W.C.T.U, CONVENTION

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1924, Page 1

W.C.T.U, CONVENTION

NEW PLYMOUTH, March 20

Departing from custom, the mutual convention of the New Zealand AA'omen’s Christian Temperance Union this morning decided to admit representatives of the Press to its sessions. It is nine years since the last open convention was held. AVhen the thirtyninth convention opened to-day, with Mrs AA r . R. Don (Dunedin) in the chair, forty-two delegates answered the roll call, hut later itt the day about double that number were present.

A plea for more efficient temperance teaching in school was made by the president in the course of her annual address.

The progress made in 1922 had not been maintained in 1923, more than half the unions showing a decrease in membersthip, stated the corresponding secretary (Miss C. Henderson. 15. A., of Christluircli) in the annual report. Only one. organiser had been at work, but, further than this, there had been a marked failure to collect membership dues. The number of adult unions at the end of the year was lid, a decrease of two, of unions eleven, and of Maori unions, two, making a total of 127. Seven adult and live “Y” unions had been formed, and eight unions had been disbanded, these being Matakann. Marton. Paten, Knknrnmea. Okaiawa. Leeston. Milton nd Mataura. The memliership of the adults’ unions was 5880, as against ',909 for 1922, a decrease of 110. The “Y.’s” had a membership of 670, and the Maoris’ unions 27: a total of all members of 6577. which was an increase of 76.

In the annual report, the treasurer showed that the year had been commenced with a credit balance of £I4BB 9s lid. Receipts totalled £lO9l 8s 10d, expenditure £560 Is 9d: and on March. 1924, there was a credit balanre of £1069 17s.

Regarding instruction being given m schools regarding the nature of alcohol, and its effects on the human system, Mrs Don said that the law allowed this. “But we know that proper teaching on this matter is not given. though it is the unquestionable right of a child to receive the truth concerning this vital subject. Year hv year wc discuss the question, but something more definite must be done, and that at mice, to enforce scientific temperance instruction in our State schools.”