SOUTHLAND DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 27, Issue 313, 18 July 1921, Page 5

SOUTHL AND DISTRICT CONVENTION.

It is many years since a District Convention was held here, hut delepales returned from Conference full of zeal and enthusiasm and desire to share their Conference gains with their sisters in the country. As soon as it was known that Mrs Don had consented to i»e present, it was felt th* success of ihe Convention was assured. On Wednesday afternoon Mrs Don was entertained at afternoon ten by members of the South "Y" ar.d Central Branches, and Mrs l.illicrap (President of the Central Brant h), Mrs McGregor (President of H. Branch), and Mrs Young (Dominion Y Superintendent) all welcomed Mrs Don on behalf of their organisations. Mrs Pasley and Miss Rirss also spoke on behalf of the L.T.L.’s and Southland women. Mrs Don. in replying, gave an earnest and inspiring address, and a real heart to heart talk with those present on the value of prayer in our work, and on the greatness of the work placed before us. Thursday morning was chiefly occupied with welcoming country delegates, receiving Branch reports, and passing motions. The following Branches sen: delegates: Bluff, Riverton, Ot&utau. Ryal Bush. Edendale, Mataura, Y's South and Central. Evet;y branch in Southland was represented, and many of the reports were most encouraging. The following motions were carried unanimously: ‘That this Conference of W.C.T.P. workers, including representatives from Riverton, Bluff. Otautau. Ryal Bush. Matpu-a. Edendale, Invercargill South, and Central, and Y Branches, respectfully urges the Minister ot Justice to consoler the appointment of women ponce and of women to act as jurors in all cases of indecent assault on women and children.” “Th.«t the Southland women assembled In Convention congratulates Mr A. S. Adams on his elevation to the Supreme Court Bench, and expresses its pleasure at the appointment of one of his sons to be Crown Prosecutor.' District officers were then appointed tor 1921: Pres., Mrs Lillicrap; VicePres., the Presidents of the country 'ranches; Committee*, delegates from different branches; Sec. and Treas., Mrs Pairburn.

Messages of sympathy were sent to Mrs Baird and Mrs Russ, who, through illness, were unable to lx- present. The morning devotions were led by Mrs MacGregor and Miss Dewar. Before the afternoon session commenced. Mrs Young, "Y” Superintendent, gave a clear and concise account of the Y s. explained the aims and objects of this Branch, gave good suggestions m regard to programmes of work, how 10 carry on meetings and to sustain the interest of the young people. The afternoon devotions were in the hands of Mrs dray (Riverton) and Mrs I >onaldson (Bluff) Mrs Don then addressed Convention on “Influence,” basing her remarks on the text in Romans, “For not one of us lives to himself, and not one of us dies to himself.” On Friday afternoon Mrs Don spoke at Otautau. and the same evening al Riverton to a large audience, at both places gaining new members for the 1 nion. On Sunday evening an after-church rally was held. There was a very large audience, and Mrs Don gave an eloquent address. Mr Baxter, (’hairman of the Prohibition League, had charge of the meeting, and the majority of the town ministers were on the platform. An excellent choir and orchestra helped in the singing, and this meeting brought to a close a very successful Convention, which has roused and stimulated many of our workers to fresh devotion to their cause