W.C.T.U.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1389, 15 March 1912, Page 9

W.C.T.U.

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. (By Tcli'zraiiu.-Fresq Association.: Dunedin, March li. The business of the Women's Christian Temperance Union commenced this morning when the president (Mrs. Cole), of Christchurch, delivered her address. Mrs. Colo congratulated. Dunedin on being the city with the least crime in New Zealand, and suggested that it was the decreasing facilities for drink that explained the decreased crime. She spoke briefly on the changed political situation 'and declared tho opposition of the union to gambling and the totalisator. Siio strongly urged all white ribboners (o make every effort to get scientific tcmpevanco instruction given to all children, and suggested that prizes should bo given for essays on tho effects of alcohol on the human body, and that lectures should be given on this subject. Tho president also expressed entire sympathy with the Teachers' Association in its desire to get scientific instruction in sex physiology for school children. She also urged the training of all girls in domestic economy. She congratulated the union on tho magnificent majority cast at the last poll for national prohibition, and regretted that tho three-fifths majority robbed' the Temperance Party of the logicalissuo of tho'vote. Sho desired tho convention to speak out strongly on the question of military training, and see that 'sufficient power was not given to the military authorities to interfere with liberty of conscience and national liberty. Sho referred to the slur which sho alleged Mr. Asquith had cast on the parts of the Erapiro which had already enfranchised women and oxpressed gratitude that all the Liberal Cabinet was not in accord with its head. Sho spoke of tactics of the suffragettes at Homo and recalled the fact that,men had resorted to murder and .riot in the past to gain the franchise. Sho congratulated California on gaining women's suffrage and spoke of the part tho AV.C.T.U. took in tho fight. She rejoiced with her white ribbon sisters in Maine that the veteran prohibition State still kept the flag flying. Mrs. Cole paid tribute to tho memory of Mr. T. E. Taylor, an earnest supporter of every effort for the uplifting of humanity. Sho voiced the pleasure of the convention «t the election of Mrs. A. It. Atkinson (vic-cvpresident) as a member of tho Wellington Licensing Committee. It was decided to send a telegram to Mrs. Atkinson congratulating her on her election as member of the Wellington Suburbs Licensing Committee. The corresponding secretary's report was read and wns most encouraging. This year 30 now unions were orgnnised anil six unions were closed. The increase of membership was 955. The membership now stood at 3C23. The organiser's report showed a splendid record of work done. The treasurer's report showed a credit balance this year of £85 19s. lOd. The receipts were v£22l 15s. 10d., and the expenditure .£l3B lGs. The reports of departments were received.