W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 51, 3 June 1916, Page 8

W.C.T.U. CONVENTION.

The Taranaki Provincial District Convention was held in the Good Templar Hall, New Plymouth, on 31st May. White Ribbon workers foregathered from Patea, Hawera, Normanby, Ngaere, X T renui, Stratford, Manaia, and Eltham. After devotional exercises, Mrs Allen Douglas (District President), in a few choice sentences, welcomed the delegates and visitors. Miss M. T. Phillips, of Ngaere, suitably replied. Reporters wore appointed for the various papers. Miss Phillips was elected Conventiol letter-wri-ter, and Miss Gaunt, mistress of courtesies.

After several local votes of sympathy had been carried, the worldwide one as follows, was carried, all standing: "That this Provincial Convention, sitting in New Plymouth, tenders its loving sympathy to our White Ribbon sisters in this Dominion and the world over on account of this cruel war. "He fashioneth all our hearts alike," and we are women most of whom have given beloved ones to the service of our country, and sorrow with all sorrowing distressed and anxious ones. We believe that the tie that binds will yet be found stronger than the differences of race or Nation, and we look forward to the day when a worldwide'peace will be established through the reign of the King of Peace in the hearts of men.

Miss Powell gave an address on "The Ideal President, Secretary, and Treasurer." Then followed three five-'ininute competitive speeches by Miss Maunder and Mesdames Phillips and Jamieson. Rev. A. B. Chappell very kindly acted as judge, and awarded first prize to Mrs Phillips. The Rev. Chappell then gave a very excellent address on the "Art of Public Speaking."

Voting for district officers resulted in the election of Mrs Allen Douglas (president), Mrs Phillips (secretary), and Mrs Jamieson (treasurer). A resolution was carried in favour of the early closing of hotel bars during the continuance of the war. A very successful social was held in the evening, the proceeds being given to the Y.M.C.A. for work among our boys.