DUNEDIN CONVENTION

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 3, 1 May 1951, Page 4

DUNEDIN CONVENTION

W.C.T.U. Not at a Standstill Some Thoughts of a First-time Delegate Mrs. Kelsey, who is a member of the Takapuna Union, Auckland, had difficulty in condensing her many impressions of the Convention into the brief space allotted to her, hut we will read with much interest her reflections, as one of the sixteen first - time delegates. “My first and lasting impression of the Convention was the very happy atmosphere that prevailed everywhere, making one fed perfectly at home from the beginning. In due course we settled down to business. As this was my first Dominion Convention, I was most impressed with the opening ceremony, conducted by the \ ice-l'resident, Mrs. loonier. The daily devotional talks taken by the different delegates were greatly appreciated and gave me much food for thought. The “cup that cheers" was provided each day by the ladies of the Churches of various denominations in Dunedin, and during these periods we were able to meet with the other delegates and so get to know our fellow comrades. I hese contacts made me feel that 1 belonged to one big happy family. I would like to make special mention of the Church Parade, held in the Hanover St. 1 Japti>t Church, at the evening service. I lie minister of the Church, the Rev. E. W. Batts, received the lovely Banner of our Xew Zealand Union from Mrs. Toomer with appropriate words of Scripture. 1 am quite sure that all were impressed with the service that night. At the conclusion of the service, we adjourned to the Church Hall and were shown three very fine films. Two of these vere our own temperance films, but the third, entitled “Skid Row,” depicting the uplifting work of the Salvation Army in USA. was lent by Commissioner Hoggard at the request of the Convention On the Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed a motor drive around Dunedin. The weather was ideal,

and we saw some of the chief beauty spots of this "Edinburgh of the South." judging by the mail) comments I heard, the drive was thoroughly enjoyed by all and left nothing to lie desired. Returning to the Hall, a delightful tea awaited us. I hat evening it was a pleasure to listen to Mrs. C hristian’s Travel Talk, and the entertainment given by the L.T.L.’s under the leadership of Mrs. Flett. What amazed me at the Convention wa* the amount of business that was transacted. Should anyone be inclined to think that the Womens Christian Temperance Union is at a standstill, they have only to go to such a Convention to be assured that this is not so. It gave me an insight into the work that is constantly going on and furnishes a proof that the W.C.T.U. is really doing an important and worthwhile task, and I felt it an honour to be there as a delegate. Finally, that which made the Convention all the more enjoyable was the fact that 1 was so happy in the home of my charming hostess, who made me very welcome. I returned home inspired with the feeling that it had been well worthwhile to attend my first Dominion Convention.