PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15871, 10 April 1917, Page 3

PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN.

NORTH CANTERBURY CONVENTION.

Yesterday a largely attended Prohibition Convention was held in tho Y.M.C.A. Hall. Tho morning session was presided over by tho Rov. J. Cocker. Representatives were present from various parts of the province. Tho secretary's report was read, covering the work of the Council for the year. The treasurer's report showed that the liabilities were over £100 less than they were a year ago. There was still, however, a deficit, and it was arranged that a special elt'ort should be mad? to clear it off. The Rev. J. Paterson delivered an address on the new organisation to Ivc adopted for the next campaign. It provided a closer linking up of all churches and temperance bodies. The election of officers resulted as follows.—President, Mr F. E. Jones; 'vice-presidents, Messrs L. M. Isitt, M.P., Geo. Shipley, and li. M. Speirs; secretary, the J?ev. J. Paterson; treasurer, Mr J. A. Flesher. representatives of the Council on tho committee, Messm H. Holland, K. Matheson, T. C. Field, T. W. "West, and A. Borrows, Revs. J. Cocker, J. J. North, and S. Lawrv, Mm T. E. Taylor, Mrs Newton, Miss Bishop, and Miss Roberts; delegates to the Annual Dominion Prohibition Convention, Mr F. E. Jones, and the Rev. J. Paterson. A resolution expressing high appreciation of the work and character of tho late Mr F. W. Isitt was passed. A resolution of sympathy with, the many friends who had lost sons or relatives through the war was also passed. Tho afternoon session was presided over by Mr L. M. Isitt. M.P. A paper on "The Progress of Prohibition as Affected by the "War" was read by Mies J. Roberts. The Rov. J. Dawscn delivered an ad-, drpss on "Our Future "Work and Policy." which was followed by a discussion, marked by much enthusiasm. It was reported that the canvassers for the C o'clock closing petition wore meeting with great success in many parts of the; Dominion. The petition will be circulated in Christcliurch in nr few days, and an active canvass is to be made. The following resolution was carried dealing with tho anti-shouting law: — "That the members of this Convention desire to draw the attention of the Attorney-General, the Hon. A. L. Kordmnn, to the patent fact that the anti-shoutiiicr 'legislation passed by the k'.st session of Parliament, is an absolute dead letter in manv of the licensed houses, shouting beinc: carried on with so little, secrecy that convictions could be easily secured, yet in few eases is nuything done to maintain the law. and we urge that steps be token so that offenders may be dealt with."