TARANAKI-WANGANUI DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 374, 18 August 1926, Page 3

TARANAKI-WANGANUI DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The Annual District Convention was held in Inglewood on June Bth and Oth. On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held in the Methodist Church to welcome the visiting delegates. There was a large gathering, and the chair was taken by the Rev. J. H. Boyd, Deputy-Mayor. A musical programme had l>een arranged, and was greatly enjoyed. Items were given by Mr Sutherland’s orchestra, also violin and piano solos by the Misses Leach, songs by Rev. Boyd and Miss D. Loveridge, of New Plymouth, and Mrs Sutherland, of Inglewood, accompanied the orcheetra. Mr Arthur led in piayer, and speeches of welcome were made by Mrs Simpson (local President), Rev. H. Lyndsey (of the Anglican Church), Rev. J Bowen (Presbyterian minister), and the S.A. Adjutant. The business session opened on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., and 42 delegates answered the roll call. A fair number of visitors were present. Mrs Upton, of Wanganui conducted the devotions, and after reading passages from Ezekiel and Nehemiah, spoke a few words on our '‘Responsibilities.’' Minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed, and votes of sympathy passed to relatives of members who have passed away during the year. Especially did we remember Mrs Dawson and relatives of Mrs Maunder and Mrs M. Kinder and Mrs J. Wright. Letters of sympathy were sent to Mrs and Miss Lilley, and a letter of loving greeting to our old mem her. Mrs Handy. A letter was read from Mrs T. E. Taylor, Dominion President, regretting her inability to arrange her itinerary •so as to be present with us. Mrs Scott, Taranaki District President, read her report for the year, dwelling upon the education of children in Scientific Temperance, both in day schools and in Bands of Hope. She spoke of the Band of Hope work in Invercargill, which has met with such success, the district being voted dry some years ago by young voters, and has remained so. Mrs Scott also mentioned that Mrs Peryman is starting a “White Ribbon” campaign. We have not so many “White Ribbon” subscribers as we should have. In the two districts, Taranaki- Wanganui, there are over 900 members, and only 228 “White Ribbon” subscribers.

Mrs Duxtteld spoke to the address, and supported the appeal for the “White Ribbon, ’ also for Bund of Hope workers. Mrs Upton and Mrs Goodey, of Wanganui, gave encouraging accounts of Band of Hope in their town, and also in Hawera. Mrs Gilmour, of Aramoho. has a gathering once a fortnight of about 60 young people, many of whom will soon be voting. Some have removed to Auckland, and have started the movement there. Mrs Phillips, of Stratford, deplored the ignorance of temperance subjects amongst our own members, which, she said, was appalling, and thought we should turn our attention to our own members. Mrs Bond, of Kaimera, gave an account of a Sunday School she is running under the auspices of the W.C.T.U. Mrs Clayton, of Waitara, received a letter from a Methodist minister asking that the W.C.T.U. should organise a Band of Hope, the church officers and teachers to co-operate; and Mrs Morrison, of Eltham, also reports Band of Hope work. The reports of 14 Unions w'ere read and discussed. At the noontide hour Mrs Craig sang “The World’s Noontide Hymn,' all joining in the chorus. Mrs Phillips opened the afternoon session with a reading from 25th Matt., her subject being “Sharing our oil," urging us to share our privileges with others. After the roll call, the minutes of the morning session were read and confirmed. Mrs Duxflekl, Wanganui District Pre sident. gave her address. She stated the motive of our Union is for service to others. W.C.T.U., we come to uplift To uplift the fallen and plan means of si ving them. In the past much has been left undone, but we must press forward and make extra efforts in the future. We are banded together for the abolition of the drink traffic, and we can see that u is only a matter of time. In almost all the countries of the world the agitation is going on. It is a very mighty reform to bring about, and can only be done by leading the children in the right way. We have been in the fight nearly 40 years, and all things considered, * we have every reason to take courage. The Continuance vote has decreased, and the Prohibition vote has increased. It is the middle issue that is the disturbing factor, and all parties demand its withdrawal.

A suggestion was made to snowball the memlier when this Bill conies before Parliament. The report was adopted, and a short discussion took place. There were four entries for the five minutes speeches. Mrs Turtrey spoke on her work amongst the Maoris, which has lx*«*n carried on for just over 12 months. Mrs Clarke, of Stratford, took “Opportunity” as her subject, urging that we never miss an opportunity to work and speak in His Name. Mrs McAllum's subject was “Unity.” In unity uphold each other’s hands in the work, even if we do rot always agree as to detail. It ts the motive that counts. Be not quick to judge others. Mrs Robinson. Manaia, spoke of a personal experience in her own life. Rev. Lindsey kindly judged the speeches, the prize l>eing given to Mrs Clarke. After the speechei, Mrs Craig gave a solo, “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. ’ and it was greatly appreciated. The President then made an appeal for members. One lady came forward, and was initiated. Election of officers. The Taranaki District officers were elected, the only change being Mrs Phillips, of Stratford, as President, and an invitation from Hawera was accepted for next year’s Convention. An eloquent appeal was made by Mrs Craig for the Seamen's Rest, together with an account of the work done during the past year. Donations of £1 each were received from Eltham and Inglewood. Mrs Craig proposed sending an account of the w’ork to the different Unions, and asking their assistance in collecting for the Rest. Mrs Phillips seconded, and made several useful suggestions. Mrs Duxfleld suggested taking up a collection in each Union, and Wanganui District and Eltham decided to place a box upon their table, and ask tradesmen to place a box in their shops, etc. The Treasurer’s re|K»rt was reud, showing a balance of £4 3s sd. A discussion followed upon the division of the District. Mrs Duxfleld projHXsed that it remain the same for this year and the matter discussed and ready for voting upon next year. Votes of thanks were passed to all who had assisted in any way, and the Convention closed with the Benediction.