PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 202, 18 April 1912, Page 7

PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.

Dear Comrades, — I give you hearty greeting, at this, the twenty-seventh annual Convention of the New Zealand W omen’s Christian Temperance Cnion. We meet with praise and thanksgiving in ou»* hearts to Almighty God for the way in which He has led us, and for the victories achieved by His Great power and blessing. We greet the members of the local l nion, and declare our great pleasure in meeting in this city so beautifully situ-

ated between the hills and the sea, and with a record of which any citizen should he proud.

Jo have the reputation of being a city with less crime than any other in this Dominion, is something of which to boast, and it is a great honour to enjoy such a distinction.

We believe such a result may he traced to the fact that the citizens have steadily reduced the hotel bars, and that they 1 1 av (* fewer of these mail-traps than has any other large city in this country. Surely we may claim that this has something to do with the comparative freedom from crime tlrs city enjoys. Has it not proved once more that lessened facilities for drin.iing imans lessened crime 'i I congratulate this gathering of women upon being members of an organisation which has during tin* past year made considerable ii (*rease in its ( nions and incinhersmp. I think we may claim that today we exert an influence in this country, greater than that exercised by any other body of women, and this has been brought about by steady work, enthusiasm, faith ami hope, and with a belief in the divine power of Christianity to uplift and to glorify the poorest and most unbeautiful of lives. But this belief must find expression in practical work on behalf of distressed and down-trodden humanity. We rejoice because so many mothers are awakening to the fact that total abstinence is the only way to ensure that their children shall develop on the best lines, without the dead-weight of a taste for alcohol dragging down their noblest instincts, and retarding their highest development. Our honoured Queen Mary, a devoted and wise mother, sets an example to the mothers of the Empire in this respect, for dier own children have been brought up on strict total-abstinence principles. Another English Princess, tin* wife if the Heir-apparent of Sweden, is a patron of our White Hihbon army in that country, and as a total abstainer doubtless sees that her little ones are brought up on the same lines. Here are examples which all mothers should he proud to follow.

W’e are glad to note also that in high pla es principles are spreading, and that th<* ruling classes, as well as scientists, educationalists, explorers, athletes and business men arc lecognising tlie fact that alcohol is out of court if strength, endurance, skill and intellect are to be allowed full play. THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE. To most of us, I venture to say, the change which has taken place in the personnel of the House of Representatives

has come id a surprise. Lew, I think, were prepared for quite so drastic a change, and many an* the reasons propounded to account for Midi. Doubtless we all have our own ideas on the subject, hut it would he inexpedient to express our opinions here and now . I Ik* swing of the pendulum, which in politics as in other matters, must occur now and then, has brought about a state of affairs unfamiliar to most of us, who have little-cog-nisance of matters political, prior to tin* enfranchisement of tin* women of this country. The state of unrest at present prevailing, makes it almost impossible to expect any attention to he paid to our demands for alteration in some of tlx* laws on our statute books, or that provision should be made for suggested reforms. But tlier* is no reason why we should not plan and organise and make demands even now. There are many questions today affecting the lives of women and children, which need attention, and we must give our time, and energy to the solving of the*!* problems. In the wrangling of political parties, measures for the betterment of the race are largely lost siglit of, and it is for us to keep alive nml burning, the agitation foi the application to political life of those principles which lit* at the root of all real advancement in the State and the people. In the hands of tin* women lies tin* power to force these principles to the front, and to see that all that degrades and debases politics is swept away. Let us make our power felt in this direction as far as in us lies.

SHORTS PROTECTION LEAGLE. This Association, which hides under a harmless pseudonym its real intentions, boasts that it is covering this land with a network of societies for the “protection of sport’ from the interference of a band of extremists, as the secretary puts it. If the members really expect the public to believe that all they are wishing to do is to make sport clean, they must not protest so much that they are not organised for the protection of the totalisator. In spite of their protestations, however, the cloven hoof appears, and the remarks of a member of the Christchurch League only confirms us in our belief that the League is organised for a definite political purpose. The remarks of the secretary that “Politicians would not he likely to jeopardise their scats by setting themselves against this body of public opinion” is simple a threat to intimidate all who d are to interfere with their gambling and Sabbath-breaking tendencies. “Extremists” in their opinion are doubtless all those who desire to see all sport free from the gambling taint, and the

totalisator, being one of the most pernicious means by which betting is encouraged, we declare unfaltering opposition against it, and shall doubtless be dubbed extremists. The totalisator is the most powerful agent for fostering the taste for gambling * Inch is endangering the best interests of men and women, and is inclining our young men, especially, to the belief that the get-rich-quick idea is a much better way of enriching themselves, than steady, honest daily toil. Such teaching has already borne fruit in leading some of our most promising youths into a life of crime. The Totalisator Protection League would be a better name for the organisation under discussion. The secretary of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association let outsiders into the secret, by acknowledging that the racing clubs had given liberal support to the League.

NKW SOUTH WALKS TOTALISATOR COMMISSION.

The gentlemen of this commission seem to have returned home with the idea that New /calami favours the totalisator. All they have ascertained is that the Racing Clubs favour it, but that the better element in the community does so, is not true. This is evidenced by the fact that again and again the churches, and associations standing in the interests of moral reform, have protested against the licensing by the State of the betting machine, and still mean to agitate for its abolition. Our aim must be to counteract in every possible way the influence of the Sports Protection League, whose influence will doubtless be used in ways past finding out. They have thrown down the gauntlet, and we are ready to accept their challenge. ALCOHOL AND THK HUMAN BODY.

Our scheme for working on educational lines should include co-operation with forces already in existence. As Frances Willard expressed it: “We should enter every open door,” and endeavour to work hand in hand with those who have the instruction of the children at their command.

The teaching of scientific facts relating to alcohol and the human body, should receive special attention, and efforts should be made to induce the children in our inhlic schools to take an interest in this subject by instituting competitive examinations, prizes for the winners being offered by the different branches of our Union. Assistance could he given also by the presentation to schools and public libraries of such books as Sir Victor Horsley's “Alcohol and the Human Body,’* and Mrs Allen s “Alcohol: a Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine.” There is

also a series of hooks for use in schools on the same subject, issued in the United States, suitable for teachers, recommended by Mrs K. L. Stevenson, which should be in the hands of those interested iu tin* teaching of Scientific Temperance. Through our Sunday Schools also we should reach the children with Temperance teaching. Most teachers are in sympathy with this work, and all children should be impressed with the danger of using alcoholic beverages. Bands of Hope and other Temperance Societies should be induced to accept speakers oil the scientific aspect, of the question, and it should be the business of the W.C’.T.U. to introduce such speakers to all societies and classes composed oi young men and young women, so that they may become cognisant of the scientific facts concerning intoxicating drinks.

MORAL INDICATION OK THK YOUN(i

I lie need for this is acknowledged by thoughtful jKHjple to-day, and it is most encouraging to find that the ex-president of the Teachers’ Kducational Institute, Mr Klamanl', lias expressed bis opinion that lecturers on sex physiology should be appointed by the Government, for the pur|m»sc of imparting scientific information on sex subjects. Our Dominion officers have already expressed their appreciation of Mr Flair.ank’s remarks, and it is most gratifying to find that his proposals were endorsed by the teachers themselves, as expressed in a resolution passed by the Institute.

Our Union will endeavour to give all assistance in its power to the teachers’ demand for lecturers. It has our entire sympathy, as is proved by the fact that some time ago we approached tlie Government w ith a proposal on exactly the same lines. As mothers, we can hut rejoice that our public school teachers are men and women of high ideals and of high moral character, whose aim is to foster the best in tin* minds and hearts <>f the children placed in their care.

MAORI WORK Our work among the native race lias been vigorously carried on during the past year in the North Island. Miss Rebecca Smith has done admirable work in this department, and we are much gratified by the reports received. I beg to suggest that our Young Women’s branches should take up the collecting of funds for the Maori work, as part of their programme for this year. Nothing will repay us better than this department for the uplifting of the Maori women in this Dominion.

DOMKSTIC SCIKNC K. The proposals submitted to last Convention were brought before the Hon. Georgo Kowlds at the time he was Minister for Kducation. Your President, representatives from the Trades and Labour Council and the Fabian Society, were accompanied by the late Mr T. K. Taylor, whose interest in the subject was very keen, and who gave whole-hearted support to our demands. Mr Fowlds promised to consider the proposals, hut his resignation, and later political happenings put a stop to all further demands for the time bring Copies of the scheme were sent to all members of Parliament and to our Unions last year, so that they should he familiar with the | reposals when called upon to act. The subject is of great importance, affecting so nearly as it does the wellbeing of the home and its inmates, and such proposals carried into effect for the training of our girls in domestic management, should help towards solving a problem now so pressing how to obtain skilled assistance in our households.

LICKNSING POLLS. Being members of a body of women so largely interested in the questions submitted to the voters at the licensing polls No-license and National Prohibition you will, with me, feel great gratification at the tremendous vote cast for National Prohibition. We come to this Convention with thanks and praise to Almighty God in our hearts for the great moral victory which he has seen fit to grant to those, who hav«* for many years been battling for the right. . Before the elections, it was not easy to forecast the result of the poll on the national issue. Many opinions were expressed, but I venture to say that few anticipated that nearly 260,000 votes would he cast for Prohibition. This gives a majority of .54,282, and a percentage of •55.82 votes on the National issue. This is a great victory, but we are robbed of what would be its logical result by the unjust handicap of a three-fifths majority. That so many votes should have been cast for the annihilation of a destructive traffic, and yet our opponents should win in the conflict, is nothing less than monstrous. We are certainly not prepared to submit longer to anything so illogical. All the influence of the Temperance forces in this Dominion must be concentrated on the effort to obtain a lowering of the majority necessary to carry No-License and National Prohibition. Our vote would, in all probability, have been a good deal larger if it had been more generally and widely known that full provision was made in the Licensing Act

for the importation of alcoholic liquors for sacramental, medical, and manufacturing purposes. LOCAL OPTION’ POLL. While wc rejoice with great joy and thankfulness for the vote in favour of National Prohibition, and for tin* retention of the twelve No-license electorates, we are naturally disappointed that there was no increase in the No-license territory. Various reasons for this have been expressed, hut one is, I think, obvious. It is the fact that in all licensing issues, the voter in favour of licensing reform usually prefers the one that is most drastic. Reduction lost largely its supporters when the value of No-license began to be thoroughly realised, and to-day, with National Prohibition in sight, the voter is impatu nt of the slower measure, and prefers the national issue. We are one in believing that tin* ultimate solution of the drink question is National Prohibition, but while we hold that to he true, we must not under-value local No-license. \N e must impress our people with its great value, if only on one point. I he carry-, ing of No-license in a district means the closing of the bars in six months after tin* poll, while for the accomplishment of National Prohibition we must wait four years after success has been won at the polls. Since the elections, I have heard many times of the hitter disappointment expressed hv wives and mothers, who have suffered unutterable woe at the hands of drink-sodden husbands, at the failure to carry No-license in their own electorates. They had worked, hoped and prayed that deliverance might come, and yet the tale of woe must still go on for another three years, because some well-meaning folk, who do not \et realise their duty to their Cod and their neighbour, refrained from casting their vote for the destruction of a traffic which curses men, women and children. “Verily, they have their reward.” The cry of the sufferers rises towards heaven, and enters into tee ears of tin* Lord Cod of Sabaotli, who will demand a reckoning in the day when the secrets of all hearts will be disclosed. Let these things spur us on to greater efforts in the cause of No-license, and by education and agitation show the voters tile great value of local, as well as national, reform. MILITARY TRAINING This question, which is causing so much heart-burning and bitterness at this time, is of great importance and requires our earnest consideration. I'nder this system, the military authorities have placed in their hands so much power, that we are in danger of liberty of conscience, and lib-

erty of thought, becoming things of the past in a country where the inhabitants are supposed to he the freest on the face of the earth. It is most necessary that this Convention should give earnest consideration to the Defence Act, and an opportunity will be given for a discussion which we hope may result in. some definite action being taken In the members of the l moil.

WOMUN’S C’RUSADU. Ibis movement to awaken the interest of the women of New Zealand in the prohibition question has done much, we belie'e, to bring new workers into the held, who never before had made organised effort for the cause. A temporary organisation in which the women could do work for the polls apart from, and yet influenced by, a permanent society, seemed to appeal to many who were not prepared to ally themselves with more elaborate organisations. The securing of pledges for Prohibition and No-license roused interest in quarters not reached by societies already in existence, and many pledges were obtained in this way by new workers as also by the W.C T.C. itself. We are in dehted to Mrs Driver, a member of the Vnion in this city, for the happy thought originated by her. It would he well for our Unions to endeavour to bring into our own ranks the forces brought into action by the Women’s Crusade.

From the review of passing events in our own land, I would draw your attention for a short time to matters further afield. One of the most important is the fight for

WOMAN SUFFRAGE IN GREAT BRITAIN

What is the state of affairs at present in that great struggle for equal rights at the ballot box with men ? No sympathy for the women from that leader of a great party to whom Kngland is looking for tin* solving of many social problems. Mr \squith has declared that he believes that it would be had for the women, and bad for the country to grant the suffrage to the women of (treat Britain. By an utterance life that the Prime Minister of a mighty Umpire easts a slur on the free nations within the Umpire, who have already enfranchised their women. Luckily, all members of Mr Asquith’s Cabinet are not of the same opinion, and justice oust be done ere long to more than half the population of the United Kingdom.

What is it that the women claim? That they should have the same voting power as the men at the ballot box. In the past they claimed that as the men qualified for the vote by the payment of a certain rental per year, so should the

women. Under that provision about a million women would be enfranchised. But now the Home Government is proposing to place manhood suffrage on n tar more liberal basis, and the women claim quite logically, that the Government shall make provision in this new Franchise Bill for woman's suffrage on the same basis as that for the men. We should not sympathise with them so much it their claim was less, for they have no right to a limited privileged franchise any more than the men have. We rejoice that they will he satisfied with nothing less, for we had been led to believe by some, that the women of Great Britain were desit ing a suffrage that would benefit only the propertied class. Their quarrel with the British Government now is, that the Prime Minister will not include in the new Ulectoral Bill votes for women, hut the only concession he will give is an opportunity for a sympathiser to move an amendment to the Bill, to confer on women the franchise. 'lbis concession is not believed to he of much value, and so the British women still keep up their agitation against the Government,

The tactics of the suffragists in Kngland have been condemned over and over again. Fiiends, if an enemv takes the gloves off in a fight his opponent must do the same, or he content to he at a disadvantage. Force was first used by the men who opposed the sufFragf, and force has been met by force in this case. Has it not always been so in the past? Curry your minds hack to a time when men were fighting for a wider franchise, before the passing of the Reform Bill. What were their weapons? Attempted murder, incendiarism, plunder, robbery, and defiance of all authorities, civil and military. We are not defending such extreme measures, but those agitators won their [stint after a display of force terrible ir| its effects.

Many contend that the women of (treat Britain are injuring their cause bv a display of force mild in its effects compared with that used by men in days gone by, who won for their class a right to a share in the Government of the country. The fact is clear that the militant suffragists have made their cause what it never was before, a power t<» lie reckoned with. They are citizens, and as citizens who are denied justice, they are battling for what they value far more than comfort, ease, luxury, or the approval of their friends. Fines, imprisonment, injury to health, and limb, even death itself, have been borne by women in this great cause for justice and right. Let us never utter a disparaging word of them or their methods. We, who won the franchise by peaceful tactics, lice*use our public men

were just and chivalrous, have no right to question the methods of these sisters, who are lighting with their hacks to the wall for a share in the Government of the country, a> a means of improving the condition of life for those who sit in darkness, ami in the shadow of death, their sisters ami ours, WOMAN SIT KNACK IN THE STATES. While we offer our sympathy to our friends ;n Great Britain, we offer hearty congratulations to tin* women of California oil the attainment of woman’s suffrage. The total returns show -HHM) majority in favour of the measure. Dr Anna Shaw writes: “This is the greatest victory ever won in this country for woman suffrage. California is the sixth State to have full suffrage, and follow.s Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington. In all the campaign, the W.C.T.C. had a splendid share. THE BATTLE IN MAINE. So mu h has been published concerning this interesting event that* there is little left to say that is new. Hut we all rejoice with our comrades in Maine on the great victory they have won against the combined forces of United State* liquor-dom. All will remember the suspense we experienced as to the result of the vote in Maine, and the garbled reports circulated by our opponents, who by this means hoped to damage our cause in this country. Almost the last hour before the poll, we received undoubted testimony that “Maine still held the fort,” hut the public were informed in the cable news that the liquor forces had won. It has since transpired that a second cable was received, contradicting that report, immediately afterwards, hut what became of it lias not transpired. Then are no doubt some who eoul I tell if they would.

We rejoice that tin* old Prohibition State has kept its tlag thing though money was poured out like water, hv men who endeavoured hv dark and devious ways, to destroy the prohibitory law w hich has so long made Maine an object lesson to the world. Needless to say that ill this campaign the WC’.T.U. were most active, led by that dauntless woman and great-hearted leader, Mrs L. M. Stevens, National Piesident of the United States w.c.T.n.

PROHBITORY AMENDMENTS TO UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

Two proposals for amendments to the United States Constitution in reference to the liquor laws, have just been introduced into the House of Representatives.

The first one, if carried, should bring some relief to the Prohibition States, which, by the Federal tax law, are unable to protect themselves from the importation of liquor from liquor States.

The Keuyon-Sheppard Bill demands immediate legislation on the part of Cong ‘ss to protect prohibition territory from the continued encroachments of the liquor traffic, protected by Federal law. The line for a prohibitory amendment to the Federal Constitution, introduced by that splendid champion of Temperance cause, the Hon. Richmond P. Hobson, is of great importance. It provides that the sale, manufacture for sale, and importation foi sale of beverages containing alcohol, are to he forever prohibited in the United States, and in all territory under their protection. It also provides that Congress shall have power to enforce by appropriate legislation the provisions of this article. This amendment, it is pro|M>scd, shall he valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of threefourths of the States. The fact that such proposals have been mooted, proves how strong is Temperance sentiment in the United States.

Mrs L. M. Stevens’ slogan at the recent W.C.T.C. Convention held at Milwaukee, “National Prohibition in 1920,” is not so visionary apparently as one might at first suppose.

We wish “God-speed” to those whose .ision can suggest a day when the liquor traffic shall he outlawed in the United States.

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON ALCOHOLISM

Thi . the thirteenth Congress on Alcoholism, met at Scheveiiingen, near The Hague, in September, 1911. Over IIHMI men and women from all parts of the world gathered together daily for nearly a week, to study the best methods »f fighting a common toe. An Exhibition of Temp era lire work was held at The Hague previous to the Conference. The Dean of Hereford was president of the Conference, and two sections carried out meetings simultaneously, the one emphasising the scientific ami the other the practical side of the Temperance question. The thought emphasised in every meeting of the Congress was, that it is the scientific truth concerning the effects of alcohol that will ultimately free us from its use. One of tie* most forceful and convincing papers was read by Dr A. Eorel on “Alcohol, and the Deterioration of Germs.” In proof of his statement that alcohol poisons the* cellular pto+oplastn causing degencration of the vital eirgans of alrtffjo-

lies, resulting in alcoholic intoxication of the germinative cellules, he gave eloquent statistics showing the physical and mental degeneracy of descendants oi alcoholirs.

Such valuable scientific testimony should he made know’n far and wiele, and is a phase e»f heredity which should he* carefully consielered by the* Society tor the* Study e»t Eugenics. DOCTORS AND DRINKING. The* student of the effects of alcohol on the* human body, learns with astonishment of the* careless manner in which some medical men in this country prescribe alcohol for their patients, apparently with the idea that it has strengthening and stimulating properties. They must he either very ignorant of the trend of thought in older lands, and the result of research and investigation carried out by eminent scientists of European fame, or they wilfully close their ears to knowledge, which to-day should he within the km of all those who have the health of the community in their charge. It is not too much to say, that a certain class of medical men is fostering the taste f »r alcoholic beverages by the indiscriminate way in which they prescribe their use as stimulants. Alcohol, according to tin* highest medical authorities, is neither a food nor a stimulant, hut a dangerous drug, and should be classed with other drugs such ns morphia, chloroform, ether, etc.

Medicated wines should come under the same ban, for many of them contain »» large percentage of alcohol, and wo earnestly warn our members and others against their use, for they have already been the means of fastening upon men and women the deadly craving for intoxicants which nothing hut the strongest spirits can satisfy.

IN Ml MORI AM It is niv sad duty before I dose to place on record our deep sorrow and regr**t for tin* loss of many friends of the Temperance cause, and also to express our deep sympathy with those whose dear ones have gone home during the past year. Foremost among these was T. E. Taylor, M l’., and Mayor of Christchurch, one who was the champion of every cause that was for tii * uplifting of humanity, and the betterment of the conditions of life for all das.es of society. His great-hearted service, his keen intellect, incisive criticism, and strong magnetic personality were never more needed than now, when political uniest is making it difficult for the voice of the people to be heard in any demand for reform, either politieal or social. To our Union he was ever a sincere

friend, and often expressed his appreciation of our principles and our work. As members of a society who were the first to agitate for the enfranchisement of women. we desire to place on record our deep platitude to the late Mr I. I'*. lay lor, ulin from the earliest inception of the mmeinent gave support to it by voice and pen. Abo\e all the public men that I know, he seemed to have a clearer con-

ception of woman’s position as a citi/en, and of her right to stand side hy side witli men in all that pertained to civic and political life, as well as the social and domestic. We honour his memory to-day, as one of the greatest champions women over had, and we believe that his influence on the public life of this country will bear fruit even when those who knew him as friend and comrade, have followed him to the life of greater possibilities and greater opportunities. lie being dead vet speaketh, and though as he often quoted himself, - “Others shall sing the song, Others shall right the wrong Finish what 1 begin, And, what 1 fail of, win. Yet the impetus he gave to many pr<*|h»sals for the hett< rinent of humanity has done much to ensure that the future he saw with prophetic eye shall become a reality. For himself it was enough that In* could iay with Whittier:— “Mail! to the coming singers, Mail! to the glad light bringers, Forward I reach and share, All that they do and dare. Fared and part of all I keep the festival, For-reach the good to be, And share the \ictory. I feel the earth move sunward, 1 join the great march Onward, And take hy faith while living My freehold of thanksgiving.’’ To his sorrowing wife and mother and fatherless children we offer our deep sympathy and love. Others we could ill spare from our ranks have left us for the large** life. Mrs McFiWan, of Petone late President of the Petone Fnion; Mrs .1. Field, of the Christchurch Union, at one time its President, and for many years a worker in our ranks; Mrs Doubleday, of Hastings, last year President of the local l nion, and much interested in Band of Hope work. These have gone, leaving us the poorer by their absence, hut leaving behind tender memories of their work of faith and labour of love.

Mrs Holt, who came to us from Kngland, and joined the Christcuurch Union.

has recently gone to her long home, leaving a family of little ones behind.

New Plymouth Union mourns the loss ol three members: Mrs Griffiths; Mrs Okcv, mother of the present member of Parliament foi New Plymouth, and Mrs Ihlmtsoii, who was one ot the best and brightest of our New Plymouth sisters. All these were followers of C hrist, and ho ed to do Him service.

(iishorne nqvorts tin* loss of one member during last year. Mrs Oxeiihain, who passed to higher service a few months ago.

Mrs Bae and Mrs Hum-hop, for many wars members of the Port Chalmers i ni hi, have gone Home alter faithful service lor the Master. Mrs Dale, of too Bluff Union, and Mrs Campbell, of the •south Dunedin branch, have also passed away to the land where there is no more sorrow or parting. Ihe Auckland Union has also lost b\ death two members: Mrs Campbell and Mrs lioudin. Mrs Butler, of Masterton, who held the office of treasurer ni the Union for ten years, and will long he remembered for her many acts of thoughtful kindness, is now resting from euithly toil, and is now seeing the King in Mis beauty.

To the relatives of all these dear sisters we offer our deepest sympathy.

Two of our District Presidents have been called to suffer bereavement. MiDew ar, of Auckland, the husband of the President of our Auckland branch, who has been a devoted W.C.T. I . worker for many years, passed away a few months ago. Me devoted time and strength to tiie cause of Temperance, and took great interest in the spread of No-license and Prohibition principles. Mrs Dick, now the Dunedin President, has also lost her husband, who left this world for a heavenlv home only a short time ago. Mis love of all that was for the good of humanity, gained him the respect and friendship of all who love their fellows, and his record of a life of unselfishness and helpfulness is known to many in this city. Our World’s President, Lady Carlisle, has again been called upon to pass through dca p waters, for her eldest son, who only succeeded his father last year, has l>een taken away hv death from his loved ones, who so short a time before were called upon to part with a husband and father. To our World’s President we offer our deepest sympathy in her bereavement.

Our sisters of the States mourn the loss of a great-hearted comrade in the death of Mrs Kmilie D Martin, World’s Superintendent, of Purity in Literature and Art. A brilliant woman of fine intellect, w ho gave devoted service to the spread of our principles both at home and abroad.

WOMKN IN CIVIC AND POLITICAL LIFE.

While as an organisation wc do not take sides in political life, it is nolle the less

true that to gain many reforms, we must make ourselves felt in the political arena. Numbering as we do, nearly 10U0 mem-

bers, each one representing a vote, our influence has already been brought to hear, not without results, iu supporting Acts beneficial to the people of this Dominion, more especially those affecting the lives of women and children.

In eivi< life, women’s power is being recognised, and we hope to see in the future, women, not only on out School Committees and Hospital Boards, but on our City Councils, education Boards, and Licensing Committees. Women, as well as men, have to live in cities, and be governed by municipal laws, and there is no reason why women should not take part iu municipal legislation and administration. I urge all our l nions to make an effort to obtain the election of women oil School Committees at the elections to be held in April. Let us realise the importance of this, and in press others with the same. I refrain from further remarks on these subjects, as they are to receive consideration at this Convention, except to say that several questions need to bo considered hy us just now, such as the coguardianship of children, women on juries. and equal pay for equal work and the economic equality of married women. But while we seek to have alterations made iu several laws on our Statute Books, we do not wish it to be understood that our work ends here.

Many will testify to the social side of the w'ork carried on hy our Unions, more especially for the improvement of the home, and the education or young mothers. Our cradle roll work brings us into close touch with these, as do also cur Mothers’ Meetings. Ihe young women in ofir Unions are being educated on progressive lines, and the rare of children, hygiene, and domestic science receive careful attention. Our member- care inland visit the sick, seek to aid prisoners, and have for many /ears urged the reform of our prison ystem. Homes for

friendless girls, sailors’ rests, girls’ clubs, rest rooms for women, and the moral education of the young are some of the many activities in which our Unions are engaged. ORGANISATION. “Agitate, educate, organise’’ must still he our motto, and we must accomplish our purpose by every means in our power. To organise branches of our Union wherever we may tind a company of women, however small, who are with us in principles

and aims, is one of the surest means whereby we may educate and agitate. There is much still to be done, in tlie South Island especially, so that a network of Inions may be spread over the length and breadth of this land.

Kvery District Union, ‘.vorthv of its name, should have live auxiliaries under its care, influencing public opinion, and welding together scattered forces of thinking women, into a compact Inwly whose power may be felt in many directions. There is plenty of scope for such work, and I sincerely hope that all district Unions will this year show a large increase in auxiliaries. lam bound to say that the south has not been so diligent as the north in this direction, and the north will carry off the laurels if we are not careful. hdueatioii we must

.wt neglect. It is most important that our children and young people should he established in our principles, before they leave us to come into contact with those who arc our opponents.

In this work every mother should take a part, ami every mother should lie a White Rihbotier. Thong!, many are the rebuffs we receive, the quiet scorn, the open ridicule, yet I venti re to say that no man dare openly assert that a mother has no right to her children, no right to do battle against every enemy they may have, no r:ght to stand as a bulwark against all that injures or destroys the home. We dare any to stand between us and our children’s welfare. We declare eternal enmity to all that stands in the way of their upward march towards the highest and best. We claim that our work is applied Christianity. Our Lord went about doing good, and his errands of mercy received at least as much attention as the preaching or the Word. Praying and preaching have their place, but we must “Bind up the wounds, assuage the aching smart” of society. We must seek to destroy all those conditions that bring wounds and bruises and putrifving sores in the body politic, and declare that not for the sake of wealth, property, or monopoly shall we forbear. Too long have we been hound by the bonds of custom, bigotry and prejudice, hut to-day women everywhere are throwing off these ligatures w hich have cranip**d and hound them, for they have heard a voice saying, “laxise the bonds of iniquity and let the oppressed go free.”

lo our Heavenly f ather, for many mercies vouchsafed to all of us; to Him who granted us a great victory for righteousness, justice, and truth, we offer praise and thanksgiving. For the great efforts put forth by our workers, we thank you all. Let us pledge ourselves again to our

work, until right shall triumph, elouds shall break, and the Sim of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.