DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 35, Issue 412, 18 November 1929, Page 5

DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The Annual Convention of the South Auckland District Women's Christian Temperance Union was held at Paeroa. Mrs J. M. Jones, J.P., presided, and called Convention to rder at 10 45. After the Ringing of the Crusade Hymn and repeating the Crusade Psalm, devotions were led by Mrs Peryman, Ed»tress of the official organ, “The White Ribbon.’ An address based on the parable of the (rood Samaritan showed that in this parable three types of men were given, and it was those who passed by wdth indifference who w-ere denounced. The speaker stressed the point that it was indifference which hindered the cause. If women ready worked and really cared, they could do all they set out to do. The Revs. Low den and Baker welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. The roll call was responded to by delegates from Cambridge, Hamilton, Hamilton Bast, Paeroa, Thames, and Waihi branches. (Greetings were received from the \\ ellington and Canterbury District Unioiß, and from Te Kuiti. The Treasurer s (Mrs K. J. Davey) report showed a lialance in hand of £3 15s 4d. After the luncheon adjournment, the President's report was given. This dealt with the subject of women police, who are doing good work in Croat Britain, the Continent of Europe, Australia and America, yet, who are not appointed in New Zealand. The speaker believed that the tim»- was not far distant when we should h.iv' women police appointed and women in our Parliament. New Zealand could not afford to lag behind other countiies which were introducing reforms. Gratification was expressed regard ns the progress of the international peace question, and it is hoped that the visit of the Prime Minister of Britain to the U.S.A. would do much to cement the bond of peace between the two peoples. Mrs Peryman’s address dealt with the forward movement of the W.C.T.P. Prohibition had had a set-back, but this had proved a challenge to women, and the W.C.T.U. is now, by the Million Shilling Fund, building up a fighting fund for next election, so that we ne»»d not sick back, hampered by lack of funds, while our opponents get the ear of the politicians and newspapers unchecked.

The following officers were reelected: — President, Mrs Jones, J.P. (Hamilton); Secretary, Mrs Stephenson Craig (Hamilton); Treasurer, Mrs K. J. pavey (Hamilton); Vice-President, Mrs Starnes (Morrinsville). During the afternoon, Mrs Epps recited Bracken’s poem, ‘Thou art the vilest fiend of all,” and Mrs Mitchell sang two solos. These items were much enjoyed. An invitation to hold th»- 1930 Convention at Cambridge was accepted. A vote of thanks to the l*aerou Union for their very kind and lavish hospitality w.is passed, and the Convention closed at a pm. with the singing of the parting hymn and the Benediction pronounced by the President.