CONVENTION SMATTERINGS

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 3, 18 April 1945, Page 5

CONVENTION SMATTERINGS

It was certainly not quite a normal Convention. Although a determined effort mat made to keep the appearance of things as cheerful as possible, and though friends hailed friends from tar away with the usual bright enthusiasm, nothing could drive away a certain feeling of dismav for those who could not complete the journey in time for the opening days. The cold weather and the absence of some who for long years we have rejoiced to see' added to the feeling that things were not just as usual. However, our beloved President with the smiling, efficient support of our Correspondence Secretary and the further inspiration of the presence of our VicePresident. our Treasurer, and Mrs. (•rigg, Business manager of the “White Ribbon,” with her on the platform, made a brave start on Thursday afternoon, February 22nd. The new’s that Mrs. Peryman and Miss Henderson would not be able to attend, and that, owing to a very recent bereavenient. Miss Kirk would not arrive for a day or-two, added to the feeling of change and of loss. It was strange during the first d*ys to hear rumours as to how and when the rest of the delegates wouid arrive, it indeed, they ever did. Thirty-three delegates, awaiting transport by plane, bus or train, stranded in Christchurch, seemed to he almost at the South Pole, so far awav did thev appear, poor things. And we had to go on as though they were there with us. Of course, some things were held over, but this could not be done with all the business. That first afternoon, however, gave us the chance of meeting people and talking things over with one another. Mrs. Donaldson's breezy, if brief, welcome to Dunedin; Mrs. Hiett’s kindly, wise, helpful, opening remarks; the lxuinteous afternoon tea. and the items given by an excellent elocutionist and a sweet singer combined to make the opening session very pleasant.

The Communion Service next morning held at Knox Church and conducted by the Very Rev. D. C. Herron was a time of high spiritual fellowship and will not soon be forgotten by those privileged to attend. But another disquieting item of new’s awaited us; this being that illness had occurred at the home of Mrs. Hiett and that she would not Ik able to be with us that morning. Mrs. Kasper stepped into the breach and capably carried out the duties. Deep sympathy was felt for Mrs. Hiett in this addition to her many responsibilities and it was with a feeling of great thankfulness on he»‘ and on our own behalf that we learned later in the day that things were much improved, and to see Mrs. Hiett in her place again w*as a reason for thankfulness.

The trip round the city on Saturday gave great pleasme. The magnificent views alternately obscured and glori-

fied by the floating clouds; the variety of scenery; the fine buildings and monuments of the city, made the trip one of continual surprise and interest. There is certainly a something alxmt Dunedin exclusively its own. One wonders whether it is the fact that the outstanding glory of its streets and spaces is the architecture of churches. In no other city of New Zealand is there the >amc feeling that the church is THK thing. A dignity and a calm restfulness seem to pervade those sacred walls, and one feels that a vdidity is imparted to the character of those brought up in their proximity. In the evening the much-debated Welcome Social was held. It was a matter for discussion, indeed How could we welcome people who were rot there? And if we did not hold it after making all arrangements what would people think of us and of our

organisation? Anyhow, it was held, and a very pleasant function it was. It is always a pleasure to the present scribe to see our I dominion Officers on these occasions. They look so very nice in their long frocks, wearing immaculate white cloves of ceremonial appropriateness, and having their hair >o well arranged and groomed. A glow of pride warms me and I feel that these women, full of deep, strong purpose with years of ardent service in a great cause to their credit, and possessed as they are of intellect, understanding and capacity to pursue their aim through peril, fire and sword, if need l>e, are worthy to rank with the highest in this or any other land. And wher. other women honour them by their warm words and kindly presence with them on the platform, and when a band of men who bear their share in the bho;ir and the striving for right and truth, also come to declare their faith in, and gratitude to. them, a real heartening and encouragement come to the delegates from far and near. Some coming, as they do, from small towns and settlements where meetings are small and the wav seems long and w itliout much to brighten it, find a genuine help in seeing the XV.C.T.U. under these conditions once in a while. I, for one. hope our ladies will always uphold the social dignity and good breeding for which the Union stands in so manv lands, and am sure thev will.

The Mavor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs Cameron, with Miss Fairbairn (VC W ). Miss Brgg (Y WC A ). Mr. Salmon (Y.M.C.A.), Professor Hunter (VZ. Alliance), and the Rev. Mr. Watson (Otago Council of Christian also sat on the platform, and all. with Mrs. Donaldson. W.C. T.U. President. Otago District, who was in the chair, said a few* words of welcome and greeting. Mrs. Hiett responded in her own gracious manner, her words rarrvine the sincere thanks of the Union of VZ. for the kindliness

of the various organisations in extending their good wishes and greetings in this wav. Lovely spravs of flowers were presented to the officers early in the evening by a band of little girls lei by Miss L. Tiibbs. Music was the entertainment provided, and very enjoyable it was. The next event was the Church Parade. This was held at rhe Hanover Street Baptist Church, in the Hall of which the Convention was being held. The Rev. Ewan Simps<m conducted the service. There was a very good number present, and the service was «rv helpful. Monday morning saw all delegates in their places, and a general spirit of energy and keenness seemed to Ik* abroad. It was on this day that the President’s address, delayed from Friday, was delivered. This was reported in last month's “\Y R“ but without the impassioned feeling and intense earnestness of the speaker its effect cannot Ik* truly realised. The deep impression left when the voice had ceased will not readily Ik* effaced. Many reports were received each day. Some of them gave rise to discussion. One of these was the “Literature” report when the question was asked as to whether something could be done to assist small Unions by providing them with free literature. The correct rejiorting of certain activities was the subject of enquiry and thi may lead to some re-adjusting of departments by the Dominion Officers to avoid overlapping. Remits were interesting on the whole. Some, based on abstract principles and inspired by the franchise celebrations were unusual in form ami character hut of a high order of idealistic vision for the future. Auckland's remit, having as its object the limitation of periods of eligibility for Presidents. caused an animated discussion but was finally referred back to the Union for more thorough consideration as every Union would Ik affected if the remit were carried. That the time is ripe for a renewal of our historic interest in Prison Reform was amply demons!rated be some revelations of the existing state of things, and it is likely tnat this remit will have some real results.

The Speech-making Competition for the ”Y” Branch made a pleasant little break. It was a brave effort on the part of the competitors and Miss Smith’s remarks in kindly criticism were helpful and encouraging. The Recitation Competition w*as surprisingly well contested. Seven entries were made. The varied nature of the pieces chosen and the very good work done by all made this very enjoyable, indeed. Mrs. Winn’s win was very popular.

Some of the banners were not on band when the time came for them to Ik- presented to the winners. 1 won-

dcr «< they have arrived at their new homes yet. I expect they have. The figures given for Cradle Rolls and new members and “W.R ” subscribers were quite astonishing in some instances. There were some wonderful afternoon teas provided by the ladies of different churches. What a boon it was, too. A certain languor begins to make itself felt aftef a morning and half an afternoon spent in the Convention Mall, and it is just then that tea is rnnounced. How welcome was the sound of teacups. And. too, the soloists «%ho sang to us lifted us to another sphere of feeling with their sweet voices. Their choice of song was always good and we were grateful to them for coming. Mrs. Hiett’s daring and fearless recounting of the impressions gained by her during a three weeks visit to Invercargill to the working of Trust Control set quite a conflagration alight. What a good thing it is to have as President one who is so ‘’game.” To provoke the forces against which we are fighting to make their defence in the public press and for this to l>e of so illogical and feeble a character is to do a real service for the cause by bringing to light the rickettv nature of the fabric in process of !»eing built up.

And so the week wended to its ck>se. There is very much more that could lie said. but. of course, every single reader of this will see to it that she orders her Handbook, in which will be the recorded Minutes of the whole Convention. This story is only intended to add a little “atmosphere” to ihc Minutes.

It must not Ik concluded, however, without reference to the work of the Officers. Quiet, efficient, watchful, kindly, they carried everything on with perfect success. The Mistress of Courtesies, Miss Macandrcw, was unremitting in her work of helping people in every way possible. Nothing seemed to be a trouble to her, and her pleasant smile was so cheering. We all should sav “Thank you” to her. Miss Jamieson’s contribution to the Temperance Examination equipment in the form of a simplified writing up of “Keeping Fit” should be a most useful addition to the literature suitable for those who prepare elnldrcn for the examinations.