SOUTH AFRICA.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 377, 18 December 1926, Page 15

SOUTH AFRICA.

The W.C.T.IT. of Cape Province held its 37th Annual Convention at Omitshoorn. September 25th to ’October Ist. 1926, under the Presidency of Mrs K. J. (lean]. Port Elizabeth. The delegation numbered 60, representing a membership of 2659. The fine hall of the C,iris’ High School had been kindly loaned for the business sessions, the Mayor’s reception, and the Y evening while the public service on Sunday afternoon, and the public meeting on Thursday evening were held in the Gaiety Theatre. The total income of the Unions was £2471 7s 9d, and expen diture £2094 5s Bd. The three Red Letter Days, viz., "Willard Day,” in aid of Cape Province organisation, the "Mackenzie." in aid of South African organisation. and "June," to secure increased membership and subscribers to the "White Ribbon,” were well reported. The Literature and Office report showed 2293 letters and 288 post-cards written by the Secretary. The actual turnover being £2Bl 11s sd. of which Cape Province contributed £2ll 19s 3d. Pour hundred and eighty-two visitors have been welcomed during the year.

Twenty-two depart mental reports were submitted. Press work is forging ahead. Grape products are arousing much interest, and the holding of raisin cookery competitions and raisin poster contests is slowly but surely educating the farmers and the public. The annual Scientific Temperance Essay Competition is making the study of handbooks more general, and the competition is keener each year. For the Intermediate Class the prize was doubled owing to a tie. During Convention very able lectures were delivered, viz.: "Womens Franchise" by Mrs Solly, "Health Teaching in Schools," by Miss Ruby Adendorff. and ‘‘.some Thoughts on Poverty and Its Relief," by Dr. Boehmke. The speakers at the public meeting were Miss Solomon, Vice President Worlds W.C.T.U., and Mrs Solly, the former taking for her subject "Three Great Ideals,” the latter "The Awakening of Women." Morning and afternoon teas were served by the ladies of the various org; nisations of the town. The delegates were the guests of the Mayor and municipality in a delightful visit to the Cango Caves. The members of the local W.C.T.U. and the residents of Oudtshoorn spared no pains for the comfort of the visitors. All plans had been excellently prepared and carried out. The election of officers took place on Friday, and resulted as follows:—President, Mrs Shennan; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Clean! MeEwan. and Sutherland; Rec. Sec., Mrs Abbott; Cor. Sec., Mrs S. Anderson: Treas., Mrs Tearman; Y. Sec., Mrs W. Campbell. E. A. SUMNER. C.P., W.C.T.U.