CONVENTION ECHOES.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 405, 18 April 1929, Page 2

CONVENTION ECHOES.

The Convention of 1929 is now a thing of the past. Delegates gathered from all parts of the Dominion to our central capital city. The city was lavish in its hospitality, and the willingness of our friends to oi>en their homes to receive delegates, was highly appreciated. Convention met in the Congregational Church on Cambridge Terrace, hindlv lent by the Trustees. The Convention was a very industrious one, and much business was put through. The delegates had a mind to work, and we hope that all Unions will display the same earnest spirit during the year. As related elsewhere, Convention has resolved upon a forward movement, which is to give us a National Headquarters. and we hope it will double our membership, and that every member will subscribe to and read our official organ—The " White Ribbon” —and so become educated in our work. The President’s address, and the Convention sermon are reported elsewhere. The Y.P. Conference finds its place on our Y. Page, while the report of the Conference on Maori Work will be found in its own column. Altogether. 117 delegates were present, of whom 4 4 were attending their first Convention.

the reception. This was held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. The Mayor, in his civic robes, took the chair, and the Mayoress was with him on the platform. He warmly welcomed all delegates to the city. Rev. Pinfold spoke words of welcome on behalf of the Ministers’ Association, while Mr C. R. Edmond voiced the welcome of the New Zealand Alliance, representing all Temperance bodies. Miss Kirk. President of the entertaining District Union, told bow glad her district was to he hostess for Convention. Hon. A. .J. Stallworthy also spoke of his pleasure to be there, and to meet so many workers in so good a cause. Mrs T. E. Taylor thanked one and all for their welcome. A very fine concert programme was arranged by Mr Clement Howe, and the city and suburban Unions provided a bountiful supper. Beautiful boquets, the

work of Mrs Chisholm, were presented to the Mayoress and Dominion Officers. GARDEN PARTY. On Saturday afternoon the Jolinsonville Union entertained delegates and friends at a Garden Party, in the grounds of Mr Alex. Moore, kindly lent for the occasion. Mrs Moore acted as hostess, and spoke of her pleasure at entertaining delegates, and. in the absence of Mr Moore, Chairman of the Town Board, she welcomed them to the fair suburb of Johnsonville. Mrs Halliday, President of the entertaining Union, spoke of the pleasure it gave them to meet the delegates in social intercourse. Hon. A. J. Stallworthy also spoke inspiring words, and the Dominion President thanked them for their kindly welcome. Delegates enjoyed the fine bus ride up the charming and beautiful Ngahauranga Gorge, and the bus service was taxed to its limit to carry the crowd. So many assembled for tlie trip, that Mr Crichton had to borrow an Eastbourne bus to transport the visitors. Nearly 300 were entertained to afternoon tea. a real country tea, all cakes homemade.

CONCERT AND PRESENTATION OF BANNERS. On Tuesday evening, a Concert was held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. It was wellattended, and Miss Kirk was in the chair. A fine musical programme was arranged by Mrs Sawden, President of Brooklyn Union, and rendered by a band of talented young performers. Speecli Competition was a special feature of the evening. The judges were: Miss McLean, M.A.. Mr V. Evans, M.A., and Mr Allan Cousins. L.L.M. Prepared Speech Competition was won by Mrs Phillips, of Warkworth, while Mrs Cook. of Auckland, and Mrs E. C. Smith, of Gore, tied for second place. Impromptu Speech Competition was won by Mrs E. C. Smith, of Gore, with Mrs Young, of Palmerston North, second. The President presented the prizes, and also these won by the Y delegates at the afternoon session of Convention. The Impromptu Speech Competition for Y’s was won by Mr F.

Silcoek. of Ashburton, with Miss Crozier, of Eltham. as second. For the Prepared Speech, Miss Watts, of Wanganui, was first, and Miss Appleby, of Auckland, second. Banners won were presented by the Dominion President. The Banner for the greatest increase in membership was won by Wanganui Central, with an increase of 37. The Banner for greatest percentage increase was won by Paeroa. with an increase of 250 per cent. We are confidently expecting that, as a result of our Forward Movement. every Union will do its be-st to beat Paeroa’s record. The Y. Banner, for greatest increase, was won by Ashburton Y's, with an increase of 53. The L.T.L. Banner again was won by Masterton, with an increase of 152, while Ryal Bush secured the Cradle It oil Banner, with an increase of 135. We should think every baby in Ryal Bush must he on that Cradle Roll, and it must bo a case of: "Tremble, King Alcohol! when we grow up.”