W.C.T.U.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3631, 28 April 1927, Page 2

W.C.T.U.

A public meeting: under the auspices of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held in the Methodist schoolroom last Mnoday evening. The object of the meeting was to give an opportunity of hearing about the work of the convention recently sitting in 'Auckland. A choice selection of musical items was rendered, including vocal solos by Mrs Downes, Miss Madge Patterson and Mr Chrystall, a duet by Master and Miss Tongs, and a musical selection by Mr Tongs. Mrs Wlestwood acted as accompanist. Mrs Peryman spoke upon the recent convention, saying it was a record in point of numbers, 127 delegates were gathered there; they came from all parts of the Dominion, from the Bluif to Bay of Islands; they represented a women’s organisation which had a worldwide membership of over a million, and a Dominion membership of over 8,000. The devotional services were a tine feature, and in her opening service the president touched high water mark when she spoke of the cost of leadership and the need for more willing to pay that cost. The musical part of the convention was excellent, several very fine soloists from different parts being present. The Union stood for three principles: World Prohibition, world peace, and world purity. In the interests of race preservation they asked for an equal standard of morals for both sexes, their slogan “A white life for two.” Long before the League of Nations was born they asked for international courts of arbitration to take the place of war. The convention had passed a resolution urging that compulsory military training be abolished in this Dominion, and in its place a system of compulsory physical training be established. On such days as Anzac Day it was not necessary to remind them of the cost of war, and surely mothers should do their utmost to bring about: such a condition as should render future war impossible. The convention had heard Canon James president of the Bible in Schools League, and their support was pledged to that reform. The coin vention had also resolved to petition for a straight out vote “wet” or “dry” on the'liquor question. If there was anything injuring the pigs or the lambs as strong drink was injuring the children, the Government would lie setting up commissions to discover Urn cause, and legislating to remove that cause, but when it was only children being deprived of their birthright to be well born, robbed of a mother’s love and a father’s care, then Parliament looked on with quiet indifference. But injury to sheep meant lessened wool cheques. Did it mean that money was placed before the welfare of our future citizens? The mothers were now going to ask our Prime Minister why he would not allow the House to vote on the . amendment to the Licensing Bill demanding a two-issue ballot paper. They had a right to an answer, and a reason —not an excuse.

Mr Chrystall proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker, and on behalf of the Union the president thanked all who had helped by song and. music, and by providing supper, to make the evening'so successful,