DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 44, Issue 517, 18 November 1938, Page 5

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

\l ( KLAND. With about 80 delegates attending. th«' 15th convention opened on Sept. 12 with an “At Home.” Miss L. M. Head presided, welcomed delegates, inemlK»rs and friends. Devotions led by Pastor Campliell. Many greetings received from representatives of kindred organisations. The K v. .1. F. Jack appealed to ab present to stand firm to the ideals of the W.C.T.U. A programme of musical and elocutionary items. Songs by Mrs. Paterson, Mrs. J. Walshe, Miss Alice Rimm*r. Miss Peace, and Mr. W. (lard; recitations by Miss May Bruin, and pianoforte solos by Miss Paterson and Miss Uinns. Supper was served by members of executive. On Sunday evening a Church Parade of delegates was held in the Pitt St. Methodist Church, when the service was conducted by the Rev. E. T. Olds. Business session opened at 9 a.m. Miss L. M. Read presided, welcomed delegates. Devotions led by Mrs. Christopher and a temperance fact given by Mrs. Parr. Report of corresponding secretary by Mrs. J. Williams, and recording secretary by Mrs. Joiner. Membership throughout the Auckland district 61.1. an increase for the year of 81. The Little White Ribboners* report by Mrs. Williams showed an increase for the year of 62. A total of 1208. Reports of the various Auckland branches were given. Annual memorial service for all sisters of the various unions who had Den called to higher service during the year was led by the district president. .Miss L. M. Read. 61 delegates present. IV sidential address by Miss Read, covered a great deal of ground dealing with world conditions of today, and with the danger in the streets of cities t< lay caused by intoxicated motorists. !> trift Officers elected: Pres.. Mrs. H. K ispar; Vice Pres.. Mrs. Pace; Cor. S ~ Mrs. J. Williams; Rec. Sec.. Mrs. I Joiner; Dis. Treasurer, Mrs. A. L. Lewis. On Wednesday, at 10 a.m. Devotions w re led by Mrs. J. Williams and the v rnoon devotions by Miss A. M. Mi lity, '9 delegates present at the morning sion and 17 at the afternoon session. I ■ following reports frem departments vi re received; Evangelistic, Mrs. ristopher; LT.Ls., Mrs. H. Kaspar; \ t;' 1 ]i 1 Days. \lrs. Heard; Home MeerMrs. Hayr: Back Blocks. Mrs M an Riel ''ls; Anti-P tmbling, Mrs v (’ombs; Methods. Mr H. Kaspar; W it* P;».bon. Miss E. Kitt; Peace and it ration. Mrs. Hunter; Flower and I anthropic. Bragg; Rood Citizenship. Mrs. Brewer; \ uck land District Mrs. A. T. Lewis; Bible in >'■ ols. Sabbath Observance and Tempi inee Facts, Mrs. Parr; Educational

Bureau. Miss D« war; Press. Mrs. J

Joiner

Mrs. Holmes appointed Supt. of the Social and Moral Hygiene department and Mrs. Pace of the L.T.Ls. The banner which was presented by Mrs. Kaspar for the best work done in the L.T.L. department was won by the Devonport Pnion, and the Silver Vase for the best work done in the Methods lepartment was won by the Grey Lynn Cnion Several resolutions were passed. Votes of thanks were accorded to; — Pastor Pampbell and the Church Officers, the Rev. K. T. Olds, the district officers, the lady solists, Mrs. Cropp. Mrs. Bragg. Miss Evans. Miss Wallace and Mrs. Roberts. Convention concluded with service in hymn book.

sot Til AITKLAND. The Annual Convention of the South Auckland District was held on Thursday. Sept. 29th, at Cambridge. The District President, Mrs. Christian of Tauranga conducted the business of the Convention which was attended by delegates from Hamilton, Cambridge. Waihi, Fencourt and Tauranga. Speeches of welcome were made by the Mayor of Cambridge and by the ministers of tin* Anglican. Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian Churches. The morning devotions were led by Miss Appleby, the organiser, who urged members to pray, plan and work for the ideals of the Union. The secretary’s Report showed that much educative work was being done. \t the Scientific Temperance Examination a Hamilton entrant, Mbs Effie Mills of Melville had gained 96 per cent, of marks, and had won the gold medal. Outstanding work had been done by the Opotiki Cnion who have materially helped to provide a hot shower hath and a meal for young Maori footballers in order to keep them from the temptation of the hotel bars. Tauranga Cnion was giving temperance Educat in by means of cinema slides. Both Thames and Hamilton Branches distribut'd literature and the official organ. The White Ribbon is supplied to plunkt t Rest Room and library. The Hamilton Branch with help of other women’s organisations, had successfully •trried out a street collection to raise funds to help in the proposed Maori Hostel in Hamilton. £IOO being thus raised. A gracious message of thanks on Im*half of her Maori people was received from Princess To Puea. Devotions led by ( apt. Houghton of the Salvation Army, her theme l»eing: "Courage.” stress ng the fact that while physical strength is not always to be had. spiritual strength may always be obtained by grace and kept by compliance with spiritual laws. Resolutions passed by Dominion ('onvent ion were re-affirmed. Mrs. Paterson, th' Dominion VicePresident, addressed the gathering. In a thought fill speech she referred to

Frances Willard’s Polyglot Petition against drink and drugs. An eminent doctor had declared that alcoholism must lx* }m l l in the category of the world’s worst diseases —T. 8., cancer, r». kets. v« nereal disease and alcohol - sm. M’e must have faith to go on vorking for our ideals —“Faith must i ever bend, but love must unlxmd.” Two vocal solos by Cambridge friends were much enjoyed as were morning and afternoon tea abundantly supplied by the (’ambridge Union. An invitation from Hamilton for next convention was accepted. Election of officers: President, Mrs. Christian (Tauranga); Secretary, Mrs. Bxley (Tauranga); Treasurer, Mrs. Page (Waihi); Vice-President. Mrs. Stephenson Craig (Hamilton); Hymn mul Benediction brought Convention to u close.

HAWKES BAY. Held at Napier Trinity Hall, Oct. Ith, 10 a.m. Morning tea on arrival. Ik*legates and members welcomed by Mrs. la*wis. Napier President. Devotions by Rev. Lambert. Subject. "What is in My Hand? A rod." Pointing out how ai firat Moses feared the rod, afterwards his stronghold. So we must go forth and not be discouraged in our work. Present: Mrs. Hickmott in Chair and with her Vice-Pres., Mrs. Lewis. Secretary, Mrs. Webb; Treasurer, Mrs. Smales. Number present morning session, 24, afternoon. 66. Delegates from VVaipt'kurau, Waipawa. Hastings, Havelock North, Napier, Gisborne. Apologies, Wairoa, Dannevirke, Matokuku. Annual report read by Sec. and adopted, showing good work done !>> all Unions. Compiled from the reports of nine Unions in Hawkes Bay. Treasurer reported balance in hand of £l6/11/5. Noontide devotions by Mrs. Smales, Waipukurau. Greetings from Hostings. Mrs. Peryman, Miss Kirk. Greetings to Mrs. Venables, Napier. Resolutions from Hastings and Napier. Presidents’ address on "Why we Work.” Afternoons address, Bishop Bennett. Uhief points D ing that \\e believe we are on God’s side in this matter, there is greater power than money, God is bound to D* victorious over evil. He also spoke on the degrading effect of drinking on the young women folk of the country ami they should be taught of the evils which they will have to face and fight when they become of age. Re drinking in Pa’s, h. said: ”1 am positive that drinking today among the Maoris is worse than 20 years ago. Also Hawkes Bay District is remarkably clean." He concluded by saying t hn * there had been 1,000 people killed in Ndirectl,\ as a result of the li«|ii«»r problem since the earthquake. (’orrespondence. from Miss Henderson asking all Unions to ask their election candidates during meeting. (1 > will you oppose the granting of liquor licenses to Tourist resorts where, at present there is no liquor licences. (2) will you oppose any attempt either

to alxdish the Licensing Lolls or to extend the time between Polls. letter writer, Mrs. Cunningham; Press Reporter. Mrs. V. 11. Wilson; Mistress of Courtesy, Mrs. Wells. Minutes of last Convention were read and confirmed. Mrs. Hiett gave greeting from Dominion officers “It is more blessed to give* than to receive.” Correspondence was read. Treasurer’s statement was submitted and was very satisfactory. Organiser’s report of work in the district was read. Reports from following unions:—Blenheim, Picton, Springla.ids. Tua Marina, Canvastown and Rai Valley all showed excellent work done. Excellent Y Branches at Spring Creek and Piet on. Band of Hope report showed Blenheim is decreasing, Springlands is doing wt 1. Tua Marina and Picton in excellent rendition. White Ribbon report showed that 7 unions had a total for the district of 124. Blenheim won the banner for largest number of new subscribers. Cradle Roll report showed H unions doing good work. Mrs. Hiett stressed the importance of enclosing a leaflet for the mother with every C.R. card cent out. A very excellent address was given by the District President. Mrs. \\ ilson. Noontide, hymn and prayers. JiUncheon adjoin nment. Afternoon session opened with devotions by Mrs. Hiett. Election of officers:—Pres: Mrs. Wilson. Vice-Pr s; Mrs. I.<eov. Rec. S* l : Mrs. Pnderhill, Cor. Sec: Mrs. Harris, Treas: Mrs. A. M. R. Mills, Band of Hope: Mrs. (J. Robinson, Y Supt: Mrs. A. Robinson, Peace: Mrs. J. Stewart, C.R. Supt: Mrs. E. Leslie. A very tine and inspiring address was given by Mrs. Hiett and listened to with marked attention. Mrs. Hiett was very warmly thanked. Mrs Hiett presented the Y banner t Mrs. Powell for th» Picton Branch. Certificates for Temperance Exam were presented bv the Dominion Prcsilent to Dallas Burns, Mary Duffet. .L-n-------ifer and James C.regg, and Doreen Robertson, all of Picton A recitation by Mrs. ForD'S was much enjoyed. The beautiful Closing Service brought *he 1&38 Convention to an end. An invitation from Blenheim l nion for 1939 Convention was accepted. Resolutions passed:— 1. That this Convention commend the action taken bv the (luxernment regarding the suspension of pernicious literature. 2. That a paper or pamphlet Ih> prepared for the purpose of teaching the facts of life to children. Minutes read and confirmed. Question Study for 15 .iiins., Napier, Hastings, and Gisborne taking part. Noontide. Mrs. Smales conducted with hymn and prayer. Officers: — Pres., Mrs. Hick mot t; Vice-Pros., Mesd&mes Lewis and Ooffee; Secretary, Mrs. Webb; Treasurer. Mis. Smales; Supt, White Ribbon. Mrs. (Jwynne; Cradle Roll. Mrs. Atherfold; Notable Days, Mrs. IVpperill; Maori, Mrs. Austin; Evangelistic, Mrs. Olsen. Votes of thanks. Collection, it/15/0. Closed Benediction.

NORTH AND SOI I II < WTERIJI ICY.

Mrs. H. M. Hall presided over Convention. which was held in Lin wood Baptist Church, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 13th and 11th. Mrs. H W. Robinson conducted the opening devotions, when the solo, “The Stranger of Galilee” was sung by Mrs. Woodward. 51 delegates answered the Roll. 7 being delegates for the first time. Greetings were received from Mrs. Hiett. Mrs. Pirrett, Miss Blackwell, Linwood Ys. and Mr. C. N. R. Mackle. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs. ii. W. Robinson, Mrs. S. E. lxnv;y, Mrs. Comyns, and the relatives of the hitt Miss Jessie Mackay and Archbishop Julius. District Secretary’s reports weie i sented by Mrs. Roy and Mrs. Woodward. These reports were discussed aim adopted. Five five minute papers were "iven as follows: — Social and Moral Hygien°, Mis. Lowry; Pioneer Women, Mrs. Archer; Peace. Mrs. C. N. R. Mackie: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg; T« •mperance, Mrs. Ryan. These papers were very educational and votes of thanks were passed io the w riters. Eight superintendents of departi.ieiits i ( ported on the work in their ’ndividual departments, which showed good progress. The election of officers for North Canterbury resulted, as follows: — Mrs. C. W. Barrell, President; Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg. Vice-President; Mrs. R. Woodward, Secretary; Mrs. Atkins, Treasurer. South Canterbury election resulted in all officers being re-elected. Mrs. H. W. Robinson, President; Mrs. Cave, Vice-President; Mrs. Roy, Hon. Secretary; Mrs. Billon, Treasurer. Sister Alice spoke briefly on her work on the West Coast. Two new Unions were formed, Hokitika and Westport. Ail the other Fnions were visited and new members gained. Several question from tin* Question Box were satisfa* torily answered by Miss Henderson. J.P. Owing to the lack of time, there was no new plans of work, ‘nui Mrs. Hall asked all Unions to distribute literature, and display posters where possible, also hold special prayer meetings up to the time of poll. The usual votes of thanks were passed including the President and members of Linwoc.i l nion who entertained Convention so royally. Convention was brought to a cion with a verse of “Bod be with you tilwe meet again,'* and the benediction. RKCKITION TO DELEGATES. On Thursday evening. Sept. 13th, a reception was given to delegates. Mrs. Mackie presided and Mrs. Hull welcomed delegates on liehalf of North Canterbury. Musical and elocutionary items were given by visiting artists.

Welcome speeches were given by repi sentatives of the local churches, Ki <lred Societies, and the Nation d (’ou noil. At the conclusion supper was served. PFBLIC MEETING. Wednesday evening, September 1 Itii A public meeting was held on We«i nesday evening. September 14th, when a Stirling address was given by Rev. H. S. Kings on Temperance. Mr. <\ N. R. Mackie followed with un address on the “Peace” question. Votes of thanks were passed to l>oth speakers for their splendid addresses. Mrs. C. N. R. Mackie presided.

W ELLINGTON. is legates from the Wellington Hist rict of the W.C.T.U. met in the Karori Methodist Church for their annual convention. In her opening remarks Mrs Brewer (District President) asked members to stand for a few minutes silent prayer of thanksgiving that war had been averted. The Joxolcgy was then sung. Mrs. Peryman led devotions, read ng from II Kings t»:17, dealing with the prayer of Elisha for his servant that his eyes might lx* opened to see the mighty army of Bod surrounding them. She said that we* could see marvellous things if our eyes were opened to see God in all around us. Roll call was taken, and many apologias received, sekness claiming many members. The President gave an outline of the preparation for the Congress of the Women’s Pan Pacific Union. Several Brunches report**d having taken special collections for the Spanish Children’s Relief Fund, an 1 were all working for the coming Convention. Greetings were received from tin* Nelson District Convention and also from the Ys. Comprehensive annual reports were given by the following Branches —Wellington, Wellington Central, Brooklyn. Island Bay, Karori. Petone, Lower Mutt. Masterton. Upper Hutt and Johnsonville. During the Noontide recess, Mrs. Shearer, who has t>een a member for !•> years, was presented with a floral spray, which was pinned on by the President, who spoke in appreciation of tier years' of service. Election of officers: President. Mi Brewer; Vice-President, Mrs. IjOpdell; Secretary, Mrs. Gregg; Treasurer. Mis. Saw den; District Membership Superintendent, Mrs. Tanner; District Cradle Roll Superintendent, Mrs. Butler; Dis' rict “White Ribbon” Superintendent, Mis. Picketing; Delegates to the National Council of Women. Mesdames Israel. Brewer. Mcßride. Mowlem, Peryma Miss Kirk and Miss Atkinson. Delegates then adjourned to the schoolroom where luncheon was serv* 1 i>\ the Karori Union. Many visitors who were present at the afternoon session were given :t

w in welcome. Mrs. Enting beautifully rendered a sacred solo, much appreciated. \n address given hy Miss Kirk, J.P., .1 sclosed that some of the results of the liquor traffic was shortage of food and clothes to many women ami children, 1( ss of life. We hear of the toll of the road, hut do we hear of those who have 1 it-, 1 through taking excessive alcohol. Unless we. are prepared to sacrifice a hild of our own, or someone else’s child, -we must vote alcohol out. Miss Kirk stressed the point that dry areas did not want restoration in their districts again. Alcohol is not good as a foc i, nor is it a stimulant and hospitals have greatly reduced the quota per patient in their allowance of alcohol. Votes of thanks were accorded Miss Kirk for her splendid address and to the Karori Branch for their hospitality. Afternoc * ;e;i brought the sessions to s dose.

NELSON.

I'he Annual District Convention of tin- Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held in the Baptist Sunday St h »01, Richmond, on Wednesday’, Se?iteml>er 28th. P3B, presided over hy Mrs. 1. H. Walker, District President. Nelson. Richmond and Motucka Unions were represented by 22 Convention memU'is, while many im minus and friends attended both morning and afternoon sessions. Mrs. Walker took opening devotions, i ling from St Matthew 5, stressing tin words of tlie Master “Ye are the IKht of the world.” Christians could nly be lights so long as they received their oil from Him. a wick would fade aw ty soon after being lit unless the lamp had oil in it to feed the wick. She emphasized the power of faith, faith in (lod was the key note of all Christian work. Miss Tarrant, presilent of Richmond Union, gave a welcome to Convention, with a special welcome to the visiting Dominion Officer, C. E. Kirk, and then prt sented »utifn! bouquets of spring flowers to Mi s C’rk, Mrs Walker and Miss Cooke, N* is( m President. After repeating the l' l, ' o, the temperance fact was given • y Mrs. Ross, bring an extract from an nt ci,. hy the Archbishop of Sydney. i>r. Mowll. Miss Kirk recording secretary of the • ' Tnion gave greetings from Mrs. Hi ft and Mrs I’eryman and a message " s read from Miss Henderson. The district secretary’s report and the treasurer's balance were considered v y satisfactory. Miss Kirk then - * :.n encouraging talk to menders. • s had noticed that unions were more ke to the value of prayer and she 1 d all meml>ers to exercise their ■ ’f in the power of prayer. There w much to heart* n us. other Women’s ( * ,r nisations like the W.I. and the cUU. and the Townswomen’s *nilda are strongly with us in the against the drink traffic. Many its were given as to how to intro- '• and distribute literature and how

to do tin* educative work of the W.C.T. U. It is the only Women’s Organisation that has been in existence over 50 years doing a steady work of educating all in Christian Temperance principles. A quantity of literature was distributed, members undertaking to give or post it to those in their near neighbourhood. Noontide devotions, tin* Nelson President, Miss F. .1. Cooke, prayers toing offered for the Dominion Officers, all Unions, leaders and members. for the sick and bereaved ones, for the young people voting for the first time, for the world’s leaders, and foi peace among the nations. Afternoon session. Devotions hy Mis. J. K. Robinson who spoke of Joshua as an example of great courage. Miss Kirk's afternoon address was on “What is the value of the liquor traffic to any community, has it any?, of what use is it?” Rev. Every proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Kirk, seconded hy Mrs. Saunders. Reports of work for the year were given by the secretaries of Motucka, Richmond end Nelson and these showed that progress was being maintained in th* various departments of the union. The lately formed branch at Takaka reported that its membership had increased from 5 to 13. but owing to its scattered area, found it most difficult to hold regular meetings. A vocal solo: “Today and Tomorrow.” was sung by Miss Lloyd and was much enjoyed, and the pl&yette called “The Medicine Shelf,’’ hy five L.T.L. monitors was a splendid item. IVo of the p rformers wen* the winners of the gold and silver medals in the Temperance Essay examinations held this year. Mrs. Andrews fai ’ 28/- had been sent to the Headquarters Fund from the Birthday League. Mrs. Gubb rej>orted that Peace Day had been kept by all unions. Miss Tarrant said there were 36 babies on the Cradle Roll for outlying Districts and Mrs. Moyes spoke of the literature distributed in the Backblocks. The following District Officers were elected:- President. Mrs. J. H. Walker; Vice-Presidents, each Union’s President; Secretary, Mrs. W. Andrews; Treasurer, Miss F. J. Cooke. Morning and afternoon tea supplied by the ladies of the Richmond Churches was much appreciated. The Benediction brought a very happy and v. i, thwhile gathering U a close.

MARLBOROUGH. Convention met in the Methodist Sunday School. Picton, on October 7th. 1938. There was a good number of delegates present Welcome was extended by Mrs. Millen. President of Picton Union. Morning tea was provided by entertaining Union. Mis. Wilson, District 1 resident, called Convention to order at 10 a.m. and led demotions. Special welcome to Mrs. Hiett, our Dominion President. Rev. Buck, on behalf of clergy, extended a welcome. Mrs. Wilson thanked Mrs. Millen and Rev. Buck for their welcome.