THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 8, 1 September 1948, Page 2

THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION

JESSIE HIETT The Women’s Christian Temperanct Union was formed in New Zealand in 1885. Mrs. M. C. Leavitt was sent from the United States on a world missionary tour and New Zea Kind was one of the many countries she visited. She formed W.C.T. Unions in the large towns of our country and so finked New Zealand to the Work’ W.C.T.U., wliiclj operates in 56 different countries. The motto of this organisation is “For God, Home, and Humanity." The pledge of total abstinence makes the Union distinctive. The badge, a bow of white ribbon, incorporates the ideas of peace, purity and prohibition. Immediately after the formation of the Union U.C.T.U. members commenced to work for women’s franchise. There were few ways of transport, but nothing daunted those pioneers. They tramped up hill and down dale over stony roads, gaining signatures to a petition for women’s franchise. The first two petitions were rejected by Parliament, but, nothing daunted, they started with a third petition, under the splendid leadership of Mrs. Sheppard of Christchurch. Other women’s organisations joined in, and the result was a very large petition, w hich gained the day. In 1893 the franchise was granted. At that time there were only seven laws on the Statute Book dealing with women and children. Now there are over 50, many of them sponsored by the W.C.T.U. Ihe ‘White Ribbon,” the official organ of the W.C.T.U., is published monthly, and contains excellent temperance matter. It includes a paper for youth, called "The Beacon” and a Young People’s Supplement for children. This paper lias been in circulation for over 50 years, and was the first paper in New Zealand edited by a woman. There are many departments in the W.C.T.U. Youth Department s are, first. Cradle Roll, with over 7,000 children enrolled; second. Loyal Temperance Legion, where children run their own meetings on Parliamentary lines with a Superintendent in charge; third. Hands of Hope; and fourth, the Young People’s Christian Temperance Union, which includes youth of both sexes. I hese young people elect their own officers and aim at Temperance Education on scientific lines. A Scientific Temperance Examination is held once a year, open to children of all ages. The lessons are graded. 129 children entered for tlii> examination last year, and the majority did excellent work. This year the W.C.T.U. has initiated an essay and poster competition, with excellent monetary prizes for the winner# Other departments undertaken by the W.C.T.U. are anti-gambling, front

which are sent protests against raffle*, art unions and gambling generally; Sailors' Rest-, one in New Plymouth and one in Tiniaru, under the charge of the W.C.T.U. Members knit scarves, pullovers, socks, etc., and make “ditty-bags” to hold mending, writing paper and other small comforts tor sadors. Through the Legal and Parlia ;i «n»Ury Department legislation is watched, and resolutions are sent relating to anything detrimental to the well-being of society. Literature is published, suitable for distribution, proving from medical science the baneful effects of beverage alcohol. Some Unions run a Purity and Health Department. Others work for Bible in Schools, combining with it a Department called “Sabbath Observance.” The Department of Backblocks, Camps and Institutions gives Unions the opportunity of send'r.g temperance and other good literature to various distant camps, etc. Pictures are seni to mental hospitals by some Unions. The Evangelical Department is a very important part of the Christian Temperance Union. Peace and Arbitration Department work is directed towards the promotion of world peace and goodwill. One meeting a year is usually held in each Union for the discussion of international peace. Mucli more could be said on the work of the Women’s Christian Temperance L<nion. For instance, keen interest is shown in our Maori sisters, and Unions have been formed which are working well, in the King Country. Wherever a need for reform exists the W.C.T.U. is ready to give its undivided support in the name of our Lord and His glory.