W. C. T. U.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2592, 12 June 1923, Page 1

W. C. T. U.

LOCAL BRANCH FORMED

A meeting' to form a local branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held in the Town Hall supper-room on Thursday afternoon. The meeting was opened by Mrs Ensign Huston and Mrs Cunninghams was appointed temporary secretary. An address was given by the organiser, Miss Earnshaw, who said that women had led in reform in the past, and had had to face tremendous difficulties, great discouragement and ridicule. But the clear call to service had made them dare all in the work to which they were called. The speaker referred to the work of Josephine Butler, Elizabeth Fry, Florence Nightengale, Frances Willard. These women had stood alone. One of the aims of the W.C.T.TJ. is world-wide enfranchisement for women and the W.C.T.U. rejoiced to.-day to see the advance made because it gives women greater opportunity for service. Women to-day have power both in civic and national life and must take their share in facing the problems of their day and generation. Great opportunities bring great responsibilities and the world is biking to women for special service at this time of great need. In all efforts it is recognised to-day that unity and organisation are essential in making effective demands. Frances Willard said: “Alone we are units of weakness, aggregated we become batteries of power.” The Women's Christian Temperance Union was one of: the largest women’s organisations in the world. Frances Willard was one of the first world presidents and introduced the “Do Everything” policy, which was grouped into 35 departments, including evangelical, educational, legal, social, preventive, and organisation. Reference was made to the temperance movement and the world-wide fight for prohibition. Tn New Zealand, said the speaker, according to Mr Justice Adams, our drink bill would keep 24,000 families or, at the rate of five to a family, 120,000 people in comfort all the year round. Prohibition had a majority vote in 1911 of 54,267, yet it was called a defeat and at the last poll Continuance had won by a majority of eighteen thousand. Women should do all in their power, said the speaker, to help wipe out a traffic which causes only degradation and suffering and sorrow. The motion that a local branch of the W.C.T.U. be formed was carried and the following officers elected:—President: Mrs Banks; vicepresidents (ex-offieo) Mesdames McDonald, and Huston; secretary: Mrs Cunningham; treasurer: Miss Piper; White Ribbon agent: Mrs Thornber, membership about 35. It was decided that meetings should be held on the second Thursday (beginning next month) at 2.30, meetings to be held quarterly in the various church buildings. At the close of the meeting afternoon tea was served. A duet by the Misses Morgan was much appreciated. The organiser wishes to thank all who have helped in various ways, including the editor of the Manawatu Herald, Mrs Perron u, the ladies who provided and served (lie tea and Mrs Ensign Huston.