive measures used in the interests of young people, especially first offenders ; the classification of prisoners,

and the hope of reward held out for good conduct; the abolition, except on rare occasions, of solitary confinement ; the provision of, and instruction in expert work that is remunerative, thus helping to restore self respect to the prisoners, and to make the prison more self-sup-porting ; the educational advantages planned for those who care to use them, and the many other arrangements for the physical, mental, and moral well-being of the prisoners.” 2) “ The Convention congratulates Dr. Findlay on his success in putting into operation these long-desired humanitarian methods in connection with the Invercargill prison, and trusts that similar methods may be extended to other prisons in the Dominion.”

3) “ This Convention considers that the appointment of police matrons to ail lock-ups to which women piisoners are taken is highly desirable, such women to be resident at band, and available day and night.” i '* This Convention wishes to bring under the notice of the Minister of Railways the fact that no separate lavatory accommodation is provided for women on the through train on the North Island main trunk railway. It therefore urges that separate accommodation should be provided in this direction as soon as possible." 5 “The N.Z. W.C.T.U. wishes to protest against the prevalence of the diinking <»f alcoholic liquors on trains, and against the laxity of the officials in allowing passengers to bring supplies of intoxicants into the carriages for consumption to the extreme annoyance of other passengers.” During the afternoon the initiation service was held, five members joining. Agricultural shows and sports report Mrs Howard) was read, and adopted. Reciprocal greetings were received from Congregational Union. The following resolutions were passed : To the Diocesan Synod,—Seeing that the use of fermented liquors at the Holy Communion service is a temptation to many. This Convention earnestlj urges that ttie Diocesan Synod of

should consider the desirability of using unfennented wine at that service.

To the Presbyterian Churches, — Seeing that the use of fermented wine at the Lord s Table is a temptation to many, this Convention earnestly urges that your Church, in common with many other Presbyterian Churches should consider

the desirability of using unfermented wine at that service. That Convention strongly urges all branches of our Union throughout the Dominion to take advantage of the new Municipal Act, which, for the first time, allows both men and women ratepayers to nominate and vote for members to the Hospital and Charitable Aid Roard. As the first election is to be held in April, 1910, Convention suggests that each Union should at once call a meeting of women, instruct them as to the qualification of voters, which are simply the ratepaying qualifications, urge that suitable women be nominated to these Roaids, and after gaining their consent, w’ork by all available means, sucli as house to bouse visitation, correspondence, and advertising in the public papers, the distribution of literature, tike., to ensure their return as members of these Roard s. The session closed at 5.30 p.m. Morning Session, Tuesday, Feb, 15th. Mrs Douglas conducted devotions, mei ibers gi\ing a verse of a favorite hy ran. Forty-five answered the roll-call. Minutes of previous session were adopted. Greetings were received from Mrs Cancn Webb, Ormondville. Good Citizenship’s report Mrs Logan) was read, and adopted. Resolved that overcrowding of the class rooms in the piimary schools of the Dominion is, at the present time, in many instance> a sxiious menace to the health of the pupils, and as children are forced by the compulsory clauses of the Education Act to spend a large part of their childhood in school rooms, it is imperative that the requirements of sufficient and sanitary accommodation should be provided. The election of officers took place : President, Mrs Cole ; Vice-President-at-large, Mrs Atkinson ; Corresponding secretary, Mrs Peryman; Recording secretary, Mrs Mitchell; Treasurer, Mrs McCombs.

Hearty votes of thanks were accorded Mrs Don, Mrs Hislop, and all those ladies who assisted in making the “ Willard Night ” so great a success. Also to the liev. A. Mitchell for the admirable, appreciative, and very helpful “ Convention sermon preached by him on Sunday evening. Mrs Don conducted the noon-tide hour.

Suggestion! on Maori work were brought forward by Mrs Henderson and Miss Stirling. Afternoon Session. Devotions were conducted by Mrs Lill. Forty-seven responded to the roll-call. The minutes were read and confirmed. In connection with the Maori work the following suggestions were carried:— “That at each Convention, where possible, a Maori evening be included. “ I hat a very hearty vote of thanks be accorded our native friends, especially the Rev. Ileini and Mrs Papakura, who came from a distance to entertain the public, and had such a large share in making the meetings a success.

“ That a Maori Convention be held in Napier at an early date, at which our New Zealand president should preside.” “That Mrs Oldham be requested to write to Miss Barton, asking whether she would be willing that the money collected in ilic name of tin Union for Miss Barton’s scheme should be devoted to the Maori work at present being undertaken by the Union, otherwise that the money be set aside as the nucleus of a fund for a Home in the north for Maori girls.” A resolution was passed appointing Mrs Bendely treasurer of the Organising Fund, also that the president, Mrs McCombs, and Mrs Bendely, go into committee to talk over organisers salary. Greetings were received fiom Mrs Bonthorne, Orepuki. Miss Rowell read her report on educational meetings, Back Blocks Report Mrs Israel\ Peace and Arbitration Mrs Gridin), were read, and adopted. A telegram of thanks was received from Mrs Peryman. The following resolution on the Scout movement was passed :—“ That while earnestly hoping the time may soon come when national disputes shall he settled by arbitration, and wars shall cease, we hereby express our hearty appreciation of the objects of the scout movement, and the efforts made to inculcate l.igi. ideals in our hoys, hut the Convention considers that very great care should be exercised in the supervision of the camps, and in the appointment of scout mistresses and scout masteis. We would recommend that a matron should be appointed to take charge of every boys scout camp. A letter from Sister Maisie, Papua, New- Guinea, requesting permission to start a W.O.T.U. in that country, when and where advisable, was granted.

Resolved, that the name “ Red Letter Days ” be altered to “ Notable Days.” Five minute speeches on “ Red Letter Days” were given by members of Convention.

The New Zealand Treasurer and Organising Treasurer were appointed a committee to arrange a scale of fees for life membership of the New Zealand Union, and for memorial members. The following resolutions were passed : —“The N.Z. W.C.T.U. in Convention assembled, desire to congratulate the Minister for Justice Dr. Findlay in bringing forward such a scheme in regard' to treatment of degenerate children, as is provided for in the Bill he has introduced.”

“That the Premier be urged to introduce a bill next session repealing the O.D. Acts.”

The following resolutions were carried unanimously :—“ That the Convention urg** the Premier to introduce a hill raising the age of protection to 21 years.” “That in Ihe opinion of this Convention, hospital accommodation should be provided for those suffering from venereal diseases, who should voluntarily present themselves for treatment.” “ That the restriction on women’s time and labor contained in the Factory Acts are prejudicial to their economic interests, in not onlv lessening their chances of employment, but in helping to lvlegate them to the lower branches of the industries. This Convention therefore urges that all sex distinctions enforced in the Acts should be abolished.”

I “ 1 hat this Convention is of opinion that in connection with all public institutions for the care of men, women, and children, popularly elected Boards of Control should he established composed of men and women.” “That in the opinion of this Convention the time limit now- enforced where charges of offences against girls are made should be entirely abolished.” The session closed at 5.30 p.m. Evening: Session. Mrs Thorpe conducted the devotions, 48 members responding to the roll-call. The minutes of last session were adopted. The following .resolutions were passed:—“ That this Convention urges upon the Government the necessity of introducing a bill providing for the application of the Initiative and Referendum on all questions of social import ance.” .*

“ That this Convention urges the substitution of elective executive for (he lopsided system of Government by representatives of only one party, and believes that this change would he largely condueive to the public weal.” “ That this Convention is of opinion that in all cases where men and women are engaged in the same work, either in the employment of the Government, or of private individuals, equal wages should be paid for equal work.”

Resolved—“ That this Convention protests against the retention of the totalisator on the grounds: (1) 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 ; 3) That public revenue is derived from a practice which all wise Governments have found it necessary to suppress.” The Convention also protests against the legislation that has rendered the licensing of bookmakers possible by the vaiious jockey clubs. The Question Box was next taken, which opened up discussions on “District ” or “ Provincial ” Convention, which ! “School of Methods,” “Auxiliary Union,” “Curfew Bill,” and date when annual fees are due.

The committee appointed re Registration Act, proposed the following resolution :—“That we register our Union under the Unclassified Act, Mrs Atkinson and Mrs Wright, of Wellington, to see into the matter. ”

A unanimous resolution was passed that Mrs Oldham he re appointed Editor of the White Ribbon, and Mrs Low, M.A., Associate Editor. The session closed at 9.30 p.m. Wednesday Morning Session, Feb. i6th.

Devotions were conducted by Mrs Kirkland. At the roll-call 37 responded. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Resolved, that a grant of £l2 lie given towards printing Convention number of White Ribbon. Mrs Blair, Dunedin, gave notice of motion, “ That at the next Convention, I, or some one in my place, will move that Article 8 of the Constitution be altered to give larger representation of Unions, one for every fifty, or fraction of fifty members. No Union to send more than three delegates to Convention.”

In connection with their visit of the Reformatory Prison at Invercargill tlie members <»f this Dominion Convention, of the \V C.T.U. desire to express their gratification that the department has been able o place in charge of this important h imanitarian work a man so thoroughly in sympathy with the system, and capabl) in carrying out the work as Mr Hawkii s, the Superintendent. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union views with alarm the danger to which girls and boys are exposed by frequenting, ui attended, the streets at night, and would suggest that a bill be passed to meet this need.

Recommend} tions were made as follows:—“Tin t while efforts should be made all the year round to obtain subsubscrilers to the Wiiitk Ribbon, during the montl of June, the month in which the first number was published, a special effort be made in this direction, the result being tabulated at the July meeting, and a list published in the Wiiitk Ribiion.”

“That all District Unions be urged to hold a Provincial Convention annually.’’ “ That all secretaries be requested to see that reports of Superintendents are forwarded to New /calami Superintendents.”

“That all Unions should be urged to act immediately they are communicated with by the Parliamentary Superintendents when legislatin' is proposed in connection w ith the C. I). Acts, the bookmaker, and the totalis;.tor.”

“That every Union should endeavor to form a Y. Union, a Loyal Temperance Legion, and a Cradle Roll.

“That Convention draws attention to the curious inequality between the punishments accorded to slv-grog sellers in license and no-license districts in the Dominion, the maximum penalty in the license districts being twelve months with hard labor, and in the no-license districts three months without hard labor. Convention considers that in the interests of morality and justice some alteration should be made.”

“ That at Mother’s meetings special stress be laid upon the danger of letting children wander on the streets at night, also that instructions should be given to mothers in hygiene, with special reference to the feeding and treatment of children.”

Resolved, that the Wiiitk Riijbon fund should be chargeable with the honorarium of the business manager. The New' Zealand Superintendents of departments were elected.

Invitations for next Convention were received from Kaiapoi, Grey mouth, Dunedin, and New Plymouth. All were thanked, and New Plymouth accepted. Votes of thanks were passed to the Press, the trustees of the Don street Piimitive Methodist Church for the use of their commodious buildings, the Hostesses, and the Kntertaining Union, and carried with acclamation The Convf .tion closed with the singing of “God be with you till we meet again,” the Benediction being pronounced by the President. At the executive meetings held on Wednesday morning and afternoon, presided over by Mrs Cole, it was resolved that Miss Cannon be re-appointed New Zealand assistant Corresponding Secretary, Resolved, that £lO be voted to Mrs Oldham, as a mark of hearty appreciation of her services as Editor and Business Manager of the \\ hitic Ribbon. Resolved, that the request of Miss M‘George that the Union endorse her work, could not be complied w ith. Resolved, that Mr lnglis be advised that no financial responsibility could be taken re placards on sabbath desecration, but assistance would be gladly given in the distribution of them. Resolved, that “Thrift’ department be charged to “Savings Bank. ’

Resolved, that next Contention meet about the middle of March, 11111.