Minutes of Thirty-Eighth Convention

White Ribbon, Volume 28, Issue 334, 18 April 1923, Page 1

Minutes of Thirty-Eighth Convention

of the NEW ZEALAND W.C.T.U.,

Held in Invercargill, from March 7th to March 14, 1923.

(Abridged.)

MKMBKKS OK 1923 tX)\ VKNTIO.V N./. OKirm: Mrs Don. 1 *r< solent; Mis Henderson. I'or. Sec.; Mra Evans. Rec Sec.; Mrs I ‘cry man. Editor “White Bib bon”; Mrs Cowie, World’s Mlssionarx Miss Kurnshaw, OrKanis-r. Pi>tri< t Mrs Yenahh Napier; Mrs Wright. Wellington; Mis Atkinson. Nelson; Mrs Taylor, Christ church; Mr. Miller, Ashburton; Mn

Norrie. Timaru; Mrs Hiett. Dunedin Mrs Lillicrap, Invercargill. District Secretaries; Miss Bischoflf Hawera; Mrs Scott. New Plymouth Mrs Day. Christchurch; Mrs Walker Invercargill; Miss Powell, Dunedin. District Treasurer: Miss Hir.ss, Inver eaiftill. 'sii|»erinlendeiits of Departments: Mi 1 hillips, Good Citizenship; Mrs Fie d

Libraries; Mrs Neal, L.T.L.. Cradle Kol < te.. and Medical Temperance; Mra Jui son. Peace .m<l Arbitration; Mrs Vouny V s and Medal Contests; Mrs Privet Sahhnth Observance and Bible ii Schools. Delegate*: Mi.- Kosser and Mrs I*ir rett. Auckland; Mrs Garroway. Taka puna; Mi>s Wilson. Eden; Mrs Chellew Napier: Miss (>l.- it. Norsewood; Mn McAli-tu. Stratt'oid; Mrs Allman. Pa’ merston North: Mrs IMck, Keildiny Mr.s Bolt. Wellington District; Mis: Tanker-ley. Mastetton; Miss Avison I’etone; Mr.- Al iersley, Lower Hutt Mrs W*bb. Wellington Central; Mn Every. Carterton; Mrs Walker, Nelsori Mrs Hunter, Wakapuaka; Mrs Cropp Itiehmond; Mr.- Teienius, Wakefield Mrs Slickline and Miss Lovell-Sm’tb Christchurch; Mrs Hall, New Brighton

Aliy Smith, Pupanui; Mrs AlcLean anil Mrs Whit**, Riccurton; Miss Cavorhdl, Oxford; Mrs Williams, Sumner; Airs Bennett, Winchmore; V ‘ss Ask in, Tiinaru; Mrs Blackmore, Temuka; Air*1 «arson and Mrs Alexaniler, Dunedin District; Airs Geggie, Balclutha; Airs Aburn, Sawyer’s Bay; Mrs Logan. Alosgiel; All's Sinillie, Port Chalmers; Airs s**ott, Oamaru; Airs Hinkley and Mrs T renwith, N.E. Valley; Airs dray. Riverton; Mrs Baird and Mrs McKay, Invercargill Central; Miss Mitchell, Bluff; Mrs Brown, Otautau; Airs Smith, Gore; Miss Dewar, Invercargill North; Mr*s Smart and Mrs Bate, Invercargill South. \ Delegates; Airs Kaspar. Auckland; Miss Aloyes, Nelson; Miss Campbell!, Oxford; Alls. Dopdcll, Miss Finlayson, Miss Blakie, Miss Kerr, ami Miss Williamson, Invercargill. Proxies; Miss Pyle, for Onnondville; Mrs I’asley. for Kaiapoi; Mrs Ingram for Motueka; Mrs Carlisle, for Levin; Mrs Kichards. for Ngaere; Mrs Dawson, for Blenheim; Mrs Bissett, for Birkcti--1 ead; Miss Mardie. for Tauranga; Mrs Johnson, for Gisborne; Mrs Parkin, for Grevmouth; Miss McCallum, for Pleasant Point; Miss L. AI. Smith for HainIton: Mrs Hopkirk. for Hastings; Airs liobh. for Wanganui; Mrs Brass, fo;* Woodville; Mrs McGregor, for Waipawn. I'rHlernal Delegates; Miss Hol>ertson, President Hamilton Union. Victoria; Miss Bruckner. Vs Supt. (Australia). EX EC UTIV E AIK ETIN G WKI> \E S DtA T THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH Bth. Convention opene*! on Thursday, March Hth. by the President, with the usual devotions. Roll call, HI; 13 others who were appointed as proxies later in Convention. Two visitors welcomed as Fraternal Delegates Miss A. Robertson, e\ Organiser of Juvenile Work in Australia md President of Hamilton Union, Victoria. and Aliss Bruckner. Y’s Supt. and Vice-President of a Union in (Queensland- both returning from World’s Convention in U.S.A. Appoint mciiD: .Mistress of Courtesies: Mrs Parley, Airs Walker, and Mrs Hunter. Letter Writer: Miss Powell. Post Office Duties: Miss Finlayson. Reporters: Local Press, Miss Blrss. Others as usual. Correspondence read and dealt with from Aliss Anna Gordon and Mrs Risehbieth (W. Australia). Greetings from W. Australia, Invercargill Vs. New Plymouth. Airs Upton <Wanganui). Auckland District Union. Hamilton District Union. Alasterton. * ’arterton. Woodville. Corresponding Secretary’s report read and adopted Tre istirer’s and Organising Treasurer's Reports and Balance-Sheets read and adopted. Message of loving greetings from Airs Bendely.

Appeal for furnls for N.Z. Treasury. 46 Unions promised £7l 15s. Ri*sol\«ml that telegram of loving symp, thy and appreciation be sent to Mrs Bendely. Mrs Wright proposed that each Union send Airs Bendely a letter assuring her all would do their best to increase Organising Fund in accordance with her urgent appeal. Session closed as usual. AFTERNOON SESSION, MARCH Hth. Devotions; Airs Cowie. Roll call, H 7. Minutes. Proxies appointed. Greetings from N.Z. Alliance, Alaori OejKirtment, and nine Unions. President delivered her address, adopted on motion of Misses Henderson and Powell. Organisers’ Reports adopted. Aliss Alayo having been compelled by home duties, to resign, Executive itcommended that grant of £lO be made to her from N.Z. Fund, and a resolution expressing thanks for and appreciation of her work lit* placed on retold. —Carried. Moved by Aliss Powell: That the affectionate sympathy of Convention be tendered to Airs C. W. Brown, who, before Airs Leavitt’s visit, communicated with America, and organised a Branch of the W.C.T.I . in Invercargill. We sympathise with her relatives, and pray that the God of all consolation may support and strengthen them all.— Carried. Letters of sympathy directed to be -ent to Aliss Griftln. of Papanui, for death of her mother, and to Air AleDermott. of Auckland Prohibition League, foi severe accident recently sustained. Be Miss Henderson's notice of motion dealing with Constitution of Local Union, resolved: That this Constitution may bo altered or amended by a twothirds majority of the members piesent at the Annual Convention of the N.Z. Union, notice having been given at the previous Annual Convention. Department ill Reports: Scattered .Members, Evangelistic, Home and Mothers’ Meetings. Notable Days, adopted. Session closed with prayer. FRIDAY MORNING, MARCH 9th. Devotions, Alts Wright. Roll call, i»5. Greetings from W.C.T.V. of S. Australia, and from tive Unions; also telegram of love and greetings from Mrs Bendely. Minutes read and confirmed. Departmental Reports adopted: Maori. Educational Bureau, and Cradle Roll, E.T.L., and Band of Alerey, and Anti-Narcotics. Miss Robertson, Organiser for Juven. lie Work in Australia, gave to Convention greetings from women of all counters represented at the Philadelphia Convention; and then gave details of

juvenile work, its growth, and mcliiods adopted in Australia. Noontide* prayer. On motion of Mrs Judson, vote of th tnks passed to Airs Leech (who was present) for her lecture delivered the* preceding evening on League of Nations. Thus lecture* given in Victoria Hall, Hon. J. A. Hannan in chair. At close of lecture, Aliss Atkinson move*d: That this meeting of \\ .C.T.U. Convention is n* hearty sympatny with the aims and objects of the* League of Nations Union, and considers that the time has arrived lor active propaganda work to be* car- : ed out m connection with the* movement. Carried by acclamation. Session cl used with prayer. AFTERNOON SESSION, MARCH 9th. Devotions, Airs Williams. Roll call, XB. Minutes read and confirmed. Proxies appointed for remaining Unions that had sent instructions. Greetings received from Auckland Rechabites, N.E. Valley United Band of Hope, Mrs Densem, of Hamilton, end two Branch Unions. Re Miss Henderson’s notice of motion dealing with purchase and sale of property by Unions— Resolved* That no District or Local Union shall purchase land or buildings, or sell, or dispose of by gift, land or buildings already held, without the consent of the N.Z. Executive. Further discussion on and recommendations from Miss Robertson as to 1 ,T.L. work. Departmental Report on Literature adopted. President referred to visit of Dr. Mary Harris Armor, and the latter’s gratification at her reception and treatment. Resolved that official letter of thanks and appreciation be sent to American White Ribbon sisters for making the visit practicable; and also an official letter of loving greeting to Dr. Armor be sent from Convention. Resolved, on motion of Mrs Ni*al and Miss Powell, that a pressing invitation be sent to Miss Anna Gordon to visit New Zealand, while World’s President, and at the earliest opportunity. Plans of Work discssed during remainder of the afternoon. Session closed with prayer. SPECIAL E VENN (I SESSION, FRIDAY, 9th. Devotions. Mrs Hiett and Miss Powell. Miss Robertson addressed Convention. describing her experiences in America at th<» great Conventions, and answering various questions at the close. SATURDAY MORNING'. MARCH 10th. Devotions. Mrs Peryman. Roll call, 82.

Minutes read and confirmed. (Jrectings from Tasmanian Convention, and from four l nTons. Telegram received from Te Kuiti. i«‘ (iTort to induce GoveWfment to intro •luce licenses into King Country. I tepart mental Report* adopted: |.:ble in Schools anil Sabi tilth Observnee. Scientific Temperance Instruction, Prison and Reformatory Work. Home Science and Thrift. Flower .Mission and Philanthropic Work. Noontide prayer. Recommendations from Executive: (1) That invitation of St. Paul's minister to delegates to attend Communion Service on Sunday evening l»e accepted. Carried. (2) That afternoon rally be held in Victoria Hall from 2.J5 to 1 p.m. -Cartied. Session closed with prayer. MONDAY MOKNINtJ, MARCH 12th. Devotions. Mrs Driver. Roll call. HI. Minutes read and coni', i med. Gre dings from Mrs Gaskin (Greyn.outh. Mrs Jemison and Mrs Griffen (New Plymouth), and from two Unions. Letter from Mrs (loffe (Gisborne). Resolved to send letter to Mrs (loffe, assuring her of loving sympathy of Convention, and giving a word of oncniragement to Union at Gisborne. Letters from Wellington League of .V it'oils Union. Mr C. TV. Drown, and .diss Roberts. Resolved to send letter of appreciation to Mrs Crabb. and also to Miss Roberts for services rendered in past. “While Ribbon" editor's Report an Balance-Sheet read and adopted. M's IV'\maTi re-appointed editor .in I Business Manager. Mrs Judsou named Associate editor. Vote of thanks passed, and letter to In- written to Rev. Gilbert for his in- >• | iHng sermon, and to the office-bear-ers, ehoir, and ushers of St. Paul’s for 'he preparations for fTie Convention Service. KrsdTved. on Miss Atkinson’s and Miss Henderson’s motion, that a cable tie sent to I*dy Astor congratulating I er on the first Bill introduced into the House of Commons by a woman —a Bill forbidding sale of liquor to persons under 1X years ot age. from Resolutions Com mittee: 1. (In reference to telegram from Te Kuiti). This Convention expresses 11 s indignation and sorrow that a movement has been instituted to secure tlv’ introduction of liquor licenses into Hie King Country, and it calls upon the Government not to entertain a poposnl which mean? the final i**pudintlon of the sacred pledge given to the Maoris that intoxicating liquors would not be permitted in the King Country.- < nrriod. 2. This Convention urges the Gov ernment to see that the law relating t°

the introduction of liquor into the King Country is strictly enforced. Further, the Convention calls upon the Unions to urge this matter upon the attention u the Government and all member* of 1 ‘atLament. -Carried. Noontide prayers. Recotiiineiiidatioiis brought up Rom executive re "White Ribbon'’ grunts, vise.: (1 twN honorarium to "White Ribbon'’ Kditor, (2) £.'• towards expense ol telephone, (3) £25 for printing of Convention number these grants from NZ funds, (I) £ls to lie drawn from "White Ribbon’ funds for salary of i.usine.ss Manager. Resolutions (continued): 3. This Convention once more urges Parliament to make such amendments of the Crimes Act as are necessary to give effect to the following proposals of the Prisons Hoard in regard to sexual offences “Whereas an increasing number of sexual offences has been the subject of frequent and serious judicial comment, '•.specially in cases where young child icn were the victims, or the very seri oils nature of the charge connoted a I reversion dangerous to the moral wellI < in; ol .society, and esTTie experience <u the Board in deal;!**; with prisoners i f this class accords, as far as it goes, with the now generally accepted opinion that with certain exceptions, peroils committing unnatural offences I hour und< r physical disease or disability. or mental deficiency or disorder, or both, which accounts for the sexual perversion, and the morbid character of the offence charged, it is resolved by the Prisons Board to strongly recom mend to the Government an amendment of the (’rimes Act under which such offenders could be dealt with scientifically: (1) Before sentence is pronounced by furnishing expert medical or surgical reports or evidence; (2) by sanctionin'* an indeterminate sentence; (3) by segregating persons so sentenced, and subset ing them, under proper safeguard, to any med’eal or surgical treatment which may be deemed necessary or expedient. either for their own good, or in the public interest." ItiscUssion adjourned. Session closed with prayer. MONPA> AFTERNOON, MARCH 12th. Devotions. Mrs Telenius. Roll call. 96. Minutes read in part, confirmed later in session. Resolution 3 carried. Departmental Reports: Back Blocks, etc.. Hostels. Rest and Refreshment Booths, and Libraries adopted. Resolved, on motion of President, that a letter of sympathy he sent to Mrs Blanche Reid lohnston. the “Lady of ihe Other I .amp," who lost her husband ,t the t»me of the Toronto Congress. On motion of Mrs Perymaii. grant" made for part cost of telephones for I resident and for Corresponding Sec re tarv.

Report of \\ illaid Home read. Demonstration of Scientific Temperance Lesson suitable for Sunday School work given by Mr Galloway, and hearty vole of thanks passed to him. ICceoinmciidatio:<s of Executive; (1) That permission be granted to Palnicest on North Union to make another appeal to Unions, through the “White Ribbon," for gifts >f clothes and similar goods, but not f r money, for support of Willard Home. Curried. (2) Di. Armor Fund: That out of tin Uilancc of this Fund (£558). the sum of £255 be paid into Memorial Headquar t« is Fund, and balance into N.Z. Fund, to be held till next Convention.—Curried. (3) Memorial Headquarter*: 'mat the sum of £75 held ii trust for this Fund by Mesdames W igiit and Macdonald, of Wellington, be pud into N.Z. Fund, earmarked foi Headquarters. —-Carried. 'I his Fund stands now at £677. (I) Organising Fund: That Convention urges upon our Branches the extreme importance of maintaining our Organising h and in a health> condition, "til trusts very single Union to do its 1 loyally by this Fund. Every Union erpected, by means of a special effort or efforts, to raise for this Fund a minimum sum on the basis of 1/6 per member, and it is earnestly hoped that most 1 nurns will exceed this amount.— ( arrhxL Report on Medical Temperance adopted. Resolution*: (5) Thu* Convention recommends local Unions to approach the Editors of those newspapers which publish unnecessary details of divorce cases, illegal operations, and similar cases, and to urge them o confine the reports to such details is are necessary in the interests ef just ce and morality. Convention further recommends to the Unions that when they ran get into touch with other Women’s Societies they ssould seek their co-operation in this matter.— Cartied. (6) That the W.U.T.U.. assembled in Convention, deeply deplores the growing tendency to mike Sunday into a day of pleassure-seeking, Instead of a day for the worship of God. We re. gard the Sabbath as of Divine appointment. and should support its sanctity, and guard it as a day of rest and worship. —Carried. (7) This Convention recommends that the N.Z. Union should approach the N.Z. Branch of the British Medical Association, and ask that at their next Congress an official pronouncement shall be made in regard to the effects of the beverage use of alcohol on the human race.—Carried. (6) This Convention emphatically protsts against the neglect of the Government remove the hi r which prevents women from (1) appointment as Justices

of the Peace, (2) inclusion upon juries, (‘0 employment as police patrols.—-Car-ried. Session closed with prayer. MONDAY EVENING. MAItCH 12th. Special session for discussion on “Clans of Work.” Devotions. Mrs Don. Miss Henderson read suggestions as leceived from Unions and members. Committee brought in report on I'ledge-signing Campaign. After discussion and questions answered: Resolved: (1) That the Union organise a pledge signing campaign. Carried. (?) That Mrs Driver’s offer to pafnt a banner for competition in connection villi tin* pledge-signing campaign lie accepted with many thanks.- -Carried. (3) That the same Committee be asked to draw up the conditions under which it is to be competed for. —('allied. Miss Henderson moved that all young I« ople of IS or over who will be voting for the first time next election Is* eni died into a League, with a suitable pledge. As it was considered that this would overlap the work of Y Branches, motion was negatived. Further suggestions and discussion. Miss Robertson, of Australia, spoke a lew words of farewell and appreciation of the work of Convention, and ex pressed her pleasure at having been present. Session closed with prayer. TUESDAY MORNING, MARCH 13th. Devotions. Mrs Phillips. Favourite quotations. Roll call, 38. Minutes read and conPrilled. Greetings from Hastings. Revolve*!,, on motion of President, to purchase a portable typewriter for use of Corresponding Secretary; and one of ihe delegates offered to pay for same, in token of her admiration for the work (I Corresponding Secretary. Resolved that a letter of appreciation be sent to Mr Ward, Editor of the "Southern Cross,” who never puts in his paper any racing advertisements, bul upholds every good cause, and is most sympathetic to the W.C.T.I'. I)epartmental Reports: Letter read from Mrs Walker. Maori I lepartment. Press, Good Citizenship, and Work Among Seamen discussed and adopted. In connection with the last, Mrs i Try man presented Report of Committee set up last Convention to deal with money in hand for Work Among Seamen. Committee recommended:

(l) That £SO be paid over to Timaru lo assist in their Sailors’ Rest scheme. Carried. (2) That the sum of £2OO, left ov< r fiom War Work for Sailors, be still held in trust till next Convention, to be used at some future time for some purpose connected with work among seamen.Carried. Us ami Me*lal Contests: Supeiinten dent gave detailed account of how slu worked Invercargill Y Branch, and gave many valuable hints.—Adopted. Noontide prayers for Y’s and Y leaders. Mrs Pasley paid a fine tribute to the value and thoroughness of Mrs Young's work, done often under the disadvantage of ill-health. I Resident presented two Y bannerettes, facsimile of original Y lunmr, to Invercargill Y’s and to Nelson Y’s, a gift from Mrs Miller, first Y Superintendent of N.Z.W.C.T.U. Revolved that a letter of thanks be sent to Mrs Miller. President also presented to Mrs Young, tiie Y's Superintendent, a small gavel, sent to her by a gentleman in America, in token of his appreciation of help given by the late Mrs Cole through iMinphb-is, etc., m the struggle for Woman’s Franchise. Session closed with prayer. Tl EH DAY AFTERNOON MARCH 13. Minutes read and confirmed for two previous sessions. Roll call, t>s. Greetings from Eden. Ashburton. Wanganui. Departmental Report on Social and Moral Hygiene discussed and adopted. In accordance with suggestion mad* at earlier session, Mr Baxter attended, at request of President, and supplied facts, ai.* 1 answered questions, re In vercargill and effects of No-License. Vote of thanks to him carried by acclamation. Departmental Report on Peace and Arbitration discUsseJ and adopted. Miss Powell suggested that a Ministr> of Friendship with other countries be established by the Union, to be carried on through correspondence, and oil Mrs Hiett’s motion tliis was resolved on. Miss Powell to be in charge of it. Resolutions connected with Peace and Arbitration Department: (8) That Brasches Ih> asked to consider at theii June meeting whether file N.Z. Union shall affiliate with the League of Nations t’rnon. Carried. 19) This Convention recommends that a special day is* set apart each year by every Union for the consideration of matters in connection with Ihe Peace nd Arbitration Department. Carried. (1(0 This Convention of the N.Z.W C. T.l\ would urge upon tin* Minister of Education and all educational author!ties that there should be an organised . ystem of leeching in the public schools, which should give the children some

knowledge of economic, social, and political principles whereby they should come to understand the right relationship between nations and their interdependence as parts of one whole, and should realise the necessity of main taining such relationship in peace and harmony for the mutual benefit of each and all. And it would further commend this ideal to all teachers in tin Dominion, that they may make it the basis of their instruction, and use their influence to impress it on the minds of their pupils.- -(Carried. Session clos<*d with prayer. WEDNESDAY MORNING. MARCH 14. Devotions. Miss Powell and Mrs Wright. Favourite hymns. Roll call, 94. Minutes read and confirmed. Greetings from Nelson. Otago Band of Hope Union Committee, Oatnaru, Otahu, Waimate. Election of Officers: Mrs Peryinan and Miss Earnshaw appointed tel lei s. All the Dominion officers were uuanlmouslj re-elected. After election of Treasurer, Mrs i’eryman moved that telegram of loving greeting he sent at once to Mrs Bendely. Resolved that the heartiest thanks of Convention be tendered to Mr Bendely lor the sympathetic help he gives to Mrs Bendely, which enables her to occupy the position In spite of her illness, and renders it passible for such excellent work to be given, such as could not possibly be done a ay where except by a paid accountant. Letters to be written both by Miss Henderson and Miss Powell; and personal thanks given by Mrs Pirrett. Mrs T. E. Taylor nominated as Vice--1 ’resident. Convention joined in singing Hymn F2. Superintendents of Departments: Recommendation that Department of Home Science and Thrift be dropped. Carried. Recommendation that with exception of Anti Gambling, to which Mrs Lill was appointed, the same Superintend ents be r<> appointed for the ensuing year. -Carried. Pledge-Signing Campaign and Competitions: Following recommendations were adopted: (1) Individual workers to work only in places where no Union exists, butts of pledges to be sent to Mrs Cowie. (2) For competition among Unions, butts to be sent to Miss Henderson. (3) Pledge books to be printed by arrangement with "White Rih)>on” Editor, and to be bought from Literature 1 apartment. (1) Only new pledges to be counted, but pledges taken in childhood and broken not to count agains: pledges be. ing entered as new pledges. Resolved that same Committee remain in office during the year: Mes-

I'aines Driver ami Per) man, and Miss Atkinson. Noontide prayer. Departmental Report: Legal and Parlamentary discussed and adopted. Ke*ol\ed to send a letter of sympathy to Mr Mark Cohen for his illness and the uuddes death of his wife, and of appreciation of his splendid work carried oil all his life as a champion of the woman’s cause. KcMilutioiUi: (11) With a view to seeming a clean electoral roll, this Convention urges upon Parliament that the Electoral Act be amended to provide for (1) Precinct Voting, (2) Compulsory Voting.—earned. (12) Seeing that State Purchase and Control has been submitted to the electors at two polls, and has failed to secure even 7 per cent, of the total valid vote, this Convention demands that at the next poll a straight-out issue between National Prohibition and Continuance shall be submitted to the voters. —Carried. In connection with this demand, Convention draws attention to the fact that under the usual Referendum Law at least 10 per cent, of the voters must sign a petition before the request for a Referendum on any question is considered. (13) That considering the evil of minking upon trains, with its acooml tnying inconveniences to passengers, si ill exists, the Minister for Railways be urged to enforce more strictly the Kgulation controlling the drinking of intoxicating liquors on trains.--Carried. (14 That this Convention feels very trongly that there is r r pent need for tin provision of a special hospital for the treatment of patients with slight mental disorders. Carried. Session closed with prayer. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. MAR. 11. Devotions. Mrs Young (Y Superi.i‘indent) and the Y’s. Solo by Mrs kas par, and recitation by Miss Earn haw. Roll call, 94. Abolition ol District 1 nions: Miss Henderson again explained the change thus effected, and in regard to geographical distribution of Unions, brought foriva t d recomiuendat ions: (1) That for the most part the Districts remain as at present, but where '•lianges may be advisable, the l’nions concerned be consulted as to their wishes. -Carried. (2) That constitution already drawn up for Provincial Convention will suit for District Convention. (3) That the old District Presidents continue to act until the next Provincial Convention is held. (4) That the District Union, as now constituted, la*., the old Provincial Convention. must meet either in May or in September. Minutes of previous session read and confirmed.

((uestmii Rox was opened, and questions dealt with. Recommendation from Executive that a new Pledge Card be prepare] for the V s, the letters Y.P.C.T.U. being used instead of Y.W.C.T.U. —Carried. Resolutions; (10) That it be a recommendation to the local Union, that in places w'e're tin-re is a Mental Hospital the Union should endeavour to have a member of tile i moil appointed as an official visitor. —Carried. (16) That Government be urged to establish a Home for Adult Mental Deficients and for Epileptics.—Carried. (17) That Kditration Hoards should be elected on the same franchise as Hosl ital and Charitable Aid Hoards and oilier similar public bodies. Carried. Presentation of Hauliers; Wlult Membership Banner Actual increase. Won by Dunedin, 83 members, 51 actual increase. Presented to Mrs Hiett. Adult Membership Banner -Percentage of increase. Resolved that the N.Z. Union hold the banner until further enquiries be made. Y Membership Banner- Actual in crease. Won by Invercargill Y’s, in crease 81. Banner had been presented previous evening at entertainment given by Invercargill Y's. Plans of Work were further discussed. The usual votes of thanks were passed. Invitation for next onvention received from New Plymouth, and accepted. Convention closed with a service of responsive readings, singing, and prayer.

PKEMDE.VI \s ADI>KESN. My Dear Sisters, Prohibition is not dead! It has but suffered a temporary set back. Truth crushed to earth will rise again. Many ;i splendid victory has emerged from apparent defeat. The 1922 Campaign, with its bright hopes and great expectations, us now past, and we need not review it, except to learn why and where we failed, and then, “with firm faith in every heart, bright hope on every helm, wc must go in the spirit and might of Him Who led the way, close with the legions of the night, toil on while toil we may.” Though no great advance has been made, we have not gone back. Fortunately, we have lost nothing. Not one of our No-License electorates voted Restoration. To have held every No-License area in spite of the money poured out. the gross misrepresentations of our opponents, and an antagonistic Press, us something of a triumph.. At each Poll, except the War Referendum, our vote increased as follows: 1894, 49.000; 1896. 98.000; 1899, 120,000; 1902. 151,000; 1905, 198,000; 1908, 221,000; 1911. 259,000; 1914, 247,000; 1919. 253,000; 1919. 269,000; and last, in 1922, 300.791. At the 1911 Poll there was a majority of 51,282 for National Prohibition, but in spite of that magnificent vote in our favour, it w r as called a defeat because we were handicapped b> the three-fifths majority requirements. At last Poll, in nearly 60 per cent, of the electorates, Prohibition secured a majority over Continuance, 'i lie official figures reveal the fact that the Prohibition vote w*as the largest vote ever cast at an> time in New Zealand. It was 18,122 more than the

vote for Continuance, and I more tlian the vote for State Purchase and Control, hut in ordei to win. rrohibition had to secure a majority over the combined votes for Continuance and for State I'urchase and Control, and so the I’rohibition vote fell short by about 17.Hut this does not mean that we n beaten, for "No one is beat till she units, no one is through till she stops no matter how often she drops, a womans not down till she lies in the dust and r« fuses to rise. Nor is she dead till she dies, nor beat till no longer she tries." So we must try again. Our Silver Jubilee was held in Invercargill. We hoped we were going to celebrate our victory in this same city; but failing that, let as make our «atlining an Historic Convention by formulating p ans and by reconsecration and determination; work at them till success eventuall> crowns our efforts. I do not know what suggestions you have to make; but 1 do know that w« must begin at the very bottom of the ladder, and through education and inspiiation that shall exceed anything thus far achieved in our history, teach our children the evils of drink. When publishing the result of a competition for boys and girls on "What 1 should do if I were Crime Minister," the "Westminstei tlazette” said recently: "The groat response In our competition has revealed the fact that Knglnnd would b* Pussyfoot; almost every child had something to sa> about the evils of drink." This is one of the most cheering items received for a long time from Knglnnd. Would a similar response b<> received from New Zealand children? We should have Young Copies I > ranches everywhere. Kvery I’nion should make its« If responsible lor a Hand of Hope or Loyal Temperance Le gion. or a "Y" Branch. All should concentrate on this one sure way to victory, and by giving the children an intelligent grasp of the scientific and economic, as well as the moral and spiritual reasons for Total Abstinence and Prohibition, we may train them for good citizenship, and assure our next generation of good leadership If our children are to fight for Prohibition as we have done, Ci?y must be trained to abhor liquor, they must be educated on its evil effects on the system. Then, too, we must interest ourselves in the school elections, for we can never hope to have Scientific Instruction in the State schools until we have committees elected who are pledged to sec* that the subject is not shelved or neglected. Om friends in New South Wales have launched a new educational campaign among their young people In addition to pledging themselves to total abstinence. the* children promise to oppose the liquor traffic all their lives We are glad to know the movement is rapidly spreading through the* towns and conn try. and hope that the “New Hay Cru sade.” ns it is called, will not be unknown in New Zealand. There is no doubt that the State- Pill* chase and Control issue* defeated us.

NS e must work for its elimination from the ballot paper, and insist that the Triennial Poll will be taken under fair and democratic conditions, with two issue's only, License* or No-License, if our cause is to make headway against the Liquor Traffic. It must be by determined deadly warfare, conducted with, at least, as much care 1 , sagacity, and persistency as men bestow on earthly enterprises for gain or glory. We* must form a definite idea of what we are going to do and how, and then do it. Then we must have enthusiasm. N<> reform work is ever carried without it. and further, we should lie* enthusiastic in «>ui confidence. We are strong ju t in proportion to the* strength of mu faith. Think of Daniel thrust into the* •len of lions alone, without an active* friend on the* face id' the* earth, ami ye t stronger than the* whole Kmpire of Babylon, just be*cause bis faith was so Hrong in the* Lord his (»od. Our work must be* aggre*ssivc, it must go out and out. from one* enel of New Zealand to Hit* other, and on and on till our goal is roache I.

One even* that will make* the* Pe»ll in !'.*?? always to be remembered was the* coming of Dr. Main Harris Armen*. Her eloquence. her forceful logic and humor captivates! he*r audiences win rever she •♦poke. It is not possible t o !e*ll all of what she did. or the* impression .-he* made*, or of the* influence she left Njhind her. but undoubtedly she* linke*d us up with the* World I’nion as nothing e*lse* weeniel have* done*, and se*t us longing for the* promised visit from Miss Anna (lordon. now World’s Pre*siele*nt. In a letter written on hei he>me*ward louriie*y, Mrs Armor says: "My heart ble'cels at our de*feat. but you are more

ilian conqmrors. because* you are* un- • •euiqiu red even in defeat, ami are already on your feet, ready for another battle.” We are tolel of the children of Is.aed, "He* led them forth by the '•ight way " It may not have seemed so lo th«*rn: there were many turnings back many de*fe*ats. but at last they crossoel the* Jordan and camped within eho borders of the promisee! lanel. This defeat is hard to bear, bitter to think on; blit I have come to believe* (Joel will lead you forth by the right way. He will give you a glorious victory some; day. We* only wish that Mm Armor could have carried with her the ne*ws of Pro. dibit ion in New Xeniand. but we* assure* her and our American sisters, who se> graciously loaned her to us, that we shall continue to fight until we see ttho abolition of the Liquor Traffic. The International Convention in Toronto last November, when the* World League \gainst Alcoholism launches! a world-wide* drive to make* every continent "dry." was one of the* outstanding e*v»*nts of tlie* year. One thousand one* hundred and eleven delegate-.- freon fifi countries oth*n than Oana»la and the Lnite*d State’s were registered. Men and women from every elime assembled of thedr own accord, actuated by a

.-ingle purpose, viz., to destroy huinanity’s greatest enemy, Alcoholism, over 200 different temperance organisations were officially represented. NaPonal and y\orld leaders took an active part in the proceedings. A most significant feature of the Convention was the evidence that students attending Do I leges and I’niversities. representing thirty-five nationalities, are especially dert and aggressive in the Prohibition movement They are making a study of the alcoholic problem, and the methods adopted by the "dry" forces in ombuting alcoholism, and yvill carry on a definite educational campaign in their native countries among their own people. The Convention showed hoyy far-reaching and widespread is the movement for the abolition of the liquor traffic. It is everywhere recognised that it is an economic, social, and moral evil that blocks the pa‘h of progress and human advancement. The programme included prayer and praise, and the spirit of humble dependence upon Almighty (Jod, constantly was manifest.

At the Sunday sunrise prayer meeting there was an enrolment of several hundred upon a world prayer bond to pray daily for Prohibition. This bond of daily supplication, it is hoped, yvill be extended, and at our noontide houi link together thousands and hundreds of thousands in all creeds and tongues, but. according to reports, the most impressive scene of the whole Convention occurred at the close of the session. when an audience of more than SHOO were brought to their feet by the Rev. Hammond’s appeal to enlist in the yvorld tight against alcoholism. With upraised hands, they pledged coop-ra-tion and life service in this effort to make the yvhole world "dry."

We are thankful to note that the Con vention carried I’rohibition work hack to the Basis of prayer and utter reliance upon the Captain of our Salvation. and e\< mplificd the brotherhood of all mankind.

Another great event was the 11th Triennial Convention of the World’s Women Christian Temperance I’nion held in Philadelphia on November 11th to 16th. 1922. There yvere some in the audience who had seen the birthday of our organisation. No one in 1871 would have predicted stieh a scene as was in force in 1922. Four thousand gathered for the four days’ sessions: yyomen from t2 countries testified to ♦he blessing and success of the W.C. T.C. We were singularly fortunate in having Miss Jean Regg. one-time President of the Dunedin "Y," to r« present us. At time of writing 1 have received no word from her; but 1 see by the reports that a tremendous outburst of applause gieeted the delegates from Australia, New Zealand. Africa. India. Japan. Syvrdcn. and Ireland. It should inspire us to know that our Ribbon White noyv entwines the Argentina Australia, Relg 4 >r.i, Bermuda, British

Honduras, lliazil, Bu.garia, Burma, Canada, Ceylon. Chhia, Culm. Costa Rica. Denmark, England. Egypt. Kinland, Prance, (leimany, Greece, Ireland, India. Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Madeira, Mexico, Newloundland. New Zealand, Norway, Pan ama, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden. Syria. Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay. United States of America, and West Africa. Twenty-seven of these sisterhoods were represented at the Convention. every one keen with interest to know how best to continue her task until the whole world be made sober.

The liquor question is not the only feature of the W.C.T.U. The great piogramnic for clean lives. social purity, non-toßicco, and anti-cigarette, lietter housing of the poor, child protection against commercial greed, and many other reforms are all under consideration. So from the 1922 Convention to the Unions of all nations there was sent forth a new slogan, “World Prohibition, World Purity. World Peace, our National Goal.”

Attacks are still being made on Prohibition in the World Press. Many papers persist in stating that “America is drinking more than ever." “That Prohibition is America’s greatest fraud," and that “Prime is enormously increased through Prohibition." There is not one word of truth in any of these statements, but in only a very . mall proportion of the world's press can -pact* lie secured to deny these gross

inaccuracies. Let me give you some expert testimonies concerning the bene. Ills of Prohibition. The great organised groups of women who have lined up with the W.P.T.I . in public declaim ion that favour the enforcement and retention of the Prohibitory I jaw. include, The League of Women Voters, The doling Women's Christian Assoeiation, 'i he General Ft*deratum of Women’s ( tubs, The National Council of Women, 'the National business and Professional Women’s t lull., The Missionary Societies of all the Protestant Churches, The Mothers’ Congress and IVirent Teachers’ Association, ai.d The National Women’s Trade Pnion League. Mrs Ben Hooper (Wisconsin), and Mr; Virginia Parkhurst (Maryland), Igitli Democratic candidates for th.* Cnited States Senate declared themselves ‘Miy,’ and promised to protect their children and their

homes fro.n the liquor trattle. Miss Helen Boswell (New York). Republican candidate for County Register, states,

"I believe in Prohibition! I decline to give my name to the campaign which i.- being waged to overthrow Prohibition.” Miss Florence Warded (New York), Vice-President of the Republican Women’s State Committee, states, “I have just been in forty countries of the States, and And that the women are solid for Prohibition.” Miss Kathleen Norris. America’s best loved writer, “makes a powerful plea to uphold Prohibition and guard it from those who would destroy it." Miss Mary Carden,

Idi et tor 1 ’ll cago Grand Opera, states, ’Prohibition' That is th* most iiiapnitieent tiling America has ever done!' Miss Jane \dams, of Hull House, Chi cago. testifies to finding a marked increase of normal family life. Grace Abbot. Chic! of the Kederal Children’s bureau, declares that the prohibitory law safeguards the children and protects their health and welfare. Commander Lvungeiinc booth, of the Salvation Army, says among many things, "Mole conversions, fewer rescue cases, mark ed improvement in children.' The Census Department of Washington asserts, ’ Tflc membership of religious bodies in America from 1916 to December, 1921 shows an increase of 1,132,616." Woods Hutchinson. M l)., in Hearst’s Magazine, for July, writes, “One statement can now be made with absolute sureness, and that is that all over the country there has occurred a most unmistakable and striking decline in the general death rate from all causes until it has now reached its most triumphant low water mark in all recorded history.” It is true that this downward trend of the death rate was under way before Prohibition, nnd we cannot claim tl.at the improvement in public health i., caused by the lessened use of alcohol; but it is also true that this downward trend of the death rate has been distinctly accelerated since the adop. lion of Prohibition.

The “New York Times” late in last yoar published a statement from the local bankets, saying, "Prohibition has boosted savings.” One banker asserts that saving deposits in his institution have increased thirty per cent. James L. Forgan, Chairman of the Board of tie First National bank, said, “Immediately after Prohibition became the law of the land, a large influx of saving account;: was noticeable in oui bank, and I believe in other Ranks. The number of accounts opened has steadily increased showing that the number of the thrifty is steadily growing, and 1 believe the absence of the saloon is largely responsible for this growth. Karl H. Reynolds, President of the People’s Trust and Savings bank, asserted that Prohibition has been of considerable value to the community. John Jay Abbot, of the Continental and Commercial Bank. said. "Since the date when National Prohibition went into effect, the saving deposits of this Rank have increased a( proximately ten million dollars or thirty per cent.” Meanwhile, facts line up behind the Prohibition argument. Here are some fiom the hospital and institutional statistics of the United States. The alcoholic ward in the Philadelphia Central Hospital, which usually had lf>o patients a month has been almost deI opulated, and in New York City the same thing is observed. The effect on ciime and business,is so plain and unmistakable that b. S. C’oler, New York’s Commissioner of Charities has come out strongly in favour of the "dry” law.

He ays that this ~ eai; New York will :* .ive >00,00(1 dollar from patients in rily hospitals, win* under the "wet m •jilt* would not have paid ado hr. lln gaols also tell their story; everywhere the empty cells are increasing, some I enitentiary’s closing altogether. Almost unanimous repot ts from public school teachers, school and district nurses, welfare workers among the poor, police chiefs, and heeds of charitable organisations show that never in their experience has there been so striking an improvement in the feeding, the clothing, and the general com foil and welfare of school children as within tinlast two years. Dr. Parleton Simon, Special Deputy Police Commissioner, New York City, who has charge of the organisation for suppressing the traffic in narcotics, states, "The Sanutariuni in New York never treated less drug addiction than at present." For want of spate | cannot continue these evidences, so turn from them for a brief glance it the movements in other lands. Probably in the course of a year Iceland will be relieved of the unjust pressure brought to bear by S|kiiu, in order that it might continue to semi its wine to Iceland. In Japan, on April 21th, 1922, the first Prohibition law went into effect, prohibiting tin- sale of intoxicating liquors to minors. The Bill introCuccd into Parliament by the Hon. Sho Nenioto ha.s ton times passed the Lower House of the National Diet, and been defeated in the House of Peers. It is worthy of note that Madam Yajiina, i\ National President of the Sunrise Kingdom, who has given a life’s setvice to Temperance, celebrated her Mot 1 1 birthday the day this benefloient law became effective. Professor Dr. Soininen, m replying to a statement made in tin* British Press that the Prohibition in Finland is another failure, states * No single social question has during a half century had as hearty a support by the masses as the cause of Prohibition. Rist year, when an attempt was made to revise the law in favour of beers and light wines, it was defeated by more than three to one. Sweden would he "dry” to-day hut for the adverse majority in the City of Stockholm, which us thus proved the only obstacle to a complete national victory.

Five women have been elected to Parbament, one to fhe Upper and four to the Lower Chamber. The women of Sweden, led by the officers of the W.C. T.l\, have been indefatigable in their work for Prohibition, and the result of the last referendum, in which nearly a million votes were recorded, forecasts a Prohibition majority when another and decisive poll is taken in Denmark, where the Social Option vote is in vogue. 229 counties voted themselves "dry” to 16 "wet." Scotland has now 31 No License areas in operation these areas are demonstrating the benefits of Prohibition by a marked decrease in crimes, better business. and happier homes. As public

Ipi 11 toU to Uum educated, MlUi it gicat revival aptending from tin th-liing c< u If* to the Idg elites, It may inntii m coming day when « *-ompelte victor) will Ih hoii over tin liquor trade, At llt»» Toronto Convention, the Mate to* in mia in.ul* tliut the t illtre coil ll im ui of A(i im luu Ho •iiHliU 'i), and tin tali n cut v% u» in.nli ttoil il It wa* im i fi.l foreign countllon all,l Uieir dtotill« i) pioduct*. thr entire c mtlnent of Africa would tie “dry." Temprranee teaching I* now obligulot) In aii Irtnh National Midmote. Th.In. h T'-niiM'iun* <■ fcnlucutlnn Hoard soidu atml lectureis into the *■*-hooln \\ thr annual examination 7.<*«o child H-n roniprtal Mi K ffcrymKeoui (Independent, Hun • ’••I tool int induced a Hill In the Holler of ('orninoiut, to prohibit the Manufacture. .sale, and iii»|*oitutioii of incohollc liquotn except for Midlist I lul, Montith and in* dicm.il purpose* For the hint named purp*i»e the liquor must la* sold in bottle*. Im* totalled (MUroli, i nd It will tie obtainable onl) liy doeloi n plea* itption \lr J. R, Loll-Williams (Conservative. I Col hr t hit het ha* introduced an amend ing Licensing Hill to remove the preaent anomalies arising out of the varying ot*enll»K hour* in the metropolis, wh eh irMilt in I aim lielng open on one ale of the at reef und closest on the othei side The Hill make* cloning uniform, the hour* t**ing II o'chs'k In Ismdon. nd lo in the I'rovin. «

H.nre last Convention. death has mad*uirny gaps In the rankit of our Tempei none fortes, and our hearts are filled with an •VPrVRHmIBf wtw of la reavement an we record the iiasaing of ••wh stalwart* a* the Iteveiend* R. S liray, Hurildae nn«l Walker Mr dray van better knowrn to u* because he wa* the President, and afterward* OiimnU i t of the N« w Zealand Alliance and of t un It may la tml> nn»*l. “he ga'-e his I fe for the ratine.” John (J V «*o||ry. t ho thrilled tie with hie omtr ry when visiting New Zealand ninny yeare ago. I«**ed away in August la*t year. Mrs .1 R Harney, one «>f Hi IN W.( V I* Organisers. and for many years Mip. i intend# nt Prison and Ounl Work, who made many frlen.to »n th* I • •minion and war the nouns of thruM ilia the writ r into active aervtce In our rwn rank , wan In her Hlh year when her earth life ended. run#ttta Ibunahni known ny so many of u* .»» the friend and mother of the Hindu Child WVlows. and one time National President of the WCTU. in India, pawned to a fuller I*fe la*! year An theee warrior* ftoeon to their well earned rent, may their rumph cause a deeper note of conn*’ r inflow to amunl in event heart, and I he th* m may we «lve our very best tr God in larVW for humanity Mirs Anna flordon any*. "It will re. quire prayer. |*at»lotism. push and pep; preachlnt from pulpit, platform and pre*n parade*, poster*. publicity |*ntl- • nee, |»erwer\ era nee *»nd political M|irlty nirtbltird with plenty of cash, con • eciation and comm* n * iw»e to reach

llic hatch id World ITulubilior Hut Ti ntpeiance reformer?- delight in large under akin**." St now we fUI n our fata* toward bn* her term of effort*, and id atretm OUs ee t Vice. Ours lan holy fit; tit! \| i > He lOKcthei journey to tho lulu hi.- of I' i eat at t omplodiinentn.

, The photo, shows the Great White gueen Purity, with her counsellors, jus ttce, righteousness, etc. To her court comes King Alcohol and his myrmidons, Vice, Crime, etc., to seek an alliance. After orilliant dialogue on both sides, hi is informed that never can the White g ueen ally herself with King Alcohol.