District Conventions

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 10, 1 December 1950, Page 6

District Conventions

NELSON The District Convention .was heid in the Anglican Sunday School at Motueka. Delegates from Nelson, Richmond, and Motueka were welcomed by the District President, Mrs. Toomer and the local President, Mrs. Carter. Mr. Marshall, of the Church of Christ, conducted the morning devotions. The banner made by three Motueka members for their Union was dedicated. The Secretary's report was read by Mrs. Knapp and the financial report by Mrs. Gardiner. Reports on AntiGambling, Literature, Sailors’ Rest and Health and Nutri’tion were read by the Superintendents. Mrs. J. Rankin gave a talk on the unscientific nature of the theory of evolution. The afternoon speaker was Mrs. Hunter, who recently attended the World Comention in England. “The common enemy is just the same all over the world,” said the speaker, referring to h*r stay in large cities where the late closing of bars was an added menace to the streets. The name “New Zealand” was a magic word in England and a visit to Nelson in Lancashire yielded the surprise of a Pres* interview and a civic reception. MARLBOROUGH The District Convention was held at Picton on 3rd October, with members present from Blenheim, Springfield and 'lua Marina Mrs. Tennent of Picton Branch welcomed members, in the absence, through illness, of Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Underhill, on behalf of the District, and Rev. E. T. Luxton, for the Methodist Church, extended a welcome and good wishes. Very encouraging reports were given from the three Unions. There was a gain in membership .which now w’as 10R, with a total of 76 “W.R.” subscriptions. It was regretted that the Picton Young People’s work had not been carried on since the death of Mrs. Powell. Noontide devotions were conducted by Mrs. Stephens and after a picnic lunch Mrs. Greensili led the afternoon devotional period, giving an inspiring message. A very heartening address was given by Rev. E. C. Hard ng, who based his remarks on Daniel and God is able. A solo by Mrs. Flood and a recitation by Mrs. Braddock were much enjoyed. Resolutions passed. 1. A letter be sent to the Marlliorough Girl Guides and Boy Scouts’ Associations drawing attention to the fact that at recent functions, raffles were predominant and this is contrary to the Constitution of both societies. 2. That the attention of the Blenheim Police be drawn to the Liquor

Law concerning youths under 21 years as it has been evident that the law is not always enforced. 3. That a letter be sent to the N.Z. Broadcasting Corporation, drawing attention to the broadcast of an unsuitable song and chorus, entitled “Beer, More Beer,” and protesting against this class of song, especially on Sunday programmes. 1 WELLINGTON The Convention was held in Wesley Hall on October 26th, when Miss Kirk, District President presided and welcomed delegates from Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Karori, Brooklyn, Wellington, W’ellington Central, and Johnsonville. The opening devotions were conducted by the President, ,who spoke on the power of God. W.C.T.U. members were well represented at a luncheon sponsored by the Baptist Women of Wellington to Mrs. Ernest Brown. A letter of appreciation was recened for flowers sent to her hotel. It was reported that films from Headquarters were being used to advantage in young people’s meetings and at Maori Clubs. Reports w r ere received from all Pinions. Election of officers resulted in all officers and superintendents being reelected. The noontide hymn was sung, follow ring which there was a session of prayer. A ruling on the qualifications for a long service badge was given by Miss Kirk, who stated that members must hold office for the period specified. This badge is a decoration for service and must not be worn inste«.d of the white bow, which is our badge “for God, Home and Humanity.” £9 4s. 6d. and a large parcel of ditty bags and scarves had been received by the New Plymouth Seamen’s Rest. Lower Hutt had donated £7 10s. 6d. for Headquarters’ Fund. Sales Table vielded £4 ss. Od. for Headquarters’ Fund. Central Union were thanked for providing morning tea and tea for luncheon. Miss Kirk, in closing, quoted two savings of the late Mrs. Rachael Dow: “Go work with God and nothing is lost, Who works with Him. does best and most,” and “Power to its remotest partic!-* is duty.” WANGANUI The District President, Mrs. Chesswas, called Convention to order and welcomed friends and delegates. Mrs. Robb. President of Wanganui East Union, expressed good wushes for a successful convention. Morning devotions were led by Captain Mounsey.

Mrs. Day was appointed a life vicepresident. The District Secretary’s report showed a full year’s work. Owing to the illness of the District Treasurer, Miss Christie, the figures were accepted until she is restored to health Noontide devotions were conducted by the President, who also led the Ser\ice of Memories, when members, who had passed away during the year, were lovingly remembered. “God is Immeasurable,” was the theme of the afternoon devotions conducted by Rev. Kilford Brown. During the day, reports of the various departments were presented by the district Superintendents, and steady work throughout the year was revealed. The report of the National Council of Women w*as given by Mrs. Chesswas and Mrs. Chancey. The guest speaker was Rev. G. T. Beilby, whose subject was “Gods bidding is our enabling.” Two Yocal solos were sung by Miss Tirrell, recently from England. A letter to the press by Mrs. Judith Anderson, regarding drinking at the Stock and Station Agents' Ball, was read. Mrs. Chesswas expressed pleasure that such a young woman took this stand, and a letter of appreciation Yvas sent to her. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Chesswas for the work she had done during the Dominion Convention last March. The election of officers resulted as follow’s: President, Mrs. Chesswas; Secretary, Mrs. Spurdle; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Ogg; V’ice-Presidents, Mrs. Chancey and Mrs. Sandford; Treasurer, Miss Christie. N.C.W. representatives, Mrs. ChessYvas and Mrs. Chancey. All superintendents were reelected. AUCKLAND The 27th Convention commenced with a Church Parade on September 10th in the Pitt Street Methodist Church when Rev. R. Thornley took as his subject, “An Enemy of the Public Good.” This was folloYved by a Communion Service. Continuing on Monday, a reception, presided over by Mrs. F. W. Mountjoy, was held in the Presbyterian Hall, Edinburgh Street Greetings were received from the National Council of Women, Methodist Women’s Missionary Union. Council of ' r emperance Education, N.Z. Alliance, Girls’ Life Brigade, Women’s Committee, W.D.F.F., Federation of Congregational Women and the School Committees’ Association. An interesting programme of items Yvas presented, and an address on “Highlights of the World Convention” was given by Mrs. H. Kasper, who had just returned from England. Mrs. Cullen conducted the opening devotions on Tuesday morning. The Recording Secretary’s report given by Mrs. Clarke and the Corresponding Secretary’s report given by Miss Appleby revealed

good work in Executive meetings and among the Unions of the district. Mrs. trussing presented the Treasurer’s report. The total Cradle Roll membership as shown in the report by Mrs. Williams, District Superintendent, was 1,080 and an excellent report was given. Titirangi has the largest Roll number with 168 and Walleford had gained the most new members with 68. Total of 1/4 new members for the District. T 1 e Silver Vase was awarded to Onehungi and the Bronze Vase to Wellsford. The Silver Vase for best youth work was won by Rangimarie Maori “Y” Branch. Ktrahuna Maori Girls’ School L.T.L.’s wen the Brass Vase, and VVarkworth L.T.L.'s the Banner. Miss Appleby conducted noontide devotions. A Service of Mernt.ir was conducted by the Bresidcnt in the afternoon in memory of our sisters who had passed on to “Higher Service.” The Presidential address was presented by Mrs. Mountjoy. On Wednesday devotions during the day were led by Mrs. Knauf, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Mears. Greetings were sent to the Misses C. and A. McKay, Mrs. Chesswas and Mrs. Singleton. During the Convention the reports of all departments were presented by the District Superintendents, and steady work was shown. Mrs. Mountjoy gave a most satisfactory report of the Maori Girls’ Hostel, and of its financial position. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mrs F. W. Mountjoy; Vice-President, Mrs H. H. Knauf; r> •• ~ rs *“ <

Question 5. When was the N.Z. Women’s Suffrage passed, and under whose Go\eminent? Answer. On September 19th, 1893, by the Seddon Government. Question 6. What important part have W.C.T.Lb women played in public life ? Answer. Of the first six women J.P.’s five were members of tlu W.C.T.U. The first women M.P., Mrs. McCombs, was a prominent W.C.T.U. member and at one time was Dominion Treasurer. Question 7. What was the 1949 New Zealand Drink Bill? Answer. The New Zealand drink bill for 1949 was £17,683,962, the. highest on record. This represents 17.9 gallons per head of population. Question 8. How does the law regard the awarding of alcoholic liquor as prizes in raffles or art unions? Answer. The raffling of liquor is sly grog selling and any cases of such should he reported in writing to the police, who are then bound to take action. The person who sells the ticket is also guilty of an offence. Question 9. Is wine manufacture increasing in New Zealand? Answer. Yes. In 1949 695,000 gallons of wine were produced, four times the amount manufactured 10 years ago. Wine imports have also doubled. Question 10. What was the result of the last licensing poll in No License areas? Answer. In every No License district the position was improved. Although only 40 per cent, was required to retain No License, the average vote in the ten districts was 52 per cent. Question 11. What two large states have recently adopted prohibition?...