DOMINION CONVENTION OF W.C.T.U.

Chronicle (Levin), 16 March 1946, Page 6

DOMINION CONVENTION OF W.C.T.U.

Tlie Doniinion Convention of the Women 's (Jhristian Temperaaee Union wus licld in Christchurch froiu March G to 12 iuclusive. For the first part the chair was taken by the Dominioii president, Mrs. J. Hiett, but wheu she had to rcturn to Dunedin on aecount of her brotlier's serious illness, it was taken during the second half by the vicepresident, ALrs. H. Kasper, of Auckland. The liumber of representatives juesent was 97, liaving conie froni all parts of New Zealaiul. The most important business was the discussion of plans of work for the coming poll. To arrange this, a committee was set up consisting of Miss Elsie Andrews, of New Plynioitth, Mrs. Toomer, of Nelson, and JNlrs. Lewis, of Napier. Tlieir suggeslions were read out to convention, and after some interesting discussions, were agreed to. On Wednesday evening, March (3, ihe deiegates were cordiaily welcomed al a sociai evening, when a very interesting prograinine was presented. On fhursday, proceedings coinnienced with lloJy Couiiuunion in Durham Street Methodist Church. On Saturday after110011, the visitors were taken for a pu-iuresque drive along the Summit lioad. O11 Saturday evening, tliey were entertained at a display of sound and silent teinperance lilms, obtained by ihe New Zealand W.C.T.U. froni Atnerica. After the iilms, a speech compelitiou for ihe " Y or youth branch, look piace, at whicli there were prep:lred and inipromptu speeches. O11 Sunday evening there was churcli parade for the deiegates at ; Durham IStreet Methodist Church, the service being conducted by a returned padre, Itev. liuddiestone. O11 ALonday evening, deiegates were shown over the reliabilitation centre at Riccarton, a large, new building, whicli had- just beeu eompleted. Outside there was a bovvling green and swimmiiig pool, while iusule there were rooms for the various occupal ions, oue for the niaking of artilicial iimbs, anotlier for the niaking of basketware, anotlier for cabinetniahing and others for Froncli polislimg, weaving, ele., as well as a library, a recreation rooni, an adininistrative rooiii, and a cafeteria, in the latter of whicli supper was linally served by the Riccarton union.

Some of the remits passed at convention were: — 1. That it is highlv desirable that 110 Doniinion, district or local union olKcer, execpt in the case of very sinall unions, hold the same otiice for more tlian iive consecutive years. 2. That where children are allowed J to sell raffle tickets, the attention of i Education Boards be called to the fact j that the practice is illegal. 3. That a strong protest be made againsl the continued rationiug of sugar while so much is being wasted in New Zealand in the manufacture of alcoholic drinks. 4. That unions throughout New Zeai land send clothing and foodstuli's to GreaL Dritain. 5. That building niaterials should not be used for constructing hotels while Ihe liousing problem is'so acute. (i. That the Goveriinienl be urged to reduce Ihe price of liearing aids to enabie people of moderate nieans to procure theni. 7. That the 40-Jiour week be observed in hotel bars.. .4. That a strong protest be made againsl ihe resolution urging the Cjiov-j ernment to establish a national lottery. j The Doniinion otlicers elected for the coming vear were: 1'resident, Miss C. 11. Kisk (Wellington); vice-president. NJ rs. J. Iliett (Dunedin); recording secretarv, Mrs. Underhill (Blenheim) : I corresponding secretary, Mrs. Toomer 1

(Nelson'); treasurer, Miss Lovell-Smith (Christchurch); "Whitc Ribbotf" editor, ALrs. Christian (Tauranga).