DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 43, Issue 9, 18 October 1942, Page 2

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

WANGANUI.

The Annual Convention of the W anganui District Union was held on W ednesday, Sept. 16th. Devotions led by Mrs. P. Fretwell. Her theme, “1 can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Mrs. Chesswas presided. Mrs. Day welcomed delegates on behalf of Wanganui East Union. National Anthem and prayers for the Ro}«d Family. Greetings to Mesdames Hallum, McLeod, Morrison, W. Scarrow (Kaetilu), and Jordan (Marton). District Secretary, Mrs. Ogg, reported satisfactory work, including war work, temperance teaching among the young and distribution o! literature. Miss Christie presented balance-sheet sliow- ■ ing finances in a healthy condition. Reports from Kaetihi, Marton, Gonville, Wanganui East. Wanganui and Aramoho were presented l>y their delegates. Noontide hymn and prayer by Mrs. Day. Service of Memories conducted bv Mrs. Chesswas, who spoke feelingly of the passing of our late District Secretary, Mrs. Hussey, also referring to departed members: Mesdames Read. Siddells, Carter, Thomas. Hopkirk and Chamberlain. Mrs. I Hixtield thanked the Heavenly Father for the influence of these sisters, in W.C.T.U. work. Afternoon Session: Devotions, Mr-. Reck. Theme, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds.” Following Supts. of Departments reported: Y Branch, Bible in Schools, Mothers’ Helpers, Cradle Roll. National Council of Women, Band of Hope, Temperance teaching in Sunday Schools, “White Ribbon," and Maori Work. President’s address; her theme, Service. With prayer and the Master‘d help we can do much in the field of service. Frances Willard got the vision of a World W.C.T.U. and to-day women in almost every land are fighting against that trinity of evils: Liquor. Gambling and Impurity. Five members of the Aramoho l nion were awarded the 20 years’ 'ervice badge. They were Mesdames Walker, Good. Clark, Sleight and Suddsley. Decided to invite Miss Elsie Andrews to \ isit Wanganui early in the New Year. Morning and afternoon tea served by the Wanganui East Union. Votes of thanks to all who helped to make Convention a success. OTAGO. SEPT. 30th Met in Oainaru. Mrs. Hiett presided. Comention opened with National Anthem and prayer and Bible reading by the president. Miss Cowan, president, suitably welcomed the delegates, of whom there was a good attendance.

Dr. Paterson, on behalf of the M misters’ Association, expressed the pleasure it ga\e him to welcome the delegates and spoke of the benefits of No License and eulogised the work of the W.C.T.U. Mrs. Hiett thanked the speakers and reminded them of the happy time when No License was carried after much strenuous work. Mrs. Wrightson was welcomed as President of the new Mornington Union. Mrs. Clarke appointed Mistress of Courtesies. Greetings to he sent to Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Garden and Miss Grey, absent through sickness. An official welcome was given to the new District Secretary, Miss Gumming. Mesdames Ovens and Ho.sking contributed solos. Mrs. Tonkin accompanist. About 16 reports were real y..d adopted, which showed marked :>rogress. Regret expressed at Miss Grey s resignation owing to ill health, after 10 years’ work as Secretary. The Mayoress (Miss Kirkness), in a few words, gave a hearty welcome to the delegates. Sprays were presented to Mrs. Hiett, the Mayoress, Mr*. Gumming and Miss Cowan. Mrs. Hiett gave an address on “Women o the Rescue,’’ in which she vigorously stressed the evils of strong drink. She said, Jesus when on earth came into conflict with old ideas. Officers elected: Pres., Mrs. Horwood, Vice-Prcs., Mrs. Sanders; Secretary, Mrs. Gumming; Treasurer, Miss Ford; Cradle Roll Supt., Mrs. Flett; Y Supt., Mrs. Garden. On Thursdav meeting opened with hymn and prayer, Mrs. Cumming taking as her subject, “An untroubled heart." Mrs. Goodey wrote urging S. School temperance teaching be restored to its old footing. Copies of Physical Fitness be distributed. Also that suitable literature oe sent to camps.

Resolutions: “That the Government take steps to reduce social vice, including the prohibition of the sale and manufacture of contraceptives and to discourage all influences that tend to induce moral evils. That the Government he urged to appoint more women police, wearing uniforms or easily visible badges, and that they give special attention to preventive work, such as supervision of parks, streets, dance Jialls, picture theatres, and approaches tc camps.” “That more effective measures be taken to prevent the consumption of intoxicants by minors, male and female, whether civilians or in the Armed Forces, and that space used for liquor on ships going overseas he used for war supplies and essential commodities.” “That any delinquent brought before the court for crime, if drunk, should be dealt with more severely instead of more leniently as is often the case. ’ “That there should be supervision of trains by the police, in the South Ishnd as well as in the North Island, to > vevent drinking and molestation of passengers.” “That this convention strongly protests against the publishing of the names of girls and women who have been convicted of venereal infection.” A vote of thanks was passed io

the Methodist Church for use of hall and crockery, and to all who assisted to make the Convention a success.

CANTERBURY.

Oxer 00 delegates attended the Canterbury District Convention, held in Christchurch in September, and there was a splendid attendance of members and iriends at the afternoon meetings, including the reception, .at which the Mayor and .Mayoress were honoureJ guests. Also present were representatives from the N.Z. Alliance, X.C.W., Y.W.C.A., United Women's Missionary Committee and Band of Hope Union. All these guests gave greetings. Convention was presid d over by Mrs. C. W. Barrell, Pres. N. Canterbury, and associated with iier was Mrs. W. H. Robinson, Fres. South Canterbury. Devotional sessions were conducted by Mesdames C. W. Barrell, Douglas (Tenuika), \\. H. Robinson and F. J. i . iirigg. The reports of individual unions were, on the whole, very heartening, intensive work being done in some districts. Officers elected were:—North Canterbury: Pres., Mrs. C. W. Barred, Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg; Sec., Mrs. R. Black; Treas., Mrs. J. Atkins. S. Canterbury, Pres., Mrs. W. H. Robinson; \ ice-Pres., Mrs. Cave; Sec., Mrs. Butler; Treas., Mrs. McEvving. The following resolutions were passed: 1. That this convention strongly protests against the publishing ot names of women and girls who are prosecuted under the Health Act Regulations dealing with venereal diseases. 2. That this convention reaffirms the Dominion W.C.T.U. resolution, “That more women police, wearing uniform or easily visible badge, be appointed, and that they give special attention to preventive work such as supervision oi parks, streets, dance halls, etc., in the evenings.”