DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 398, 18 September 1928, Page 4

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

MAKMtOROUtiII. Mel in lilciiht iiu on i*t h Septcnih* r. Mrs \V. M. Smith, uctmg-President, was in the ('hair, mid there were also present Mrs W. A. Evans, M.A. (I>oiiiinion Recording Secretary). Mrs Leov (|>istiid Secretary). Mrs |\ Wilson (pis triit Treasurer), Mrs J. Milhn (I’idon I'll iuii). and officers and mcmlicis of the Blenheim Union. Mrs Kvans l*-d the morning devotions, ,and gave a very inspiring talk on “Peace.” Mrs V. Underhill was appointed prcsHeporter. and Mrs Rruddock LetterWriter. The response to tin* Roll Oill was a little discouraging. only Rai Valley and I Met on helm; represented, but all Unions except Seddon sent reports. The rea* son of the non-attendance of some delepates was the expense, and a discussion took place as to ways and means in which this could he managed another year Blenheim Union was recommended to make a donation to the Pistrict Union, to be set aside for such expenses. Mrs T.eov read a very interesting and encouraging report of the work in the District, and Mrs Wilson presented a satisfactory balance-sheet, showing a credit hnlance. The President welcomed Mrs Kvans and delegates. Reports of Unions were read, and it was inspiring to hear of the work of the smaller Unions. The Young People’s Unions all report good work, and plenty of enthusiasm. Remits for Convention The following resolutions were passed:— (1) “That Dominion Union be recommended to design a new badge more suitable for men. such as a T in white.” (2) “That Dominion Union be red commended to provide Pledge Books for ‘Y* Branches, to be purchased by Branches and held b> the Secretary.” Resolutions of sympathy were passed to Mr and Mrs Breen, of Renwick. whose son met his death in tragic circumstances, and to the sisters and brothers of the late Miss Florence Jackson, who was an ardent Temperance worker. The resolutions passed at Dominion Convention were reaffirm eel, Mrs Lvov

reading replies received from Members of Parliament. 1 lie afternoon session opened with hymn. “Dear Lord and Father,” and Mrs Madill conducted the devotions, and pave a helpful talk on “Prayer. ’ Mrs Smith read a comprehensive report. The District had not had a Prc sident since Mrs (bigg left in \pril, and so there had not b»*«n any visiting of Unions, except Picton and Seddon. but Mrs Leov’s untiring efforts and telephone communication between them had kept in touch, and had done the best possible. Our thanks to Mrs Smith were expressed by acclamation. Flection of officers resulted: District President, Mrs V Underhill; Vice President, Mrs («. F. St nek well; Secretary, Mrs Leov; Treasurer. Mrs F. Wilson. Mrs Underhill expressed thanks foi the honour conferred upon her. and hoped to be worthy of the faith which was placed in her. Sin* was then asked to take the chair, amidst applause. In introducing Mi's Kvans to the visi-j tors present, the President expressed the pleasure of Convention at having her present to help with her counsel and advice, and called on her to address the meeting. After touching on Union work, and hinting as to ways and means of increasing the efficiency of our work, such as selling the “White Ribbon.” Mrs Evans proceeded with a most interesting and instructive talk on the Pan-Pacific Women's Conference at Honolulu, and the Institute of Pacific Relations. Hire* new members received into membership. Votes to thanks to Mrs Kvans, the retiring President, ladies who dispensed morning and afternoon tea, and all who had helped to make the Convention a success. Convention closed with dismissal hymn and Benediction. At St. Andrew’s Hall, on Tuesday evening, a public welcome was tendered to Mrs Evans, M.A., Mrs Smith {President of Blenheim Union) presiding, and in a brief address welcomed Mrs Evans to Blenheim. Mr W. D. Pike spoke words of welcome on behalf of the local branch of the NZ, Alliance, and Mr F. Smith, on behalf of the “Y” Branch of the W.C.T.U., also extended a hearty welcome. Miss Eileen Madill presented the visitor with p posy of violets.

Mrs Evans, in reply, thanked all tin* speakers for their kindly words of welcome, speaking words of hopefulness, and reminding us that we should not allow ourselves to b • discouraged because Prohibition has not come \.t Bile also expressed her pleasure at ing so many young poop] > present. Rev. W. O. Robb moved a vote • thanks to the speaker for her add re which was seconded by Key p. sg,,, | . well, who also congratul.it *d Mrs Evan oil her address Otlny speakers w'en* Mrs Leov, Rai Valley, and Mr Roy MtCallum, representing the Band of Hope I nion. Musical items were rendered by Misses E. Madill and C. LandonIxmc and Mrs V. Underhill. Supper was handed round. NELSON. Sept, IJ. At Mot ueka. Delegates B um N* Ison, Richmond, and Wakefield motored through, and representatives were present from Ngatimoti. Collingwood was unable to send a delegate, but greetings came from the President. The District Prescient, Mrs T. A Field, presided, and the Dominion Executive was represented by Mrs Evans, M A., th,* Dominion Recording Secretary. Miss Cresswell, on behalf of the Mot ueka I’nion, welcomed the delegates and visitors. Reports were read from all tin* Unions and from the Richmond Y s. Hearty congratulations were given to Nelson Union, as it has received from one of its members the munificent gift of “a home of its own.” The District Secretary’s report and tb * Treasurer’s balance-sheet were considered very satisfactory. Mrs Telenius brought a further donation to the funds from the same generous donor of last year. Mrs Evans addressed tin* meeting at both morning and afternoon sessions; in the morninrr more particularly on W.U.T.U. work, and in the afternoon on the World Peace Movements and the League of Nations. Members wore urged to increase tin* circulation of the “White Ribbon”; *o distribute literature, in view of tile coming poll; to assist in educative work amongst the young through the Uradle Roll, the L.T.K.. and the Y.l\ Union; and to make full use of the papers lent by Miss Powell. Mrs Evans referred to the three-fold plank of the Union f»od, Home, and

II Humanity—Peace, Purity, and ProhiI I bit ion, especially cmphoaising the need | | of < veryone thinking peace, praying I for peace, and so helping to bring in ! | tin day of universal peace. Convcn-I I lion much appreciated Mrs Evans’ ! i.ilks. and she was warmly applauded. The afternoon session was opened by \|is Telenius holding a ‘‘model mortnur" Mr Ward, of the New Zealand Ilia nee. and Mr Port on. Organiser of ilu* Youth Movement, were received. I The election of District officem roi suited in the same officers being returned. \ hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Motneka t'nion for its kindly hospitality, and the Convention <.|n-.d with the Benediction.