W.C.T.U.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2141, 17 March 1908, Page 2

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONVENTION. . PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. At the 23rd annual convention of tlio Now Zealand Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the President (Mrs. Cole, of Christchurch), in the course of her address, referred to tlio death of Sir John Hall, and said it was only fitting that the union should place oil record its appreciation of tho support and assistance ho gave to tho cause of women’s suffrage and to the temperanco movement. Mrs Colo drew attention to the progress in moral reforms during the past year, and to the advance made in the cause of prohibition. Tlio whole world, she said, seemed to be awakening to the magnitude of the question of alcohol and the human race, and scientists, sociologists, medical men, judges, and reformers, were adding their testimony as to tho results arising from tho liquor traffic. 4 assing reference was mado to the growtn of prohibition sentiment in tlio United States and other countries, and vo tho anti-temperance medical manifesto which recently appeared in the Lancet, against which a counter declaration was issued by tho British Medical Temperanco Association. Amongst other matters, tlio address dwelt- on the advance made by tlio non-alcoholic medication department of the W.C.T.U., tho value of scientific temporanco instruction given, the gratifying results of the recent local option poll in New South Wales. On tho subject of no-license in Invercargill, tlio president said that, despite tho beer depots planted on the border of the electorate, Invercargill had given a splendid example of tho good effects ’of no-license. The absence of crime in this largo and growing district had drawn from Judges Demnston, Williams, and Chapman congratulations on the state of affairs, the latter having remarked, “That m comparison with former- times the criminal calendar showed a marked diminution in crime.” Ashburton and Oamaru were also to be_ congratulated on the success of no-license and the reduction of arrests for drunkenness and crime in these electorates. The boor depots on the border of a no-license district, continued the president, had been rightly condemned as a source of weakness, and as anything but advantageous to the enforcing of the law. It was very gratifying, however, to know that these depots were now things of the past, having been abolished by the Government.

Tho address condemned the granting of packet licenses at some length. “The sad wreck-of the Ivia Ora,” it continued, “and the evidence adduced at the inquiry, emphasised once more the need for the abolition of bars on steamers and packet licenses. As a consequence of the agitation for some reform, -the Government passed a Packet License Bill, which, while not abolishing the liquor bars on steamers, made some provision for tho protection of steamer passengers. The license has been transferred from the steward to the captain, and forbids the issue of permits'for short- trips. In her -hearing, a shipowner once said that 9D shipwreclvajjcut of every 100 were caused by dfiSik; and yet the officers and crews of'-steamers which carry valuable lives had the temptation to drink placed in their way.” The anti-totalisator crusade was also touched unon. The president, referring to the Anti-Gambling Bill passed last session, said the measure was a great advance on anything ever attempted before for the suppression of gambling, but ill one aspect it marked a retrograde step. The clause wliicii provided for the licensing of bookmakers was no doubt- a salve to that fraternity, in the hope that t-liey may be induced to consent to the retention of the totalisatdr. The continuation of the legalised betting machine was a bitter disappointment to the party ot reform, but the last bad not been heard of the matter, and the agitation for its abolition would still go onShe made an 'appreciative reference to the Infant Life Protection Act but- it was contended that, in spite of tlio alterations in -tlio Act-, much-, remaiiied to be don©, and tho ideal homo for the children was the cottage home, with a foster-mother m charge There should also be local boards, ol control for tile better oversight- of dependent children of the State. In conclusion, Mrs. Cole urged that a stauucli stand be made against all influences operating against the full spiritual and moral development of the people.