MINUTES OF 1935 CONVENTION (Abridged.)

White Ribbon, Volume 40, Issue 475, 18 April 1935, Page 10

MINUTES OF 1935 CONVENTION (Abridged.)

Met in Hanover St. Itaptist, ('hurt'll Hall, On March I Ith, ItSft. opening devotions by President. Greetings received from Mrs Ella Boole, World President; Mrs Pees, National and Victorian Unions; Mrs Uerriman, St. Kilda Pnion, Melbourne; Baptist (’hurdles of Otago and Southland; NX. Alliance; Good Templar laidge; Mrs l>on; Inglewood, Hamilton. S. Auckland, Marton, Invercargill Central, Invercargill South, t’hristchurch, Te Awamutu, Ashburton. Wellington, Oamaru, Hastings, Johnsonville, Island Bay, Kaetihi. Wanganui. Otautau. Thames, and Spreydcn I’nions; Mrs Neal, Mrs Phillips. Mr; Humour; X. Canterbury, N. Christchurch, and N. Beach Y Unions. Greetings sent to Mrs Klla Boole and Mrs Bees. A 1 'T Hi i NOON S ESS lON. Devotions by Miss Kirk. tIT 11s promised for N.Z. Fund. Greetings from Nelson District, Auckland l, Lev in Napier, N. Auckland !£..» cnt.ve, V\ hangaroi, Hastings Unions, and N.C.W., Auckland. Letter, of sympathy to Mr B. Low, Mi Met ’ui i ney, Ferriman, Mr »<>u;. . it !a»i\c of late Mrs LovellSmith. Dtcioed ti place t n minutes an appreciation oi \voik doiie by Mrs LovellSi.'iith, pailicuiarly in gaining Women's Fiam li se. Letter i I sympathy to Mrs Watson in illness of her husband. Afternoon ica by ladies of First ('hurch. The President’s Address followed. Very hearty appicciation of Mrs Taylor’s address was ex pies; ed by a number of dob ‘f:*teS. FBI DAY, MARCH 15. Communion Service in First Church. Mrs Hiett called Convention to order, and expressed deep regret that, owing to illness, Mrs Taylor had hud to return home to Christchurch. A telegram conveying good wishes of the Union had been sent to Lord and Lady ltlcdisloe, and Miss Henderson read reply received from their Excellencies. Greetings from Mrs Lew, National General Secretary of W.C.T.U. in China. “White Ribbon” report given by Editor an»l Business Manager. The following resolution was passed with acclamation;- ‘That the Annual Dominion Convention of the W.C.T.U., assembled in Dunedin in this year of our Jubilee, place on record Its heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation of the past twenty-two years of whole-hearted service and self-sacrificing devotion (so willingly given) by Mrs Peryman, our beloved Editress and Business Manager of our official organ, the White Ribbon.’ That we are Justly proud of our up-to-date paper, and we desire to congratulate our Editress on the excellent tone, high standard, and wide outlook maintained over so many years. That we pledge ourselves as individual mem-

hers of Convention to do our utmost to increase the circulation of our paper, which is of such great educational value, and which is surely unique in that it is edited and controlled entirely by women.” In supporting the resolution, Miss Kirk said that during the year Mrs Peryman had sent out 1153 letters and 3(Mi(i circulars. She had also written for the "Ribbon” a column of approximately ”1 yards of original matter. Mrs Peryman appointed Editor and

Business Manager, and the usual grants recommended. A ITER NOON SPSS K )N. Devotions led by Mrs Hall and Mrs Barrell. Decided that a letter of thanks and appreciation be sent to the Rev A Stavely, who conducted the Communion Service. Miss Lovell-Smith moved that an affectionate message he sent to Mrs Taylor. telling her how much we appreciate the address she has given durin g Convention. —Carried.

Greetings he sent to Miss Trevurza, Mrs Don, Mrs Bendely, Niue Island, and to our new Union at Pitcairn Island. Plans of n oik. Miss Mclay made tin* following suggestions:—(l) Hold Home meetings, they are of the greatest value; (”) each Union to make an effort to gain an en trance to all (’hurch Women's Guild* and organisations, the communication might he made through mission work or through Good Citizenship; (3) posters and wayside pulpits; (t) each

Superintendent to try to make u poster for her own department; (5) that each Union should hold a Church Uurade in each church once during the year; (6) Unions to hold open meetings, in evenings if possible, and ask the women t° bring their husbands. Afternoon tea served by the ladies of Knox, North-East Valley, and Anderson’s Bay (’hinches. Service of Memories. Mrs Hiett conducted a short service of memories in memory of Mrs LovellSmith, Mrs Low, Mrs McCartney

After reading 9-17 of the 7th chapter of Kevelatton, Mrs Hiett spoke of the work of the sisters. “Ten thousand Times Ten Thousand” was sung, and Mrs Peryman closed the service vv itli prayer. Discussion on the plans of work suggested by Miss McLay followed. Mrs Bedford passed on a suggestion from Mrs Peart: That each Union spend at least a quarter of an hour at each meeting in special prayer for the work. Mrs Pit In eaves suggested that the

YV.r.T.r. produce a film showing th" evils of strong drink. Mrs Kasper suggested that at each L T.L. the children he given a Temperance Fact to he learned at home. She had dene this in her own work, an 1 found i. very useful. All suggestions were well discussed. Reports. Headquarters report was read hy Miss Kirk, who moved its adoption. —Carried. The present Headquarters Committee was re-elected, with power to add to its numher.

Minutes of meeting held on Saturday morning, March 16th, 1935. Devotions, led by Y delegates. Number of delegates attending their first Convention is 17. Convention has 78 members, representing 81 l nions. MONDAY MORNING, MARCH 18th. Devotions led by Mrs Perytnan, who stressed the need for entire consecration to the service of tlie Lord Christ. Treasurer's Statement. Discussion was opened by the Trea-

surer. After full discussion, the bal-ance-sheet and report were adopted. Song Prize-Winners. The President announced that the first prize is .varded to Mrs Mew, Levin, with Mrs Bibby second. Noontide. Resolutions. 1. “That the words ‘Abolition of the Liquor Traffic’ be substituted for ‘Prohibition of the Liquor Traflic in our programme.” Moved by Mrs Dux field, seconded by M“■ Alexander.--Carried.

2. "That steps be taken to ascertai l whether sweets containing alcohol are manufactured in New Zealand. and that, if this is so, steps lie taken to bring the matter before the proper authorities.” Miss Henderson explained that Auckland Union was already taking steps. That being so, she moved that the question be held over, and that it be left lor the Dominion Officers to deal with. Seconded by Mrs l’irrett. —Carried. 3 "That the contribution of 1/6 per member to the Organising Fun! i>e made a levy.” Moved by Mrs Harrell, seconded by Mrs Knight. I )iscussion adjourned. afternoon session. Devotions led by Miss Lovell-Smita who read from the 13th Ist Corinthians. Greetings received from Miss Harbund, Mrs Paisley, Mrs Cook. Mrs Noirie. Auckland District Executive, Auckland, Waipawa, Brooklyn, Hawke’s Day, Wairoa, Carterton Unions, Waikiwi. Hastings, Timaru Y Unions, and 7th \ Conference, Wanganui Central, Grey Lynn, Balclutha, Blenheim, and Nelson District Unions. Talk on Departmental Work by Mrs Peryman, who outlined the work ol most of the Departments. Many delegates availed themselves of the opportunity to ask questions. Afternoon tea served by the ladies o» the Congregational and Church ot Christ. Miss Jean Ilegg addressed Conventio.i on the work of the W.C.T.U. in India. Presentation of Banners. Hand of Hope, to North New Hrightoa for greatest number of pledged members. L.T.L., to Nelson for largest meiniiership. . . Shield, to Picton, whose membei n» gained the Gold Medal in the Scientific Temperance examination (Stella Powell). L.W.R., to Nelson for largest membership. L.W.R, to Aranioho for highest per rent, gained (200 per cent, increase). Highest per cent, increase, Palmerston North (665 per cent.). “White Ribbon” decoration? presentj ed to Island Bay, Mayfield, Wanganui E.. Palmerston North, Brooklyn, Napior. New Brighton, Timaru, Wellington, Invercargill Central, Marton, Wellington Central. Otautau, Blenheim. Discussion on remit 3, re levy for Organising Fund, was resumed. Motion carried by two votes. TUESDAY, MARCH 19th, 1935. Devotions led hy Mrs Paterson, who emphasised the joy and necessity of close communion with God. Notice of Motion. Mrs Kasper said that she would, at next Convention, move: ‘That the words •sweets or anything containing alcohc' i* added to the pledge taken by young people and children.” Election of officers resulted as follows: — President: Mrs Hiett. Vice-President: Mrs Paterson.

Corresponding Secretary: Miss Henderson. Recording Secretary: Miss C. E. Kirk Treasurer: M’ss Lovell-Sirith. The officers thanked Convention for their election. Ke Pageant. The President spoke of Miss Tuckwell’s work in producing the Pageant, which had l>een a great success from every point of view. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Miss Tuckwell, who suitably replied. Mrs Bedford moved that a letter of thanks Ik> sent to Mrs Leslie Gain, who had trained the children so well for the playette on Thursday last. Seconded by Mrs Alexandei and carried. Noontide. Appreciation. It was unanimously decided that a resolution and letter of appreciation o: Mrs Taylor’s work in connection with our l T nion in* prepared by .Mrs Duxfleld and Mrs Robinson. A FTERNOON SESSION. Devotions led by Mrs Martin. Resolution re Election of Officers. Miss Her; lei son moved: "That no nations for Dominion Officers must be sent in writing to the Recording Secretary before January ir»th in each year, and K* forwarded by her to the ‘White Itibhon’ for publication. Smh nominations must is* signed by at least two members of a Union and by the person nominated. In tile event of no nomination being received for an office, nominations may be taken at Convention, provided that they are handed in at least 24 hours before th< time fixed for elections. It shad be the duty of the Recording Secletary to post these nominations in a conspicuous place in the Hall of Convention.” Seconded by Mrs Pirrett. —Carried. Miss Henderson spoke on the Constitution, and questions were asked. The following recommendations w» * received from the Executive:--That this Convention ask that a World Convention be held in the Pacific area. Moved by Miss Kirk, seconded by Mrs Pirrett. — Carried. That a lantern, similar to that bought h\ Miss McLuy, be purchased for the use of the Union. Moved by Miss Kirk, seconded by Miss Jamieson. —Carried. That the Officers be authorised to confirm the minutes of last session of Convention. Moved by Miss Kirk, seconded by Mrs Hall. < ferried. That the following Superintendents h» appointed:— Anti-Gambling: Mrs Pirrett. Rackblocks: Mrs Moyes. Bible-ln-Schools, Sabbath Observance, Evangelistic: Mrs Cook. Educational Bureau: Miss Powell. Good Citizenship, Prison and Reformatory, and Rest and Refreshment Rooms: Miss Gray.

Home Meetings: Mrs Chisholm. International Correspondence: Miss Cawthorn. Legal and Parliamentary: Miss Henderson. Little White Ribboners: Mrs E. C. Smith. L.T.L. and Bands of Hope: Mrs Bathgate. Medical and Scientific Temperance: Mrs Neal. Peace an<i Arbitration: Mrs T. E. Taylor. Press: Miss Trevurza. School of Methods: Mrs Kasper. Social and Moral Hygiene: Mrs lx>wery. Work Among Seamen: Mrs Nome. “W.R. ’ Bulletin: Mrs Carr. V Superintendent: Miss C. Mcl^ay. Flower and Philanthropic: Mrs Spencer. Notable Days: Miss Smyth. Moved by Miss Kirk, seconded by Mrs Comyns. -Carried. That it l>e left in the hands of the Dominion Officers to fill further vacancies in the Superintendents’ list. Moved by Mrs Martin, seconded by Mis:, Jamieson.—Carried. That Convention make a mle that no memlier of Convention shall cab a meeting under the auspices of the t'nion without the consent of Convent ion Executive. Moved by Miss Kirk, seconded by M rs. Pirrett. —Curried. Afternoon tea seived by the ladies ol the Methodist Churches. Mrs Scott gave great pleasure by singing the Convention song which had gained the prize. She was warm I \ thanked, and encored. Opening of Poll Campaign. Mrs I'eryman made suggestions as to good ways of working. She urged that good use be made of the Literature Department, ‘‘White Ribbon,” “Beacon,” and “L.T.L. Supplement.” Other suggestions were made, and questions as.:ed. Many speakers emphasised the value of personal work and distribution of literature. Resolutions. “That the Minister of Justice be asked to suppress from the newspai»ers the notification of the day and hour of the execution of a prisoner.” Moved by Mrs Kasner, seconded by M rs I tloodworth. —Carried. “That children in secondary schools he trained in ideals of peace, instead of those of militarism.” Moved by Miss Henderson, seconded by Mrs Downing.—Carried. ‘That the Government be requested to take steps to prevent the publication of misleading statements as to the nature of alcoholic liquors.” Moved by Miss Henderson, seconded by Mrs Spence.—Carried. “That steps should be taken to make the dangers of the use of medicated wines more widely known, and that the women lie informed

that the continued use of wines tends to form tHe alcoli >1 habit.” Moved by Mrs Spence. seconded b Mrs Martin. —Carried. “That No-License districts be not subdivided and merged into License districts, as was done in the cas<of Ashburton.” Moved by Mrs Roy, seconded by Mrs Robinson. —Carried. “That hotels should have only one bar, and that this should lie the only place in the hotel from which liquor is supplied.” Moved by Mrs Kasper, seconded b\ Mrs Pirrett. —Carried. WEDNESDAY MORNING, MARCH 20. Devotions led by Miss McLuy, lie n ain thought being that only by abiding in Christ can we do the will of God. Pan-Pacific Women’s Association. The President said that Mesdarnes Brewer and Peryman represented us on this Association. These ladies wenthanked, and asked to carry on. Greetings were received from Mrs Hutcheson, Victoria, Mrs Bathgate, and Wellington Central and N’oith Auckland Unions. It was decided that the questiounaiie of the N.Z. Alliance be approved. Mrs Blood worth made a gift of l>ooks to the Dominion Library. The President thanked Mrs Bloodworth. Noontide. Miss Henderson Moved: "That we record a minute of appreciation of the great service rendered to our cause by the late Rev. J. Cocker, and express our sympathy with his family.” Seconded by Mrs DuxMeld. Carried by members standing in silence. Decided that a letter of greeting and congratulation he sent to Mrs Norrie. Resolutions. “That with a view to eliminating the illegal sale and the consumption of liquor, all cabarets and dance halls should lie subject to stricter inspection, in the same manner as licensed premises.” Moved by Miss Henderson, seconded by Miss Jamieson. —Carried. "That where a motorist has been convicted of intoxication while in charge of a motor vehicle, h’ should be prohibited altogether from driving a motor vehicle.” Moved by Miss Henderson, seconded by Mrs liutler. —Carried. “That as the machinery of the League of Nations affords the best available means of applying the principles of the Gospel of Christ to stop war, to provide justice, and to organise Peace Unions, that individual members he strongly urged to affiliate with the Leagin of .sations Union.” Moved by Miss Jamieson, seconded by Mrs Alexander. —Carried. “Believing that the present method of relieving unemployment is opposed to the best interests of the workers, this Convention urges the Government to devise a svs-

tem which will enable workers to receive adequate wages, and which will at the same time be of permanent benefit to the country.” Moved by Mrs Hall, seconded by Mrs Downing. —Carried. ••That the Government be asked to grant free railway passes at least once a month to men in relief camps, to enable them to visit their families.” Moved by Mrs Kasper, seconded by Mrs Downing. —Carried. “That in view of the prevalence ot drinking amongst women, the Dominion Officers be requested to circularise all religious organisa tions with a view to inaugurating a campaign of education on sci entitle and racial grounds against the use of alcoholic liquor by women.” Moved by Miss Henderson, seconded hy Miss Blackwall.—Carried. “That provision should be made whereby a deserted wife mux receive the Family Allowance without the signature of her husband.” Moved «y Miss Henderson, seconded hy Mrs Cooke. —Carried. •That the Government be asked to introduce a Dominion compulsory contributory National hund. Moved by Mrs Bedford, seconded by Mrs Pirrett.—■« 'at ried. A FTKHNOON SKSSION. Devotions led by Mrs Duxtield. Mrs Scott sang two songs, which were much appreciated. The President said that she had be* n asked the following question:- May a t’nion get babies for its roll from all ~ New Zealand? No, exc< pt under special circumstances, the names should he handed to the nearest Cradle Roll. Question by Mrs. Barrel! ••When a Union has a fresh resolution should it be sent to tin* District Union?" Yes. Afternoon tea served by the ladies of the Baptist Churches. Re Pageant—Mrs. Morrison moved •hat a very hearty vote of appreciation i>e passed to Mrs. Perryman, for writ•ng the Pageant. Seconded by Mrs. Briton. —Carried. Mrs. Duxtield read the appreciation which it is proposed to semi to Mis. T. E. Taylor, ex- National President: “We, the Dominion Officers and delegates assembled in Dunedin at the Dominion Convention of the W.CT.I .. 1935, desire to place on record our deep appreciation and admiration of your loyal and devoted service during your long term of office as Dominion President, a position you have filled with dignity and with honour and distinction, W>th to yourself and to the cause you have represented. ‘‘When national ami international duties called you, you have always !>eeii prompt to use your rare talents In assisting to solve the problems presented for solution, and we are proud of the noble example and high standard Set by you on all occasions.

“We deplore the reason which has compelled you to relinquish your office and hand the torch on to anothei , but you may rest assured that your labours have not been in vain, but will always be an incentive to us to work and pray ‘till death or victory.' “It rejoices us to know that you will still lead us in what is one of the most important departments of our work May God bless you and spare you for long years to come, and may the Everlasting Anns be ever round you and l>eneath you to comfort and sustain you during the time of your enforced retirement.” Heartily approved. Resolutions. “That whereas the W.C.T.I . favours heavy punishment for me«. who assault women and children, they do not think that Hogging is conducive to the reform of a criminal, and would suggest that it be abolished.” Miss Henderson moved that this resolution be referred to the Branches Seconded by Mrs Mills.—Parried. ••That the attention of the Minister of Railways I** culled to the prevalence of smoking by both sexes m railway carriages other than those set apart for smokers. It lias proved objectionable to nonsmokers passengers, who consider that accommodation should Im* provided for all smokers, ami the travelling public be free from this annoyance." Moved by Miss Henderson, second**J by Mrs Pirrett.—Carried. Question. How long must one be a member ( * qualify for the Long Service Badge? Thirty years' active service. Further discussion took place on plans of work, and suggestions were made. Votes of Thanks. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the retiring Superintendents for their work; to Miss Kirk. Secretary Headquarters Committee; our hosts and hostesses; the entertaining Union, Convention Reporters, letter-writer and Mistress of Courtesies; Church Managers; the Press; the Caretaker; the ladies who provided afternoon tea; the friends who provided cars for the outing on Saturday; musical performers; Convention pianist; Committee of the Otago Women’s Club and Mr Desmoulins. Next Convention. The invitation of Auckland District Union to hold next Convention there was accepted with thanks. Mrs Alexander expressed the thanks of Convention to the Dominion Officers. Convention closed with the service on page 109. conducted by the President.