District Conventions

White Ribbon, Volume 42, Issue 493, 18 October 1936, Page 3

District Conventions

As resolutions sent forward to Dominion (Convention are printed in JunuaryFcbruary “White Ribbon,” they are not included in reports of District Conventions.- Bd. “W.R.” NELSON. The Nelson District Convention was held at Motueka on September 30. Officers and delegates from Nelson. Richmond and Motueka were present. Twenty-one answered to roll call. A bus load of well over 20 delegates and visitors arrived from Nelson at about I<> o'clock. Miss Cooke. District President, took the chair. and led the opening devotions. The usual routine business was gone through. The Secietaiy nported regular Executive meetings, and the Treasurer reported £l2 in hand. Unfortunately, the difficulty of leaders for country Unions has not yet been overcome. Convention was fortunate in having Mrs Aldersley, of Wellington, as special visitor and speaker for the day. In the morning she spoke on Headquarters, and explained its aims and financial position. In tlie afternoon all enjoyed her helpful address on what Unions could do. Mrs Chambers took noontitle devotions. Rev. Daile> gave a lew words of welcome. Reports from three Unions were quite satisfactory. All Unions have a Cradle Roll. Nelson having nearly BUO on roll. Nelson and Richmond do good work with L.T.L., and Nelson has also a V Eranch. Election of officers: President, Miss Cooke; Vice-President, .Miss Ta. rant ; Secretary. Mrs Cresswell; Treasurer, Miss Pet he rick. A letter on Peace from Mrs Taylor was read to Convention. Seven resolutions which came before Dominion Convention were carried Four on Ait Unions, one on after hour drinking, one on scientific education of temperance in School Journals, one on intoxicated motorists, and one on maintenance cases. Also, all officers and delegates signed a resolution to be sent to Prime Minister, protesting against the suggested new licenses and house licenses for tourists. AUCKLAND. The Thirteenth Annual District Convention was held in Auckland on 29th and 30th September. On the Sunday previous a Church Parade was held in West Street Church of Christ, when Pastor Campbell gave an interesting address. A Communion Service followed. On Monday evening, 28th September, an “At Home” was held to welcome the visiting delegates. During the evening the Y Speech Competition took place, when live young men and women took part, the prize lieing awarded to Miss Audrey Shale. Tuesday morning opened with devotions, led hv Miss McKenzie, District Evangelistic Superintendent. The President, Mrs Kasper, extended a welcome to the delegates and visitors, after which the roll was called, and fifty-three delegates answered. The Recording Secretary’s report showed a great amount of work done by the Executive. The Cor-

responding Secretary gave a lull report of the work of the Branches. The report showed that the District had 26 Hram hes, with a total financial membership of 614. The Treasurer read her financial i»*port and balance-sheet, which showed a substantial credit balance. The afternoon session opened with a Memorial Service, led by the President. During the singing of the hymn, “For All the'Saints,” delegates came forward and placed a white flower in a vase in memory of the sixteen members who had passed to higher service during the year. The afternoon roll call was responded to by 58 delegates. PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. * Mrs Kasper, in her address, spoke of the two important events of the year, the General Election and the entertaining of Dominion Convention. Another important part of our work, she said, was the Evangelistic Department. Mrs Kasper also spoke of Peace and Arbitration, Social Hygiene, Social Service, and (food Citizenship. Work amongst the Seamen and other Departments worked by the W.C.T.U., the Rihle-in-Schools, and Sablsith Observance was work done faithfully and well by the lute Mrs John Cook, who will he sadly missed. Many delegates spoke In praise of the address. and suggested that it lie typed and sent to each Union in the District. 'Pile election of officers resulted as follows:—Pres., Miss Read; Vice-Pres., Mrs Kccersall; Cor. Sec.. Mrs J. Williams (pro tem.); Rec. Sec.. Miss A. M. MoLay; Treas., Mrs A. L. Lewis (reelected). PRESENTATION. Miss Read, on behalf of the niemlieis of Convention, presented .virs Kasper with a beautiful travelling rug. Mrs Kasper thanked the members, and said how much she had always enjoyed tin* work. Mrs Carr, the retirihg Corresponding Secretary, was presented with an umbrella and warmly thanked Convention for the beautiful gift. On resuming on Wednesday morning, devotions were led by Miss Read. During the morning, Mr L. E. Falconer, N.Z. Alliance, gave an interesting talk on the new Temperance Educational Council, which has recently been established in Auckland. He stated their aim was to get Temperance instruction in the schools, and they hoped to purchase a number of posters for the use of teachers. Miss A. M. McLay led the devotions at the afternoon session. ADDRESS RY MRS DOW SETT. A most interesting address on “Social and Moral Hygiene” was given by Mrs Dowsett, who said that the W.C.T.U is an organisation with tlie highest of ideals. The three main Christian women’s organisations are the W.C.T.U.. Mothers’ Union, and the League of Mothers, which together comprise 23,000 women. If all these women were total abstainers, what would he the result? In the course of her address, Mrs Dowsett stated that in 1931 over 93.000 men and women w r ere treated for venereal disease in the four main centres of the Dominion, while in 1935 over 104,000 were treated, showing a startling in-

crease of over 11,000 in one year. VNito regard to illegitimacy, statistics showed that 1161 children were born out of wedlock, and if we include children horn during the first six months after marriage, a total of nearly 30tm is reached These are startling facts, and should rouse women to action. Mrs Dowsett made a strong plea to all delegates to do something in regard to this matter. The L.W.R. Superintendent reporter that there were 1031 children on the roll. Mis Kasper reported on the work done at the School of Methods, and announced that the Silver Vase given for the best report on the Five Year Plan was awarded to Kohimarama, Onehunga and Devonport l**ing placed equal second. The vase to be competed for among the Y’s was won b> drey Lynn Branch. Reports for the following Departments were presented:- L.T.L., Notable Days. Peace and Arbitration, Anti-Rambling. Maori Work, Social and Moral Hygiene, White Ribbon, Scientific Temperance. Back blocks, Bihle-in-Schools and Sabbath Observance, Rood Citizenship. Flower and Philanthropic, Educational Bureau, Home Meetings, Evangelistic, and Y Work. After several resolutions had been passed, Convention was closed with th* singing of a hymn and the Benediction. OTA HO. The Annual Otago District (’omenlion, at Lawrence, attended by thirt> delegates and many visitors, representing twelve Branches. The President, Mrs H. D. Bedford, occupied the chair, and opened tin Convention with devotions. Mrs McKinley, President of the Lawrence Union, welcomed the delegates and friends. The floral decorations were exquisite, and gave much pleasure to those present. After the roll call, minutes, etc., Mrs Edit* was appointed Mistress of Courtesies, and Miss Gibbs Reporter. The Treasurer’s report showed a credit balance of £8 5s 9d. The Branch reports showed progress in all departments, and revealed the fact that the W.C.T.U. was keenly alive to its responsibility in the matter of coinbating social evils. All Branches, including the Y’s, took part in the distribution of literature during the election campaign. The District Secretary’s report read and adopted. The President's address, the theme of which was “The Conflict of Christ with Christianity,’’ was provocative of much thought on the part of those present. Mrs Bedford said: “The social conscience craves a religion, the social shame and woe waits for a faith for which men are once more ready to die or to live with •final Jo?It !■ felt by all that the spiritual for which we wait, if it answers the social need, must come In terms of the economic problem. The religious question of to-day is an economic one—the spiritual task before religion is that of making prosperity a medium and an expression of spiritual aspiration and ideals. The economic question can never he separate! from the religious question, nor the religious from the economic.

Alrs Bedford concluded by saying: “Only Iht* reaching light of the cross of Jesus Christ can disclose the social heaven in human fact. They who place that cross in the forefront, to Ik* seen and read of all men in its real meaning, to have its law interpreted in terms of woi k and justice, freedom and growth, will bring the peace of goodwill thiough justice of love, to human society.” Election of officers as follows: —Pres., Mrs Bedford; Vice-Pres., Mrs Carden; Sec., Miss Gray; Treas.. Mrs Sanders; Cradle Roll Supt., Mrs Flett; “W.R.” Agent, Miss Ford. Aftemoon devotions led by the Y's. A paper dealing with the necessity of united eftort in regard to world peace, written by Mis T. E. Taylor, listened to with interest, and afterwards discu -sed. Resolutions relating to tile following were passed:— (1) Stricter supervision regarding liquor in dance halls. (2) Enforcement of law relative to sale of liquor after hours. (3) Protest against any alteration of the existing law relative to transferance of redundant licenses to other districts. (1) Urging the Government to maintain the integrity of the compact made In 1884 relative to the prohibition of the side of liquor in the King Country. (.■>) Urging the appointment of women police. (6) Requesting the Minister of Education to consider the question of including in the School Journal lessons in scientific temperance. Also resolutions as received from Miss Henderson re liquor licenses on tourist routes and house licenses. Mrs Hiett, Dominion President, briefly addressed the Convention on the “Task for the Future.” The chief objective should l»e the increasing of votes. If each woman wins three votes each year until next election, the change we pray It v ill Ik- the liquor traffic, the destroyer of little children, the destroyer of the purity and glory of youth, the destroyer of the joy and happiness of homes, that will slink out of sight through the educated vote and the consecrated efforts of the women whom Christ has redeemed.. The President urged members to work for an increased circulation of the “White Ribbon.” The Letter-Writer. Mrs Sanders, was instructed to write several letters of sympathy, condolence, and appreciation. Also a letter to the Hon. R. Semple expressing appreciation of his measures re intoxicated motorists. Mrs Redfoid, as representative of the Union on the committee set up to deal with the memorial in connection with the Centennial of New Zealand, reported the findings of the first meeting. Several suggestions having been made as to the form which the memorial should take, it was decided that each Branch I>e given a copy of same for discussion at their various meetings. A short devotional service concluded a profitable Convention.

NORTH AM) SOUTH CANTKKIH K\. The Twelfth Annual District Convention of the North and South Canterbury Districts was opened in the Clarence Road Methodist Sunday School on Tuesday Sept. 15th at 10 a.rn. Mrs. H. M. Hall. President North Canterbury, was in tlie chair and welcomed the Delegates. The opening Devotional period was conducted by Mrs. W. H. Robinson, President South Canterbury. Mis. A. F. Roy. Secretary for South Cant( ibury. submitted the Report of the woik done in her District for the year . There was a m« mbership of approximately 500 and special mention was made of the work done among young people, from the Cradle Roll up. Mrs. F. M. Mitchell. Secretary for Noith Canterbury, stated that there were 21 branches in the District and the membership was 608. The District Executive had l>een very busy and much good work accomplished. The Peace Dept, had been well to the fore and a new and very valuable phase of work was visiting women patients in the Mental Hospital. This hail been enthusiastically carried out by a number of local Unions and was reported to be of great benefit to the patients visited Mrs. A. J. Wilson and Mrs. W. l’irrett, Treasurers for South and North Canterbury respectively, gave the financial statements. Both Districts had satisfactory credit balances. Reports of Ashburton, Belfast, Christchurch, and Greendale Rranches were given. The Afternoon Session was opened at 2 p.m. with Devotions by Mrs. H. M. Hall. Five-Minute Papers were read on the various departments of youth work. Cradle Roll (Mrs. R. M. Woodward), L.T.L. and Band of Hope (Mrs. R. Donald), Y Branch (Miss Gwen Ryan and Mrs. Igowiy). Miss C. Hendeison brought forward a number of Resolutions which were all passed. At 7.45 p.m. the I relegates were entertained by the Ricearton members at a most enjoyable social reception. Short speeches of welcome were made ami an excellent programme of musical and elocutionary items given. Wednesday morning's session was opened with Devotions by Mrs. Norrie. Reports of Local branches were read from Linwood, Lyttelton, Mayfield, North Brighton. New Brighton. Oxford. Papanui. Rakaia, Rangiora. Riccarton. Spreydon. Reefton, S°fton, Styx, Sydenham, Temuka, Tinian, Tinwald and Westport. Mrs. T. E. Taylors paper on the workings of the League of Nations was read and the members were greatly interested. The. Afternoon Session was opened with Devotions conducted b/ Mrs. Lowry. Mrs. .1. Richards, Superintendent for Pence Department for North Canterbury reported on the work of the I/oeal Unions ir. this Department. The Rev. H. S. Kings gave a very fine address to the Delegates on the “Pioneer women workers” mentioning our own founder Miss Frances Willard. Miss Agnes Slack, and many pioneers in other phases of work such as nursing and missionary work. etc. A hearty

vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Kings for his address. Mrs. Norrie. Timuiu, gave a short at count of the woik among Seamen as carried out by the Tirnaru memheis. Mrs. White, North Canterbury District Superintendent in charge of the Mental Hospital visitation, reported on the visiting being done by the membeis of the Union in and around Christc liurch. Question box: This contained a numl>er of queries which were answered by *he President and others were referred to the Executive to be brought forward in the form of resolutions. Notes of thanks were accorded the entertaining Union (Ricearton), the hostesses, press re|>orter, letter writer. Mistress of Courtesies and to the different Church Guilds for afternoon teaand Supper. A very happy and helpful Convention was closed with the closing Devotional Service at 5.20 p.m. HAWKE’S BAY. Sept. Mb. at Wesley Hall, Hastings. 1u.20 a.m. Executive 9.30 a.m. Opened Convention with Devotions. taken by R*v. Boggies. Subject: "The Greatest of these is Ix>ve.” He said that the qualities of love were the attributes of Jesus himself, as outlined by St. Paul Cor 13 Chap, and if all sought to attain to the perfect love they must follow the teaching of the Loi 1 Jesus. Present in the Morning, all officers. Mrs. Wilson (President) in the chair. Mrs. Wehb (Secretary), Mrs. Smales (Treasurer), and 16 others. Delegates from Dannevirke, Waipukurau, Waipawa, Hastings, Havelock North, and Napier answered to the roll cad. Annua! Report, read by Secretary and showed loyal service was lieing tendered in the various departments, by the branches. The report was compiled from the reports from all Unions in the district, from Gisborne to Dannevirke. including two Y’s. Hastings and Hukarere School. Balance She**! showed a credit and all liabilities met. .Morning Tea served by President and Secretary. Resolutions. Morning session. Various ones were passed, to be sent to Members of Parliament, Mayor and Councillors, including one of congratulations to Hon. R. Semple, re his honest endeavour to reduce the toll of deaths on the roads. A Paper on Peace, read by President. Written by Mrs T. E. Taylor. Xooutido Devotions. 12.15 a.m. Taken by members. Roil ( all. 19 answered, morning session. Afternoon, 49 present, members, delegates and friends. Address by Rev. D. W. Mac Diarm id, “Women’s Power at Home and Abroad." Rev. Mac Diarmid paid tribute to the work of the W.C.T.U. and other women’s organisations, the quiet unobtrusive and regular way in which they carry on their work. Women held the greatest power for good or evil in any land, in Eastern lands the same. If only the younger women

would set themselves against Hie <Vktail parties and .spotting habit. the men would follow. All Officers were re-elected. I *i**>i lent. Mrs. Wilson. Hastings Secretary, Mrs. Welili. (Vo P.O. Hastings. Treasurir, Mrs. Similes, Walpukurtiu. YicePn shield, Mrs. la*wis, Napier. (•reeling* to (iisliorne, Wniroa and \Vuipuwu. Imitation ne\t Convention, Napier. Kxccuttve to meet 2nd Tuesday, every quarter. 13th October next. Hastings ladies' W.C.T.I’., tea hostesses. Benediction pronouneed Mrs. Wilson. \| XKl.imitOl till. Held at Can vast own Sept cm tier 22nd. Some f.n delegates, members and friends attending:. Ilus load of 20 and two private ears conveyed mem tiers from Blenheim and 'i ua Marina. The President. Mrs W. H. Wilson, presided and led In devotions, reading Kphesians, Ch. ♦>. The (‘anvastown I'nion president. Mis W Murray, welcomed visitors and the District President extended a warm welcome to all. ;tnd espeiiallv to Mrs .Moves, of Nelson, the speaker for the day. Inc testing minutes of pnyious convention read. Several apologies for absence received. Messages of good wishes sent to Severn! mends rs and of sympathy to Mrs. Ward and Miss Blown. Appreciation of W.C.T.I’. work by Mrs. W. M. Smith recorded Mrs. Smith whose new home is m Hamilton, Waikato, will be greatly missed in Blenheim. (•rtetings iwceived from Mis> Kirk and Mrs. IVrymnn. Wellington, and from Mrs Wells. Ilcton. Mrs. Moyes brought greetings from the Nelson I’nion. The Secretary's and Treasurer’s reports showed a very active year's work. Wry encouraging reports read from V, 1..T.1,. Band of Hope, Cradle 8011, and adult branches. Mrs. Itogerson, for White Kibtion asked that i’idons urge members to subscrilw more to tlieir paper. All officers and sui»erintendentH tiianked and commended for their work. Noontide Hymn. The President’s address, most encouraging. was based on the word. "Be ye not weary in well-doing, for In due season ye shall reap If ye faint not," and members were exhorted to keep on with the good work till victory was obtained. ''t ‘noon Session. IVvntlons Mis. T. St wart. Scripture reading. John 15. 1-5. \ddress by Mrs Moyes Ivnth interstimr and Inspiring. Her theme: "Out and out for Christ.” Motto: "Study to show thyself af proved unto Ood, a worker that needeth not to he ashamed.” Mrs. Moves emphasised the need for using whatever ta’ents Ood has given us. lust hen* and now. and of making

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