DISTRICT CONVENTION NEWS

White Ribbon, Volume 29, Issue 6, 1 December 1957, Page 9

DISTRICT CONVENTION NEWS

South Auckland. 35th Convention was held in Hamilton with delegates present from Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tauranga, Te Kuiti Maori and Takeha, and Hamilton !(c\ \V. R Francis conducted devotions Encouraging reports given and Balance Sheet a healthy one. N < \\ activities reported on by Mrs Moore Timaru and New Plymouth VV.GT.U. Seamen's Rests have appreciated all gifts sent Mrs Toomer, whose recent visit to Unions was a groat stimulus, realised the difficulties in this Pistnct Ofl account of distances Hymn and message from Mrs Moore at Nootride It was gratifying to hear that the concerted efforts of our Unions and scattered members had helped the "White Ribbon" in its financial difficulties

Afternoon devotions taken by Mrs Whmistei Pres., Mrs Dewe, Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Christian, Paki and Moore. Sec, Mrs F.astwood, Treasurer, Mrs Perry. Mrs Ron Knight delighted with two solos As guest speaker, Mrs J H. Crigg (Wellington) spoke of the W.C.T.f. as the oldest wonnen's organisation in N'.Z , its slow periods and its progressive times. In a very -gracious speech, Mrs Paki thanked the Hostess Union for generous hospitality, the soloist, devotional leaders and *hc speaker. Canterbury Convention was he'd at Waimate An enjoyable sit-down luncheon appreciated by all. The floral arrangements and sprays were most colourful Mrs S. I)ellow. Vice-President, presided and a special welcome was extended to Mrs C To,,mer b\ Mrs McKae. Mayoress of Waimate, Mrs S Grut, N.CW, Rev. I. Poison, Ministers' Assoc., and Rev. Geo. Dash, MB K. Voca! items by Miss I). Grigg, humorous sketch by Miss I. Kennard and Mrs I". Baslcy much appreciated. hi the afternoon Mrs Toomer gave a forceful address.

Reports were presented at an evening session Nth Canterbury's 10 Unions were visited by then hist President and are active in all departments ot the work Sth Canterbury's 3 Unions have good membership and much work done in addressing outside organisations and in all W.C.T.I Depts., and welfare work incorporation of Sailors' 1 has been finalised and much praise given tO it fof work done foi visiting seamen Good publicit) given to Temperance work by newspapers Mrs Wood entertained with a demonstration ol her methods for reaching children in a modern is no limitation to the places where one can get to teach the evils ot alcohol in this Delightful supper combined with Presbyterian Vuxiliai Wednesday commenced with busnuss s nsion, adjourning at lo am foi a Communion Service conducted by the Rev I Poison in Kno: Pi byteriatl Church It was a rich experience for dele and visitors Concern expressed at breaking of the law. by liquor !■• msttmed on trains, especially short excursion trij.s. \ itroflg protest to the department concerned should be made, for consumption of liquor on public conveyances hampered the Safety Of the travelling public As Mis Toomer was leaving:, opportunity was taken to with a small gift in recognition ot hei tine work to the CattSC Over many years Conven tioii devotions were conducted by Mesdames I >«*! low and Griffiths, other Officers taking part in prayer. Miss I- (..unsford reported on Council of Christian Education and Mrs (,ninths on the Presidents' meeting in Wellington, Sth. Canter bury Officers re-elected. Nth Canterbury welcomed a new Vice President, Mrs S Smith Otago Convention, held at \" K Valley. was attended by a good delegation and members, in eluding representatives from I'alclutha and Oam am, the southern ami northern boundaries We ware especially favoured in having with us, Mrs Toomer, the Dominion President, who arrived at midday from Invercargill Mrs Toomer gave an address at the afternoon session, when the Lady Editor of one of the daily papers was present. This ensured a wide coverage in both dailies, for which we were grateful. Kxcerpts from "The Tale of the Years" were clearly stated and remits relating to the "Sale of Wine in Restaurants", a referendum if change of trading hours be proposed, supplying liquor to minors, who book in at hotels, etc, were fully recorded Election of Officers: Pres, Mrs I'lett, Vice-Pres. Mrs Jones, Secretary, Mrs [les, Treasurer, Mrs Dickenson. L W R Supt . Mrs Lythgoe, 1..T.1. Mrs Gill, Evangelistic, Mrs Tamieson.

Auckland District. 34th Convention commenced with a well-attended Church Parade at Pitt St Methodist Church, where the minister, Rev. R. P Clement preached on "The Prohibition Vote," and Mrs Richards read the Lesson Convention Communion Service followed

On Monday, the District President, Mrs Richards, at the Public Reception presided over about \M) ladies, and among visitors welcomed were Sir Wiliam and Lady Jordan Greetings were brought by man> organisations and a fine programme of musical and elocutionery items were presented Mrs H. Kasper, M 8.F... presented Banner* and vases for the Five-Fold-Plan best work. Birkenhead Union first place, thus gaining the Silver

\ isc. Takapuna and Onehunga tied for second place. Largest C R with 153 was won by Takapuna. Largcsl L.T.L with 40, won l>> Birkenhead with Warkworth tecond. Takapuna won the silver vase for most new ("R members, 17. The guest speaker the afternoon session was Major 1.. Rriggs ol the S \

Tuesday morning tession. Opening devotions taken by Mrs B. Christopher -JO present Mrs W Clarke presented the recording Secretary's report which showed good work accomplished by the while Mr- A I. Kelsey's rejmrt showed good work by the Unions. Mrs 1' Prussing pre -tilted .i very satisfactory Balance Sheet Noontide devotions by Mrs Hooper Mrs F W. Mountjoy gave her 12th Annual report and Annual Balance Sheet of the W.GT.U Maori < lirU" Hostel, which she said was her final OJM Treasurer of the Hostel. The lunch-hour Guest Speaker w;is Mr N A Reynolds, Secretary of the Auckland Area N.Z Mliance, who urged all to work for the coining Poll Mrs McMahon sang two sacred soi.>s at the Service of Memories conducted by Mrs Richards Mrs Richards presented 5 long service badges for M) years' service 10 Mrs Auld CX) years old). Miss Harlow. Miss Baker, Mrs Mackie, and Mi-s To/er \ very tine Presidential address was given by Mrs Richards In the Cradle Roll report by Mrs -bowed 551 names Of) the Roll Election of officers: Pre»- Mrs \ T. Richards, I ife V President, Mrs H Kasper, M l>F., VicePresident, Miss ) Appleby, Corr. Sec, \lr> A Kelsey, Kec. Sec. Mrs E Prussm, Treas , Mis M Knauf Mrs Richards tlien made a presentation i beautiful handbag to Mrs w Clarke, who retired after 2\ years as Recording Secretar) foi the I hstnet

Wednesday opened with devotions b) Mrs Yates 17 Departmental reports showing good progress lo remits were passed to go to [dominion Convention, The Temperance Quia was reported on b> Miss H Grigg- Mrs Parsons led Noontide di tions and Miss Appleby took afternoon devotions Later the Closing Order of Serv.ce concluded a successful Convention.

Wellington Convention, 24 10 57. Members met at the Brooklyn Methodist Church for a Com* munion Service conducted by the Rev. Kitchenham Morning tea was served by Brooklyn ladies Mrs Reed welcomed members Miss V. Jack sop. District President presided. The result of Market Hay Stall held in the Town Had was MS. A healthy financial position was revealed by the Balance Sheet Mrs J H. Crigg ipoke Ofl the 'White Ribbon" and urged for more subscribers A letter from the Road Safety Council acknowledged Mrs sfehrin, our Secretary, as one of its members.

The sympathy of Convention to he expressed by letter to Mrs hcllow, of Nelson, on the loss of their daughter. Reports of 'ocal Unions showed varied activities, with special emphasis on work for the Poll this year.

donation of £S to Timaru and New Plymouth Seamen's Rests, also a parcel of Christmas gifts to Austrian Refugee children. Klection of officers and benediction closed a successful Convention

Manawatu Convention was held at Palmerston North and presided OVCf by Miss ( Jamieson A K''*»d attendance of delegates from I.evin and Feilding and visitors from Wanganui were welcomed.

Routine reports received and some plans made for Dominion Convention next March Suggestions for Poll work reviewed Report of work <>f Nation al Council of Women given by Miss Jamieson Devotions were led by Sister Ha/el Turner and a most interesting addn en b) Mrs Victoria (iHki; on the beginning of Temperance Movement and the work ot the W.GT.U. W America and New Zealand Afternoon tea served

Northland Convention, held in I>argaville. and attended by delegates from Whangarei, Tc Kopuru. Wellsford, Maungaturoto, and Dargaville, was presided over by Mrs S. Green. Convention was welcomed with morning tea—many had travelled very long distances to attend Helpful devotions conducted by Mrs Pickers Reports from the Secretary and district Superintendents of Departments showed considerable activity among I'nions The Good Citizenship report showed 1,500 articles in splendid order had gone to CoTSO Headquarters \ satisfactory Balance Sheet was presented. Mrs Roberts of Whangarei led Noontide devotions V the afternoon session, Mrs Palmer took devotions, and a Service of Remembrance for Mrs J, Taylor. late member of Whangarei, was conducted by the President.

Election of officers during morning, was as follows: President. Mrs S S Green, V. Pres. Mrs H Tayfor, Rec Sec, Mrs Keyte, Corr. Sec. Mrs T P. Pane, Tieas, Mrs Hill Taylor 11 Sttptl appointed. N.( W representative, Mrs S. S dreen. Mrs Keyte to be delegate to Dominion Convention

\ well-attended public meeting in the afterno< enjoyed two inspiring duets rendered by the Rev and Mr* Yule (Presbyterian Church), and were encouraged ami challenged by a forceful address Mr T. Bamford, Minister of the Churches of Christ. Wellsford. who likened the Liquor Traffic to "A Savage Beast" that must be destroyed for the safety and of this country. Floral sprays presented to Mrs Yule, Mrs Bamford and the District President