CANTERBURY DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 41, Issue 482, 18 November 1935, Page 6

CANTERBURY DISTRICT CONVENTION.

North an<l South Canterburj Mist rids held their annual Convention in the Methodist Schoolroom, Ashburton, on September 17th and 18th. Mrs. \Y. H. Robinson, South Canterbury President presided. Mrs H. M. Hall, North Canterbury President, conducted the opening devotions, taking for her topic “The Mind of Christ.”

Motions of sympathy wen passed with the relatives of the late Mrs. McCombs, with Mis. Hiett, our Mom in ion President, and with the Rev. Hinton on the death of his mother.

Thirty-five delegates answered the roll call. Satisfactory reports were furnished by both North and South Canterbury District Secretaries each showing that much faithful work was being carried through and plans laid for more intensive work as the poll drew nearer

A feature of the afternoon session was a series of papers read by South Canterbury de’egates on the subject, “How we can make the work of the W.C.T.U. more effective,” under the headings. Organisation. Education. Prayer, Challenging Youth, and Efficiency. Helpful discussion followed and various points emphasised. This terminated the first day of Convention. In the evening a public reception was held, presided over by the Mayor, Mr. Woods. Speeches of welcome were given by representatives of Churches and other organisations and a very fine programme of musical and elocutionary items was greatly enjoyed. Mrs. Hall returned thanks and appreciation <*n behalf of the delegates. Mrs. Lowry conducted the opening devotions on the second day, the subject being the putting on of the whole armour of Cod.

Branch reports were read by delegates and discussed, all showing progressive work being carried out. Quantities of literature being distributed in view of the approaching poll. In the afternoon the. Rev. Archdeacon Petrie, of Ashburton, delivered a soulstirring and challenging address, stressing the Christian aspect of our work, the need of consecrated lives of prayer and devotion. Several delegates voiced their thanks and appreciation. A sincere vote of thnnks was carried by acclamation.

The remainder of the session was devoted to the discussion of plans of work. The need of educating voters on the detrimental effect of the use of alcohol was stressed. Home meetings and the distribution of literature advocated as a means to this end. Open-air meetings and the use of the radio were also among the suggestions. At intervals during Convention ».:usical and elocutionary items were given and appreciated. The following resolutions were carried: (1) That the Government be requested to take steps to prevent the publication of misleading statements regarding the nature of alcoholic liquor.

(2) That provision should lie made whereby a deserted wife may receive the family allowance without the signature of the husliand. (3) That the attention of the Minister of Railways l>e called to the prevalence of smoking by l>oth sexes in railway carriages other than those set apart for the. use of smokers. It has proved object lonal to non-smoking passengers, who consider that accommodation should l>e provided for all smokers and the travelling public l>e free from this annoyance. (4) That Unions are recommended to study the subject of National Health with a view to asking the Government to introduce a scheme of National Health Insurance. (5) That this Convention re-uffirm its demand for the appointment of Women Police. (6) That this Convention of tlie North and South Canterbury meeting in Ashburton respectfully request that the Minister of Justice arrange that the police officer lie in plain clothes when escorting prisoners to the Borstal. The following officers were elected: North Canterbury: President, Mrs. Call; Vice-President, Mrs. Harrell; Secretary, Mrs. Mitchell; Treasurer, Mrs Pirrett. south Canterbury: President, Mrs. Robinson; Vice-President, Mi's. Cave: Secretars. Mrs. Hoy; Treasurer, Mrs. Wilson. A comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to ail assisting, and a most helpful Convention terminated with the closing service conducted by the President.