DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 25, Issue 10, 1 January 1954, Page 7

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

Otago District Convention was held in Oamarii on October Bth. The meeting opened with the National Anthem followed by devotions led bv Mrs. Jamieson. i.'rs. Daniel, President of Oamaru Union, and Rev. L. Jo»»es, welcomed delegates from Dunedin and visitors from Waimate. Mrs. Hiett, District President, presided and her remarks were entitled, “For what am I living?” Many encouraging rcpoits received. Election of District Officers resulted as follows:—President, Mrs. Flett; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. J. Hiett, Mrs. Jones; Secretary, Mrs. lies; Treasurer, Mrs. Dickenson; W.R. Supt., Mrs. Jones; L.W R. Supt., Miss Innes;. L.T.L., Miss Armitt; Evangelistic, Mrs. Jamieson. A very warm welcome was given to the Dominion who received a spray, and addressed the meeting giving some of the highlights of the World Comention and also concerning the twin evils of drinking and gambling in this country. Remits were passed for the Dominion Convention. Votes of thanks were passed to Mrs. Toomer for he*' address and also to our retiring President, Mrs. Hiett, for the great work she has done in the District for so many years. Convention closed with the singing of “God be with you,” and the Benediction. Manawatu District met in Feilding on October 7th for their Convention which opened with devotions taken by the Dist. Pres. Mrs ; Kennerley. Delegates present from Palmerston North, Levin and Feilding. Then followed the reading and discussion of reports, such as the Dist. Secretary’s report and those of the Unions. It was noted with interest that Feilding had held a well-attended Church Parade; Palmerston North had held a special meeting with representatives from other Women’s organisations present to celebrate Franchise Day; and that Levin had held a large Young People’s meeting attended by about 200. Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg, Dominion Vice-President, was present and gave interesting information regarding the recently acquired Headquarters in Wellington. Th? matter of the King Country Poll was also discussed. It was interesting to learn that the circumstances concerning the Pact were to be examined by the Parliamentary historian, Dr. A. H. McLintock. A report of the work of the Manawatu Branch of the N.C.W. was given, stating inter alia that seventeen societies were now affiliated, and that remits had been sent from the Dominion Conference to the Government on unsatisfactory films and posters; the eliminating of the coarser type of record in broadcasting and the appointment of trained teachers and hostels for intellectually handicapped children. The election of Officers was as follows: —Pres., Mrs. V. R. Kennerley (Levin); Vice-Presidents. Miss C Tamieson (Palmerston North), and Mrs. B. R. Spence (Feilding); Secretary, Mrs. Burnham (Levin); Treasurer, Mrs. Fade (Feilding). In die afternoon, a well attended meeting was held, songs being contributed by Mrs. Hughes, and an address by Mrs. Grigg on “How we won the Franchise.” Votes of thanks were passed to these two ladies and to the Feilding Union ladies for their kind hospitality.

Wellington District Convention was held on October 22nd, in Wesley Church Parlour, and was presided o\er by Miss V. Jackson, who conducted the devotions. Mrs. Burton Mitchell reporteu on the W.C.T.U. Stall on Market Day, arranged in the Town Hall by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Mitchell, backed by her helpful husband, had organised the stall and the result was over i6O for Dist. Funds. Unions had assisted in every way possible. Wellington Unions had al r i provided afternoon tea for the opening function of Headquarters. Literature distributed on Market I >ay and aid had been given to our Seamen’s Rests and Lighthouses in our area. Entries made for the quiz and the Diamond Jubilee of the Franchise had been celebrated. Most unions had taken action re the King Country Poll. Officers elected wer". President, Miss V. Jackson; \ icePresident, Miss C. E. Kirk; Treasurer, Mrs. H. W. Johnson. The election of a Secretary was held over till the February meeting. In the afternoon, Miss Jackson, who is a World Superintendent, gave an account of personalities at the World Convention in Vancouver and some interesting sidelights of the Convention itself.

Northland held its Convention in Dargaville on November 18th with Mrs. Lane presiding. Devotions were taken by Mrs. S. Green. Unfortunately three Unions could not send delegates, but Dargaville, Te Kopuru and Whangarei were well represented. Good reports were received from all LTnions. Three members have passed on. A headstone, very nicely engraved, had been placed on Miss Edmed’s grave. All Unions had helped with the cost, in honour of one who was so much loved* as our District Secretary for so many years. Fourteen new names are being worked on the District Tablecloth. Mrs. Lawrence, our enthusiastic Superintendent for Corso, reported several hundreds of garments, bedding, etc. for overseas from Northland District. Mrs. Roberts, Peace Superintendent, suggests that this work is a link in the chain of goodwill to bind the nations together. Mrs. Major Moore conducted afternoon devotions. In the afternoon Mrs. Glover recited two humorous recitations and a friend sang two beautiful solos. The officers were reelected, with a change in the Corr. Secretary, who is now Mrs. C. Blackburn, # of Wellsford, R.D. We were splendidly catered foY by our hostess Llmons and we thank God for another happy, helpful Convention.