TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union, Held at New Plymouth, March, 1911.

White Ribbon, Volume 16, Issue 190, 19 April 1911, Page 1

TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union, Held at New Plymouth, March, 1911.

A Record Attendance. ON Monday, March 20th, a large number of White Ribhoners left home and loved ones, to meet in council and to deliberate on matters of importance. Delightful episodes cheered and enlivened the long and wearisome journeys by land and sea. The reunion of kindred spirits, recognition of beloved, familiar faces, airy trifles of humour, cheery chat and laughter, rewarded the travel - stained and weary. Snatches of greetings heard by the way showed the gratification felt at being helpers in the good work done by such an estimable body of women. Greater opportunities for outdoor pleasure were given than is usual at Convention ; these

were enhanced by the delightfully fine weather. Public Reception The public reception took placj in the Theatre Royal on Thursday, 23rd. The hall was most artistically decorated with banners, palms, ferns and flowers. The Mayor (G. Fisch, Esq.) presided, and extended to the delegates a hearty welcome to New r Plymouth, and hoped that on their departure they would he able to

carry away with them many pleasant memories of the town and people. Mrs Douglas, for the local Union, and the Rev. .1. P. Kel low, for the Ministers' Association, followed with kindly greetings, hoping the Convention w f ould he an inspiration to all in the work. Mr. Okey, MP., spoke in congratulatory terms of the influence wielded by the Unions, which w r as felt in Parliament. More than one beneficial measure passed during the last ses-

sion of Parliament could be definitely attributed to their persistency. Mrs. Cole. N.Z. President, on behalf of tlie delegates, returned thanks for the good wishes and kindness that had already been extended to the visitors. Refreshments brought to a close a highly successful function. Grand Public Entertainment. Thursday evening. Mr Okey, M.P., presided over a large and enthusiastic audience. Object lessons were given, showing in a forcible and realistic manner the aims of the W.O.T.U. Mrs Moody. Bluff, explained the " V" ” work ; Mrs Douglas, the L.T.L. and Cradle Roll; Mrs Oldham, Maori work, followed by Miss Rebecca Smith, who rendered a solo in Maori. A musical dialogue, “The Family that Lived in a Shoe,” w T as well presented. A high tribute of praise was accorded Mrs and Miss Douglas, who had so thoroughly trained the young performers. Praise and Thanksgiving Service,

Friday night, presided over by the Rev. J. Diddle. This was a most inspiring and profitable meeting All who were there relised tin* benefits of (rod’s mercy during the past year.

An Outing. On Saturday, in the afternoon, numerous vehicles conveyed a large contingent to “ Aotea.” These charming grounds belong to Messrs Sole Bros. Visitors were loud in praise of the picturesque and beau-.

tiful scenery. Afternoon tea at the Recreation Ground was provided by the New Plymouth Union. Sunday Service. On Sunday, nearly the whole of the members of the Convention, with their hostesses, attended St. Mary’s Anglican Church by invitation. The preacher was the Rev. Mr Kempthorne, who took for his text, “ Hear ve one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Mass Meeting. Held in the Theatre Royal after the church services, was presided over by the Rev. J. (i. Chapman. Miss Powell spoke on the aims and objects of the W.C.T.U.’s world-wide association, dwelling on its beneficent work in connection with establishing homes for friendless girls. Mrs Don, in her usual forceful manner, discoursed on the evils of the liquor traffic. Mrs Peryman defended the cause of No-License, saying that Ashburton had been much maligned as to the results of the last election.

.Special Session. ()n Monday night a special session was held to exemplify the “School of Methods” and “Parliamentary Drill.” This was instructive and edifying. Harden Party. Waggonettes, brakes carriages, motor cars, etc., were all brought into requisition to convey the large number who occepted the kind invitation of Mesdames Arden and Okey on Monday afternoon, at Frankley Road. The magnificent bush scenery, with its wealth of nikau palms and ferns, was most enchanting. After a delicious cup of tea, a few* ardent spirits wandered down to see the beauties of the lake district. This was the cause of much consternation, but happily the elderly ones most nearly concerned, being merry and goodtempered, laughed away the ronlrefem/is, and the motor car whisked them away to dry clothing and comfort.

Tuesday Evening, at Whiteley Hall. MrG. H. Maunder presided. Miss Powell gave an instructive address on Scientific Temperance. Mrs Peryman read an excellent paper on “ Equal Pay for Equal Work,” by Mrs Page. Short

convincing speeches, on the benefits of No-License, were given by ladies residing in No-License districts. The Oil Wells. On Wednesday, after luncheon hour, conveyances provided by the Mayor were used to take the party to tin* celebrated oil wells. The officials gave a most interesting description of the different processes, from crude oil to the delicate and refined pure article. Willard Night. Thursday was a grand finale to a more than usually large number of public Convention meetings. Mrs Don gave a resume of the life of Frances Willard, in an able and attractive manner. The whole of the entertainment reflected great credit on Mrs Hislop, who had devoted much time and energy to ensuring its success.

MINUTES Of the Twenty-sixth Annual Convention of the New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union, held in St. Mary’s Hall, Vivian street, New Plymouth, March, 19H.

Friday, March ?4th, 1911. ('on\ontion was opened hy Mrs IVrvmau, New Zealand Corresponding Secretary at !> a. hi., with tin* Crusade Hymn, “(live to tin* Winds Thy Fears,” followed hy prayer, tin* Crusade Psalm being read; all joined in singing “Onward, Christian Soldiers. At 10 o’clock the roll was called, 76 members responding. New Zealand Oftieers: Mrs Cole, Dominion President; Mrs Peryman, Dominion Corresponding Seeretary; Mrs Mitehell, Dominion Recording .Seeretary; Mrs Hendrix, Dominion Treasurer; Mrs Oldham, Editor, W.R. Paper; Miss Harrison, Hnsiness Manager. District Presidents: Mrs Dewar, Auckland; Mrs Douglas, New Plymouth; Mrs Duxtield, Haw era; Mrs .1. Smith, Wanlui; Mrs Mow lem, Paltnei - 1 < .ri Not th ■ Mrs Doxall, Wellington; Mrs Rule, Timaru ; Mis Dlair, Dunedin.

District Secretaries; Mrs Day, Christchurch; Mrs Walker, (dsborne ; Mrs Clatwortliy, Napier; Miss Amhurv, New Plymouth; Mrs Tucker, Wanganui. District I reasurers; Airs Hughes, Auckland; Mrs Luyhotmie, Palmerston North: Mrs Sweet man, (•reymnuth; Miss Limit, New Plymouth.

New Zealand Superintendents of Departments: Mrs Cptou, Wanganui: Mrs Hislop, Dunedin Mrs M ly. Bluff M i s began, Waipukiiraii; Mrs Jamison, Tarihi; .Mrs Caskiu, (•reynioutli* Mrs LovellSnutli, Christchurch; Mrs .leiisen, Petone;

Mrs Johnson Wright, Wellington ; Miss Powell, Palmerston North; Miss Maunder, Hawera ; Sister Moody Bell, Shannon. Delegates; Mr- Taylor, Auckland ; Mrs Veals, Davenport; Mrs Carter, Hamilton; Mrs Perkins, Woodxille; Mrs Sole, New Plymouth; Mrs Catiiro, New Plymouth; Mrs Cleave, Waitara ; Mrs Kason, Tariki ; Mrs Mai Kay, Stratford; Mrs kenningtois, Ngaire; Mrs Baker, Hawera; Mrs Murray, l*.lt ha in ; Mrs Aleinhry, Otakeo; Mrs Hilling, Alatanu; Alls 11. Taylor, W anganui ; Airs Moulder, W ellington district ; Airs 1C A Wright, W ellington Central ; Airs Corner, Petone; Airs Devenport, Alastcrtoii; Airs llarre, Christelmreli; Airs II Thompson, Christchurch; Mrs WilfordSmitli, Lyttelton; Airs Brown, Asliburtoii; Mrs E. Baker, Kaiapoi; Airs ICiderke, ICingiora; Airs Parker, Blenheim; All's Don, Dunedin; Mrs Allman, Palmerston North; Miss Hamlin, Alanaia ; Miss Bell, bedding. Delegates: .Miss Itaymni, Christchurch; Miss Norrish, limaiu; .Miss Bo.sevear, Dunedin. Proxies: Airs X. Jones, Winehniore; Mrs Whitehead, Invercargill; Airs Cuininings, W averley; All's T. C. Taylor, Lower llntt; Airs Hinut, Levin; Miss Cole, Ponsonhv.

Organisers: European Work, .Miss Jean AleNeisli ; Maori W ork, Aliss Rebecca Smith; Airs Don was appointed Convention letter-writer, and Mrs Brash and .Miss Taunt, Committee of Courtesies.

Reporters for papers were appointed as follows; Press Association, Mrs Peryman ; Vanguard, Airs Lovell-Smitli ; Outlook, Hawera Star, English White Rihl»ou, Aliss Maunder; Methodist Times, Aliss Roseveur; Wanganui, Airs J. Smith; Dunedin papers, Otago Witness, Alls Blair: Alltnawatu limes. Southland limes. Airs Whitehead ; Stratford Post, Airs Jamieson ; Petone Chronicle, All s Jansen; Muuhire W itness, Aliss (iainlin; Eltliam Argus, Airs Phillips; Dominion, Evening Post, Airs Moulder; Woodvillc Examiner, Airs Perkins; Timaru, Airs Rule; Primitive Aletliodist .Magazine, Airs Jansen; Wairarapa limes, Airs Davenport; Ashburton, Airs Brown; Feilding Star, Airs Aloulem; (lishorne .Maori Paper, Alis» Rebecca Smith: Alanawatu Herald, Horowhenua Chronicle, Sister Moody Bell; English Alliance, Alls Peryman; Waikato Herald, Airs Carter; Home Journal, Airs Hughes; Christian Herald, Miss Maunder; Blenheim and Hawke’s Bay papers, Airs Clatwortliy. Moved and seconded, “That session closes at 5 o'clock to he photographed.” The President’s address was read, and Aliss Powell moved its adoption. Seconded hy Airs Bla” - , who, with many other ladies, spoke in terms of highest appreciation.

After noontide hour, greetings were read from Invercargill, Nelson, Devonimrt, Numbers 6th, 1 I, -A, *26; (•reymnuth, Alatthew 16; Duneilin, ‘2nd Cliron. 15, 7; Auckland, Romans, 16, ‘2O; Aralmra Cnion, Airs Henderson, Hamilton; MLs Trevnr/.a, Ashluirton ; Alls Kirk, Wellington; Mrs Atkinson, Wellington; and from New Plymouth Baptist Church, through Rev. J. Laird and E. W. Maunder, secretary.

Invitations were received for a garden party and also to visit tin* Tarai aki oil wells. Mrs l’j)ton pronounced tin* Met ‘diction and at 1*2.30 p in. Convention adjourned for luncheon. Afternoon Session. After devotions, the Corresponding Secretary read her report, drawn from flu* work done hy ail the Unions throughout the Dominion, and pointed out that lest year we had ‘2113 paid up members; this tear we have 266f\ Twenty-two I’nions have Cradle Rolls, showing a membership of 1361 children. Three “V” l nions are also actively engaged in work. Miss Dowell moved the adoption which was carried. Invitations were sent to Convention for Delegates to visit Ngaire, I**vin, and Feilding, Mrs Don consenting to visit these I’nions when returning, and Mrs (iaskin to visit Blenheim. The late organiser, Miss Powell, read her report, giving outlines of her work in different parts ot the Dominion, also many useful hints at the close.

Greetings were received from Masterton, North-east \ alley, and Kaiapoi Unions, Levin, John *2, 3; Gisborne, 1, !*; Mrs Soulhy, Kaiapoi, Dent., 23-27. Letters of sympathy were sent to Mrs Hentley, Mrs Henderson, Mrs Graham, Mrs Cobb, Mrs \Y. C Smith, Mrs Neal, Mrs Hamilton, Mrs McEwen, Mrs Li 11, Mrs Harrison (Mrs bill's daughter), also to Rev. F. Copeland, Mr Spedding, Mr C. Y. Hill, Mr Moore, and Mr Davies, Mi ss McCarthy sent the following resolution : “That Is per member he taken out of the members’ ordinary subscription of 2s 7d, and he paid into the Organising Fund.” Miss Powell moved the following amendment, which was carried : “That a sum at the rate of one shilling per member he raised hy each 1 nion, hv some special effort, and not by a levy upon the members or upon their subscriptions

Tin* following reports from Superintendents were read and adopted: Kvangelistic, Mrs Upton; Home Meetings, Sister M oody Bell; Maori Work and BalanceSheet ot Maori f und, Mrs Henderson. Mrs Bcndely, Treasurer of the Organising Fund, read the balance-sheet, which was adopted on the motion <3 Miss Powell, seconded hy Mrs Day. A visit was received from the Rev. Mr Liddle, late ot Ashburton, who spoke ot the power and work of No-License in that district; also expressing sympathy with our work. The So*; don closed with the Benediction. Saturday, March 25th. At 9.3<» a in., Mrs I pton conducted the devotional meeting. The roll was culled, the President and 75 members responding. Minutes of previous Sessions were read and continmsl. Sister Nellie, Vice-President of the Matapu l nion, visited Convention, ami gav.

a most interesting account of her work amongst tin* Maoris. A Ma< "i Committee was arranged to meet and formulate a scheme of work for tin* Maori Organiser. The following ladies were appointed: Mrs Hnghes( convener), Mrs Oldham, Mrs Brash, Mrs Wal ker, Mrs Smith (Wanganui), and Mrs Milford Smith, Mrs (iaskin and Mrs Wright The New Zealand Treasurer, Mrs Bendely, read the report and balance-sheet lor 1310, showing receipts, £*2ol 11s (id ; expenditure, £124 Ks Id; leaving credit balance of £< 3s •»<!.

Mrs Day moved the adoption, which was seci mded, and carried hy aeclamation. Mrs Oldham, editor ot the White Ribbon, read the report of the previous year’s work, showing a circulation of L>so copies a month, and suggesting the advisability of enlarging the paper by four pages, one of which is to he in Maori. Miss Harrison, Business Manager, read the balance-sheet for 1910, reporting an increased balance at the hank. Mrs Cumming moved the adoption, seconded hv Mrs Day. Carried hy acclama-

tion. Mrs Oldham as Kditor, Miss Harrison, Business Manager, and Mrs Low, Associate Kditor of the “W hite Ribbon,” were most unanimously re-elected. The Convention letter-writer was authorised to send a letter of thanks to Messrs \V R. Dearlove, and C. H. Bisson, of Napier, for valuable services rendered. 12 pm.—Noontide hour. Report of the Cradle Roll, and work among young people was read. A \isit from Dr Trilby King finished the morning session. Monday, March 27th. At 9.30 a.in.. Miss Powell conducted the morning devotions, favourite quotations being given. Roll call, 76 members responded. I lie minutes were read and confirmed. Tim Resolutions Committee was appointed. (ireetings were received from Alliance Executive, South Dunedin, and Hawera I’nions. In connection with the ( radle Roll it was resolved that the Superintendent he asked to try and procure cards at a cheaper rate. Noon-tide hour. Reports: I nfermeiited Wine, Mrs Gaskin ; Pri-on Work, Mrs Wright; Hygiene, Mrs Lov‘‘ll-Smith ; Press Work, Mrs Blair; Work Among Seamen, Mrs Whitby; Savings Bank, Mrs Dearlove; “Y” I’nions. and Medal Contests, Mrs Moody, were ready and adopted. At 12.30 p.m. tin* Session closed. Aftern:sn Session. 2.30 p.m.— Devotional exercises; roll railed, 70 resJMlllded. Miss Cole appointed prow for Punsonby Union. (irm-tiiigs received from Mi Yeats and Blenheim Union.

Reports. Flower Missions, Miss Cole; Purity, Mrs Wehh; Rihle-in-Schnols, Miss Dewar; Scientifie Temperance Instruction, Miss Maunder. No report to hand ot Mothers’ Meetings. Mrs Jansen, Superintendent Temperance Sunday Department, stated that she had written 85 letters to the different I’nions, hut had received only 27 answers. This applies

also to many other Departments. The various reports given through the day were freely discussed, much information being obtained. Mrs Cole gave an interesting and instructive talk on Domestic Science and Instruction for Girls. A discussion follow «sl, which brought forward much usetill information. *1 he following resolution of sympathy with the Otago University was passed: “That this Convention expresses its entire sympathy with the efforts being made to provide scientifie ami practical instruction m Domestic Economy and views with much pleasure tin* foundation of a Chair for Home Economics at the Otago University.”

Resolved- “That tin* Women’s Christian Teinperame Union in eonvention assembled most heartily endorse tin* pro|Hisals of the Christehureh branch for the more thorough training in Domestis Economy of all the girls in the Dominion.” 5.30 p.m.—The session closed with the Benediction.

Tuesday, 28th March. 9.30 a m.— Devotions conducted by Mrs Boxall. Roll call, 76 res|M»nded. The minutes of previous sessions were read and confirmed. The Corresponding Secretary proposed the following resolutions, which were adopted : “That in view of the fact that exhibitions of moving pictures, which are so fMipular with all ages and classes of the community, may either he of great educational value, both to head and heart, or he subtle hut effective teachers of immorality and vice, women of W.C.T.I’. in convention assembled urge on the Government the need of appointing a censor to examine all films proposed to be publicly exhibited.”

“That this Convention urges all New South Wales Unions to protest most vigorously against the introduction or legalisation of the tota lisa tor into, or by, their State, seeing how gambling has increased in New Zealand, especially among young people and women since legalised hv the New Zealand Government.” “It having been brought under our notice that liquor is still being supplied to youths under 21 years of age, also to Maori women, regardless of tin* 'aw, we women assembled in convention emphatically protest and would urge that this matter he brought under the notice of the Minister of Justice and hiv subordinates.” “That the W.C.T.I'. Convention urges the Premier to bring in a Bill making it as compulsory to register births among Maoris as it is among Europeans.” “It having been brought under our notice that gambling is still carried on with Maori youths under 21 years of age, the W.C.T.I . in convention assembled emphatically protests and urges the Government that the law be enforced.” “That the Women's Christian Temperance Union in convention assembled, desires to record its appreciation of the work of Sir Joseph Ward and I)r Findlay in securing the repeal of the C.D. Acts. It also wishes to emphasise the great need of more systematic teaching of the laws of health, and a more persislent affirmation of the necessity of purity of life for both men and women,”

Reports reael ati<l adopts were:—Antigatnhliug, Mis Jemison; Literature, Mrs ilisletp; Educational Meetings, Miss Powell; Rest and Refreshment li«m»t li >, Mr* Hnwaid; Good Citix.eiiship, Mrs Li^aii; Medical temperance, Mistral; la*gul and ParliiMiinitarv, Miss Lovcll-Smitli; HackHloc ks, Mrs 1 srael. .T.'K). Session cloned. Wednesday, 29th March. 9.,‘1R.- Devotions conducted by Mis Hl.ui Roll rail, 7.1 member* respond**!. Minutes <»f previous session read and confirmed. Mrs Don reporte<l two gentlemen bail joined the Union as hnn. members. 12 o'clock, noontide hour. Resolutions were passesl “That the Unions represented at the Convention are in thorough sympathy with the work of the Hihle-in-Sehools Committee, and will give them all the help in their power.” ‘ That this Convention urges the Premier to bring in a Rill fixing an age of protection for boys as well as girls.” “That this Convention urges the Premier to bring in a Rill raising the age of protection for girls to 21 years.”

“That this Convention of White Ribboners, from all parts of the Dominion, emphatically protests against the disabilities under which women at present suffer in the guardianship of their children, and calls upon Parliament to amend the law in the direction of giving women equal rights with men, in this particular, especially with regard to religious instruction.” “Resolved that a W'.C.T.C. gaol visitor l>e appointed in all our large centres who shall visit (once a week or month) the women prisoners.” “Resolved that the qu stion of the Women's Page in the Vanguard should be left in the bands of the local Unions, who shall communicate with the Christchurch Union." “Resolved that no at>|»enl for funds shall be sent to any of our local Unions hv any White Rihhoners without authorisation of New Zealand Executive “That this Convention heartily endorses the aetioii of the New Zealand Kxeeiitive in sending a wedding present to Miss Stirling in appreciation of her services as organiser."

“That a denotation he ap|»ointed to wait on the Minister of Railways, asking that the Women's Christian Tcnipcranee Union be placed on the same footing as religious hodic* and friendly societies." (The deputation appointed is: Mrs Atkinson, Mrs Penman, .Nils Low, M.A., and Mrs McAlister.) “That this W C.T.I . of New Zealand, in convention, views with alarm the condition of things in the Dominion regarding degenerate and feeble-minded girls and youths, and tin* disastrous results to themselves and to the community if this continues, and res|Metfully urges on the Government the necessity of establishing hollies for the rare and detention of these unfortunates."

Mrs Hlair’s notice of motion re representation was fully discussed, resulting in .*l2 voting for and 1# against; two-

thirds majority being required, the motion was lost. Mrs Blair tnen gave f»»**tlier notice of motion, to hr brought up at tin* next Convention, in 1912:

“That I or Romeone in my place will move that Article H of the constitution be altered to give larger representation of I nions, one for ev» nr fifty or fraction of fifty members, no Union to send more than three delegates to the Convention." 12.41. Convention adjourned. Wednesday Afternoon, March 29. A most enjoyable and instructive visit was paid to the Taranaki oil wells. S p.ill.—Roll call, 71 present. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor for providing vehicles for delegates to visit too oil wells.

The following resolutions were proposed by the Organising Committee and passed : “That Miss McNeish’s salary for the past four weeks and any travelling expenses be forthwith defrayed by the Organising Fund Treasurer." “That when the organiser has concluded her Hawke's Ray campaign, she should commence in the Rawer* district, calling at Dannevirke, Woodville, and Foxton, working from there iicnth to New Plymouth, then taking the Auckland district.” Resolved, ‘That Convention affirm the action of the President and Corresponding Secretary in appointing Miss McNcish European Organiser.” A vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Oldham for the trouble she took in securing Miss McNeish as Kuro|»ean Organiser. Rc|M»rts: Peace and Arbitration, Mrs Griffin ; Notable Days, Mrs Wrght, were lead and adopted. Ulie question box brought forward many interesting topics, which were freely discussed. Greetings to Convention and thanks for letter d svmpathv were received from Mrs Neal Six members were initiated into the New Plymouth Union, making a total of Id new members. A letter was received from Mr (Inter, of tin* Taranaki Petroleum Company, acknowledging vot«* of thanks, and wishing Convention every success. Resolved, “That registration of the* M C T.U. under the Unclassiticsl Societies Act In* proceeded with. .YttO pm. Session closed with prayer. Thursday, March 30. 9,.Kf a.in. Devotions conducted by Mrs Mow bin. Roll call, 70 members re.s|n aided. Minutes ot past session read and eontinned. Letters revived from Miss Agnes Slack and Miss Anna Gordon, U S A., World’s lion. Secretary, expressing hearty congratulations oil tin* success of our woi k in New Zealand. A telegram of thanks was received from Mrs Graham

The following resolutions were adopted :

“That this Convention of the W.C.T.U. desires to express its feeling of grief for the disgrace attaching to our nation in

the attitude it had adopted towards the opium traffic in China, and in face of flit' mighty effort made by tin* Chinese authorities in the* matter. It hopes that the Rritisb statesmen will iot delay in making an effort to rid their country of this disgrace.” “That this Convention of the W.C.T.U. heartily approve and thank the Government for their action in having placed in all our schools Tein|ieninoe Wall Sheets, and having teaching of same made a compulsory subject.”

“That in view of the fact that our l>eloved President could not have travelled to Convention this year unless accompani»*d by her daughter, Miss (’ole's expenses be defrayed hv the New Zealand Fund, which shall also make itself responsible for any extra expenses to which Mrs Cole mav have been put on account of her state of liealth.” Notices of motion were given as follows by Miss Powell:— “At next Convention, I, or someone in in;- place, will move, That Article 4 of the New Zealand Constitution be amended to include in the Executive Committee the editor of ‘The White Ribbon’ and the Sii|M‘rintendc‘iita of Departments.” Hv Mrs Htair:— • That I, or someone in my place, will move at next Convention, tfie clause in Article X., a two-thirds vote he eliminated and a hi re majority substituted.” Resolutions passed:— “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 eqn .’ work.’ Resolved “That tins Convention protests against the retention ot the totalisator on the grounds: (1) That it gives Government sanction to a vic-e which is disastrous to social life; (2) that it is inconsistent with numerous enactments against gambling in other forms; (,'t) that public revenue is derived from a practice which all wise Governments have found it necessary to suppress.” “That in the opinion of this Convention, hospital accommodation should he provided for those suffering from venereal diseases, who should voluntarily present t hem .selves for free treatment.” “That in the l opinion of this Convention the time limit now enforces! where c harge ot offences against girls are made should he* entirely abolish***!.”

“That every Union should endeavour to form n 1 Union, a Loyal Tern iterance Legion, and a Cradle Roll.” “That Convention draws attention to tin* curious inequality between the* punishments accorded to sly-grng sellers in license* and no-lireuse districts in the Dominion, the maximum jwnalty in tin* license* districts being twelve months with hard labour, and in the no-license districts three months without hard labour. Convention considers that in the interests of morality and justice some alteration should In* made." “That at Mothers’ Meetings special stress he* laid U|n»ii the danger of letting children wander on the streets at night, also that instructions should he* given tee mothers in hygiene, with Niiecial refef-

Hire to tin* filling and treatment of children.” •Tlic Women'- Christian leinperance Cnion views with alarm the danger to w liieli girK and boys are excised by frequenting, unattended, the streets at night, and would suggest that a Mill In* passed to meet this need. Resolved, “That a telegram he sent to Mr Cole, expressing appreciation of kindness in sparing Mrs and Miss ( o*e so long at Convention.” A letter of thanks was received from Rev. F. Copeland for sympathetic message. A ballot was taken for the election of New Zealand officers, with the following result: Mrs Cole, President; Mrs Reryniaii, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs Mitchell, Recording Secretary ; .Mrs Mendely, Treasurer. Mrs Mendely proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Cole for auditing ha I a lice* sheets. Mr* 11. SLovin Taylor was appointed Treasurei of the Organising Fiitm. Invitations were received for MM2 Convention from (ireyinouth, Dunedin, and Gisborne. Dunedin received the largest number of votes. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the three Cnion* for their invitations. The itinerary of Miss Rebecca Smith, Maori Organiser, was arranged as follows: To Sister Nellie, first, then to l*aki Raki, April 'i”>th, leave for Gisborne; May Itli, mi to Wanganui and Rariliaka; Max Oth, Xorrnanhy, near Hawera. Mrs Oldham am I Mrs M unro to arrange for Miss Smith’s railway concession, if |to*sihle Miss Rowell moved t* e following resolution :

“That in view of the frequent statement that the drink hill of New Zealand is increasing, in spite of the fact that 12 elect. ~ates are under No-License, this Convention calls attention to the statement made by Mr T. E. Taylor, in the House, on October Hth, 1910, to the effect that while the consumption of alcohol for the whole of New Zealand is 12 gallons |>er capita, that of the No-License districts is only two gallons per head.” “Resolved, ‘‘That the New Zealand officer® he empowered to draw up rules for rcgistiation of Cnion under the Cnclassified Sxiety’s Act, such rules to lie suhmittW to the next Dominion Convention. ’ Superintendents of Departments were ap|Niinted. A letter of thanks was received from Mrs Miniro, tor wedding gift from New Zealand Cnion. Very hearty votes of thanks were passed to the Rress, Hosts and Hostesses, Entertaining Cnion, Mrs Arden, Mrs Okey, and Mr Sole, also to the Wellington, Wanganui, and Ralmerston North l niona for so kindly entertaining delegates on passing through to Convention. Convention close*l with the hymn. “God he with you till we meet again,” the President pronouncing the Benediction.