District Conventions

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 10, 1 November 1947, Page 6

District Conventions

NELSON DISTRICT September 18th, 1947 Delegates from Nelson, Motueka and kichmond attended the annual District Convention of the Nelson District on September 18th. The Rev. A. Fetch led the opening Devotions. Mrs. Toomer, President, welcomed the delegates and also Mrs. Underhill, of the Marlborough District, Dominion Recording Secretary. Greetings were sent to absent members. Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and adopted. Following the reading of the Dominion Corresponding Secretary’s letter, it was decided to—1. Send further food parcels to Britain and 2. Bring the claims of “Y” work before each Union before the next meeting.

Mrs. Underhill spoke briefly, and expressed a hope for closer union between Marlborough and Nelson. Noontide Devotions were taken by Mrs. Carter and Miss Cresswell. A Roll Call, “When and Why I Joined the W.C.T.U.” called forth some interesting reminiscences.

The afternoon session was opened by a devotional talk by the Rev. Mr. Every. Encouraging reports were read from all Unions. Mrs. Gardiner, Dominion Supt. for Sailors’ Rests, gratefully acknowledged donations of goods and money.

All officers were re-elected with the exception of Miss Lammas, who had retired from the position of “Birthdav” Superintendent on account of ill-health. Mrs. Lummis was elected to the position. Mrs. Toomer thanked all officers for their work during the year, and it was decided to send a letter of thanks to Miss Lammas for her work. Two new members were initiated.

The guest speaker was Mrs. Underhill, who gave an inspiring talk entitled “A Vision and i Challenge." Frances Willard’s life and work w-ere the basis of the talk. Mrs. Toomer thanked the speaker for her message.

An invitation to have next Convention at Richmond was gratefully accepted. An enjoyable Convention closed with a hymn and Benediction.

SOUTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT September 18th, 1947

Following on the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Tauranga Union, to which all delegates to District Convention had been invited, a good start was made on the following day, with delegates from Te Kuiti (both Unions), Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Cambridge, Thames, Fencourt, Cpotiki, Tauranga, and Rotorua.

Miss Kirk, Dominion President, led the opening Devotions, setting a high tone for the day. The Preiident, Mrs. Christian, welcomed all delegates, especially those of the newly-formed Unions. The presence of Sisters Nrholls and Heni, Methodist Deacoviesse , and of Mrs. Hera Munro, a veteran v/orkcr in our cause, and the Misses McLay, now

resident in Rotorua, were a special cause for pleasure. Votes of sympathy were passed in silence, with Mrs. Stephenson Craig, of Hamilton, ormer Secretary and now Vice-President of the district, in the loss of her husband, and with the relatives of Mrs. Peiyman, prayers being offered on their lehalf. The Secretary, Mrs. A. L. Lewis, presented her report, and Mrs. Uark read the financial statement, botn of which were adopted. Excellent work was recorded. A short report from each Union was read. Arising from the Opotiki report, Mrs. Thompson gave a short account of the wonderful Band of Hope work carried on by the Union under her superintendency, which was received with warm appreciation. Miss C. M. McLay reported on the organising done

in the King Country in a really inspirJng manner. The district representative ”on tiie N.C.W., Mrs. Lewis, asked that the Hamilton member, M' s. Moore, should report on this, as she had been unable for various reasons, including electricity shortage, to attend regularly. Mrs. Moore did so, her report being full of interest. Noontide prayer was offered by Mrs. Lensley, Tauranga Evangelical Superintendent. Sister Nicholls led the afternoon Devotions, speaking of the need for prayer and sympathy on behalf of the Maori Unions, which were enthusiastic and prepared for great things, but would need all the help possible to fulfil their hopes.

The election of officers was conducted by Miss Kirk and resulted as follows: President, Miss Annie McLay; VicePresidents, Mrs. Stephenson Craig and Mrs. Christian; Secretary, Mrs. A. L. Lewis; Treasurer, Mrs. Clark. On the motion of Miss C. McLay, most enthusiastically passed, it was agreed to ap}X)int Mrs. Craig Life Vice-President for the district she had served so long and well. Mrs. Christian retiring President, thanked all the officers with whom she had worked during the past, and ten preceding years, for their loyal and efficient co-operation. Miss Kirk, speaker for the day, then addressed a large gathering of women’s organisations, whose greetings were given by Mrs. McNaughton, President of the N.CAV. Tauranga Branch. Miss Kirk outlined the growth of Temperance work in New Zealand, and spoke of the part taken by the W.C.T.U. She showed how the Union had influenced public thought, and in many ways had helped materially to bring greater freedom and justice to women. The position held by the Urn on in the minds of thinking people was very' high, and membership was a thing worth having. She urged greater activity- and earnestness. Two solos were beautifully sung by Miss Pearl Herbert during the afternoon.

The following remits were passed: From Fencourt, “That this Convention urges that at specially advertised ‘Child-

ren’s Sessions’ at cinemas the inclusion of any unsuitable film should be torbidden.” From Executive, Remits as suggested by Dominion President. The question of the division of the district into two more workable areas was left over for another year. Hamilton’s invitation for next Convention was received with thanks. Afternoon tea was served by the members of the Baptist Church, morning tea having been dispensed by the local union members. Votes of thanks to all helpers, especially the hostesses, were carried. Convention closed in the traditional manner.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT Church Parade The Twenty-fourth Annual District Convention commenced on Sunday, September 24th, 1947, by the Annual Church Parade, which was held in the Beresford Street Congregational Church and was conducted by the Rev. Percy Kightly. Between sixty and seventy delegates attended the Parade. Reception to Delegates The Convention continued on Monday, September 22nd, by the holding of the annual Reception to Delegates in the Presbyterian Hall, Edinburgh Street, which was beautifully decorated with flowers. The District President, Mrs. F. W. Mountjoy, presided over a large and representative gathering, over one hundred being present. An apology for absence was received from the Mayoress, Mrs. J A C. Allum, and several others, including the Misses McLay. Mrs. Mountjoy welcomed the delegates, and representatives of other organisations who brought greetings and messages of goodwill to the Convention, these being many in number. An excellent musical programme was provided. During the afternoon. Mrs. Kasper, who had recently from the World’s Convention in the U.S.A., presented the C radle Roll banner for the largest C.R. to the Grey Lynn Union, their number being 426 this year. The L.T.L. banner was won by Birkenhead Union. The Silver Vase was won by the Warkworth Union for the best work done in the “Five-fold Plan,” the Bronze Vase going to the Auckland Union, who had second place. The Rev. L. A Day was the guestspeaker, his address being most instructive and inspiring, challenging all to work harder for the abolition of the liquor traffic. Mrs. Kasper also spekf briefly on her experiences at the Worlds Convention, and at the close of her talk presented on her own behalf a silk cow memorial of Frances Willard to the Auckland District Executive. Communion Semce The annual Communion Sendee wa> held in the Beresford Street Congregational Church on Tuesday morning, and 'as, well attended; the Rev. Percy Kightly conducting a most beautiful and impressive service, a most suitable opening to Convention. The Sessions of Tuesday and

Wednesday Fifty-two delegates attended the Tuesday Sessions and forty-six the Wedncs*

day ones, visitors also attending. The routine business was carried out and reports were received from the Officers and Superintendents of Departments. The work of the Executive Mas greatly appreciated and all rej>orts showed good work being done in Un ; ons throughout the district. The departmental reports were given from the following Departmental Superintendents or their representatives : Flower and Philanthropic, Scientific Temperance Fact, Social and Moral Hygiene, Good Citizenship, “White Ribbon,” Evangelistic, Notable Days, Peace and Arbitration, Home Meetings, “Y’s,” Bible in Schools, Sabbath Observance, Anti-Gambling, Maori Work, L.T.L., and Methods. All Unions had worked most of these, though not so much had been done in “Methods” as usual, owing to the absence of the Superintendent, Mrs. H. Kasper. The total number of names on the Cradle Roll for the district was 1,084, Onehunga taking the next place to Grey Lvnn with 193 names.

The noontide Devotions on Tuesday were taken by Mrs. Morcom, a solo being sung by Mrs. Anstice, and on Wednesday by Mrs. Hiett, Mrs. Knauf contributing a solo. A “Service of Memories” was held at the opening of the Tuesday afternoon session, flower tokens being placed in a vase for each one to be remembered, and Mrs. Wanhill singing the solo, “They Shall Be Comforted.” The opening Devotions on Wednesday were taken in the morning by Mrs. Hooper, and in the afternoon by Miss Appleby,* a little “White Ribboner” of three years, Glenice Bowman, singing the solo, “Jesus Bids Us Shine” after the latter. Presidential Address Mrs. Mount joy’s presidential address was given on Wednesday afternoon (sec page four present issue), and was most comprehensive in its scope. The little soloist presented the President with a posy at the close. Highlights The report of the Maori Hostel as given by Mrs. Long was an outstanding one, creating renewed interest in this work.

Many delegates spoke words of appreciation of the work of the Misses McLay, whose removal to Rotorua will create a gap very hard to fill. Talk by Mrs. Kasper Mrs. Kasper gave a most interesting talk on her journey ings, and the World Convention, at which she was one of 2,183 other delegates from 26 countries. She spoke of her meeting with the World’s President, Mrs. Ella Boole, and with Mrs. Lee Cowic.

Election of Officers The following were elected as officers for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs. F. W. Mountjoy; Vice-President, Mrs. J. W. Long; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. Cullen; Recording Secretary, Mrs. R. A. Joiner; T usurer, Mrs. J A. R. Prussing. Votes of thanks were passed to all the friends and helpers, and Mrs. Long concluded the Convention with prayer and the Benediction.

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT 23rd September, 1947 Officers, Sui>erintendents, delegates and friends assembled at St. Andrew’s Hall for the Annual District Convention which commenced at 10.15 a.m. The President, Mrs. V. Underhill, presided and conducted the Devotions in which all took part in appropriate resi>onsive readings. The usual welcome was extended by the President and by Mrs. W. J. Girling on behalf of Blenheim Union, to members of Convention and to the guest speaker, Mrs. H. N. Toomer. Several apologies for absence were received; also greetings.

Members stood in silence for a moment in remembrance of the late Mrs. S. E. Wells who had held the office of “Y” Superintendent at the time of her death.

Interesting reports were given by Mrs. Forbes and Mrs. Harris, Secretaries, and Miss Tarrant presented a very satisfactory balance sheet. Correspondence relating to recent protests to the Prime Minister and the Member for the District in connection with the uplifting of liquor advertising and the recommendations of the Royal Commission were read and received. Letters of sympathy and cheer were directed to several aged and sick members.

Reports of work in the Unions were given by Miss Tarrant for Blenheim, Mrs. Roussell for Springlands, and as there was no delegate from Picton, the President reported on the position there, and of the w’ork of the Band of Hope and “Y” branch so ably done by Mr. and Mrs. Powell. Mrs. E. Leslie, reporting on the Cradle Roll work, stated that there were 709 enrolled. The "White Ribbon” report (Mrs. A. M. Gascoigne) showed that subscriptions were maintained, the paper was put into the Plunket Rest Rooms, the Railway Station Box and in other w’ays kept before the public. Appreciative reference was made to the excellence of the paper and a note was directed to be sent to Mrs. Christian congratulating her. Mrs. Xlilgrew reported on the Evangelistic work done in the district. A vote of thanks to Mrs. Forbes for her untiring efforts a* Secretary and to all the Officers and Superintendents for their cooperation was moved by the President and carred with acclamation.

The Noontide Hymn was sung and Mrs. Toomer offered prayer

Discussion on various matters of concern to the Union resulted in the follow ring l>eing forwarded to Miss Henderson: “That the W.C.T.U. members both as individuals and Unions were right behind the Food for Britain campaign, but they were of the opinion that there was too n.uch waste of grain and sugar in the irantifacture of alcoholic drinks which could be used to better purpose in Britain.”

Mrs. A. 0. Jones gave a very inspiring message in opening the afternoon session. Mrs. Toomer both entertained and inspired her hearers in a splendid address based on the 16*i verse of the 6th chapter of Jeremiah. -"Ask for the old paths where is the good way and

walk therein,” and received an enthusiastic vote of thanks. Members of the W.I. Singing Circle entertained with musical items which were greatly appreciated.

A yr y enjoyable and profitable day conclud'd with votes of thanks to all who had contributed to it, followed by hymn and Benediction. NORTHLAND DISTRICT September 25th, 1947

The Northland District Convention w’as held in the Methodist Church Hall, Whangarei. Forty members and delegates were in attendance, representing Dargaville, Whangarei, Te Koporu, Mangakomere, Pukehuia, and Maungaturoto. Mrs. Roberts, District President, presided. At the Memorial Service Mrs. Roberts and Miss Edmed paid tribute to the late Mrs. Weir (District Treasurer). Others remembered were Mrs. Hughes of Whangarei, Mesdanies Freeman and Kean, attached to Pukehuia; Mrs. Norman, of Hikurangi, Miss Andrews, formerly of Dargaville; Mrs. Pasley, formerly of Maungaturoto, and our beloved Mrs. Pcryman. Branch reports revealed district membership of 127, which is 20 more than last year. Most of these w*ere gained through the visit of Miss A. McLay to the district in June. Temperance films were shown at a public function at Pukehuia, and Dargaville had sliowm a splendid poster display at the Community Centre. Tc Koporu had presented three “Long Service” Badges (20 years). All Branches reported good work in the cause of Temperance. Bouquets were presented to Miss Edmed and Mrs. Green.

A resolution re “Drinking on Trains” was passed. Officers for the coming year were elected as follows:—President, Mrs. S. S. Green, Donnelly’s Crossing; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames C. Yyle, Whangarei and W. J. Roberts; Recording Secretary, Mrs. T. Moorhead, Dargaville; Correspond ng Secretary, Miss M. C. Edmed. Dargaville; Treasurer, Mrs. Hill-Taylor (Awakino Point). Superintendents were also appointed. Mrs. Roberts, who had been the President of the District L T nion ior the past seventeen years, was presented with two silver vases ir. appreciation of her long and faithful service, which she had terminated by not accepting nomination again.

WANGANUI DISTRICT Held at Wanganui Baptist Church Schoolroom. Mrs. Clancy led the opening Devotions, reading Psalm 91. After morning tea, Mrs. Chesswas. President, welcomed delegates *r»d gave apoiogies for several absent because of ilhess. Delegates from Wa.ganui Central and East, Aramoho, Gonville, and Raetihi wete present. Appointments were made as follows: —Letter-writer, Mrs. Day; Mistress of Courtesies, Mrs. K. Walker; Press Reporter, Mrs. Spurdle. Greetings and lettets of sympathy were to be sent. Union reports were given by foe representatives present, and District Officers’ reports were also gi\en. Noontide Devotions followed by the