AUCKLAND PRESBYTERIAN HALL.

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 11, 1 December 1946, Page 5

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERIAN HALL.

Edinburgh Street, Newton The twenty-third District Convention of the Auckland district opened on Sunday, September 22nd, 1646, with a Church Parade in the Church of Christ, Wc'l Street, Newton, Pastor Campbell, Pastor of the Church, conducting the service, between 70 and W) members attending. Reception to Delegates \. reception to delegates was held on Monday in the Convention Hall, which was beautifully decorated with flowers Mrs. Mountjoy, District IVesilieut, presided over a large gathering. I'he 4 ,! 1 intended for her wa> taken t«* her In one of the members with 11 «• l<»vt i the W.T.C.U. Mrs. Mountjoy welcomed all delegates and representatives of other organisations who brought greeting' and messages of Goodwill to the Convention. Among these were the N /.. Alliance, Newton Salvation Army, the Women's “Dav of Prayer” numbers the Auckland Presbyterian Church and the Congregational Church of New Zealand. \n excellent musical programme vva' presented. During the afternoon Mrs. Kasper presented the Cradle Roll banner for the largest Cradle Roll, to Grey Lynn, their number being 404 The L.T.L. banner was gained by the Kurahuna Maori Girl'’ Union which is “mothered” by the Onehunga L’nion. The Silver Vase was aLo won by Grey Lynn for the best work dc e in the “Five-fold Plan,” and the Bronze Vase vent to the Kohi-St. Heliers Union which gained second place. The Rev. J. D. Smith was the guest speaker, and in his address he spoke of the growing complacency of the peopb towards the drinking tradition. He also stated that he considered there was a real danger in the Royal Commission’s recommendation for the sale ot liquor in restaurants. Communion Service.

The Annual Communion service was held in the Church of Christ, West Street on Tuesday morning. September 24th, Pastor W. Campbell conducting. This was a most impressive and suitable opening for the Convention.

Ti»e»d»v morninv nession was presided over by Mrs. Mountjoy, who welcomed all present. Letters of sympathy were sent to many sick and aged members, and greetings to distant friend delegates were present. The corresponding Secretary's report was given bv Miss A. N. McLav, much good work being noted. The Recording Secretary’s report was given by Mrs. R. A. Joiner, showing much good work done by the Executive. The Treasurer’s report and balance'sheet, presented by Mrs. J. A. Trussing showed finance to be in a healthv condition. The Cradle Roll -eport was given by Mrs. J. Williams, showing the roll number tor the district to hr 1690, an increase of 114 on

last year’s figures. Grey Lynn, with 404. has the laigest Cradle Roll for the district, Onehunga coming second with 235. Noontide Devotions were led by Mrs. Kasper, and a duet was sung by Mesdames Bartlett and Livingstone.

Afternoon Session. Before the business was taken, a most informative address was given by the Rev. E. ( Leadley,'this being followed bv the “Service of Memories” which was conducted by Mrs.'Mountjov. 62 delegates attended this session, and 1> visitors. Maori Girls’ Hostel financial statement was presented bv Mrs. Mountjoy, the Hostel treasurer, and showed that a great amount of work had been accomplished at the Hostel during the \ear. Mrs. J. \Y. Long gave the general report, which was most comprehensive. Mrs. Long paid a special tribute to Mollie who is a fine Christian girl, exercising a great influence for good in the hoste\ where 27 girls are residing at present a staff of three making the number up to thirty. The Presidential address was given by Mrs. Mountjoy, a comprehensive survey of present-day conditions in this and other lands in respect to the drink menace.

Wedne*day morning ttttion Mis Mountjoy again presided and Mrs. Anstice led Devotions. A solo was sung by Mrs. Wanhill. Greeting were received from the “Y” conference. 55 delegates were present. L.T.L report was given by. Mrs. Kasper. Noontide Devotions were conducted by Mrs. Long.

Wednesday Afternoon Session. Devotions were led by Mrs. |. ('amphell. 61 delegates were present, visitors making the total up to 81. The following remits were passed by the C-invention (Abbreviated, Ed.): 1 Ti lt the plea of being intoxicated when committing a crime should he no excuse or ground for the discharge of the accused. 2. That the penalty should he heavier, not lighter, in such cases. J. That the increase of drinking among young people of both sexes, should he dealt with by its being made illegal to sell, wholesale or retail, or to give liquor to any person under twentyone years of age, 4. That letters of congratulation should he sent to the Salvation Army in Auckland and the Presbyterians in Invercargil! for their refusal to accept money from the Liquor Trust. 5. That as paper is now plentiful, bread should he wrapped before it leaves the Bak.*ry, 6. That the amount of liquor being -ent to the J. Fvce is a matter for concern, the sugr,ei*ion being made that Fruit-juiccs '* id soft drinks be given preference.

7. That nwve severe sentences should he passed, even to the reinstating of flogging for cases of assault on young

children, in view of the wave of .i»ne said to he passing over tlie country.

8. That the "Backbloeks” department he known in future by this name with the addition of “and Scattered members’ League.” Very interesting reports were presented by district superintendents of departments, all showing excellent work done.

The following officers were elected for the coming year: President, Mr>. F. YY. Mountjoy: Vice-president, Mrs. I. \V. Long; Corresponding Secretary Miss \. M. McLay; Recording Secretary, Mrs. R A. Joiner; Treasurer, Mrs. I. A. R. Prussing. Votes of thanks were passed to all the many friends and helpers who had done so much for the Convention. This concluded the Convention, and Mrs. Mountjov closed with the Benediction. ROSE A. TOINER.

NELSON DISTRICT CONVENTION Nelson District Convention, held in the Motueka Methodist Sunday School, presided o.er by the District President, Mrs. Toomcr, and attended by delegates from Nelson. Motueka and Richmond.

The opening Devotions were taken by the Rev. Mr. Beaumont, and delegates were welcomed by the Rev. .Mr. Ford, and by the local president, Miss Cresswell, who presented Mrs. Toomer with flowers. Greetings were sent to absent members, and a telegram of greeting was received from Mrs. Walker, and Miss F. Cocke. The reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were read and adopted, and it was decided to send a letter of thanks to the retiring treasurer. Miss F. Cooke.

The Dominion Secretary’s quarterly letter was read and discussed, ami Miss Cresswell and Mrs. Carter spoke appreciatively of the help this letter gave to small Unions. A Temperance Fact was read by each delegate. Noontide Devotions w’ere taken by Miss Every. The afternoon session was opened with a short devotional talk by Mr*. Sherrat.

All officers w’ere elected for another year, with the exception pf Miss Cooke who did not seek re-election. Her place was filled temporary by Mrs. J. Andrews.

Reports w’ere read and adopted. The following remits were passed for Dominion Corvention: 1. That when a man is charged with a crime before a Magistrate the sentence should not be lightened because he was drunk, but rather made more severe.

2. A protest against the continued wastage of grain and sugar in brewing, while there is such dire need overseas.

3. A protest against the shipping of liquor to the J. Force. A letter was received from Mrs. Rankin, stating that she had written to congratulate Adiutant Pauling on refusing to accept ISO for the Salvation

Army Band, and she had replied stating that she had received congratulations ffom all over New Zealand, and also donations. Mrs. Rankin also stated the the Salvation Army could no longer accept an annual grant from the Macarthv Tru-t fund.

In a short, inspiring talk, the president sj)oke of the need for building after the nun of a world war, and said that the W’.C T.l'. could well he called a Building Society whose duty it was to repair the far greater ra\ages earned by the Liquor Traffic. Jw«» lines of action were indicated. In the first place, the youth of the count rv should he approached through scientific teaching, and in the second place, we -houht work through prayer, which would rouse into action the women of New Zealand, who are the natural protectors of the young.

Motions of thanks were passed to the ladie- of Motueka for their hospitality, and to the Revs. Beaumont ami Ford, ami Convention closed with the Benediction.

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS NORTH AND SOUTH CANTER BURY, CHRISTCHURCH A two-day Convention of North and South Canterbury 'elegates was held in Christchurch, in the Central Mission Rooms, on September 18th a’*d 19th. Proceedings opened with Devotions led by the North Canterbury President, Mrs. F J. T. Grigg. The Pledge was repeated and the Roll ( all taken, thirty-four delegates being present, six for the first time. Mrs. Mitchell was appointed Letter-writer; Mr*. Atkins and Miss E. Gordon, Mistresses of Courtesies; Mrs. E. R. (lark, Press reporter.

South and North Canterbury Reports and financial statements were read. Mrs. Ancell (Spreydon) gave a fiveminute paper on “Gambling,” and Mrs. Ashton, of Waimate, one on "Equal Rights of Women.” Branch reports were taken from Ashburton, Christchurch, New Brighton and North Brighton, before luncheon adjournment.

The afternoon session opened with Devotions by Mrs. Ancell. I he Mayoress, Mrs. Hardy Cookscn, and Miss May McLean, President of the National Council of Women, were welcomed, and Miss E. Gordon presented them with sprays of flowers, and pinned a white bow on. Mrs. Goldman, of North Brighton Union, ably rendered vocal solos, after which the Mayoress welcomed the delegates to the city, and wished the Convention all success. Miss M. McLean also spoke, and urged us all to press our work among the young people. She said we must decide about the Government taking over the breweries. Mr F. Chesman spoke on behalf of the "Y’s.” Mrs. E. Crowley rendered two solos. Temuka reported that they were distributing 1.000 Temperance leaflets. Miss C. Crowley, of the Bryndwr Union gave a talk on “Monetary Re-

form.’* Timaru mentioned in their report that they send twenty-five copie> of the “White Ribbon” to the Public Hospital every month. Reports were taken from Opawa, Shirley-Richmond St. Albans and Oxford.

Mrs. Millar (Tinwald) opened Thurs day morning’s -ession with Devotions After Roll Call and Minutes, a fiveniinute paper was given by Mrs. Ashwood, of Ashburton, “Trumpeter, what are you sounding now?” Reports from Waimate, Woolston Kiccarton, Papanui, Sydenham, Kaia poi. Bryndwr, Spreydon, Lin wood, am the District “Y’s” were received.

Thursday afternoon session opened with Devotions led hy Mrs. Weston, of Oxford. A Question Box gave rise to some discussion, particularly the question, "What can we do to encourage our young women to join our ranks?" As the result of another question, it was decided to write to the City Council asking for the discontinuance of Sunday concerts. A Greeting (Psalm 37. v. 5) was received by telegram from \shburton.

Miss Henderson gave us a very comprehensive summary of the findings of the Royal Commission. Votes of thanks were passed to all who helped to make Convention run *«> smoothly

Though the membership is not all vve could desire, the Branch reports disclosed much faithful service which w< know must hear witness to our cause

The election of officers took place on Thursday morning, the Officers for the coming year being: South Canterbury, I’re-ident, Mrs. Densem; Vice-Presi-dent, Mrs. Kippenbcrger; Secretary, Miss P. Tooley; Treasurer, Mrs. Stark. North Canterbury, President, Mrs. E. R. Clark; Vice-President, Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg; Secretary, Mrs. R. Black; Treasurer, Mrs. Atkins.

OTAGO: PIONEER HALL, PORT CHALMERS The Convention was i.eU under rather unpleasant weather conditions on September 25th, 1946, very heavy rain having been experienced for some days before, and heavy showers continuing. Twenty-eight delegates attended. Convention opened with the singing of the National Anthem, after which the District Secretary called for nominations for a chairman, in the unavoidable absence of Mr*. J. Donaldson, District President, and Mrs. S. Sanders, District Vice-President. Mrs. Hiett. Dominion Vice-Presid« *•.♦, \us electee, to the chair, and continued with the singing of the Crusade hymn, and the reading of the 62nd chapter of Isaiah, followed hy prayer. , A welcome to Port Chalmers was extended, hy His Worship the Mayor, Mr. H. S. Watson, and on behalf of the Churches by the Rev. H. M. Brasell. Mrs. Hiett replied, expiessing in jocular vein the comparison of the weather to the liquor trade and our cause, emphasising that we want to win people by courtesy, understanding and love, outlining the facts as truths, not

.operations, having courage as \\e in the Word of God as He >aid, “Be not afraid. Members stood in silence as a mark Lj re-pect to those who had passed Jay during the year, Mrs. Hictt closwith prayer. Appointments were nude a> follows: Mistress of Courtesies Mrs. Madigan; Tress reporters yv’ papers) Mrs. Dickinson, (“White pbon”) Mrs. Kippin. Greetings were Wived from Balclutha, Dominion “Y” Executive, Dominion Officers, N.E. Valiev. Port Chalmers, Kaikorai, and Central L.T.L. Branches. Greetings sent to the Dominion President, Miss C E. Kirk; Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Donaldson. Mrs. Green, 'Mrs. E. H. Or: to receive letters of cheer as well is sympathy. Mrs. Hiett said Miss Kirk \va> attending another function m ihe South Island and had expressed her willingness to come to Dunedin if she could be a help. It was moved, seconded, and carried that a meeting be arranged in the Hanover Street Baptist Hall in the afternoon, at which Miss Kirk would ->e the guest speaker, the dale to be fixed later. Apologies tor absence were received from Mrs. Donaldson, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Tui, of Balclutha. and Mrs. McSkimming, of Green Dland. Reports were then read. The Secretary, in her report, empha<i>ed the necessity of having a guest speaker iO visit the outlying Unions, ad fostering their work in every way jif we arc to go forward and progress. Miss Gray read the Treasurer’s report •athe absence of Miss Gibb, and stated the credit balance to be £39/10/8. The [ White Ribbon” subscribers numbered [23b. the Cradle Roll 452, including 33 new members. Tbe “Y” report was given, and in speaking to this, Mrs. Hiett appealed to all members to assist the “YV to increase their membership aid suggestions were made as to how this could he done. Following the Noontide prayer came the reports from Inions all but one sending in a fine report, showing much good work done. In the afternoon sessions, Devotions »ere conducted by the Rev. J. Chambers, B. A. Dom. “Y” President, the subject being “Have Faith in God, but ton at accomplishing all we are capable / Mrs. Taylor, President of the Port Chalmers Union, welcomed the degates. Twenty-eight delegates angered the Roll Call. Mrs. Hiett told c _ : the showing of films in Central tago by Mr. Daly, expressing the ■Pinion that this was the best work in the district for many years, [be films had been shown at a big *outh Rally at Cavershair. Jt was passed as a resolution that : c District Executive go into the mat•er of certain “aerated waters” being and that, if even one cent, of alcohol were to be found '* analysis, a protest should he fornrded.

The election of Officers resulted as :nder: President, Mrs. Hiett; Viceresidents. Mrs. Sanders (a Life appointment), and Mrs. Dickinson; Secf * !a ry, Mrs. .Rippin; Treasurer, Miss A vote of thanks to Mrs, Peart,

President of North East Valley Union, who conducted the election of officers, wa> carried by acclamation. Resolutions were then discussed relative to the findings of the Royal Commission.- Mrs. Hiett suggested that every Union should write to their member of Parliament, and every member for Otago, as well as the Prime Minister, the resolutions that are carried. Professor S. F. Hunter, as President of tbe Otago Branch of the N.Z. Alliance, gave a very interesting talk on various aspects of the Royal Commission Report on State Control, and the opinions of people where it has been experimented with. The people of Oainaru regard Trust Control as a menace. Many vital points were clarified in a most useful address. The discussion of remits was continued. An educational campaign per medium of press, and radio was the subject of one, and one from Oamaru, asking for a full and impartial enquiry into the penal system of New Zealand was another of special interest. A vote of thanks to Dr. Hunter was carried by acclamation. Editorial Note: Auckland, South Auckland, Nelson and Marlborough Convention Reports, N.C.VV. Notes, and Marlborough Women’s Day of Prayer report are all unavoidably held over for lack of space. The December issue will be a “District Convention” number.