DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 9, 1 November 1950, Page 6

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

(Report* unpublished will appear in December) Hawke ? s Bay Delegates from Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau, Dannevirke, Gisborne and Wairoa were present at the Convention held in Wairoa on September 26th and 27th.

The Rev. Caldwell led the opening devotions. Delegates and Mrs. F. Grigg, the guest speaker, were welcomed by Mrs. Hau» r hton, Wairoa President.

Encouraging reports were given by the delegates. A five minutes’ talk was given by a member from each Union and these were inspiring and uplifting. Superintendents presented reports of steady work. During the afternoons, Mrs. Grigg spoke of her trip overseas.

A well-attended social evening was held when Mrs. Grigg, who received a floral tribute, agam spoke of experiences on her trip. In appreciation of services rendered over a period of years, Miss Ennor and Mrs. Lewis were presented with a cup, saucer and plate. Items we r e given by the Wairoa Ladies’ ' !iOir, under Miss V. Edser’s leadership. The sessions the next day included “Plans of Work.” and a question box. It was decided to bold a fully representative Executive meeting in Napier next March. A discussion took place on the recent film, “The Secrets of Life,” and a decision made to protest against the sale of the booklets accompanying the picture. Though intended for adults, it was reported that children in their earlv teens were able to procure them at the theatres.

Temperance Hotels and Temperance booths at local A. and P. Shows were discussed. The desirability of an alternative drink, preferable fruit drink or soft drink being offered at public and private functions was considered. One new member initiated. Election of Officer*: President. Mrs. Lewis; Secretary, Miss L. Ennor; Treasurer, Mrs. Brocklehurst. An invitation to hold the next Convention at Dannevirke was gratefully accepted. V otes of thanks for the excellency of all arrangements were passed to the Wairoa Union, and it was felt that the 1950 Convention had been one of the best held in the Hawke’s Bay District. Manawatu The Convention was held in Palmerston North on October 3rd, with delegates present from Feilding, Pahiatua, Levin and PalmCrston North. Miss Jamieson led the opening devotions. Reports revealed faithful work. Discussions took place on Children in Hotel Bars, Selling of Raffle Tickets by Children, and Licensing Committees. Mrs. Stew’art, of Feilding, led the

Noontide Devotions. Reports of Youth, Literature and Maori Departments and Seamen’s Rest showed Rood work accomplished. Palmerston North entrants in Temperance Essay Competition were present. Ist and 3rd prizes were won by Palmerston North girls, and the Union presented a small monetary prize to each other entrant in the Competition. Mrs. Shearman presided at the afternoon session and Mrs. Boniface led devotions. Tw6 vocal solos were rendered by Mrs. Lyon. Mrs. Brigadier Goffin gave a most inspiring address on “Experiences from her Life,” concluding with an exhortation to all members to pray without ceasing, for prayer could close public houses. The election of officers resulted as follows : • ' . President, Mrs. C. Jamieson; Secretary, Mrs. M. R. Claridge; Treasurer. Mrs. H. Coles; all of Palmerston North. Votes of thanks and the benediction concluded an inspiring ;nd happy Convention. Otago The Convention was held at Green Island, on September 20th, under ideal conditions. After preliminary devotions, Miss Innes, Green Island President, and Mrs. Dickinson, District President, welcomed delegates. Rev. J. W. Oliver also extended a welcome, and said we were do ; ng a most important work. Mrs. Dickinson stressed the need for individual work to make a success of our work. Mrs. Hiett gave a talk on the World Convention, wher* 50 nations were represented by 1,000 women. Election of Officer*: President, Mrs. Dickinson, Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Hiett and Mrs. Jones; Secretary, W.R. Supt., Mrs. lies, C.R., Mrs. Don. Miss Armit led the afternoon devotions. Presentations made to Mrs. Donaldson, of Dunedin South Union, who is going to reside in Scotland. An outstanding address was given bv Rev. Graham Miller of the New Hebrides. Mr. Miller described Jhe difficulties encountered in the work there, in regard to drinking and smoking. The Green Island Convention was felt to be a most successful one, for the good fellowship that existed and the interest shown in the work. North Fast Valley an invitation for 1951. North and South Canterbury The Convention opened in Christchurch on September 12. with 65 delegates attending, 12 for the first time. Mrs. Clarke, North Canterbury President welcomed delegates and the Mavoress, Mrs. Hardy Cookson extended a welcome. Greetings from the N.C.W., through their President, Miss McLean, who states that the W.C.T.U. was responsible for the

beginning of all other women’s organisations. • Mrs. R J. T. Grigg was guest speaker. The second day’s session opened with an inspiring Communion Service conducted by Pastor A. W. Grundy. Reports by Secretaries of both districts revealed splendid work. Five Minute Papers by Mrs. Millar, entitled, “There is Much Rubbish,’’ and one on “Gambling,” by Rev. Parry, read by Mrs. Debars, were much appreciated. Flans of Work: 10.000 folders and literature to be sent inside Digests and Magazines to Burnham Camp. Temperance Literature to go in “Youth for Christ” leaflets for distribution. Collection taken to purchase articles for ditty bags for Timnru Sailors’ Rest. Miss C. Henderson spoke on the “History of the W.C.T.U.” Mrs. Clarke answered questions in the Box. The devotions at the sessions were conducted by Mrs. Clarke, Rev. A. W. Grundy, Sister Mildred West and Mrs. A. Griffiths. Miss Snell was pianist. Election of Officer* South Canterbury: President, Mrs. Densem; Vice-President. Sister Mildred West; Secretary, Mrs. Dellow; Treasurer, Mrs. Walker. North Canterbury: President, Mrs. Clarke; Vice-President. Mrs. Griffiths; Secretary, Mrs. Atkins; Treasurer, Mrs. Piegh. A most successful Convention concluded with the Doxologv.