W.C.T.U. CONVENTION

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 842, 17 March 1903, Page 2

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION

Per Press Association, Dunedin, last nigiit. The session of the W.O.T.U. Convention concluded to-day, when many resolutions were passed. It was resolved to deplore the fact that gambling was increasing among the young. Believers that the legalisation of the totalisator has done much to fasten the gambling ovii on the colony recommend the Unions to bring the matter of the abolition of the totaiisator beforo the Unions and M.H.R.’s for the district. The letter was signed by all the members and forwarded to the Minister of Justice, protesting against the disgracefully inadequate sentences inflicted on men for criminal assault upon girls of tender years. Other resolutions affirmed were (1) The principle of Government by a bare majority on all questions ; (2) the necessity for amendment of the Factory Act in the direction of equalising the hours of work by removing restrictions placed upon women ; (3) the desirability of women occupying seats upon ail local bodies ; (4) the desirability of placing the municipal franchise upon the same basis as the Parliamentary franchise. It was resolved to meet in 1904 at Blenheim. The colony will be represented at the World’s Convention at Geneva by Mesdames Newton, Napisr, and Kirkland. The latter is to be entrusted with the New Zealand banner. It was resolved to try and secure the services of a suitable lady as organising secretary to a three months’ compaign.