AUCKLAND DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 388, 18 November 1927, Page 4

AUCKLAND DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The Annual District Convention vaa held in YVhangarei on October -lth and sth, in the Methodist Hull. Upon their arrival by the afternoon train, the delegates were entertained by the local branch to afternoon tea. An Executive meeting was held immediately after. In the evening, a civic welcome was accorded the delegates. The chair was taken by the Mayor (Mr Brake) and prayer was offered by the Rev. G. Locbore. In his address, the Mayor emphasised the national influence of the work that the W.C.T.U. were doing to uplift humanity, and referred particularly to the number of public posts that had of recent years been made available to women. The appointment of women Justices of the Peace was a forward step. Mrs Gooxlall. President of the local branch, welcomed the visitors. The Rev. Knowles Kempton spoke on behalf of the Ministers Association. Mrs A. I). Jack extended a welcome on behalf of the Whangarei Women s Club. Mrs Holmes spoke on behalf of the Civic League. Mr O. P. Owen said a few words of welcome on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. Mrs I km fell (District President I expressed, warm thanks for the welcome accorded them. M r s T. E. Taylor (National President) thanked the people of Whangarei, and congratulated the local branch upon having attracted such a large assembly, the attendance being the largest at any District Convention. During the evening, the Methodist Choir sang an anthem, and Mrs Megson sang two solos. Bouquets were handed to the Mayoress and Meedames Taylor and Benfell. The business session opened on Wednesday, 10 a.m., Mrs Benfell (President) was in the chair. The devotions were led by Mrs Goodall, President of Whangarei. Fifty-one delegates answered the roll cal!. A fair number of visitors were present. Minutes of the Executive meeting were read. Mrs Hills was 3 '. pointed Mistress of Courtesies. and Mrs J. Williams Reporter for White Ribbon.

The Secretary's report showed an increased membership, the total being 27 Adult Unions with 1055 members, and 3 Y. Branches with 172 members. Mt. Albert 1 Vilult) and Kohimarama Y's. are new branches. Twenty-two branches were represented at Convention, and all sent reports with the exception of Port Albert and Rawene. The Secretary’s report was warmly received. The Treasurer's report and balance-sheet showed a credit balanc* of £45 Is. 3Ad. The report was adopted. The President’s address was based upon the story of Nebemiah, which showed the story of a light against odds, and of a final victory. The President, in reviewing the work of the past year, said that believing prayer was their weapon and their shield, and by using this weapon, the day will come, when, witli Nehemiali we will say: “So the wall was finished and all our enemies were much cast down in their own eyes, for they perceived that the work was wrought of our Cod.” The reports of several branches were read. Mrs T. E. Taylor conducted the Noon-tide hour. Votes of Sympathy w’ere passed with the relatives of Rev. Ready, Rev. Mdridge, Mr McDermott, Mrs Ruff. Mrv Simpkins, Mrs Martindale, Mr Taylor and Mr Worsley. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr W. Pirrett for auditing books.

The afternoon session was opened by Mrs Fenton, President of Uden. After roll call, the minutes of the morning session were read and confirmed. The following resolutions passed at the Dominion Convention w r ere confirmed: 1. That in the opinion of this Convention, the time has come when Women Police should lx* employed in New Zealand. 2. That in the opinion of this Convention, legislation should be introduced, when by special Domestic Courts may be set up for hearing eases of Separation, Maintenance and A (filiation. 3. That in the Interest of the health and efficiency of hospital nurses. Hospital Boards be urged to establish a six-day week, instead of a seven-day week, eight hours daily, at present in force for nurses in some hospitals. 4. That Government be again urged to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee of Enquiry into Mental Defectives and Sexual Offenders. 5. That Parliament be urged to pass Legislation, providing for the inclusion of w'omen in Juries. ♦>. That in cases where men are committed to gaol for non-compliance with maintenance orders, provision shall be nude for their immediate employment upon remunerative work, and for thejr earnings to he applied to the maintenance of their dependants.

7. That in the opinion of this Convention, a system of invalid pensions should be established.

8. That a motor car driver convicted of being under tin* influence of liquor, have a prohibition order issueu against him, and for a further offence lLave his license cancelled for twelve months.

9. That in the opinion ot this Convention, newspapers should be prohibited from publishing the details of such cases as those, in which mothers, in a state of mental unbalance murder, or attempt to murder, their children.

10. That a stricter Censorship le exercised over motion pictures shown fo young children.

11. That this Convention express* its belief that the present system < 1 compulsory .Military Training is tie* main cause of the existence of the military spirit munii< seed in the community, especially in the minds of the young, and constitutes the greatest hindrance to the cause of peace. It would therefore urge its branches and its individual Members to use all their influence, and to work unceasingly for the abolition of the same, and for the Institution of a system of compulsory physical training in its place.

The following remit was moved by Mrs Pirrett, to be sent to the New Zealand Executive for consideration: “That in the opinion of this Convention, it would he in the best interests of Child Welfare in New Zealand, that the Child Welfare Branch of the education Department should be separated from the Education Department and become a separate and distinct department under a directly responsible minister in charge.”

Mrs T. K. Taylor addressed Convention, taking as her subject, “Women's Emancipation.” The election of officers resulted as follows: Pres., Mrs N. lien fell t re-elected ); Vice-Pres.. Mrs (re-elected); Cor. Secretary. Mis J. Williams (reelected l; Rec. Secretary, Miss Read: Treas., Mrs W. Taylor (re-elected). District Superintendents of Departments w'ere appointed for:- Cradle It oil (Mrs Chandler); L.T.L., Rand of llopo, and Y’s. (Mrs Kasper); Peace and Arbitration (Mrs Judson); School of Methods (Mrs William.?). The Convention was concluded in the Baptist Church, on Wednesday

evening, the Church being filled. X Model W.C.T.If. meeting was given, with an address on the Constitution by Mrs Neal Five addresses (4 minutes) on “What our Women can do to Win Prohibition,” were given by Meadauies Finch, Kasper, Lovett, Vyle .and Miss Read; Miss Yyle, of Whangarei, gaining the prize. Five suggestions of (2 minutes) on “How to Interest Young People,” were given by Mesdanies Fenton, Pirrett, Todd, Kasper, and Mia* Dulcie Lees; the prize being awarded to Miss Lees, Y. delegate for Auckland. Votes of thanks were passed to all who had helped to make the Convention a success. Convention closed with the Temperance Doxology and the Benediction.