DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 44, Issue 527, 18 October 1939, Page 5

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

AUCKLAND. The Auckland District Convention rv"t on Sept. 26. The District President, Mrs. H. Kasper, presided. Devotions led hy Mrs. Christopher, and the Noon Tide Hour hy Mrs. Blagg. A solo, “Thanks IV To God.” by Mrs. Cooper. Corresponding Secretary’s report given by Mrs. Williams showed .<>od work had been done durinp the \ ear throuphout the district hy the various unions. The recording secretary’s report, given by Mrs. Joiner, stated that at this year’s Winter Show 500 Temperance Pledges had been signed. Two new unions reported, Avondale and Point Chevalier. The afternoon session commenced with the Annual Memorial Service, led by the District President, Mrs. H. Kasper. Durinp the singing of the hymn, “For all the saints who from their labours rest,” members of the various unions placed a “White Flower” for each departed sister who had been called to higher service durinp the year. Greetings w‘.*re received, and sent in return, and to Mrs. Peryman and Mrs. Lee Cowie. \ vote of sympathy w r as passed with the relatives of the men who were killed in Glen Afton mining disaster at Huntly. The attendance at the morning session on Tuesday was 54, and at the afternoon session 09. Officers elected:—Dist. Pres., Mrs. H. Kasper; Dist. Vice-Pres., Mrs. F. V Mountjoy; Dist. Cor. Sec., Mrs. J. V illiams; Dist. Rec. Sec., Mrs. J. J iner; Dist. Treasurer. Miss L. M. Read. The various re|>orts of the superintendents of departments showed that v d work had been done throughout t! year in all departments. Quite a n> niber of resolutions were passed hy the Convention, and most of these \vi:’ he sent on to the Dominion Contention. Wednesday Sessions. he Wednesday morning session nienced with devotions led hy the president, Mrs. Mountjoy, and the 1 hstrict President, Mrs. Kasper, prev,(l’d. There were 75 present at this session. »PK elected:—Evangelistic, Mrs. ( Kristopher; L.T.L.’s, Mrs. Crapp;

Anti-Gambling, Mrs. Fccersall; Peace and Arbitration, Mrs. Hunter; Notable Days, Mrs. Heard; Good Citizenship, Mrs. Butcher; White Ribbon, Mrs. Stacey; Methods, Mrs. Kasper; Bible in Schools and Sabbath Observance, Mrs. Cook; Scientific Temp. Fact, Miss Read; Flow r er Philanthropic, Mrs. Cardwell; “Y” Superintendent, Mrs. Tennant; Back Block Dept., Mrs. Morgan Richards; Home Meetings, Mrs. Hayr; Educational Bureau, Miss Dewar; Social and Moral Hygiene. Mrs. Holmes; New Members’ Dept., Mrs. Williams; Little White Ribboners, Mrs. Williams; Press Rel>orter, Mrs. Joiner; Health and Nutrition, Mrs. Tennant; Maori Work, Sis-

ter Jessie. As Mrs. J. H. Carr did not seek reelection as a superintendent of any department at the convention owing to failing eyesight, the following resoh’tion was passed by convention: — “That we place on record our appreciation of the work of Mrs. J. H. Carr extending over many years as Dom. Corresponding Secretary, as District Superintendent of many departments, at the Winter Show, and street collections, and in many other ways. Also, as secretary of the Epsom W.C.T.U. We regret that failing sight obliges Mrs. Carr to give up the work she so dearly loves.” Mrs. Carr presented with a long service badge by Mrs. Kasper and appointed Flower Convener for the Auckland District Executive. This was carried with musical honours. The Wednesday afternoon session commenced with devotions, led hy Miss L. M. Read, and the District President. Mrs. H. Kasper, again presided. The attendance at this session was 79. Miss Read gave a verbal report of the “Round Table” Conference, which was held in the Temperance Room on Tuesday evening, the 26th September, at which there were 19 present. Impromptu speeches were given at this session by tlu* following ladies:—Mrs. Holmes and Miss Piper on “The Effect of Alcohol on the Brain and Body”; and Mrs. Stacey, Miss Read and Mrs. Cook on “Should a Christian Woman Marry a Man to Reform Him.” The winner in this competition was Mrs. Holmes, with 1,105 points, and Miss Read second, with 784 points. Both ladies received a l»ook presented by Mrs. Kasper. The following ladies did not seek reelection as superintendents of depart-

ments, and were accoided a special vote of thanks: Mrs. Carr, Mrs. Bragg, Mrs. Warring and Miss kitt. ( losing service and benediction hy Mrs. Kasper. SOUTH AUCKLAND. Held in Hamilton, Sept. 20th, 1939. Convention called to order bv District President, Mrs. Christian, who also led the devotions, taking for her text Psalm 121. Welcomes were extended to Convention hy Mr. Finley, Deputy-Mayor, aho Mr. Parker, representing Ministers’ Association. Fight Unions were represented out of 13. all bringing greetings. Mrs. Kasper of Auckland congratulated the Unions on their splendid work, but urged all Unions to have study circles and study the W.C.T.U. and its aims. A remit re dividing the S.A. District was duly dealt wnth. a motion being moved to that effect; then an amendment was moved that the District remain as before, the amendment being carried by a large majority. Election of officers:—President, Mrs. Christian, Tauranga; Vice-president, Mrs. Craig, Hamilton; Sec., Mrs. Oxley, Tauranga; Treas., Mrs. Page, Wailii. Mrs. Bartlett, Hamilton, Membership Superintendent for the District. Wail.i was congratulated on their effort in protesting against the erection of an hotel in the business area of Wailii. The protest was sent to the Licensing Committee. Also three others sent, with the result the brewers withdrew the application for the transfer of licence. Several remits were dealt with, one from Te Awamutu Union, asking that stricter supervision be enforced in regard to entry of liquor to King Country. (1) That this Convention calls the attention of the Government to the brewery advertisements being inserted in King Country newspapers, offering free delivery to Te Kuiti and Otorohanga, and cash with order or on delivery. (2) Reminds the Government of the solemn pact concluded with the Maoris in 1884 that the sale of alcoholic liquor would be prohibited throughout the whole length and breadth of the King Country. (3) Strongly supports the leaders of the Maniopoto Tribe in opposing the granting of licences in the King Country, and in asking for a strict enforcement of the law.

(4) Demand* that tin- >pirit of the pact with tlic Maoris he faithfully incorporated in the law of the land and he strictly enforced. That the name of the girl figuring in case> of concealment of birth be suppressed, prior to the Supreme Court, unless the man's name also appears in print, and that the recent case in Auckland is a glaring example of the urgent need for women police. President explained to all representing Unions the Clothes Peg Drive, and urged all to enter into the spirit of the demonstration and send a dressed clothes peg for every new member in good time for next convention; also explained that every 5/- sent to Headquarters Fund he demonstrated with a tiny Union Jack tlag stuck into a hall of wool. Mrs. Kasper, Dominion and World’s Superintendent of Methods, next delivered a very interesting and enlightening address. Krankton invited next Convention. Notes of thanks. HAWKE’S BAY. Devotions, Rev. Pinch assisted by Rev. Fetch. Mrs. Alexander, Wairoa Union Pres., welcomed delegates from Waipawa, Waipukurau, Hastings, Napier, Havelock North, Napier Y’s and <iis!>orne. Apologies from Mokutuku and Dannevirke. Posy pinned on Mrs. Hickmott, Dist. Pres., by Mrs. Nlexander of Wairoa. Mrs. Hickmott took the chair, and with her Sec., Mrs. Webb. Number of delegates and officers, 24. Visitors, 15. Morning session. Afternoon, 2 o’clock. 39 visitors; delegates and officers, 24. Lady of Courtesies, Mrs. McDonald. Reporter Sect. Devotions, aftern<H»n, Mrs. Atlier* fold, Napier. My Utmost for His Highest and Prayer. Nnnual Report read by Sect, showed good progress in the Dist. by the various departments. Report was compiled from the reports of the Unions in the District. Balance Sheet and report were satisfactory. Pres. address, Mrs. Hickmott. Based on facts of alcohol and its dangers to manhood. Greetings sent to Mrs. Hiett, Dorn. Pres. Hukarere Y’s, Miss Ada Spencer and Mrs. Speight. Resolutions. Wairoa To the Minister of Defence:— (1) The Women’s C hristian Temperance Union District Convention at

Wairoa assembled strongly protest against the suggestion of the Returned Soldiers’ Nssn. that wet canteens he opened in all military camps. The N.Z. Govt, demands a high physical standard of the men it accepts, and we believe that the opening of wet canteens will undermine this fitness. Resolutions. Hastings:— (2) We would respectfully draw the attention of the Minister of Education to the practice prevailing among school committees, s|M>rts, religious and other Indies of allowing children to offer for salt* tickets in raffles, art union tickets and would urge that steps he taken hy his department to bring the matter under the notice of the various school committees throughout ilie Dominion. Speaker for the afternoon, Mrs. Lewis, who gave a stirring address on Prohibition, State Control, War and Peace. Wednesday morning, 9.30 am. Devotions, Mrs. McDonald. Educational session from 11 to 12 o’clock. All Unions taking part in questions, answers, discussion. Mrs. Hickmott spoke briefly on I )om. Ex. work, held at Hawcra, and Wairoa, Gisborne donated £1 each to the Exhibition Fund. Votes of thanks to Wairoa Union, hostesses, and Army for use of Hall, fire and refreshments, Ministers. Officers elected: President, Mrs. Hickmott, Hastings; Vice-Pres., Mesdarnes Lewis, (ioffee, Napier and Gisborne; Secretary, Mrs. Webb, c/o P. 0., Hastings; Treasurer, Mrs. Smales, NVaipukurau; Evangelistic, Mrs. Austin, Napier; White Ribbon, Mrs. Gwynne, Napier; Cradle Roll, Mrs. Athcrfold. Napier; Maori, Mrs. Pitt, Hastings. Rev. Petch conducted the election of officers; also took noontide devotions. Invitations next Convention, Dannevirke. MANAWATU. The Manawatu District Convention opened in Levin on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 26th, with a public meeting and reception. The meeting was well attended, representatives of the Plunket Society, Women’s Institute, Women’s Division Farmers’ Union and the League of Mothers being present. Welcomes were accorded delegates by Hi" Worship the Mayor, Mr. P. W. Goldsmith. Rev. Mr. Dennis, on behalf of the Ministers’ Association, and by the local president, Mrs. A. C. Ken-

nerley. Mrs. Nye presented shoulder sprays to Mrs. Chess was, Mrs Spence and Mrs. Ferguson (a former District President), and a posy wa* sent to the Mayoress, who was absent through indisposition. Mrs. Spence replied to the welcome. A most inspiring address was delivered hy Mrs. E. J. Chesswas, Wanganui, who spoke on “Our Heritage," referring to the work accoin plislied by Frances Willard and other pioneers who had passed the lighted torch on to us. During the afternoon much enjoyed musical items were rendered hy Mrs. Thomson and hy the League of Mothers’ Choir. One new member gained. Mrs. Spence presided over the Convention meetings on the next day and led the morning devotions. Delegates present from Feilding, Pal merston North and Levin. Apologies from Pahiatua and Otaki. Greetings received and sent. The District and Union Reports read and adopted, and all showed that steady, consistent work was being accomplished. The balance sheet presented hy Miss Kelly showed a small credit balance. Each delegate spoke of the work amongst the children, and Mrs. Pack presented a report on Peace. The election of officers resulted in all being re-elected. The afternoon session opened with devotion:- conducted by Mrs. Captain kumllc. The report of Miss Appleby’s visit to the District showed that a Band of Hope was formed in Palmerston North and a small Y Branch in Levin. Report of the Bible in Schools was presented by Mrs. Spence, also an account ot the Dominion Executive at I lawera. A most impressive service of memories was feelingly conducted by Mrs Chesswas. A very fine presidential address wa< given by Mrs. Spence on “The Maori and the Liquor Problem.” Resolutions discussed and passed. \n invitation for next annual Convent’on to be held in Palmerston North accepted. Miss Eileen Neal rendered a solo, “My Task"; much enjoyed The Convention closed with votes of thanks and the Benediction. Resolutions:— (1) That the Government be approached with a view to converting a ! labour used in breweries, bars, etc., into more necessary channels during war time; also that all grain he made

mto necessary foods and not for ini \icating beverages. (2) T!iat the Minister concerned lias liis attention drawn to the fact that it i* intended that samples of wine be given away at the forthcoming Centennial Exhibition in Wellington. That we, the memliers of the Nlanawatu District YV.C.T.U., object firstly because this would put unfair and illeual temptation before young people. Secondly, because it will increase the amount and number of intoxicated drivers on a crowded roadway. Thirdly, because it allows unfair competition with people advertising multitudes of other wares, samples of which cannot l>e given away. id) That it he a criminal offence to supply n*ung nun in uniform with alcoholic liquor. OTAGO DISTRICT CONVENTION Presided over by Mrs. Peart, District President. Delegates were welcomed by Mrs. Klett, local President. Greetings from Dominion Officers. Isaiah 41-10. Sp ken to by Mrs. Hiett, Dominion President. Encouragement for trust in the Living God. The Secretary read correspondence re change of boundaries at Shotover, ami re smoking and liquor on trains. Mrs. Hiett suggested that a letter of thanks should he sent to the Minister of Railways on account of his splendid reply re smoking and drinking. An address was given by Rev. Stcvely, who said that in the name of the 1 “sbytery and the Council of Christian Congregations he extended a hearty welcome. Mrs. Hiett moved a vote of thanks and >aid it was a responsibility and a privilege to do this work. It was a joy to (Link that the Council of Christian G»n; legations were sympathetic. The Secretary reported that there wen signs of encouragement. There had been a substantial increase of v, »te for Prohibition. Sister Alice’s w *rl had been very successful. A new hran h had been formed at Cromwell and reports of the smaller branches 'how ed that much work had been done. The International Prayer Meeting !,< iti. held every week was commended b X Mrs. Hiett, who seconded the report. The treasurer’s re|M>rt showed a balancr of £R/10/S. Mrs Downing suggested In ions

taking extra copies of “White Ribbon’’ to sell among sympathisers. In an address Mrs. Hiett gave information alx»ut the conference held at I law era. District presidents from all over the North Island, and one from as far south as Invercargill, were in attendance. A ruling was given that special efforts to raise funds for outside organizations should he apart from ordinary meetings. Menil>ers w’ere asked to take special notice of this, as all the funds were needed for our own work. At noontide special prayers were offered tor peace. At the beginning of the Afternoon Session a telegram was received conveying greetings from Mrs. Graham of Invercargill, our former beloved District President. The devotions were taken by Miss Brittain, leader of the Y’s, who stressed the need of faith in the Unseen. The President based her remarks on Zechariah 37. She mentioned that the seven men of Preston, and Frances Willard, began the Temperance Crusade. It was suggested that resolutions against wet canteens should he sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence from this Convention, also to a>k mothers who have sons or husbands going into camp to write to the Ministers and to their own members as well. Other suggestions were to write letters to the papers and ask the Ministers to take a stand, and that this Convention a*k the Council of Christian Congregations to uphold them in their demands for dry canteens. Work for Peace was stressed, and it was agreed that as an Organization the W.C.T.U. is willing to make bandages or anything asked for the Red Cross. Election of Officers:—President, Mrs. Sanders; Vice-Pres., Mrs. Flett; Secretary, Miss Gray; Treasurer, Miss Fot4; CflfcdK Roll Supt., Mi' Flett; Y v 'ipt . \1 ’ - < i .mien ; \\ I\ Supt , Miss Ford. Several remits were passed. Votes of thanks were passed for the use of the Hall, to the Kaikorai ladies for their generous provision of morning and afternoon tea, to the young lady soloist, and to N.E. Valley for the if invitation lor next year’s District Conference. Convention ended with the Closing Service and the Benediction.

MARLBOROUGH

Met in Blenheim on Sept. 22nd, 1930. The District FreiMeat, Ifrs W. B Wilson, presided. Devotions by President and Rev. J. D. McArthur. Mrs. Girling, hostess of Kntertaining Union, welcomed Convention. Miss Kirk, Dom. Rec. See., received a pretty spray of flowers. Mistress of Courtesies, Mrs. J. Stewart; Letter Writer, Mrs. H. Braddock; Press Reporter, Mrs. P. Stephens. Greetings received from I >om in ion President, Kditor of “White Ribbon” and Mrs. Adam Jackson. Letters of greeting received and sent out. Mrs. Underhill submitted a comprehensive report of the year’s work, during which four quarterly meetings had been held. Mrs. A. M R. MilD presented the Balance Sheet Rejtort of Y Branch at l'icton, given by District Supt. This branch had won the banner for the third year in succession, and it was presented to the Picton delegate by Miss Kirk. Reports of various unions were received and showed meetings regularly held, addresses gi\ en and devotional session were of great importance. Blenheim referred to death of Mrs. J. D. McArthur, and Tua Marina to the loss of Mrs. Burroughs, Scnr., their oldest member. Tua Marina had presented “The Masque of Noble Women." Mrs. Wilson commended unions for their steady, quiet work, and Miss Kirk expressed pleasure that so many Departments of our W.C.T.U. w’ere being worked. Dist. Supts. rci*orts were Mrs. Rogcrson for “White Ribbon”; Mrs. E. Leslie on Cradle Roll; Mrs. Robinson on Baud of Hope work; Mrs. Milgrew on L.T.L. work; and Mrs. J. Stewart presented report on Peace Dept. Noontide session of prayer was observed, and the noontide hymn sung. The President’s address stressed the importance of carefully studying the Bible as a guide to our everyday life. Afternoon devotions were taken by Miss Kirk, who sj>oke on reasonable service. Officers elected:—Pres., Mrs. VV. B. Wilson; Rec. Sec., Mrs. V. Underhill; Cor. Sec., Mrs. S. Harris; Treasurer, Mrs. A. M. R. Mills; Supts.: Peace, Mr*. J. Stewart; W.R Mrs. L. Rogerson; C.R., Mrs. E. Leslie; Bam! of Hope, Mrs. G. Robinson; Y. Supt., Mrs. A. Robinson. Recitation by Mrs I>. Knight; *ongs by Mrs. T. Carr. Mrs. W ilson presented Mr*. Underhill ami Mrs. Mills with a token of appreciation from herself for their long and faithful service, and the gifts were gratefully acknowledged by both

ladies. Miss Kirk gave fine address on Centennial of 1 ranees Willard, ami of the progress in New Zealand of the Union for over SO years. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. Long service badge presented to Mrs. Hale. Votes of thanks to all who had helped. The beautiful closing service brought an inspiring Conven tion to an end. WANGANUI Opening devotions by Mrs. Day. Mrs. Chcsswas was in the chair. Mesdaincs Laird, Tizard and Duxfield letter writer, Mistress of Courtesies and Press Reporter respectively. Greetings were received. Rev. \icholls welcomed Convention. Greetings to Mesdaincs Perymati, Lynn, Jenkins and Goodey. Delegates from Wanganui Central, Aramoho, Kaetihi, Wanganui Kast and Gonville. District and Dominion Superintendents ami District Officers were present. Mrs. Wickham spoke on Peace and Arbitration work and urged all to remain faithful to our W.C.T.U. principles and to cultivate peace in their hearts, which alone can bring comfort in these days of difficulty. The District Secretary reported that a strict watch had been kept on matters pertaining to the liccming laws ami alxdinon of the liquor traffic. Concern expressed that N.Z. Drink Hill had doubled in last four years. Pleasure expressed that the district continues to send out 400 Young People’s SuppleP'cnts each month. Plans of work discussed :—A Pledgesigning campaign. Request for Dominion Organiser for one month immediately after next Dominion Convention. All branches in district recommended to identify themselv es with Red Cross Society. Resolution passed:—That it be made a criminal offence to supply young men in uniform with alcoholic liquor. Mesdaincs (iillman and Hallam received long-service badges. Mrs. Gordon’s address on “Social Hygiene and Morality’’ to be sent to local papers and White Riblxm. All district officers and Superintendents of Departments were re-elected. District banner for securing most White Riblxm subscribers again won by Wanganui Central with 47, ami Wanganui Hast second w r ith 27. Total for district, 129. President spoke of the centennial of the birth of our beloved founder, Frances h. Willard, and asked branches to co-operate in Church Parade on the following Sunday.