DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 37, Issue 435, 18 October 1931, Page 3

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

CA NT EH BURY DISTRICT. The Canterbury District Convention. North and South combined, was held in Temuka on October X-10. Mrs B. H. Low, M.A.. President for South Canterbury, presided over a delegation of in. Owing, no doubt, to the economic situation, a number of the smaller l ntons were unable to send delegates. Reports of Branches, on the whole, showed that good work was being •lone, and that an optimistic spirit was abroad among our members, enabling them to carry on in spite of difficulties, which in man> of the country districts were really acute. During Convention, Miss Henderson gave her very fine address oil “The Present Situation,” going back to the small beginnings of our work in New Zealand, and tracing the advance, step by step, the overcoming of obstacles, the heroic and self-sacrificing work ol our pioneer women, and the inan> humanitarian laws which had i>een placed on the Statutes of our land as the result of the work of the W.C.T.U., to which one indeed felt proud to I*.long. Another address worthy of note was that given by Mrs Low on “Disarmament.” The whole of the facta were placed so lucidly before the audience that none could fail to realise the great need for whole-hearted co-operation in the interests of World Peace. The following were among the more important of the resol.itions passed by ("on vent ion:— (1) “That this Convention of the North and South Canterbury Districts, representing 2000 meniliers, unanimously endorses the action of their Dominion officers in their opposition to the postponement of the Licensing Poll, and re-affirms its pledge to work till death or victory for the abolition of the liquor traffic.” (2) ‘‘That in view of the serious moral damage inflicted on the community by the widespread practice of gambling, this Convention of the W.C. T. Unions of North and South Canterbury make an emphatic protest against the issuing of any more Art Union permits.” (3) ‘That this Convention of North and South Canterbury Districts, W.C. T.L\, urges the N.Z. Government to instruct its delegates to the Disarmament Conference to support progressive world’s disarmament. The following officers were elected: — North Canterbury District: President, Mrs Richards, Christchurch; Vice-Pre-sident, Mrs Hall, New Brighton; Secretary, Miss Hart>and, New Brighton; Treasurer, Mrs Barred, Kiccarton. South Canterbury: President, Mrs Robinson, Ashburton; Vice-President. Mrs Low, Timaru; Secretary, Mrs Roy, Wuimate; Treasurer, Miss A. Oakley, Rakaiu. OTA( ;o. Oct. 3. There were uhout 50 delegates present from the various branches at the Otago District Annual Conven-

lion, held in BulcluUia on 17th September. Mrs Alice Peart (District I’residelit) presided, whilst Mrs Hiett (Dominion Vice-l'resident) and Miss Me Lay (Dotiunioii Organiser) were present, and rendered valuable assistance. The morning session was principally devoted to devotions, welcomes, and general business routine. I«ast year’s officers were re-elected, viz,: President, Mrs Peart; Vice-Presi-dent, Mrs Bedford; Secretary, Mias A. Gray; Treasurer, Mrs Sanders. Remits, dealing with Drinking m Cabarets, Women Police, Alcohol in .Sweets, Art Unions, and Sunday Trading, were dealt with. Miss Me Lay gave a most interesting address, dealing with the evils resulting from the drink traffic. At evening meeting Rev. A. Waite also dealt extensively with the drink curse, and referred to the postponement of the NoLicense Poll, which action he deplored. Miss C. Newson and Miss M. Murray rendered vocal items in the afternoon, and in the evening meeting Messrs D. Kaye, W. Henderson, and A. H. Dreaver sang a negro spiritual, whilst Miss Gray contributed a vocal item The usuai votes of thanks terminated a very successful gathering. NELSON. The Nelson District Convention met in Burrough House on September 16th. The room looked very pleasing w ; th flowers, posters, und charts. A fair number of delegates and friends present. Devotions were led by Miss Cooke, District President, basing her remarks on Rev., chap, iv., “Chriat the Centre.” President spoke of the illness of Mrs T. E. Taylor and Mrs Burroughs. Decided to send greetings and sympathy. Miss Cressvvell gave the Temj>erance Fact, and spoke on the relationship of the Christian Church to the Temperance question. Reports from officers were read and adopted. The President welcomed Miss Kirk, who said she thoroughly appreciated the welcome. The Dominion officers' message to the Nelson Union was “Go joyfully forward in the w’ork of our God.” Miss Kirk spoke on the Dominion Convention Noontide devotions were taken by Mrs Telenius. After luncheon, Mrs Field led the meeting, and read a review of the book, “Who is This Jesus?” Miss Kirk continued her address, and spoke on the Union. Officers elected: Miss Cooke, President; Miss Cresswell, Secretary; Miss Petherick, Treasurer all re-elected. Vote of thanks to the speaker. Convention dosed with the Benediction.

The following day Miss Kirk presided over a large gathering of mothers and children. Mrs Watson welcomed the visitors, and spoke of the good Work of the Superintendent of the Cradle Roll, which stands at over 500. Over 60 children w r ere present, and T>B received the eighth year certificate. Afternoon tea was served to all.

HAWKE’S BAY. The Convention was held in Hastings, and was attended by delegates from Waipukurau, Waipawa, Havelock North, Napier, and Hastings All sessions were well attended. Mrs Hickniott (local President) welcomed the visitors, and the District President (Mrs Speight) addressed the morning session on the subject of “Reforms. ' She said that the great reforms of the world hud only been brought about by slow processes and by great sacrifices. As instances, she quoted the abolition of the slave trade, the founding of the Red Cross movement by Florence Nightingale. and the work of Frances Willard. Reports showed steady work, in spite of earthquake conditions. New meml*?rs were being gained, literature distributed, and in dozens of ways the Christian women linked together by W.C.T.U. bonds were performing a service to their fellows and setting a standard of moral worth in the community. Resolutions carried were: (1) “That this Convention urges the Government to discourage and discountenance the raising of funds for charitable and benevolent purposes by public Art Unions.” A copy of the resolution to be sent to the local Members of Parliament and to the Minister of Internal Affairs.

(2) “That this Convention urges upon the Minister of Transport the need for issuing with the licenses of motorists a warning in regard to the danger arising from the use ol alcohol, thereby reducing the liability of motor accidents and fatalities.” During Convention inspirational addresses were delivered by the Rev. E. Nicholls (Baptist) and the Rev. D. J. A. Shaw (Presbyterian), the former taking as his subject “Passion Sublimated by Prayer," as exemplified by the life of Elijah, and the latter l»a«ing his remarks on the words "Hold On.” He urged courage amid all difficulties. As Moses endured serving Him Who is invisible, so must W.C.T.U. women “hold on." A presentation table cover (the work of Mrs Pep peri 11 of Waipawa) was awarded Napier Union. They gained it for 1931, but owing to earthquake conditions, were awarded it for 1932. Mrs Brocklehurst suitably replied on behalf of Napier Union. It was learned with regret that Mrs Brocklehurst was leaving the district, and the President wished her Godspeed on behalf of Convention. A resolution of condolence was passed with the relatives of the late Mrs E. Dodds, of Napier. It was decided to establish a Memorial Roll of names of those in the district who had rendered signal service in W.C.T.U. ranks and had passed to Higher Service. Musical items were rendered by Mesdames McArthur and Oliver and Miss Hill, and Mrs J. Bibby, of Waipawa. entertained Convention with blackboard sketches. All officers were re-elected, with the exception of that of Vice-President, to which Mrs J. Bibby was elected.

Vote of thanks was accorded the local Union for their hospitality and the spring liouquets w. *ch they pic. sen ted to the officers and speakers. SOUTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Convention held at Hamilton on Sep. tember 23rd, 1931. Convention was called to order by tlie District President, Mrs Jones, J.P., at 10.30 a m., the delegates and friends having previously been entertained at morning tea by the Hamilton Union. After the customary opening exercises, Mrs l’eryman led in devotions, and gave a very heartening address. \V*> were passing through a period of depression, the speaker said. This was l>ad, but to be devoid of hope was worse. While practical Christianity was to be found In churches, there was too often practical atheism as well, practised by those people who persist in talking gloom and pessimism when we should believe that in the joy of the Lord lies our strength, and like Paul and Silas, who in prison sang praises to God in the night. We should rejoice In the Lord alway. How often we act und pray as if God were bankrupt, forgetting that it is in “accord to faith” that we receive what we pray for. If we are to have power and strength, we must wait on the Lord, and so keep the connection between ourselves as coworkers with God, who is the power house, and thus we become live wires in His service.

The delegates were here welcomed by His Worship the Mayor, Dr. Pinfold, on behalf of the town. His Worship expressed the hope that the decisions of Convention would be wise and judicious. He went on to say that much of the education of girls of to-day wus “not worth twopence” in the light of the requirements of the home-maker and housewife, referring to the economic waste in teaching girls such subjects as trigonometry and algebra, for w'hich many of them hud no use, and which would soon be forgotten. Rev. Hocking extended a welcome on behalf of the Ministers' Association, and Mr White on behalf of the N.Z Alliance, who stated that he believed that many in the community were neutral for want of Temperance education. The roll call was responded to by delegates from Cambridge, Fencourt. Hamilton, Hamilton East, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu. Te Kuiti, and Ngaruawahia. The noontide prayer was led by Mrs Stephenson Craig, of Hamilton East Union, and Mrs Easter, of Cambridge, after which Mrs Peryman supplied useful and up-to-date information regarding headquarters, now happily causing less anxiety regarding mortgages. The afternoon session w’as opened by devotions led by Mrs Starnes, District Vice-President, of Morrinsville Union. The District Secretary’s report stated that, on the whole, the reports sent in were distinctly encouraging. There is an increase of membership, and much intelligent and educative work is licing done, but the smaller branches need fostering and encouraging. As far as

possible the District officers do this, but lack of funds has proved an obstacle to the District President’s usual visits this year. She has, however, visited Thames, Hamilton East, and Te Awamutu. and the District Secretary visited Kencourt, Cambridge, and Te Awamutu. A short musical programme was followed by afternoon tea. dispensed by the Hamilton East members. District President’s address followed. \s,is read and adopted, and covered a wide held. Mis Peryman spoke on the poll postponement, and urged Unions to educate for victory at next poll. Officers elected: Pres., Mrs Jones, Hamilton; Vice-Pres., Mr? Starnes, Morrinsville; Sec., Mrs Stephenson Craig, Hamilton Hast, and Mrs Davey, Hamilton. The following resolution was carried ip.unimously:—"That this Convention neartily endorses the action of our DoMinion officers in opposing the postponement of the Licensing Poll.” M ANA WATT T DISTRICT The Manawatu District Convention vviis held on Wednesday, September :(utli, in the Century Mall, Levin. On Tuesday evening, the -9th, a public meeting of welcome to delegates was tendered by the local Union. The platform had been tastefully arranged in drawing-room fashion, ami beautifully decorated with howls and vases of flowers. The Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs C. Plenkhorn) were present, the '(inner to take the chair. Also present were: District President, Miss Lee. of Otaki; Mrs Cummins, President of the Levin Union; Mrs Peryman; Captain Lee and Lieut. Coffin, of Salvation Army. Pretty posies were presented by Mrs Cummins to the three other ladies. Some introductory remarks were made by Miss Lee, who explained that the Convention was to l»e held mainly for the spiritual strengthening of the members for the work they had in hand. The Manawatu District was most grateful to the Levin friends for their kindness in having Convention in their town. The speaker thanked the Mayor for being present at the meeting, over which she then asked him to preside. His Worship welcomed the delegates to Levin, and hoped that their deliberations would lie for the betterment of their organisation and of the country s social life at large It was his earnest wish and desire that the movement should make progress. He said a large welcome was due to Mrs Teryman, who was the Editor of the official paper, the "White Ribbon,” and a wellknown public speaker, and a lady who was always to the fore in any social work.

Mrs Peryman then gave a very helpful and interesting address. On Wednesday morning Convention opened at 9.15 am. Miss Lee (District

President) w r as in the chair. Delegates from Feilding, Apltl, Ballance, Palmerston North, Otaki, and Levin were pre-

sent. Apologies were received from Woodville. Pahitttua, and Koxton. Miss Douglas, the Organiser, was also present. The opening devotions were led by Mrs Cummins (President of Levin Union). Votes of sympathy were passed to Mrs T. E. Taylor and Miss Grunt, the Secretary of Otaki Union, in their illness. Miss Lee spoke a few words on the year’s work, and gave an indication of what might be accomplished if more interest was taken in the work. The Secretary’s report and Treasurer’s balance-sheet were read and adopted. Delegates’ reports of year’s work were most interesting, showing that good work was being done by the Unions in the District, which was very encouraging. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Ritchie (Palmerston North) for the Scientific Facts which she supplied each month to the Unions.

The noontide hymn was sung, and Mrs Peryman led in prayer for our work in the Dominion and for the whole world. The election of officers resulted as follows: — District Pres., Mrs Paterson, Pahiatua; Vice-Pres., Mrs Sorensen. Levin; District Sec., Mrs Young: District Treas., Mrs Kennerly, Levin (re-elected); Supt. of Scientific Facts, Mrs Ritchie, Palmerston North (re-elected); Supt. of Maori Work, Miss Lee, Otaki. After the luncheon adjournment, the afternoon session was opened by Miss Lee with hymn and prayer. A wire was received from the Hastings Convention for a successful Convention. A heart) vote of thanks to the members of the Levin Union, who had worked so untiringly at all details, to which was largely attributable the comfort of delegates and the great success o r the Convention Cordial thanks are due to Mrs Nye, who supplied the posies and the flowers. The Convention closed with the pledge and a hymn and prayer. A very helpful address was given by Mrs Peryman on the postponement ol the poll. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded her. Afternoon tea was dispensed. Meeting closed with the Benediction, all feeling a very profitable time ’;ad been spent. We tender our special thanks to Mrs Peryman. who, when the call came, responded so willingly, and so hel|>ed in making the Convention such a great success. We also thank Miss Chalk, Mr Hodder, and Mr Vincent, who kindly contributed to the programme on the Tuesday evening. AUCKLAND DISTRICT. The Auckland District Convention was held in the Y.W.CA. Assembly Hall on the 9th and !oth of September. A reception to welcome the Dominion President. Mrs T. E. Tavlor. and visiting delegates, was held on the evening of the Bth. Sir George Fowlds presided. and paid a striking tribute to the work of the Union with his opening remarks. A welcome was extended by Mrs Cook, President of the entertaining Union, who presented Mrs T. E Taylor, also Mrs Richards, the retiring District President, with bouquets of daffodils

and anemones. Greetings from other organisatioi s w ore extended by Mr L. S. Francis on oehalf of the independent Order of Rechabites, Mr Louis E. Falkner for the Auckland Araa of the New Zealand Alliance, Miss Benthatn for the Y.W.C.A., Mr Blakey for the Council of Christian Congregations, Miss Quayle for the National Council of Women, and Mrs Brigadier CottriM for tiie Salvation Army. During the evening songs were sung by Mrs H. T. King and Mrs Craig, the latter singing a song of her own composition. Mrs Taylor conveyed greetings from the New Zealand officers. In speaking on the subject of postponement of the Licensing Poll, she said that the Tem - perance party had been made the spokesman of the Liquor Traffic, and the suggestion in the first place did not come from the Alliance, hut from the breweries. The position had to be faced, she said, and it w as our business as women to face it as they had done for the past forty years. The women of New Zealand as a whole had not realised their responsibilities, said Mrs Taylor, who urged them to fight for power to exercise their rights and to watch that we do not have any more hard-won privileges and rights taken away from us by the enemy of the c hildren of New Zealand.

The Convention opened on Wednesday morning, Mrs Morgan Richards presiding Upwards of 80 officers and delegates, representing 24 Adult Unions and 5 V Branches, answered the roll call. Greetings were received from Mrs Lee Cowie, of Honolulu, also North and South Canterbury District Convention. The report of the Executive work, submitted by the Recording Secretary, gave evidence of much activity in a large field of work. The Corresponding Secretary’s report of Unions working throughout the District showed that steady progress was being maintained; while the Treasurer’s report and Imlance-sheet showed a credit balance. Following the luncheon adjournment, an inspiring address was given by Mrs W. J. Williams, of Christchurch. Tinspeaker told how wine-growing countries of Europe had handed together to teach children wine drinking, and urged the necessity for educating children to see the danger of alcohol Mrs T. E. Taylor also delivered an instructive and inspiring address, her subject being, by special request, ‘The Postponement of the Licensing Poll.” Afternoon tea was served by the Baptist Toadies’ Guild, and a song of her own composition was sung by Mrs Craig, which was much enjoyed. The election of officers resulted as follows:—-District President, Mrs Kasper; Vice-President, Miss Read; Corresponding Secretary. Mrs Cair, Recording Secretary, Mrs Johnston; Treasurer. Mrs Taylor. In the evening a Mxlel L.T.L. meeting, also a Modei Y meeting, was demonstrated. having been specially requested by several country Union*. The venture proved most interesting and a decided success,

Oil Th ursday morning, following devotions, the District Superintendents' reports were read and fully discussed. Following the noontide hymn, sung by Mrs Grain. and prayer, election of District Superintendents: Bible in Schools, Mrs Took; Birthday League, Mr* Day; Little White Ribboners, Mrs Johnston; L.T.L. and Band of Hope, Miss Head, Prison Reform and Good Citizenship, Mrs Bragge; L.T.L. in Public Schools, Miss Fyfe; Maori Work, Miss Adams; Home Meetings, Mrs Hayr; Anti(iamhhng, Mrs kkcersall; Peace and Arbitration. Mrs Hunter; Evangelistic. Mrs Richards; “White Ribbon," Mrs Kenton. The Resolutions Committee, Mesdames Neal, Kasper, Hamilton. Taylor, Williams, and Miss Read, considered the following resolutions:—

(1) "That this Convention views with alarm the increased facilities for gambling, and directs the attention of the Government to the fact that little heed has »*?en given to the protest made by important bodies from time to time against Art Unions." (2) “That this Convention makes further protest against Sunday pictures, and will do all in its power to prevent same."

Sister Eleanor Bobby gave an account of her work among the northern Mr.ori Unions in the Hokianga District. Afternoon tea was served by the Beresford Street Congregational Church ladies. Mrs Morgan Richards, the retiring President, recalled the formation of the first District Executive eight years ago, and referred to the noble women, both past and present, in our organisation. Appreciative letters of remembrance to aged members and of sympathy to others bereaved and m trouble were directed to lie forwarded by Mrs Carr, Convention Letter-Writer. The Question Box was dealt with, after which Mrs Taylor conducted the concluding service of Convention, which brought to a close a very successful and happy gathering.