DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 30, Issue 364, 18 October 1925, Page 4

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

AUCKLAND LHHTKICT COMMON TION.

The Annual Convent.on of the Auckland District was held at Dcvonport in •the Methodist Schoolroom on September 23rd. There was a good attendance of delegates and friends. The Convention was opened by our District l’resident, Mrs Henfeli. The devotions were conducted b> Miss Paul, who guv*: a very fine address from the Bth Hoagainst us.” mans, "If Cod In* for us. who can The roll cull was responded to by representatives from seventeen t’nions. The appointments were as follows: letter-writer, Mrs Auld; Press Kc|>orter, Miss I’udney; “White Ribbon” Reporter, Miss Adams. (Ireetings were received from Wanganui, Warkwort.h, Tataipuna, and Mrs Mendely. The President gave a very fine address urging every individual to greater effort, but more than all, she urged every member not to neglect the quiet times of prayer, for in prayer wo received the inspiration for greater work. She dwelt on the fact that over t(),000 women failed to record their vote bust election. <tnd earnestly impressed ii|K>n those present their responsibility in seeking to win other votes, and to keep on keeping on. In closing, she earnestly asked the members to allow Cod to use them to Hie fullest extend. The Secretary read her reiKirt, which was received, and showed good work done by practically every Union Branch reports were then road fiom Auckland, Birkenhead. Devonport. Eden, Epsom, Helensville, Henderson. Maungatoroto. Onehunga, Otahuiiu, IVmsonby, ITikekoke, Rowell Takapuna, Raw ora, Mdendale. Also a very interesting letter was read by Mrs Filljames from Tokehi, a Maori branch. At the noonC.de hour several ladies led in prayer. Afternoon. The afternoon devotions were ably conducted by Mrs Finch, who read verses from the 14th John, and emphasised the fact that we were called to do the greater works.

Mra Judson st>oke on the ministry of friendship and the League of Nations, and moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mrs Cook: "That it be recommended from this Convention that Union* and individual

men4>ers shall endeavour to make a study of the principles underlying th* Protocol, that they may In- able to giv intelligent support to measures which may be brought forward on similar lines at <tlhc next Assembly.” Mrs Neale (Epsom) brought forward two remits for th«* Hmiinion Conv» n tion: —“That in the event of ti 1 *r«-«i dent of a Branch being unable to at. tend a meeting of the Executive of hn District she .‘•ahal! have the power to appoint a i member of her Branch to at tend in her stead.” ‘‘That the District President nominate the chief Vice President, who shall l>e elected by acclimation ” The President moved that the follow ing remit be sent to Dominion Oonven tion: —“That the time has arrivel when each District should have a dei>o* in a central position where a supply of W.C.T.IT, requirements in- kept." Mi's Neale moved this resolution:"That at future Conventions reports from Branches Ih> not read; that the time be devoted to educational ;td

dresses and papers.” Mrs Hutchinson moved an amendment: "That reports t»e condensed to three minutes, as they were so interesting.” Mrs Neale withdrew her motion, and seconded Mra Hutchinson’s motion. An invitation from the Eden Union asking that the next District Convention meet there, was accepted. An invention is to bo sent to the next Annual Dominion Convention invltin* the 1927 Convention to sit nt Auckland. The following officers were elected Pres., Mrs Ben fell; Cor. See*.. Mrs Williams; Roc. Sec., Mra Kasper; \ ice Pres., Mrs Finch. Mrs Baunder* addressed the Convn tion. and gave a very helpful address. A vote of thanks was passed to the Devonport Union and aH who had help ed make the Convention a success. Even ing. i In the evening the Y’s gave a very tine programme, a pageant. coni(»osed by Mrs Peryman, entitled, “The History of the W.C.T.tJ. in Song and Story.’ Tliis was so much enjoyed tliat it shortly to Ih‘ repeated. It is ji mt*educative and attractive pageant. CANTERBURY DISTRICT. The Canterbury Provincial Convent|on opened at Trinity Hall. Timoru. on

Tiesday, September Mh, Mrs T. K. Taylor presiding. Before the sessions begun. Mrs Ta> lor referred to the sad low of the late Rev. John Dawson, and a vote of sympathy whs passed with Mrs Dawson and family. A vote of symp.ithy was also ,*ssed with Dr. Mary Harris Armour on the pawing of her husband; also Kith Mr Morley I‘aimer in his recent bereavement. At 10 a.m. the roll call was read, fifty-five answering. The reportß of the District Unions were rend and proved most encouraging. North Ckmtfrbury had organised in the 01* lying counury districts and suhurtM. Over ,t(K) meetings have lieen held dunng the lasi seven or eight months, a large number being home meetings, ami were addressed by Mrs Taylor, Mrs W. J. Williams, and Miss Henderson. A new t’nion was formed at Belfast, and also Spreydon. Appeal cards were sent out nt the I>eginning of the year, and a satisfactory amount collected. Mrs Williams visited the West Hoast, holdin:: a large number of meetings, and organised a Dnion at Westport, also Hokutika.

South Canterbury reported a new' Union at Geraldine, with 50 menders also Branches at Trtfnru mat and Walmate. Mrs Don addressed n nunil>er

pf meetings in the district. The rejmrts of the thirty tw’o Unions present were most interesting, and showed arrive and aggressive work. c.*r peeially in home meetings. Band >f Hope, F'eace and Arbitration. Ordle Rolls. L.T.L.’s. and Good Citizenship. Many Unions reported increased memheiship, which now' stands at 1 825 for the two I>i«trict«: North Canterbury. 1040; South riantcrbury. 785—total, 1825. On Tuesday afternoon an address on the League of Nations was given by Mrs H. B. T>ow. who grve a most inter estmg and instructive account of many activities, dwelling espect the humanitarian *de. explai that the league was the application of Christ's teaching to international relations, and It the gronite* event since tlhc Wrth of Christ. The League had brought 55 nations and linked them together fcr better conditions and their good, and also explained how necessary it was t » educate piddle opinion in or der to make the league the success nee wary for the true peace of the world.

On Tuesday evening the delegates were welcomed by representative bodies; Mrs Taylor ably refdied. A public meeting was held on Wednesday evening, and addresses given by Miss Henderson on “Women’s \W>rk in the States.” mid Mrs IVryman on “Our Kmpire v. Wealthy Mono|»oly.” During the business sessions a number of resolutions were passed and fully discussed. “This Convention strongly protests against the release from gaol of a notorious abortionist, after serving only one year and ten months of a seven years’ sentence.” “This Convention urges u|M>n the Government that the recommendations of the Commission on mental defectives and sexual offenders Im- given eff**ct to without delay." “That the Ikquity Superintendent of the Child Welfare Departm* nt 1m- a woman.” “That in the condikft of the proposed Children’s Courts, a woman should be associated with the Magistrate in each case, such woman to have the status and i>ow'-rs of a Justice of the Peace.” “This Convention urges u|Min I‘arli.a--mena the advisability of establishing public IsNtrds of management in ronrnc tior with mental hospitals.” This Convention urges the Government to appoint a woman censor of picture films." “That in every instance where a wo man dies within a fortnight of childbirth a Magisterial inquiry shall be held."

On Wednesday the officers were elect ed by ballot, which resulted in:—-North Canteibury District: Mrs T. E. Taylor, Dies.; Mrs W. J. Williams, Vico-Bres.; Miss Haiband. Sec.; Miss Ipvell-Sniith, Treas.; Miss Gordon, Assist. Treas. South Canterbury Dix rict: Mrs J. Rnig, I‘res.; Mrs H. B. I>*u ViceDres.; Mrs Rrown. Sec. and Trias. If was decided to hold Convention at New Brighton next y»*a.r.

OTAGO D 1 STRUT. The Otago District Convention of the W.C.T.r. was opened in Ralclmna on Monday, 7th September. 26 do legates being present. That evening Me- Dech, Secretary l>ominion League of Naiions Dnion. read a moot interesting paper on Che subjtat. * Wonxin’s Work ter Peace.” The Convention proper oper.ed at 10 a m. on Tuesday in the Presbyterian

Sunday School Hail, when Mrs Cations, local President, welcomed the delegate® to Balclutha, and expressed the hope rt'hat the Convention would i>e a. time of instruction ami uplift to euch one present. Mi's Hiett, District President, welcomisl into tin* Unions three new l nions, viz., Roxlnirgh Dunedin Y’s, and Balclutha Y’s. The following resolutions were carried : “That this Oonvention or the Otago W.tvr.l’. heartily approves cd the proposai to give illegitimate children the protection of the- Child Welfare Bill, and respectfully asks that, where i>ossilile, the father’s name be given as well as the mother's; and also requests that the Doputy-Superinteiwleiit of the Child Welfare Department to Im- apjsunted uiah-r section 27 of Dart 1. of the Child Welfare Art shall lie a woman; and that women shall I*e appointed to assist

Magistrates in the Children’s Courts, such women to have the powers an 1 status of Justices of the Peace, since a very large pro|»ortion of the children under the can* of the Htnte are girls." 2. "That the District W.C.T.P. Convention urges uj*>n ihe Government the vital necessity of legislation for the appointment of women magistrates. women i»olioe, ami women ju ors. such appointment#* in other com.tries having proved to I>e in the interes s not only of women and children but of the whole community.” 3. “That in view of the present nn satisfactory censorship of picture films, this Otago District Convention of the W.C.T.D. urges the advisability of at*

pointing a woman censor ’ t. “Thai Darliament lx* approached with .the object of securing s.»me censor•<hip of the indecent literature with which the country is now !>eing flood i-d.” 5. “Thai an amendment be made in the nr.rriage laws mixing the age of competency to marry to sixteen years for loth girls and hoys.” Annual Report and Officers. The Secretary’s annual ref»ort showed the work of the Unions, particularly among the young, to be in a very healthy condition. The Treasurer’s balance-sheet showed a erodfct haJance of £l7 18s 6d, which was considered very satisfactory. The election of officers resulted ns follows; THst rict Pres.. Mi's Hiett (Dunedin!; District Sec.. Mrs Leslie

(Maori Hill); District Trea*., Mrs Macartney (Dunedin). Afternoon Session. At (the afternoon .session the following resolutions were carried: 6. “That, owing to the unpleasant and often disgraceful scenes witnessed by women and children while travelling. we, the member* of he Otago District Convention of it be W.C.T.U. do again urge upon the Government th«necessity for amending legislation to prohibit the drinking of intoxicating liquur in or upon milway carriages.” 7. “H hat the Otago District Convention of the W.C.T.U.. whilst appreciate ing the stand taken by Hon. It. F. Bollard with regard to the control of Art Unions, deplores the pernicious growth of gambling under the name of Art Unions, and calls upon the Government to take more drastic measures to check the evil." 8. “This Convention urges upon the Government that the necessary legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the committee of inquiry into mental defectives and sexual offenders shall be passed during the present session of Parliament." 9. “Tlmt this Otugo District Convention of the W.C.T.U. once again urge upon the Government the necessity, in the interests of our girls and young men. of raising the jige of consent to 21 years." 10. That t.he married mother shou'd have equal rights with the father in the guardianship of their children." A paper written by Miss Webb, ot I>unedin, on “Why Christian Women Should Vote” was road, and listened to with interest.

Greetings w'ere received f ix>m N.E. Valley Union and from N.E. Valley Band of Hope, and from Sawyer's Hay. Mrs Hiett then addressed the meeting, stating that the liquor problem must be solved. The whole wide world *3 grappling with the problem, and that now' is the time for us to w’o*-k. The Prohibition movement is a great tide of human progress not selfish, bigoted agitation, but human progress, moving on resistlessly, and some day soon it will sweep away the (juor traffic for ever. We must be s i ong arM of good courage, for the caiuse we are standing for claims the liberty of the people to free the world from the social scmirges, and make possible fuller and freer life. A great door is open for its now', and *t

is for us to grasp the opportunity of thee© last few days before the poll. We must strain every nerve and use* every power to once and for all end the traffic and giv( the children, a chance. We must win vot< s, and put men in Parliament, regardless of party, who will stand for Prohibition. Mrs I>on supplemented this address, and made a most passionate appeal to the members to put all other questions aside and work as never before to put “dry” men into Parliament and to try and carry Prohibition Uhls i*>ll. The following resolution was then carried: —“That this Convention urges all members of the W.CLT.U. to vote irrespective of party, for members who will see that the lVohibition law js Nirietly enforced." During the afternoon, Ibv. Alexander and the ltt*v. Weymouth each favoured the Convention with a solo. A motion of sym]>athy with Dr. Mary Harris Armour, of America, in the death of her husband was carried in silence. Votes of thanks were passed to the local Union for their hospitality in con nection with the delegates, to the Bnlolutha hostesses, to it he Managers of the Presbyterian Church and of th* Salvation Army for the use of their buildings, and to Mrs I.eech for her Interest and address, .also to the soloists. \i:i SON M \|{| BOKO I (.11 DISTRICT CONVENTION The Netson-Marlborough District Co** vention was held in the Methodist Hat*. Blenheim on September 9th. Mrs Grigg (President) presided over a large gathering of delegates and friends, 19 delegates h ing present, and in a few appropriate words welcomed them to Blenheim. Mrs Rybum ppen<*d the morning session with devotions Mrs Field taking tin* afternoon session. Much business was put through, all the Unions giving n satisfactory report of hihe work done. R»*«olutions were passed on Art Unions and RafPflS. Drink amongst the young people at socials and dances. The appointment of a woman eensoon picture films. The establishment of Public Boards of Management in connection with mental hospitals. Magisterial enquiry in materia 1 mor- j tallty.

That women should be associated with Magistrates in Children's Oouits. ami in every oonneotnon with th Uhild’s Welfare Department. The ITewideivt gave her addn*«.s, auxl in conclusion moved a resolution, of loving sympathy with Dr. Mary Armour on the death of her husband Mrs Field spoke on finance and the difficulty of working Nelson and Marlborough iis one district. it ls carried unanimously that Marlboixnigh and Nelson should h sepamte dbdricts. A requ(*fit has lx on sent to the Dominion Executive, nskin,' that Miss Bradshaw may visit Mail borough and organise new branches in this district. A well-attended evening meeting was held. Rev. W. Grigg gave a splendii n*l!i-ess, and Miss Brndslinw gave an in tcosting report of her organising work Musical it -ms were much appreciated. This drought a happy and successful Convention to a close.