WAIKATO DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 388, 18 November 1927, Page 8

WAIKATO DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The Waikato DiHtrict Convention opened in St. Paul’s Schoolroom, Hamilton, on Wednesday, October 12th. Cambridge, Fencourt, Hamilton, Hamilton East, Morrinsville, and Ngariiawahia Branches of the main Union were represented, besides Cambridge and Hamilton “Y.” Branches, and from Maori Unions. His Worship the Mayor, Sir J. R. Fow, said he was gLad to welcome the delegates. One of the most hopeful signs of the times and one which Rave cheer to outside workers, was the widespread and keen interest in the “Women’s Christian Temperance l T nion.*’ When started by Frances Willard, it was .little thought how far-reaching the Movement would be. As President of the New Zealand Alliance, as well as in his Mayoral capacity, he extended the welcome. He had seen something of the havoc wrought by the drink traffic in the early di\s of New Zealand. He had seen families who had come w ith high ho *** to a new country succumb to the evil, bringing economic loss to the land, countless misery to their fellows, and intense suffering to womanhood and childhood. Mr Fow hoped the Convention would be an inspiration and help, and that as the delegates heard of the progress In other places, they would be encouraged in their groat work.

Address by Rev. R. Morgan < President of the Ministers’ Association), extending a hearty welcome to the delegates. Their association, he said, w’elcoimd all interested in the progress of “Cod's Kingdom” and the spread of righteousness in the land, for these the W.C.TU. stood foursquare. The cause of prohibition meant solid work, all along the line progress was evident. In the name of Ministers’ Association he wished the Convention success, and that the way would be seen whereby even greater progress should be made.

The meeting then proceeded to consider the business set out on tbe Agenda Paper. Mrs J. M Jones (President of the South Auckland District) said that interest had been well-maintained throughout the District*. 15,840 women in the area signed the

petition for i. Two-Issue Ballot Paper. Much had also been done in getting petitions on the Bible-in-Schools question signed, and protests against the Gaming Bill had been sent to various M.P’s. and the Premier. Good work was being done amongst the young people, and also amongst the Maoris. Mr Waterhouse, representing the New Zealand Alliance, explained that the Alliance had been most anxious to return as a successor to the late Hon. H. F. Bollard, a candidate who was favourable to the Two-Issue Ballot Paper, and who was against extension of time between the polls. It was satisfactory to know that there was now a majority of six in the House pledged to support tbe TwoIssue Ballot Paper. The speaker referred to tin* recent oonGuversy over liquor in tlie King Country, giving an explanation of the position and showing that it was net by verbal agreement, but by a legal contract involving a Proclamation under an Act of Parliament, that the natives had been promised that liquor should not be introduced into the King Country. Resolutions were passed protesting against Bishoi Cherrington s sugg » - tion, “that the system of licensed houses for the sale of alcohol shoi id be introduced into the King Country.” Resolutions passed recently at the Dominion Conference were reaffirmed.

Mrs T. E. Taylor (Dominion President) gave a forceful address, based on the words, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” Mrs Starnes (Morrinsville) and Mrs Morgan (Hamilton East) conducted the devotional part.

The following officers were elected: Mrs Jones, President, Mrs R. Morgan. Vice-President; Mrs S. Craig, Secretary; Mrs Davev, Treasurer. Votes of thanks w*ere passed to the speakers, to Mrs Secombe and helpers for afternoon tea, and to the Press. Special thanks were tendered to Mrs Taylor for her valuable help, and she was presented w*ith a beautiful bouquet. If arrangement can be made, tbe 1928 Convention will be held at Ngaruawahia.