EVENING MEETINGS AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 225, 18 March 1914, Page 11

EVENING MEETINGS AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

PUBLIC RECEPTION. A public reception was accorded to the Aomen’s Christian Temperance t 11 ion in the Scottish ll.ill oil Wednesday . March Ith, . t 7 A There eaa a gixxl attend nice ot delegates and visitors, and < n tin- platform vere His \Voiship mi. Mi /or (J. I: Kirk, Kaq 1 , Rev. I* W. Cliit ; erton 'president of \ I. ense I.* ague), Mr li. Hayward (President o* the 1.0. Recliabites), ihc Re/. \Vi Frida v, and several prominent inemla rs ot the Union, including the offi vis (Mrs Graham, President of tin* Gisborne Inion), Mrs Lee-Cow ie, and Mrs 11 utchiiisoii (ViceIhcsidciit at Large of the Australasian W.C.T.U ). After tin* sinking o : ’ the Old Hundretli, the Mayer, who presided, in A few wcll-chniven words welcomed the delegates in the name of the *ity. He icferred to t!ie great influence exercised by women all down the ages, and urged the Convention members not to he afraid of going too tar, provided they were on the right lin *s. He believed that the time had come for differentiation in the education of boys and girls. Women were largely responsible for girls having obtained the opportunities tor higher education, sO long confined to boys. Now thev were beginning to find that this was not an'l uiiiuixed blessing, ami that the present system was harmful to the liea’th of girls. Gov ‘rirmmt was proposing to appoint a Natio ml Council »>j Kdue-i-------tion, and this Coiivcntu n should see to it that women had a place on that ( mined. Mrs Graham, welcoming the delegates in the name of the local In ion, said that what she had Ixvn dreaming of for yea**s was now being realised— a (Ynvention held in Gisborne. It must never lx* forgotten that the nn in plank of the rnion was 1 emperanre, alike for the individual and for the nation. The Rev. F. W. Chatterton give a hearty welcome in the name of the NoLieense League, which was working shoulder to shoulder with the \V.( .T L. |*Yr this momentous year Temperance workers would need all the enthusiasm and sympathy possible. No one could sec the whole t rut i In s< long as all their work was based on true principles, divergence of opinion was no lira w hack. Words < f welcome were sp ken byMr Hayward on lxdialf of the Rochaiiites, and by the Rev. Wi Friday for tiic Maoris, who, he said, urgently

needed all tin* help their pakeha brothers could give them. Alls Hutchinson, as a visitor from AustraJia, slid that outside ilio Dominion pccpie were locking to New Zealand as a country with advanced legislation oil Temperance, and she ti listed thaw the Conveiiti n would prove a good start lor a great and successful campaign. Mrs D u, acting-RrcsiiU ut. then replied. She gratefully acknowledged all the Kin 1 words of welcome and good wishes that had lx*en spoken, and after a touching leicreiico to the weight of sorrow under which this Convention met, declared that the women of the W.C.T.F. never turn hack. They may slacken puce, but they ever pre-s forward working with other organisations, both ot men and women, for the one aim, the total abolition ol the Liquor Traffic. Mrs Lee-Cowie said she hr light to the Convention the greetings of tin* World’s Conference. She referred to the progress that had been na le in America, and to the earnest In |>es expressed in the new watchword that is raised there, *A .saloonless Amer en in I*lßo.*’ Mrs A R. Atkinson abo expressed thanks for all the kind words oi welcome, especially those . t our Maori brother. She too thought the time had come for certain modifications in the present syste n of education, and slu* reminded members of l he Coiivent:on that all the work of the W.C.T.I . was really for the sake ot ♦ he children. Idle meeting was then closed with the singing of the Doxologv MEMORIAL SERVICE TO THE: LATE F RESIDENT. A beautiful and impresdvc service was held on Thursday evening in the Scottish Hall in memory of Mis (’ole, the l:*t*‘ loved President of the Cnion. There was a large attend.kins ol delegates and friends. After the livmn “O, God, our help in ages past, ’ Mrs A R. Atkinson ottered player, and then a sacred solo, “There is* a green hill far away,” was beautifully rendered I)v Modame Cleave. Airs Don, who presided, ."|>oke very briefly of the worm-wide influence of Mrs Cole, and then a few verses weie sung fiom the late Pro si lent ’ s favourite hymn “Who Fathoms the Kternil Thought r” Appreciative addressi s were given by Miss Rowell and Mi-s Rolxn'ts, and another sacred solo, “Crossing the Ibir,” was contributed by Madame Gleave with sympathetic feeling. Idle atmosphere throughout the beautiful service was such as to render it a fitting tribute to the memory of one whose work and iiiflucflW* will lca\c lasting impress on the \vork ot the New Zealand W.C.T.U. A public meeting was held on Friday evening, March ffth. in We.-Jey Church Idle actiiig-l*resident took the chair and there a large attendance, the church being nearly full. The evening was devoted to tin* reading of three papers, the first laiug by Mrs Field.

of Nelson, on “The White Slate Traffic.” She gave a plain, unvarnished statement of the tacts concerning this infamous traffic, which in the older countries of Europe and America is a perfectly organised trade, in which thousands of jHiunds are gained by the min < f thousands of pure and innocent girls. Asking what can l»o done to crush this awful evil, she said that while legislation might perhaps do a little, the great need is to make known the nature and extent of the traffic; to <‘ducate public opinion by pouring light upon the dark places, and to lessen the demand by educating men as to the sacred virtue of chastity, and by appalling to their sense ot chivalrv. At the close of the pajxi a resolution was unanimously passed, being the same that had been passed in connection with this subject at the World’s Convention in Brooklyn last (vtol er. The next paper was contributed hv Mrs Heiidefv, N.Z. Treasurer, and dealt with the subject of ‘Eugenics.” This was designed, not from the usual point of view of statistic*, but as embracing all conditions of living, especially of the poor, the sanitation and improvement of cities, methods of education, means of recreation—in short, everything that goes to make up the surroundings amid which children arc born and brought up. Referring then more especially to the individual, the writer urged the necessity for continence in the married life, for maintaining in every possible way the highest standard of health of body and mind, and for providing the most favourable circumstances for the training and educating of children, so that the foundations may lx* laid for building up the character in temperance and self-con-trol. The third paix*r, on “Women and Labour,” was read by Mils Roberts, who said that it was largely! taken from Olivo Schreiner's book on the same subject. She briefly traced how in the growth of civilisation woman's sphere of labour has gradually contracted, till with the introduction of machinery and the modern laboursaving appliances, fully three-quar-ters of woman’s work lias shrunk away. Taking examples from history, she pointed out that the natural result of this, with the accumulation of wealth and the removal of incentives to exertion, is decay and enervation, consequently discontent and a restless riving for something vague and undefined. This is the secret of women’s endeavour for self-culture, and their cry for justice in relation to the sexes. At the conclusion of tlic papers, several members spoke in terms of high appreciation cf them, and the meeting was closed with the Benediction. On Saturday evening an open-air meeting was Held at the Sievcwright Memorial. A large number <*i White Ribboncrs attended, and there *vas • 1 good crowd present, especially men and ixiys. Rev. F. W. Chatterton presided, and the meeting was address-

ed by Miss Powell, Miss Hoheits, awl Mrs 1 joe-Cowie. All held well the* attention of the* audience, making tolling points, and often exciting goodhumoured laughter. By apt nmcdotcs, and often quick repartee in answer to t Im* remarks and questions of t!u> bystanders, they pressed the claims of Total Abstinence, and urg< d tlie complete sweeping away ot tire Liquor Traffic at the forthcoming }hjll tor iiocal and National Prohibit’ n. The Convention Sermon was preached <hi Sunday evening; in the Anglican ('fiurch, I'aln'errton Hoad, by the Rev. Dawson Thomas. lie took for Ids subject “Marriage,” and sp; ke of confidence, comradeship, and sympathy that make an ideal marriage. He deplored the loss of home life that is so sad a feature of modern turn’s, and made an eloquent and touching appeal to fathers and mothers to teach tlu ir boys and girls the facts of life before allowing them to go out and face the temptations of f he world. The address was listened to with earnest attention by a large congregation, including almost every member ot the (.’onveiP'.on.

On Sunday evening, aftci the conclusion of the church sei vic es, a public meeting was held under the auspices <t t lie Ht.C.T.U. 111 the Sco sh Hall. The chair was occupied by .Mis A. It. Atkinson, and on the platform were also Mrs Don, .Mrs Lee Cow ie, \irs Kvans, and the Hev. Mr (L int. The first address was given by Mrs Kvans, who |M)intcd cut that our true* relationship to the* material wculd was neither tliat of thc> ascetic nor that of the sensualist, but that man is taught by the words and examine of t'hrist that the material is but the means, the instrument to he* used in building up character. The laws of justice* and brotherhood define our duty to one another, and forbid our doing or sii|>porting anything that will cause misery or degradation to others. Sim urged that oil these grounds all should do their utmost to old tin National Prohibition at the forthcoming poll. Mrs I**e-( owie reminded tin* audience that it was more imoortant to vote on both issue's, and try to obtain No-LicetiM foi h parate dial rief b, is well as National Prohibition, « s(M*cial 1 v seeing that, according to the present law, the latter will not take effect for four years after l>eiiig carried. .Mrs Don gave a brief but earnest address based on (bid’s command to Joshua not to .pare tin* Arnalekites and other tribes that were in possession of the* land, but to root them out Utterly, for if left, they would be "ricks in tho sides of the Israelites. S> the* lecturer urged her hearers to unite* next polling day and completely sweep away the Liquor Traffic.

flic* Darden Party, which had been postponed from Saturday on aecoiint of unfavourable weather. was held on Monday afternoon at tlie residence* of Mrs \V. Cooper, Wainui. The guests were conveyed to tile ground in brakes and motor-cars, and in the ab-

sc'lice of the* hostess, were received by her sister, Mrs Cuff. Afternoon tea was served outside, and a hand was in attendance, which contributed greatly to the* enjoyment of the* guests. Owing to the some vhat cold, stioug wind blowing, few cared to vent .ire on the b *ach, but a most enjoyable* ‘afternoon was spent in the* house and grounds. A telegram ot greeting was received (ion 1 .Mrs Cooper and her sister, Mrs (■a-kin, and the* guests, liefore their return to town, passed a very hearty \ te of thanks to their kind hostesses. On Monday, in the* old Presbyterian Church, l)r. Eli/.abth Dunn gave a private talk to women and girls. There was a good attendance, and all listened with the* greatest attention to the Doctor’s reverent explanation of the* facts of life, and her sound practiced advice to mothers on the- care and nurture* of their Indies, and the training (f t he* okler children. She gave much wholesome advice to girls to guide th«**ii in their conduc t, and show them bow to guard against the many temptations {hat surround them when they go out into the* world. The* address was listened to with intense interest, especially when the* lecturer, with earnest words, told what clear light on s* me of the deepest teachings of Christ had come to her from her professional experience with mothers and their infants. At the* close a hearty vote of flunks was passed to the* Doctor, and pledge cards were distributed, and several present promised to join the W.C.T.t\

On Tuesday afternoon the* members of the Convention were driven to the* Maori settlement at To Arai They were* received by Ladv Carroll and the other Maoris of the* settlement, including one venerable chieftain, the last leprerentative of those* raised t« their office by the* ancient Maori rites. Dr. Wire* pa acted as interpreter. Lady Carroll welcomed the visitors with true Ma li hospitality, expressing her pleasiire at seeing the* W.C.T.I’, women among her people. Suitable replies were made* by Me9clames Dmi, LeeCow ie*, Peryman, and Atkinson, ami Roberts, and the* members sang "All Bound the* World. I)r. Wirepa them addressed the* meeting, desciibing in clear, fluent English bow the Maori lias especial temptations in fighting intemperance, because he looks at moral questions fr< m a different point of view. To him it was nothing to steal a loot lace, and he* could not appreciate the* European idea that this was as much a crime as to steal a CoO note He referred to the fact that the* 11 an rot o Maori Council was the only one* that had obtained No-License by vote, and to the* splendid work of Mr (ic*orge Kirk, who had 1 unself engaged a lawyer to resist, and that successfully, the* effort made* to snatch away th.* victory. He appealed to the* pak ‘ha Temperance* party t> he!p the natives, and send someone to work among them and aid other Maori Councils to obtain Prohibition.

Rev. K. W. Chatterton also spoke a few words, and the visitors, after be-

iug right royally entertained at afternoon tea, sjieiit the remainder of the time in chat and in visiting tin* new Maori church, with its handsome* carving. On leaving, the* visitors gave thrc*e hearty cheers for their Maori entertainers.

Oil Tuesday evening, an entertainment, organised by tlie local l nioii, was given in the* Scottish Hall. A long and interesting progr mime was rendered, including songs, leeitations, whistling solo, pianoforte and violin solos, violin duct, and an amusing dialogue by two members of tin* local I nion. Every item was heartily applauded, and many encores were* called lor and responded to; and the* large audience*, winch included most ot tlie Convention members, evidently appreciated highly tin* excellent entertainment afforded them.

The last public meeting he ld m connection with the* Convention look place* oil Wednesday evening, and wa» well attended. Ihe first speaker was Alls L<*e-Cowie, who, through the courteous action of the l niou S.S. (0., m delaying the departure of the fakapuiia, was able to give half an hour’s addre ss on the words, “The Stars in their courses fought against Sisera I lie star* of mother love*, experience, ami commercial experience, she* said, had all risen, never to set, and were lighting against the modern Sisera ot tlie* Liquor Traffic. it was a drunkard’s wife that first began tins warfare, and thousands of w ithers, tor the* sake ot their children, had earned it on since. 1 lie* experience of such men as Nansen, Professor David, and Sir E. Shacklcton had proved that only total abstainers could stand the* intense* cold of Antarctic regions; and the* latter had stated Ins intention not to take a drop of alcohol e n Ins m xt expedition. In the business world it was recognised that commercial success could be attained only by means ot brains, and employers, acknowledging that alcohol was a brim poison, were insisting on their workmen being total abstainers. So Luther Burbank, the* greatest man in the agricultural world, declared that his delicate work required so steady a hand that lie* could not employ anyone who smoked or drank. Miss Powell spoke* on the Democratic \ ote, and dealt w ith some of the* objections raised to the Democratic Note* pledge. The Dare Majority wasmi re to conic* sooner or later, so the Temperance Party might as well get the* benefit ot it. Sonic* feared that it they signed the Democratic Y T ote pledge, they might have to vote for the party that were* putting the taxes on the land; but it was drink, and the crime and poverty, consequent thereon, that was keeping up the* taxes. With a sober people, it would lx* < asy enough to find the revenue. The total vote for Prohibition had never fluctuated, but gone steadily up. Surely it was not going to fall back now. The Bill to be considered in the coming session

proposal to a!tor the* wording on the voting paper for National Prohibition, but it would not alter the method ot voting, and they must still, on Ixitli pa I M*r s, “strike out the top lino” only. .Mrs Don said that a Deborah and Harak bad marched against Sintra, so wo must all tight tin* Trade, because it was supported by tho worst and most la/.y class ;it was an economic curst*; it put temptation in tho wax ot men, and it was an entirely evil business. The women of the W.C.T.I*. had lM*on working steadily lor years; they had striven to educate, to agitate, to legislate. Slowly but surely they had climbed. Now they had come to the last pinch. It only needed concerted action —“a strong pull, and a long pull*’—to get No-License for the Dominion.

Mrs \. It. Atkinson said we must use all the power we possessed, even to the remotest particle. It was surprising how many had neglected the No-License vote at 'lie last election, the consequence being that in spite of the splendid Prohibition vote, with a majority of nearly 55,000, not a single bar in any district had Im*cii clcscd. to those who D\i'ed there would not he stability of vote with the Hare Majority, she pointed out that experience in America proved otherwise, and reminded her lienors that a vote for righteousness was much stronger than a v te for evil, because of the moral force, the prayers, and love and sympathy, that lay behind it. She closed bv relating a pathetic incident that, at the time of the 'ast election, had brought home to her mo-t vividly what the three-filths majority really meann. \t the conclusion of the addresses there was a short initiatory service, when four m u members were admitted into the W.C.T.U.

Although the Convention f< rinally closed on Thursday afternoon, the members wen* unable to leave before Kridax evening, so Die Cook County Women's Guild took the opportunity, <ll Kriday afternoon, of entertaining the visitors. They were driven in brakes first to the “Hem Materoa Cnrlie,” a plain but roomy building recently erected close to the beach on two acres < t land presents by Lady ( anoil and two other native benefactors. In purpose is to provide a home f r destitute children, or for those whoso mothers are temporarily laid aside by sickness. Then* were in tin Home *2O children, some mere babies In arms, hut all looked healthy and h ippy, as indeed they should he In such a home, well managed and offering every advantage. hum here the party were taken to the Toxvnley Maternity Home. The land for this — two acres in Childers Hoad was given by the (Ji vernment, and the present up-to-date building was opened In April. 1910. He tween 300 and 400 babies had been born in the Home since its first establishment, and an 'tcresting fact xvas that both the 200tli and the 300th babies bad been fuil-b|onded Maoris. After inspecting

the Home and expressing their admiration at its spotless order a no' »manliness, tho party returned to town, and were entertaiiic 1 at afternoon tea at \Yoott< n’s. The Mayoress (Mrs Kirk) and Mrs West, President of the Cook County Women's (iuild, and Mrs A. Scott, the lion. Secretary, in welcoming the guests, referred briefly to the Guild's work in establishing the two Homes that had just been visited. A short pn gramme ot songs xvas gone tlir< ugh, and then Mrs Don, on Indtalf of the \\ C.T.U., thanked the Guild for their kind entertainment, and called tor three cheers, and after singing “Auld Lang Sync,” the gathering dispersed.