W.C.T.U. CONVENTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 142, 11 March 1920, Page 2

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION

A CIVIC KECEPTION. The civic welcome to delegates at the Women's Christian Temporanco Union Convention, which formally opens its business to-day, was held in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening, lno Acting-Mayor (Mr. G, Fros). presided, and associated with him on the p attorm were the Mayoress (Mrs. J. P. Luke) and several representative citizens. Mr. Frost extended a hearty greeting to the delegates, and honed their stay in Wellington would he very pleasant. The liquor question wns not the only one to which-the organisation devoted its energies. There were, others, great social questions, •• for- which they also worked. The uplift of humanity in every way was the great aim of the union. The time was fast coming when women would take an active part in framing the legislation of this country, and ho was sure that this would make for tho welfare of the peoplfi at..large. \fter his speech the Acting-Mayor lctt to fulfil' another engagement, and Mrs. Luke took the chair- , Mrs. Luke said that women s work in the world of to-day covered a wide field While they would find their way Mnto' Parliament, -sooner or. later, it would bo well for them, to remember that there were other duties just as important Woman should sse thoy sent the very best men in the country into Parliament. There 'wero the sick and wounded in body, to care for, and there were others who bore no outward mark of wounds and sickness who yet needed nil tho caro" that could be given them. Women should not stop too suddenly in their work. It was well to slow down gradually. Mrs. Johnston Wright,' president of the District Women's Christian Temperance Union, gave the delegates a hearty welcome.' Thero was. no questioning tho faot, she'said, that'the .campaign for prohibition, although not successful at the last election, had nindo headway, and she was firmly of opinion that at tho next poll victory would be theirs. For years they had worked .for prohibition, and- they were prepared to go on working until it was won. "We will see this thing through," was the slogan of tho, : Temperance Convention years ngo, and it was so still. Tho W.C.T.TL stood for the uplift of humanity, and their organisation had women who were well qualified to stand for Parliament. At these conventions the members of the union had met some of the finest women in New Zealand—natural lenders who knew exactly what they were doing. ■' ■ . The Rev. Pinfold, • representing tho ' Wellington South Ministo-s' Association, •Bftid that-the fact-that thev in Wellington South had "gone dry" was encouraging, and "he hoped that this'convention would arouse members to redoubled effort.' While it was encouragine- to think what had been done,, they had to look; forward to a ftill greater record. Had there been a straight-out issue, at the last noil ho was snro'that prohibition would I have been carried. . • i Mr. Howes, on behalf of the. Independent Order of Rechabites, said'that the W.C.T.fJ. nnd'his organisation had much in common, and he was delighted to join in welcoming them. Mrs. Moodv, also representing the Independent Order of Rechabites, on behalf of female members, added a welcome to the delegates. \ Another speaker was Major Dauby, who apologised for the absence cf Commissioner Hodder, head of the Salvation Armv. Major Dauby 6aid that the organisation which she represented could testify to the great value of the work wh'ich was being done by tho W.C.T.TJ. i Miss Coad, representing .tho Women s National Council (Wellington branch), congratulated the W.C.T.TJ. upon possessing the largest and most powerful organisation in New Zealand, and also upon its fine co-onerntioi with other societies. The fact that it was possible to call upon the W-.C.T.TJ. for co-operation meant much to .any body of women who might foe struggling to push their just claims. Mrs. R. Pearson, representing the Y.W.C-A., described something of what sho had seen in America and the enthusiasm of the people for efficiency.. Efficiency was everywhere the keyword, and the people were saying, "Now wo have prohibition wo are going to be the most efficient people in tho world. . The Rev. J. Dawson placed before his hearers figures in connection with the recent liquor 0011. Ho congratulated the W C.T.TJ. unon its fine record of work and upon the ideals which inspired it. The chief factor in the prohibition in America was the W.C.I.U. Mrs- Crabbe, vice-president of tho Dominion W.C.T.TJ., was the last speaker, and she congratulated the Hospitality Committee upon the success with, which it had housed close upon 100 delegates. During the evening songs were sung by Mr Hope, Mrs. Phillips, Miss Brittain, Mrs. Sloman, and' Mr.. Evans recited. Bouquets were presented to the Mayoress and the vice-president, Mrs. Crabbe.. .