Thirty-Third Annual Convention OF THE N.Z. W.C.T.U

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 274, 18 April 1918, Page 2

Thirty-Third Annual Convention OF THE N.Z. W.C.T.U

Held in Wesley Hall, Timaru, March 14th to 21st, 1918.

(Abridg2d.) Convention opened with devotions, conducted by President, who lead from Ephesians vi. Roll-call 75, including' 12 “V” delegates. Members of Coivention. Dominion Officers. s Don, President; Mrs Crabb, Vice-President at large; Miss Henderson, Corresponding Secretar;. ; Mrs Evans, Recording Secretary; Mrs Peryman, Kditor, “White Ribbon ; Miss Powell, Dominion Organiser; Mrs Lee-Cowie, World’s Missionary ir,d Dominion Superintendent for ».d Arbitration; Mrs Walker, Maori Organising Treasurer. District Presidents.—Mrs (iode, Gisborne; Mrs Venables, Napier ; Mrs Watson, Nelson; Mrs Gaskin, Grevniouth ; Mrs Rule, Timaru; Mrs I. ill. Ashburton; Mrs lliett, Dunedn; Mr*. Moulder, Wellington. District Secretaries.- Mrs Taylor, Nuikl.md ; Mrs Chellew, Nap rr; Mrs I'pton, Wanganui; Mrs Hills, Palmerston North; Mrs Keene, Wellington; Mrs Day, ChrNtc liurch ; Miss W illiamson, Dunedin. District Treasurers Miss Taunt, \‘w Plymouth; Mrs A. Prawn, Nelson; Mrs Paterson, Christchurch; Mrs Young, Dunedin; Mrs Brown, Ashburton. Superintendents of Departments.— Mrs J. W right, Evangelistic; Mrs Neal, 1..T.1.. and Medical Temperance; Mrs Judson, Good Citizenship and Peace and Arbitration* Mrs M<Donald, Home Science; Miss M icarthy, Moral and Social Hygiene; Miss Maunder, Scientific Temperance; Sister Nfoodv Bell, Prison and Reformatory Work. Delegate s. Mrs IVrritt, Auckland; Mrs Noda, Otainatea; Mrs Martindale, Hastings; Mrs Jemison, N’ga**re; Mrs Scott, Normanby; Mrs Bartlett, Marton • Mrs Bridge. Keildini* r ; Mrs Rowlands and Mrs Kensington, Palmerston North; Mrs Brown and Mrs Mountier, Wellington; Mrs Mouther, Grey town; Mrs Miller, Masterton *, Mrs Hope, Petone; Mrs Field and Mrs Moves, Nelson; Mrs Richards, Blenheim; Mrs Saxton. Miss Gordon, and Miss Roberts, Christchurch; Mrs Hall, New Brighton; Mrs \ipiiembereer, Oxford; Miss Watson, Ashburton; Mrs Hopwood, Kakaia; Mrs Trott, Timaru; Mrs l)riv“r and Mrs Kirkland. Dunedin; Mrs Fawcett, Kaikorai ; Mrs Peart. N K. Valiev; Mrs lohnstone, Port Chalmers; Mrs Tiffany, Sawyer’s Bay; Mrs Fairbairn, Invercargill South; Mrs Stewart, W’aimate. “Y” Delegates. Miss Patterson, Auckland; Mrs Hot trill, Auckland;

Miss Wright, Avondale; Miss Gilmour, Ajanioho; Miss Murray, Wanganui; Miss Crabb and Miss Row lands, Palmerston North; Miss Hayes, Nelson; Miss Phillips, Wellington; Miss Oakley, Ashburton; .Miss Water man, Oxford; Miss McKenzie, Port Chalmers. Minutes of last meeting (il7) read and confirmed. Vote of symp ithy to Dominion Treasurer, absent through indisposition. Apjiointments made for Committee of Courtesies, Mesdames Cave and Irvine; Convention Letter Writer. Sister Moody Bell; Messenger for Mails, Miss Patterson; and for Press Reporters. Notice given for appointment of Resolutions Committee. Proxies appointed for 10 l nions; and for five others at later times in the Convention. Greetings received from Avondale “Y’s,” Wanganui Central, Hamilton. Invercargill, Warkworth, Auckland “Y’s,” Masterton, Wanganui “V s,’ also by letter from Miss Anna Gordon, Mrs Barry (World’s Superinten dent Penal and Reformatory Work), and Miss Harriett Newcomb. Corresponding Secretary read her report, showing total number of financial members as 4327, an increas** on last year of f>XX; also 507 “V members in 11 branc hes, 6 being new during the year, and also Maori members. Rc*|>ort adopted. Noontide devotions (Mrs lliett). Treasurer’s report and balancesheet, read by Mrs Peryman, showing total revenue, /402 14s 3d ; total expenditu/e, /313 15s id, leaving credit balance of £l l4 bs fid. Number of financial members, including “V s,’’ 4,834. In Banner Contest, Ashburton scores complete victory, winning both banners, with actual increase of members c>7, percentage of increase 202 per cent. Unions next in ord*r, Auckland, Dunedin, Onehunga, Dan nevirke, Norsewood. Organising Treasurer’s report show ed receipts, >£lXs >s $d ; expenditure, /j 30 lbs 7d, leaving a credit balanc* of /IX4 4s 7d. Accounts and bal tnce she°t had been audited by Mr G. Plummer, to whom the thanks of Convention are due. President referred to lamented death of the late Dr Bedford, and expressed deep and sincere sympathy with Mrs Bedford. Resolved a Bo to s**nd a letter of sympathy to Mrs Bedford, Senior, in South Africa. The following vote was parsed, on the motion of Miss Roberts We, the members of the W.C.T.IL, in Convention assembled, desire to lilace on record our profound sorrow for the death of Dr Bedford, and our deep appreciation of the work he has done for all moral reforms, especially in the cause of Temperance. The campaign for the abolition of the drink traffic in this country owes much to Dr Bedford’s able advocacy and bril liant oratory. W’e thank God that a life so r < h lv endowed with rare ability, high courage, energy and enthusiasm was dedicated to th** service of God and

humanity, and we rejoice to know that the g.ite of death was for him but the entrant e to fuller life and higher service. We tender to his wife and children our loving symnpathv in their bereavement. President, on behalf of Convention, expressed dc’p and loving sympathy with all who had suffered bereavement during the past year through the war, but asked that no request should be made for letters to be sent, ex< ept in very exceptional cases. Thursday Afternoon. Devotions (Sister Moody Bell and Mrs Crabb). Roll-call, «> 1. Minutes read and confirmed. Organiser’s report read, showing a good deal of ground covered, and several new branches formed, in spite of Miss Powell’s accident, and various other difficulties. Notice of motion brought up by Miss Powell to define title of first Vice President. Motion passed with amendment, that title be* Chief VicePresident. Notice of motion brought up by Mrs Crabb to allow l nions that are unable to send delegates from their own me mb“rs to < hoose some member of tlir W'.C.T.C , resident in their own district. Motion carried. President delivered her address, a r.'j) d su:v<\ of progress made during the* past year. R“ec ived and adopted, with grr t appreciation of its value. Greetings received from South Invercargill. Normanby, Blenheim, Stratford, Sawyer’s Bay, and from Miss E. Sorley, of Palmerston North. Repcrts considered and adopted: Evangelistic and Home Meetings, Narcotics, Educational Bureau, Notable Days, Scientific Temperance. FRIDAY MORNING. Devotions (Mrs C’owie and Mrs J. Wright). Roll call. Sc j. Minutes read and confirmed. Recommendations of Executive brought forw ml, dea'in" with scheme for campaign for iqid. Presidert outlined her plan, and after iong (’is cession in Committee, following resolutions passed: (1) That w° immediately start a < ampaign to sec lire success at the next Licensing Poll. (2) T lat in order to do this, we press into service as many suitable women as we can secure to travel for some tine previous to the poll to hold afternoon and evening meetings; the object being to educate the electors and wir votes for Dominion Prohibition. Noontide pravers (Mrs Peryman and Mrs Lill). Discussion interrupted bv luncheon adjourr mrnt. Friday Afternoon. Devotions (Miss Powell). Roll call. ()i. Minutes read and confirmed. Members attending Convention for ;.me. 2X in number. Crngratul itions to Miss Maunder attending this her 21st Convention consecutively; also to Miss Pow-ell on having missed only one in last 22 years.

Greetings from Wellington District, Wanganui East, Palmerston Y’s, and Mrs Maria Webb, of Ormondville. Rev. J. Dawson and .Mrs Dawson attended Convention, and were welcomed by President. Mr Dawson brought greeting from N.Z. Alliann and the Temperance part\ throughout New Zealand, and addressed ( onv'en tion at some length on the position of the fight against linuor in the Dominion and elsewhere. President briefly replied. Letter and apology, greetings and good wishes from Mrs Bendely. Resolved to s»‘nd a letter of thanks to the Railway Commissioner for having put a ladies’ carriage on the Main Trunk railway. Discussion on scheme for hjiß < tm paign then resumed, and resolution ; carried as follows: (}) That each District Union be ex pected to organise and carry ctn work in its own district, as well as ar range for rec eiving these lecturers and making th»* campaign effective. Members of Convention then invited to make suggestions, these to form basis of resolutions. Session adjourned in usual way. SATURDAY MORNINC, MARCH 1 . Devotions (Mrs J. Wright and Mrs Keene). Roll call, 84. Minutes read and confirmed. Greetings from Ashburton and Ne w Plymouth. Letter read from Mrs Mary Lovell to Mrs Neal, dealing with war conditions in America, and urging attention to humane education as b' st method of checking war spirit. Reports Adopted: Maori. Mrs W.d ker submitted balance-sheet of Maori Organising Fund, showing balance* last year j£()8 4s 4d, total rec eipts 16s id, expenriture £2l) 8s Sd, leaving balance of ,£B2 7s sd. Accounts audited by Mr D. Morice, to whom thanks due from Convention. Maori Organiser still not found. Superinten dent suggested appointment of local superintendents, who might visit Maori members and get in their sub scriptions, and distribute Maori leaflets. Work Among Seamen. Resolved to send letter of thanks and appree iation to Mrs Nimmo and her husband foi splendid work they had done in connection with the mine sweepers’ of fort. Resolved that as the* need for warm «lothing for the mine-sweepers is still insistent, a second campaign be* inaugurated, and to this end the Dominion Union shall register as patri otic war worker Cood Citizenship. Unions urged to take united action for reform of pic. ture entertainments for children. See below for resolutions on this subject. Y s and Medal Contests. Bible In-Schools and Sabbath Ob strvance. Prison and Reformatory Work. Reference made to improved methods in the model prison in Invercargill, and to the women’s prison in Addington. Session closed shortly after noon with noontide devotions.

MONDAY MORNINC. MARCH 18th. Intercessory service (Sister MoodyHell) Roll call, 88. Minutes read and confirmed. Vote of thanks and appreciation passed to Rev. T. Stinson for inspiring service and excellent sermon on Sunday evening. Miss Powell announced that 52 new members, including 7 gentlemen, had been initiated at the great Temperance rally on Sunday evening. Greetings from N.K. Valley also from Australasian W.C.T.U., through Mrs Carbosso, who wrote hoping a New Zealand representative might attend the* Triennial Conference in Perth in September, iqiß. Letters of sympathy sent to several old members of the Union, Mrs Fulton, Mrs Webb of Ormondville, Vis ( rump of Nelson, Mrs Dewar Auckland, Mrs Blackwell, Miss Trevurza, of Ashburton, Mrs Mason (Gre\mouth). “White Ribbon’ Editor presented her report, 2625 subscribers, increase of 410 on last year. In spite of /j;> increase 111 cost, year ended with credit balance of £i) 15s 3d. There woulc* be further increase in cost of printing of £l7 for ensuing year, therefore Unions must again make siiecial effort for new subscribers. Balance-sheet showed total receipts, including balance from last year £-15" 1 c>s 6d, total expenditure £340 14s td, leaving credit balance of £,<) ibs 3d. Warm appreciation of Editor’s work expressed by many members, and report was adopted. Vote of thanks passed to Kditor and Associate Editor. Mrs ilvins again nominated as Associate Editoi. Usual honorarium, /2s. voted to Editor, also telephone charges for use of Editor and Business Manager. Usual vote of £2 s for printing Convention number passed. Noontide devotions. Continuation of intercessory service. Report of Cradle Roll, L.T.L., and Band of Mercy adopted. Lunch adjournment. Monday Afternoon. Devotions, conducted by the Vs. Roll call, 87. Minutes read and confirmed. Decided that Convention should march in procession to and from lunch at Caroline Bay the next day, and also to public meeting in evening. (Heavy rain prevented this being carried out.) Report given re picture slides for exhibition at cinema entertainments; cost £2 per month, for two slides shown twice each evening, for eng igement made for eight months for, say, eight chief centres, charge correspondingly much less.—Matter left in hands of Executive. Reports.— Medical Temperance.— Adopted. Moral and Social Hygiene— Report adopted. Afternoon mostly taken up with di srussion of question of Venereal Disease. Manifesto brought forward bv Christchurch Union, dealing with treatment of venereal disease, opposing compulsory measures and use of prophylactics, with reasons for opposi-

tion, suggesting other remedies as farm colonies, free clinics, total abolition of drink, and education of boys and girls in sex hygiene. (As copies of this manifesto were distributee! among delegates, it is not reprinted here.) Manifesto adopted, with addition: “That State regulation necessitates the supply of girls being kept up by the White Slave Traffic.” Resolved, on motion of Mrs LeeCow ie: “That this Convention of representative women of the W.C.T.U. of the Dominion of N**w Zealand express their utter abhorrence of the rffronten of Miss Ettic Rout in implying that our New Zeal md boys must be supplied with remedies to make wrong-doing safe, and sin easy. We contend that we s“nd our sons to fight for purity and righteousness, and wv utterly discountenance everything that slackens moral fibre and vlf-control, and place on record our emphatic repudiation of prophylactics and th'.* woman who advoc ates them.” Resolved, on motion of Miss Roberts. T his Convention notes that the* Minister for Public Health recently drew attention to what he rightly characterised as a “most appalling matter,” viz., the question of illegitimacy, and called on the women of the country to assist in checking it. lie* gave the* figures for 5 years up to and including icjis, as follows; Age of Mother. Total for 5 Years. 1 3 4 1 l 20 * 5 57 16 Mi 17 260 18 370 IQ 430 20 407 21 383 Total 2071 This Convention draws attention to the large* increase in the numlvr of illegitimate births after the age* of Ift years, and holds that the women of this country are practically powerless in the matter of checking this evil so long as th° Government refuses or neglects to pass measures for the better protection of our voutig women and children. We thcrefoie urge* the Government once again, as we have urged for rears, to pass legislation providing : (1) For the raising of the* age of consent from 16 to 2i rears. (2) For the extension of the time limit in which information can be laid for criminal assault. (3) For the abolition of the power of accused to pDad belief in the* girl’s attainment of the ag** of consent as a palliation of an offence against her puritv while under that age. Resolved, on the motion of Miss Henderson : This Convention protests most emphatically against the inadequacy of the sentence passed by the Dunedin Magistrate upon the man F.bzery, who was convicted of keeping a disorderly house and of enticing young girls thereto. The* Convention places on record its sense of indignation with the feeble state of the* law dealing with such offences. That a

procurer should apparently be liable to at most a sentence of 12 months only is, in the judgment of this Convention, nothing short of a legal scandal, and in view of thee unutterable wrong procurers inflict upon their victims, and the shameful issue of venereal diseases in those allured through the devices of the procurer, the Convention urges the Government to increase the penaltv, and make it at least equivalent to the penalties attached to the comparatively innocuous crimes of forgery, arson, and assault. Further, since the Magistral" stated that the reason for imposing a sentence of i i months onlv was that the full sentence would rendei the man ineligible for military service, the Union strongly protests against the possibility’ of such a man being allowed to disgrace the King's uniform and to contaminate the young soldiers with whom he might be brought into (on tact. Session dosed in usual way. TUESDAY MORNINC, MARCH 19th. Devotions (Miss Maunder and Mrs J. Y\ i ight). The President once more begged delegates to t:>ke note that membership fees and all other moneys coming to the Union Treasury in the ordinary course belong to the Union, and cannot be diverted from l nion purposes. Roll call, 77. Minutes read and confirmed. Agenda altered, and report of ‘‘Strength of the Nation” movement taken at once. Balance-sheet submitted, showing deficit of £ 2 B 13s lod, which had been paid by the Organiser, Mrs Cow it*. Resolved that Unions would voluntarily make up this sum, and following resolution carried with enthusiasm: That Convention desires to place on record its hearty appreciation of the untiring energy and great efforts of Mrs Lee-Cowie during her year’s campaign as Organiser of the “Strength of the Nation” movement. Report adopted. Re referencee in “Mercantile Gazette” to waste of foodstuffs, following resolution was carried: That delegates be asked to call the attention of their local editors to an article in the ‘ Mercantile Gazette” of March 13th, with a view of getting it inserted in their papers. This article comments upon the waste of baric) and sugar in Britain in the manufacture of beer, and shows that while every one is rationed for food, there is no rationing of beer, which is made from food materials. Attention is also to be drawn to the fact that spirits imported into our Dominion are made from the food needed for the hungry thousands at Home. Resolved also that cable should be sent to Imperial Government, and letter to New Zealand Parliament, protesting against importation of liquor into New Zealand from Britain, where conservation of foodstuffs is so urgently demanded. Plans of Campaign. — Miss Henderson moved: (1) That an Organiser be appointed for each province, such Organiser »o be employed by the Dominion Exccu-

tive, but to work under the control of the Provincial Executive. Noontide devotions (Mrs Peart and Mrs Hail). Discussion continued till luncheon adjournment, and resolution was carried by large majority. Session closed in usual way. Tuesday Afternoon, March 19th. Devotions (Mrs Walker). Appeal for funds for N.Z. Treasury, including donations to the “Strength of the Nation” account. Sum of £55 promised. Roll call, Si. Minutes read and confirmed. Vote of thanks to Mrs Withall for her generous entertainment at the Garden Party on Saturday, and resolved to present her with framed photo, of the Garden Party. (ireetings from Auckland District Union. Letter read from Mrs Bedford in ansyver to resolution of sympathy’. Plans of Campaign (« out inued). - Miss Henderson moved: (2) That a Travelling Secretary he appointed to collec 1 annual and otlv°r subscriptions tor a fund to be used for organising and campaign purposes, such fund to he administered bv the* Dominion Executive. Carried. (0 That the Travelling Secretary and the Provinc'»l Organisers be paid suc h a s dary as will obviate the necessity of asking for hospitality.—Carried. Executive recommended appointment of Miss Weymouth as Travelling Secretary. Testimony' given to her ability and success as a collector by thov who had iHTsonal experience of her work, and recommendation unanimously carried. Miss Weymouth briefly responded. Tier duties to begin after she had had a month’s holiday, or more if needed. Resolved that if our advertisements arc' refuse.d bv the picture managers, th" Executive be asked to enter a strong protest against liquor advertisements being displayed on picture screens, and to call uixui the I nions to take up the matter in their own districts. Resolutions (from Resolutions Committee).— 1. Having heard yvith dismay of th" continued large importation of liquor into New Zealand, yve earnestly appeal to every patriot to refuse to allow such importations on the following grounds:— (1) Every gallon of whisky' has been manufactured by the' destruction of grain in the United Kingdom, where such grain is absolutely required for the food supplies of hungry women and children.. (2) The shiiwng space occupied by the cases and barrels is required bv merchants for essential materials needed in New Zealand. (3) When everv penny is needed to yyin tlv*' war, this shameful yvaste of men, money, and material is deserving of every patriot’s condemnation. —Carried. 2. Since an investigation iust concluded by the American Episcopal

Church reveals the fact that at least 840 American daily papers are now utterly declining liquor advertisements —an increase of 120 papers in one year—and that there are f»4 American magazines, including all the best, that are pursuing the same policy, this Convention resolves to call upon the managers of the New Zealand papers, and particularly thus*' in No-I.icense districts, to adopt the* same restrictive measures.—Carried. V That a letter be sent to the lion. Lloyd George asking for the abolition of the' wet canteen in the military camps where New Zealand soldiers are in training.- Carried. 4 That a protest be sent to the Minister of Railways and to the General Manager against the display of liquor advertisements on railway platforms in No-License cbstricts, and the request he made that for the fu--1111 c* such advertisements be not permitted. —Carried. >. That this Convention of the W.C.T.U. heartily supports the effort noyy being made to secure the* adoption of the system of open-air schools. Resolved, on motion of Mrs Sheppard: That Convention strongly recommends that Unions appointing delegates should, with the fewest executions possible, leave them free, after hearing a full discussion, to speak and vote on the various subjects brought fonvard. This should also apply to “proxy” delegates. Resolutions dealing with cinema entertainments for children. Moved by Miss Macarthy: This Convention is of opinion that: (1) It is in the best interests of children that cinema performances of a wholesome and varied tv|>e, suitable to the child mind, be given on Saturdays and in school vacations. (2) That the suggestion of model programmes for children’s performances yvould be most usefully undertaken by representatives- of Educa tional Bodies in co-operation with the Picture Managers. (3) That since the eyesight of c hildren is liable to injury by cinema attendances, their distance from the screen should be properly regulated, and that explanatory interludes should be given to lessen any strain. This Convention also urges: (a.) That the employment of c hildren in the picture theatres should be prohibited. (b.) That the theatres should be better lighted. (c.) That the better ventilation of th°se theatres is wry desirable. Branch Unions are urged to bring the question of better lighting under the notice of the municipal bodies. Convention further urges that two women, to be nominated by representative women’s societies, be associated with the censor of picture films. — Carried. Sister Moodv-Bell moved: That this Convention re-affirms the earnest protest of last year against the opening of pic lire palaces on Sunday evenings in several parts of the Dominion, where this practice is the source of moral injury to the com-

munity, and is disastrous to the welfare of the children.—Carried. Resolved that Miss Ruth Atkinson be asked to represent New Zealand .it the Triennial Confere e of the British Overseas Dominions Suffrage Cnion, to be held at London in I line, IQIS* Resolved that /jo should be voted to President from X.Z. Treasury to meet incidental expenses, as telephone bureau charges, etc. Resolved that the Corresponding •Secretary be provided wih a telephone, cost to be borne bv N /.. Trrasurv. Recommendations of Executive rc Life Membership in the W.C.T.U. adopted as follow : (1) That life membership in the N.Z. National Union be granted on payment of £$ to the National Fund. (2) That any member of the W.C.T.U., on donating the sum of £2O or more to a local Union, will become a life member of the local Union, and a Dominion life member provided that: (a.) Five pounds of thr sum be handel to the N.Z. Treasury. (b.) A special badge, ail each designed (cost /1), be presented to the donor. (c.) The balance of the money, after paving for the badge, be retained for the use of the local Union. (0 That gentlemen honorary Members may become honorary Dominion life members on payment of Z. 5 or more to the N.Z. Treasury. (4) That the life membership to I be printed each year in the Convei tion number. Session closed as usual. WEDNESDAY MORNINC, MAPCH 20th. Devotions. Favourite hvmns. (Mrs Judson and Miss Powell). Roll call, 88. Minutes read and (onfirmed. Collection at Tuesday evening s meeting, £3 10s; also donation of £1 from Mr Parata to N.Z. Treasury. Sub-Corn mittre (Mrs Peryman, Mrs Kvans, and Miss Henderson) appointed to prepare examination syllabus for young women training for Organisers, syllabus to be published in ‘‘Unite Ribbon.” if possible in May number. Sub-Committee (Mrs Bcndcß and Mrs Kvans) appointed to consider scheme for Old Age Pensions t"t paid workers of the Union. Both SubCommittees to report at next Convention. Special Patriotic Fffort for 1918. Kxecutive recommended Y.M.C.A. hutment for the Front or help for Y.M.C.A. street patrol work in London. After discussion, it was carried : That /1000 be collected bv the W.C.T.uT, to be administered bv the Y.M.C.A., for a hutment for the use of soldiers at the Front, h hutment to be called the “N.Z. White Ribbon ers’ Hut,” and that any surplus money be devoted to the Y.M.C.A. street patrol work in London.

Reports. Legal and Parliamentary discussed and idopted. Resolved th.it a letter of thanks and appreciation be sent from Convention to l)r. Newman and those members who supported him in blocking the compulsory clauses of the Social Hygiene Bill. Suggested that if possible a Conference of Women Workers should be held in Wellington before Parliament meets, so that a common platform might be drawn up. Mrs Sheppard moved the following : That tr*' consideration of the Government be asked for the following statement: — That the general, social, economic, and moral aspects of government afwomen equally with men. That certain functions of government, such as ’hose associated with Hygiene, Social Purity, Neglected Children, Guardianship of Children, Orphanages, Kducation, and others, have a special interest for mothers and other women. That the Parliament of 1893, in denying women the right possessed by every male elec tor of whatever nation ality, namely, the* right to represent an electorate, not only deprived them of the full benefit of the franchise, but also deprived the* electorates of a right previously enjoyed, that is to s.iy, the right of a free choice of a representative. That the modern trend of Democratic Government has been towards giving the freest and fullest right to every citizen. That bv reason of there being no women in Parliament to represent their sex, repeated requests for women Justices of the* Peace, equal pay for equal work, women jurors, women police, the* equal co-guardianship of children, the raising of the age of consent, the be tter protection of our voung women and children, and many other reforms, have been ignored or refused by the Government of the day. That the* Government be asked whether it will cause such an alteration in the law as will give electorates the right to elect a woman representative to Parliament. That the Legal and Parliamentary Superintendent should request each Branch Union of the W.C.T.U. to forward to its member of Parliament a copy of these statements and resolutions, and ask whether such M.P. will support this alteration in the law. Carried. Noomid** devotions (Mrs Bardslev). The* President apologised to Airs K\ncto» Parkes and Miss Roberts for omission of a vote of thanks at the* public meeting the previous evening. A hearty vote: of thanks was passed by Convention to these ladies for their valuable addresses and paper. Mrs Parkes responded, and offered to help Unions by drawing-room meetings, or in any other way possible, during her stay in New Zealand. Report on Anti-gambling adopted. Session c losed as usual.

Wednesday Afternoon. Devotions (Mrs Hills). Roll call, 87. Official autograph book brought forward for signatures. Minutes read and confirmed. Greetings from Rakaia and from officers of Order of Kechabites in Auckland. Resolutions from Resolution: C"in mittcc: 6. Convention urges that any amend ment of the nationality laws of the Umpire should include, in those parts of the British Umpire where suc h amendment is necessarv, the* grant to women of the right to ret; in their British nationality on marriage with an alien, a right enjoyed by them under the laws of the* 1 nited Kingdom until 1870. It calls on Government to introduce* a measure to provide that a woman shall not, on marriage with an alien, be* deprived of hc*r nationality against her will, but that she shall be given the' same choice of nationality as a man ; and further, recognising the* desirability and importance of securing Imperial uniformity of policy and action, it urges the Government to instruct its delegates to the next Imperial Conference to vote in favour of recommending the adoption of similar laws throughout the Empire.—Carried. Dn motion of Mrs field, resolution passed at last Dominion Convention re he alth cert ifie ate before man was rescinded. Mrs Field then moved the following ’ —l hat the time has arrived "hen, in order to promote public health, all men and women should produce a certificate of health from a doctor before a marriage certificate can be issued. In the event of one of the parties to an intended marriage refusing to fulfil his or her engagement because of flic* refusal of the other to produce* the health certificate, no action for breach of promise shall lie. —Carried. Mrs fudson moved the following : Seeing that our boys arc* now fighting for liberty, justice, and righteous ness, we, the women of the \Y C.T.U., desire that our Union shall stand for liberty of conscience for every man who truly bases his life* and action on the supremacy of conscience, and we pray that the Government shall so amend the military regulations as to secure to all the liberty which is the birthright of every man and woman in a free country. After some discussion, the follow ing amendment was carried:—That no resolution on the* conscientious objectors be passed by this Convention of the W.C.T.U. Miss Macarthy moved: That in view of the fact that much unnecessary suffering is caused bv the* want of special mental hospitals for temporary and mild cases of mental derangement, this Convention urge the establishment, in each of the* main centres, of suit able* hospitals for such rases. In support of this request, we would point out that among th*' soldiers who are returning invalided there is a proportion of mental cases

of a temporary nature, which should not be treated in the ordinary mental hospitals. Miss Roberts moved: That a Dominion library of reference books be established for the use of officers and superintendents; and that Miss Macarthy be appointed Librarian, and act with Mrs Field and Mrs Peryman as a Committee of Selection —Carried. Names of books suitable for such a Library to be sent in to any one of the Committee, and request made for donations of books. , Resolved that a portion, £2, of the balance in the Purity Department be used to procure books, and that this be subsidised by tlie N.Z. Treasury to the amount of £3. , Resolutions from Resolutions Committee. — . „ 7. That this Convention re-affirms its request that all official women visitors to prisons and reformatories he iriven the status and powers of lustices of the Peace.—Carried. 8. That the Unions be urged to Rive more attention this year to the Department of Narcotics, especially in the direction of instructing vounp people of both sexes in the harmful effects ot tobacco. —Carried. <) That in the interests of the community and the hotter observance of the Lord’s Day, this Convention calls attention to the growing evil of Sunday trading, and asks that the present incomplete, vague, and unsatisfactory jaw relating thereto be amended by Parliament, so as to meet the case more adequately and prevent what is so much to be deplored in the interests of the young people of our land Carried. io. As it is quite evident from the sentences inflicted, that the law regards a criminal assault against a boy as a greater offence than one committed against a girl, this Convention most indignantly protests against jaws which imply an unequal standard of morality; a criminal assault upon a girl of tender years should be regarded as an unnatural offence equally with a similar assault upon a bov. The Convention further expresses its strong conviction that as long as such distinctions are made, there will be no diminution of the social evil. Carried. it. A recommendation having been made bv the National Efficiency Board that weekly lessons should be given in all the public schools on the historv of the Empire and our duty to it, with a view to inculcating in the minds of the children a patriotic and national spirit, this Convention of the W.C.T.U. would respectfully suggest to the Minister of Education that such lessons should have a wider international hearing, cultivating a sense of their responsibilities and appreciation of their privileges, not only as citizens of the Empire, hut as members of that wider community of which every nation is but one small part —Carried. The “White Ribbon” Editor was requested to bring the Constitution up-to-date. Session closed in ordinary way.

THURSDAY MORNINC, MARCH 2lßt. Devotions (Mrs Hiett). Roll call, 87. Minutes read and confirmed. Greetings from Oxford and Hamilton East. Reports. Peace and Arbitration, Literature, Home Science, adopted after discussion. Press, Backblocks, Military Camps, Flower Mission and Relief Work. Rest and Refreshment Booths, adopted without discussion. Resolutions Re affirmed. See “White Ribbon,” April, 1017, p. 5Election of Officers Mrs Peryman and Mrs Young appointed 'Fellers. All the present officers were unanimously re-elected for the third consecutive vear, and responded suitably. Mrs Crabb nominated as Chief VicePresident. Letter read from Miss Newcomb enclosing resolution from the Provincial Equal Franchise Board of Saskatche wan, and following resolution passed in connection therewith: — Be it resolved that r, members of the N.Z. W.C.T.l 1 ., in Convention assembled, do hereby appeal to all the women of our country to continue with us in prayer and strenuous effort to secure the complete prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of all intoxicating drink for beverage purposes, and we urge this appeal more especially in view of the fact that so many important countries, recognising th' 1 evil effects, moral, physical, and financial, of the trade in liquor, have restricted the traffic or banished it from their midst. Whatever the cost and sacrifice entailed upon the world by the war, it will be worth while if thereby the universal overthrow of the liquor traffic be obtained. In connection with a letter iust received from Secretary of N.Z. Educational Institute, it was resolved: That this Convention urge upon the Na tional Government the necessity of making provision, without delay, for improvements and extensions in the education system of the Dominion. Corresponding Secretary requested to send to Mrs Bendelv the news of her re-election, and to express the Union’s appreciation of the way in which she has kept on her office in spite of ill-health. Presid°nt announced that Mrs Cowie had consented to act as Provincial Organiser for Otago, and to take two young members to train in organising work: also that Mrs Napier had consented to act as Dominion Y Organiser whilst remaining in the Dominion. Noontide devotions (Mrs Patterson). Notices of Motion 1) By Mrs Peryman: That as Unions may now choose as th*ur delegate anv member in their own district. Article lIE of the Constitution be amended bv deleting the words “No proxy shall be appointed. etc.,” to the end. (2) Bv Miss Macarthy: That Article IV. be amended bv inserting after the words “Editor and Business Manager of the ‘W hite Ribbon* " the words, ‘■'and Superintendents of not less than

4 nor more than 6 Departments to be selected by the Executive.” The N.Z. Superintendents were elected. (See page 21.) A hearty vote of thanks accorded to Miss M.iunder for long and faithful services rendered as N.Z. Superintendent of Scientific Temperance. Resolved: That Unions should make 1 returns of members next year —(1) number of financial members, (2) number of members whose subscriptions were only one year behind, (3) numbei of members on complete roll. Ashburton Union representatives invited on platform. Banners presented, with congratulations. At .in earlier session, Mrs Lill was presented with the life membership badge; also a badge entrusted to her for Mrs Ferriman, tlm first IT minion I ife member, and now she a a given the badge for Mr Ferriman, the first Dominion Honorary Life Member. Session closed with lcmperancc Doxology. Thursday Afternoon. Devotions (Mrs Fairbairn and Mrs I I San)}. Greetings from Eden Branch. Mrs Young was elected National Treasurer for the Y.M.C.A. hutment patriotic effort. Mrs Peryman appealed to all Unions to get again 6 new subscribers for the • \\ bite Ribbon.” Resolved that /to extra be paid as honorarium to the “White Ribbon’ Editor. Invitations for next Convention from Palmerston North and from Napier. Resolved to accept Napier. Resolved that charges of conveying Challenge Banner from Auckland to Convention he paid bv N.Z. Treasury, hut this not to form a precedent. Roll call, 7q. Minutes read and confirmed. Votes of thanks passed as follows: To entertaining Union and hosts and hostesses. To the Auditors, Mr G. Plummer and Mr I). Morice. To the Press. To those who had provided afternoon tea. To the Trust*»:: of Wesley Church for use of Wesley Hall. To the Unions who lent copies of hymn hooks. To the V delegates for making copies of report. Resolved that this Convention desires to express its appreciation of the ability shown bv the officers of the Timaru Union in organising, and for their thoroughness in carrying out, every detail in connection with its sessions; and desires to thank M:s Rule and her colleague, Mrs Cave, for their untiring zeal and unfailing kindness, which helped to make the annual gathering so successful. An Initiatory Service was held, and then Convention closed with singing flvmn 11 (“Another Year is Dawning”). and the Aaronic Blessing and Benediction pronounced by the President.

PRESIDENT S ADDRESS.

My Dear Comrades, — No longer tan it be said that New Zealand stands alone in her notoriety of having done nothing drastic or effective in the fight with the 1 hiu«• i traffic, for one of the most notable events of n>l7 was the decision of Parliament to curtail the sale of alcohol by cutting oil forty-two hours per week, the bars to be opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 0 p m. Our lust note of praise shall be “Kbem zer, hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Various causes have contributed to make Parliament at last hec d the people and legislate against the Trade, outstanding among them being the petition of 177,000 electors, the public meetings held all over the Dominion, the business men’s movement, and the* free distribution of Arthur Mee’s powerful little* books, “Defeat or Victory,” and “The Fiddlers.” Then there was the recommendation of the* Efficiency Board, and the* influence of some of our secular papers, especialh that of the Dunedin “Star.” Among the religious publications, ‘“The Outlook” stands pre-eminent. Last there was the work of out ITiions. Though the Convention last year decided to concentrate on working for the larger issue of Total Prohibition, this did not prevent our White Kibboners from working for the curtailment of the Traffic in the meantime, and societies were mapped into districts and systematically canvassed for signatures. Church services, public meetings, and the busier streets were used for the same purpose, while the* effectual fervent prayer of the righteous permeated the whole. Six o’cloc k closing is indeed a striking victory, but it only means that we have won another great battle on the way to final victory, and we must regard it as but a step toward Total Prohibition. Though the restriction has only been in force three months, testimonies as to the benefits are daily piling up, among them the facts that not a single arrest was made for drunkenness in Christchurch on Christmas F.ve; that early in the year a Dunedin baker received an unexpected instalment of a long standing debt from the mother of a young family who had to work hard to supplement her meagre income. Making the payment she said that since her husband spent his evenings at home, she had the benefit of his full weekly wage, and not a portion as heretofore. That a retired merchant, living on the profits of strong drink, when asked about six o’clock closing said “it was the best piece of legislatioi the Government had passed for twenty vears.” That another merchant in the same city said he never was in favour of any interference with the licensed bar, but seeing the benefits of early <io cing, he would gladly vote for Prohibition as a war measure. That the W ellington “Times,” of January, states, “The effect of early closing of hotels is shown by the Court records: In 1915, a year in which the hotels closed at 10 p.rn., the number of convictions for being drunk, and drunk and dis-

orderly was 163. Last u*ar, in which the closing hour was 6 p.m., these convictions were 32. The total number of arrest cases in 1915 was 30s, last year 11S.” Side by side with these benefits come the startling facts that never in the history of Dunedin has there been so mu< h beer made as in January. The beer duty for the month amounted to £q, 188 12s iod, as against £6,579 18s od for Januarx last year. The same month one of tre l.ug**st consignments of liquor that ever came in one ship was landed at Port Chalmers. the cargo containing 6,000 cases of liquor, and too kegs of whisky for Invercargill. At the same time every flour mill in Dunedin closed down for want of material, and will not resume work until the new wheat comes in. Fortunately the people are being awakened to the tragedy of strong drink. The War is now opening the eves of all c lasses to see that all we temperance workers said about strong drink in timc*s of peace is <1 uitc* true. Men who were our strong opponents, and men who were ?.»u indifferent to be for or against, now see how alcohol destroys and wastes food, how it puts up food prices, how it prevents efficiency. crowds our ships and docks, blocks commerce, hinders recruiting, ruins health, is an incentive to immorality, and therefore a producer of dreaded disease, they have learned that drink is the enemy of the soldier, is harmful to the wounded, and a destroyer of man power, and knowing this they are prepared to line up with us and vote Prohibition. Thus the victory we have so long prayed and worked for is nearer than ever before, if by faith, prayer, and united effort we grasp it. As the war progresses, the liquor traffic comes more prominently into the limelight throughout the world. Someone has said: “Had not John Barleycorn wielded the sceptre Great Britain might ere this had compelled peace with honour.” Max it not be possible that before she conquers foreign foes she must overcome the enemy at home She has tried regulation, she has closed hundreds of liquor shops, and reduced the hours of sale. She has reduced the output from 36,0cx),000 barrels to 10,000,000. Now she has reduced the strength of beer by one-third and commandeered whisky for munitions. But still strong drink is the enemy of the British F'mpire. Before the war England was making and using 36,000,000 barrels of beer z year and a corresponding quantity of spirits. Conversion into food of the grains used in the production of this vast output of intoxicants must easily mean England’s victory in the War. Save or starve is the latest slogan of the Food F.conomy Leader, Sir Arthur Yapp. We are furnished with really distressing details of the need that exists in Britain for the avoidance of waste in every particular, if the people are not to suffer actual want. But not a word is spoken In Sir Arthur Yapp or anybody else in authority with regard to the continuance of the wicked

waste of food stuffs in the manufacture of liquor. The sale of glasses of milk in public place s is now prohibit* d. Sugar cannot be pu' based except m small quantities, children and soldie rs in the hospitals and trenches have been deprived of this »*»cessar) iocxl in like manner, but the brewers can always find sugar enough for all the beer the people want. If the Government find it necessary to placard England with posters advising the* l>eople to cat less bread, and go without meat, to show their patriotism by eating less, surely they might add, “Drink less beer. If to waste food is national treason, not only to this country, but treason to our Allies, and Sir Arthur Yapp s.ivs it is, then surely it is treason for its Government to license a trade that dcstroxed in brc*wing during the last three years 3,i5« 000 tons of cereal and 352,800 tons of sugai. The most solid victory over the* liquor traffic lias been achieved in Canada, which has made extraordinary progress 111 effecting a mo mentous change in the soc ial life of its people. On October 4th, after a most remarkable campaign, the- cite of Ouebec voted Prohibition by .1 2,000 majority. The m*\\s has now reached us that the entire Dominion <>l Canada prohibits traffic 111 liquor, and there is not a single bar open. The Federal Government has undertaken to suppress the manufacture of liquor. W «* clasp hands w ith our Canadian sisters and congratulate them on the white* map of Canada, and hope th<*ir splendid victory will have the* effect of hardening the demand for Prohibition in our own land. Americ a is pushing ahead with wonderful rapidity towards their goal of “A Saloon!e*ss Nation by 1920.” Several States have voted dry during the year 1917, and since America declared war there has been a vigorous and continuous effort to secure National Prohibition as a war measure. War-time Prohibition as a stern necessity, from th° standpoint of conservation of grain, has been incessantly urged u|>on Members of Congress. A thousand leading Americans (men and women of all classes and creeds) united in a Memorial to Congress, asking for Prohibition as a war measure. The American Medical Association, representing over 80,000 physicians and surgeons of thg. United States, declared at its Annual Convention, that National Prohibition would be welcomed by the medical profession. Harvard and Yale (the American Oxford and Cambridge) inaugurated their festivals this year without alcoholic be verages, an ever-increasing number of newspapers (about 800) refused liquor advertisements, and an Act of Congress, which came into operation last July, debars from the mail ni all Prohibition States anv advertisement, and every publication that refers to the liquor traffic. Alcohol has bc*c*n prohibited in the Army and Navy, on the railroad and in all military ramps. 'The system of local option was so practised as to almost confine the sale of liquor to hotels and

saloons in the large towns, the credit of the advance being largely due to the progressive municipal bodies. The wonderful work of our Organisation in America makes a thrilling story. Surely such whole-hearted activity and determination is bound to win through and that quickly. The most notorious victory over the trade in strong drink was the complete abolition of vodka in Russia in the early stages of the War. We have heard of the wonderful increase of money in the savings banks, the improved health and morals of the people, the rapid and even marvellous recovery of wounded soldiers, due it is said to the entire absence of alcohol in the system. But the latest story comes to us from a Russian Medical Journal, published at Retrograd, which tells us that the amount of mental disturbances is comparatively small, about one per thousand, while in previous wars the rate was two or three per thousand. The main cause of the decreased rate is the total absence of alcoholism. In the present campaign, there has not occurred a single case of alcoholic insanity. Last month’s “Vanguard” says: “For the sake of Russia it is beyond measure distressing that the splendid record of the last yj years is now broken, and that at a tine* when, above all times, the people require dear judgment, sanity, and self-restraint, the liquor fiend is once more let loose among them.” The chaotic experiences in Russia now suggest that the entire nation is wallowing in vodka, and if Russia sober supplied powerful arguments for Prohibition, Russia drunk will show that of all the devilries with which a nation can be cursed, the drink devilry is far and away the most to be dreaded. Temperame Reform is well to the front in the Australian Commonwealth. Last September South Australia sent a large and representative deputation to their Premier asking for a referendum on State Prohibition. The result of the reduction in tin* number of licenses and restriction in the hours of sale in Victoria shows a decrease of a million and a half in last year’s drink bill. The drink bill of New South W’ales, published in November, iqi7, disclosed a reduction of 6s <)d per head of the population as compared with the previous year. The corelative of the influence of the reduction in the consumption of intoxicants is also shown in tin* Police Court returns. In 1015 there were 32,467 convictions for drunkenness, and in iqi6 they numbered 2322 —a reduction of 11,145. A young scientist of my acquaintance supnlird the following: “Owing to restrictive taxation, alcohol costs ten times what it should. If distilleries were employed in the manufacture of alcohol for industrial purposes, enormous profits would accrue to the farmer, whose everv waste product, spoiled crons, farm refuse, stalks, etc., would go to the manufacture of alcohol. Again, everyone would benefit bv (bean fuel and motive power, selling at 10s per gallon;

and again, gasolene at is 4d (prewar). In seasons of heavy crops excess could he converted into alcohol, and stored, while the farmer would use cheap tractors, etc., driven by alcohol, which would also light and heat his farm, etc. To this must be added the enormous impetus given by duty free denatured alcohol for trade purposes, polishes, lacquers, celluloid, paints, soaps, drugs, dyes, extracts, lanolin, photographic goods, etc., etc. Germany in iq<>4\s used 31,800,000 gallons for these* purposes.” Because our Union stands for the protection of the Home as well as the uplift of humanity, our work includes many departments, and embraces the removal of every disability that h.miners the progress of our own sex. So with thankfulness we briefly, note some of the records of women’s progress in the world’s work. Abroad this has been a winning year for women’s suffrage. There are now 13 States in America where women en joy political freedom ; seven million women voted at the last Presidential election, according to a recent cabi •, after sixty-nine years of hard-fought battle. New York enfrarn hised the r women by a majority vote of Bc,ooo. This tremendous vie tory has come as a great encouragement to British Suffragists still waiting for their own chart of freedom to plough its wav all too slowly through Parliament. Last May the British House of Commons granted the Parliamentary franchise to women, and in November, by unanimous vote, the* same House extended to women on the same terms that govern the Parliamentary ballot the right to vote in municipal elections. Russia has promised to her women equal Leedom with her men; she has already appointed women as assistant judges, and has had her first Congress of women, and has her first regiment of women, who have shouldered their rifles and taken their turn in the trenches, and are prepared for any share in the battle-. Universal franchise has just been won in Holland; while in Canada the movement is spreading like a prairie fire. To Alberta falls the honour of electing the first woman member of a Canadian Parliament, Mrs McKinney. Six months after Miss Mac Adam was returned as a second female legislator. Miss Maud Roydon has been appointed assistant pastor to the City Temple. The Congregational body also has a woman preacher, these being the first ordained for that work in Kngland. In India and China women are coming forward as never before; they competed successfully with men in the Paunjaub University, and carried off high honours. Many home missionary stations, made vacant through conscription, are now open to women in New Zealand if thev will qualify lor the position. Our request for a woman to act in conjunction with Mr loliffe, the picture censor, has not yet been complied with, but may be next y**ar will see further reforms in this matter, especially as the Teach-

ers’ Annual Conference and other kindred societies are co-operating with us in our endeavour to get an improvement in cinema performances. We are pleased to congratulate the Railway Department on having at last considered the < omfort of women by providing a spc< ial carriage for their use on the Northern Trunk express, and w ith it a female attendant will he on dut\ to perform such acts of service as invalids, nursing mothers, and women travelling with families always need when making long journeys. That it will meet a very pressing want is hevond question, and if sanitation ,md comfort be made the main studies, as they should be, it will not be long before public opinion declares in favour of the experiment being extended to the Southern Trunk line. The official employment of Women Police in many lands has been cxtremely rapid in the course of the last 12 months. The force in England now numbers 612, and is daily increasing. Most of these women act as guards in the munition factories; others inspect common lodging li wises, inquire into assaults on children, bastardy moneys, separation, or in cases of cruelty, etc. In many way s these officers endeavour to make good citizens instead of loiking up bad ones. Nine women were sworn in at the Guildhall as special constables on the Great Eastern Railway. Canada has a woman Judge to look after women’s cases. She is an experienced, motherly woman, and is said to be doing excellent service. Women police continue to justify their . ppointment in Victoria and in New South Wales. Fourteen more women haw just been appointed as J.P.’s in South Australia. Among the list are Lady llouldcr, l)r. Gertrude Halley, and Miss Dorothy Vaughan. We hope that ihe provision for tin* appointment of “Health Patrols” in eonnection with tin* Social Hygiene Bill means the first steo to start the movemen in New Zealand, and th.it the women employed will be sworn in as police officers, and be in receipt of equal pay for equal work, and not have their powers limited in any direction. Social Hygiene.—As we are sure to have a full report of the attempt made in the House to re-introduce past dangerously ineffective legislation to check social disease, I need not comment noon it, except to say we are thankful the attempt was frustrated bv the determined activity of the women’s organisations. The “Woman Voter” ays: “Suggestions are sometimes made for dealing with this scourge by restrictions imposed only on women. Such efforts have been and always must be futile. While men complain that they are infected bv some women, each woman may with equal certainty affirm that she was infected by some man ; and it is usually by men that infection is carried to unsuspecting wives and innocent children.” Therefore we urge the Government and all persons interested in the subject to apply the fol-

lowing tests to e r ery proposal dealing with this great problem:- First, will it tend to strengthen or to weaken that sense of individual responsibility in relation to sexual conduct, which is the strongest and most effectual bulwark against the spread of disease; and secondly, can it and will it in actual practice be applied with impartial justice to both sexes .incl in all classes? We are told that where the prohibitory law is well enfoiced commercialised vice cannot exist. In prohibition Kansas there has been a distinct falling off of venereal and similar diseases, according to the* testimony of medical men of that State. Dr. W. E. Swan, Secretary ol the Kansas State Hoard of Health, says that a decrease in the consumption of intoxicants lessens venereal diseases. Every clean-minded citizen desires at almost any expense to rid his city of every age ncy for the promotion of vice H#» will have taken a long step toward the* desired end when he has secured tlf^abolition of the* liquor traffic, upon which immorality is so dependent for existence. Cambling. In sd the strongest foe that ever confronted our nation is hammering at our gates, and that this is our fourth year of war, and that the Kmpire is threatened with famine, gambling steadily increases. The toulisator turnover in New Zealand for ten days, that is from Boxing Day to lanuary 3rd, amounted to ,£755,914- We are repeatedly told that the Empire has no grain to spare for race horses or alcohol. It has no surplus of men to bestow upon luxurx callings, yet more than three million pounds were staked upon the totalisator, and this when (ireat Britain is ac tually sh >rt of food. Our Losses. tender sympathy for the many among us who have been bereft through tinwar, and to all who have* lost loved ones at home or abroad, we pay our tribute of tender affection. The sudden death of Professor Bedford has cast a gloom upon our forces throughout the Dominion. He was a tower of strength to our Reform. His full life, his lofty principles, his indomitable courage and willingness to work, were always an inspiration. He has laid down his 1 if«* in the highest service of his country. And we thank God for his memory, and prav that his strong influence may be ui>on our daily lives, en.ibl ng us to continue our work with consec rated purpose and spiritual power. May God comfort his widow and little children. We arc* meeting again in Annual Convention under the shadow of war. The stories of cruel vvoundings, h ‘artbreaking desolations, physical agony, and death seem to grow worse as time rolls on, and the horror of it is telling upon us all. These are the most exacting months we shall ever live through. The clouds continue dark, nor can it be said w ith any assurance that there are indications of the* coming of a better clay. The cm mv have not b p en overcome; the c rv is

still for more men, and ever more men; and the promise* is that the most trying time of all is yet to come. Because of the depletion of our manhood, women have to do strange duties and make hard sacrifice's, and carry grievous burdens for themselves and for others, and sometimes there seems no limit upon our sacrifices. And yet the importunate call comes pleading for added sacrifices still, and we have to make them. Women’s part in war work has been a vital contribution to its success, but what concerns us at this time is not so muc h what women have done or are doing, but what we are to do. In all probability we shall have an election this year. If we are ‘o win the |>oll this Convention should be the beginning of the end. There are strong reasons why this year should be the year of victory. One is the need that exists for clearing thj country of its deadliest peril for the soldiers returning- from the war. Tt.e liquor, which is bad enough for everybody, is speciallv dangerous to those who have been racked and strained in going through the horrors of war. Another reason is that the eyes of the people have been opened to see the evils of the liquor traffic and its economicwaste. Our Allies and overseas Dominion have prohibited the* manufacture and sale of drink in the interests of victory, and the opportunity to do likewise is before us. Reverently I say we must move heaven and earth to secure* victory. Heaven by our concentrated and importunate prayers, earth bv every device that our minds can think of to win out and win through. v \Ve know what Deborah, the prophetess, accomplished when inspired and helped by the living God. She was only one woman. What might we accomplish if filled with dynamic Spiritual power? We have put our trust in strong men, in l>oliticians, in organisations; but now we must cease from men and things, and trust in the living God. Mv mind has been dwelling on the* verse in Bsalm 8c), which I pass on foi your consideration: “Thou hast a mightv arm, strong is Thy hand, high is Thy right hand.” If you turn to tie Old Testament Scripture and read the history of the Israelites, you will see that it was the mightv arm that stretched out and redeemed them; the strong h,.nd that led them ; the mighty hand that saved them from their enemies. It was the hand that accomplished all things for them. It is that same mighty, strong .high hand that we must de.nend on for everv movement in this fight.