DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 386, 18 September 1927, Page 4

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

HAWKE S BAY DISTRICT ANNUAL CONVENTION. Held in Hastings Methodist Hall, August 31st and September Ist. Presided over by Mrs Wilson (Hastings) Business side was preceded by a social evening, at which delegates were welcomed, in tlie absence of the Mayor, by Mr Grainger. Miss Hill (Havelock) contributed a sweet little solo. Mrs ’J*erymun, Editor of the "White Ribbon," spoke very forcefully about our work in various places, referring particularly to the results in Samoa and elsewhere of the Prohibition law. A recitation by the Chairman was greatly appreciated. Supper was greatly enjoyed. The Convention opened at 10 am., Mrs Wilson (President) in the chair. Devotions were conducted by Rev. Mr Copeland (Hastings), who warmly welcomed the delegates, paid a high tribute to women in their many activities, and wished Convention a very happy sitting. Miss Heaton was elected Convention Secretary, owing to absence, through serious illness, of Mrs Duckworth.

Deegates were present from Napier, Hastings, Waipawa, Waipukurau, and Dannevirke. Reports were received from various Branches, but the reporting was not as satisfactory as in previous years. Sickness has caused considerable disorganisation. Reports of District Treasurer and Secretary received with pleasure. The District is financial, but not opulent. Dannevirke has this year opened a Cradle Roll, under Mrs Chote. In her remarks from the chair, Mrs Wilson spoke of the many possibilities of work and opportunities for service which lie before the District Union. Taking the w'ords, "These things ought ye to have done, and not to have left the others undone,” the District President reviewed the past, and urged all members of Convention to endeavour to attain perfection in service, remembering the greatness of the aims which should be ours. Noontide prayer and devotions were in Mrs Peryrr.an’s hands. Lunch hour was a time of great hospitality. At the afternoon session, musical items were contributed very pleasingly by Miss Campbell and Mrs Berridge, and hospitality was most generously afforded by the Hastings friends. Several new members were initiated by Mrs l’eryman towards the close of Convention. Two resolutions from the Dominion Convention were confirmed, and a remit was prepared to Is* forwarded to next Convention for discussion. This, proposed by Mrs Bibby, is an outcome of the State boarding-out scheme of children. The Convention was more in the nature of an inspirational effort than a business sitting, and greatly indeed were the addresses of Mrs Peryman and Miss McLay enjoyed. Mrs Peryman spoke on "Work." Union members should be co-workers with God. He suggests it, the aims of our Union require it, and It is only w'hen the attitude of the worker is all wrong that this is frustrated. Our guide is a Risen lx>rd. Our guide-book is ever up-to-date, and if our desires, our petitions, and our efforts are ever in accordance with these our objective will be assured, even though it be not immediately attained. Such thoughts as these were voiced by our Editor, and merged in an appeal to eacn woman pre sent to he worthy of the honour con-

ferred upon her by being a chosen coworker with the Christ. Miss McLay, the Dominion Organiser, also addressed Convention. She spoke in her pretty Scotch accent, and a tense feeling of appreciation and inspiration characterised the atmosphere. As Miss McLay voiced her opening remark that a Convention should be an inspiration, it was felt that such would this one be. As she suggested that each should ask, "How can I best use this Convention?'’ it was felt that the keystone of a trea-sure-house was there, and as the speaker put one personal suggestion after another, members of Convention must have realised that many things entered into the constitution of a Christian who is a worthy follower of her Master. Christians may be classified as Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm, said our Organiser. Those who realise the responsibility of iheir calling who strive towards realising the great possibilities of service, can do so only as they np predate and appropriate Christ. Consecration is now. as it has ever been, the kernel which engenders success in whatever objective is desired. The nominal Christian is useless. As Miss McLay spoke, her hearers plainly saw’ the relationship between love, service, and consecration, and felt anew the call to dedication in the service of the suffering, loving, living Christ. The election of officers resulted in the appointment of Miss Heaton (President of Dannevirke Branch) to be District President; Mrs Wilson (Hastings), three years District President, to be District Secretary; and Miss Burdett (Waipuk'i rau), to be District Treasurer. Votes of thanks were very heart v. The visitors, however, feel very grateful for all the kindnesses show’ered upon them by the entertaining Union —Hastings. Next Convention to be held at Walpawa. OTAGO DISTRICT CONVENTION. The annual meeting was held in Olenavon Methodist Church. N.E Valley, on August 30th. The attendance at the afternoon and evening sessions exceeded all expectations, two hundred being present In the afternoon, and in the evening the Church was taxed to its full capacity. Fifty-one delegates answered to the roll call. Mrs Hiett, President, took charge of the Convention. Visitors were welcomed by Mrs Peart. N.E. Valley

President, and four new Unions, Green Island, Lawrence, Owaka, and Palmerston South, were welcomed by Mrs Hiett. The President gave an inspiring address on "The Fullness of Christ,” showing how His personality appealed to all classes. The secret of His life was that He lived for the sake of others, not for Himself. In welcoming the new Unions, the President said there were one or two thing 3to remember. These were that the W.C.T.U. had its beginnings in a small band of praying women who w’ent into the saloons and pleaded with the saloon-keepers to give up the iniquitous business. Their war cry was. “Educate, Agitate, Organize.” The W.C.T.U. principles are the Gospel of Jesus and the abolition of the liquor traffic. We want to agitate, so that everybody will talk about our work. For next Convention, decid ‘d to accept Mosgiel's invitation. The Secretary, Miss Smyth, read the annual report, which was most interesting, showing the great amount of progressive work that is being done in the district. Some of the activities are;—Protest against retrograde Licensing Legislation; Succe»s of Petition re Tw’o-lssue Ballot; Forming of four new Unions by the Organiser, Miss McLay; Taking part in Band of Hope work and Cradle Roll; Home meetings; Evangelistic w’ork; Successful protest against Sunday Tennis; Hospital visiting; Visiting Immigrants, etc., etc. A hearty welcome w’as accorded the Y. delegates, and they were congratulated on the fine report presented. Election of officers: —President, Mrs Hiett; Vice-President. Mrs Peart; Secretary, Miss A. Gray; Treasurer, Mrs Macartney. Resolutions protesting against the Gaining Bill and the use of the Post for circulating Art Union tickets were passed; also resolutions urging the necessity for Scientific Temperance to be taught in schools; for stricter film Censorship and the appointment of women Assistants —Censors; for more drastic measures to be taken against drunken motor drivers, and for immediate employment to be found for men sent to gaol for non-compliance with maintenance orders, their earnings to be applied to the maintenance of their dependants.

During the afternoon session, which was opened by Mrs Don with a stirring address on "The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” tw’o-minute speeches were given by delegates on (1) “How to Secure new r Members;” (2) "Children, ou Best Assets;” (?) “Why I Belong to the W.C.T.U.; Why Young Mothers Should Belong;” (4) “Why is Scientific Temperance Instruction in Schools a Necessity?;” (5) “Why Should w'e Subscribe to the White Ribbon;” (6) “The Danger of Medicated Wines;” (7) “The Organising Fund;” (8) “The Willard Home;” (9) “Corporate Control.” Two songs w’ere much appreciated by the large gathering, so also was afternoon tea provided by the Valley Union. Three new members were initiated by the President. The evening session took the form of a Public meeting. Songs and recitations were contributed by the Dunedin Y’s., and were much enjoyed. The speakers of the , evening were Mr C. Todd, Mrs Don, and the Rev. Geo. Miller. These names are sufficient guarantee that the addresses were full of information and inspiration. Mr Todd spoke of the success of Prohibition in U.S.A., and of the failure of State Control in Canada. Mrs Don urged us to continue in prayer, and told us of the w’onderful answer Dr. Mary Armour received to her pra>ers for restoration of health to carry out a campaign in Georgia to collect 30,000 dollar?- for W.C.T.U. work. The Rev. Geo. Miller w r as satisfied that if the men w r ere organised as the w’omen are, we would have no dfficulty in reaching our goal. He instanced many great men ruined by drink. A record of the fine work done by the retiring Secretary was placed in the Minute Book. The President closed a most inspiring Convention with the Benediction.