W.C.T.U.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 264, 29 March 1911, Page 3

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONVENTION. YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The session opened at 9.30 with devotional services led by Mrs. lloxall, Wellington. • The following resolutions were proposed and passed by convention:— "That in view of the fact that exhibitions of moving pictures, which are so popular with all ages and classes of the community, may either he of great educational value, both to head and heart, or be subtle but effective teachers of immorality and vice, women of W.C.T.U. in convention assembled urge On the Government the need of appointing a censor to examine all films j .oposed to be publicly exhibited." "That this convention urges all New South Wales Unions to protest most vigorously against the introduction or legalisation of the totalisator into, or by. their State, seeing how .gambling has increased in New Zealand, especially among young people and women since legalised by the New Zealand Government." "It having been brought under our notice that liquor is still being supplied to youths under 21 years of age, also to Maori women, regardless of the law, we women assembled in convention em-phatically-protest und would urge, that this matter be brought under the notice of the Minister of Justice and his subordinates." " ." "That the W.C.T.U. Convention urges the Premier to bring in a Bill making it as compulsory to register births among Maoris as it is among Europeans." "It having been brought under our notice that gambling is still carried on with Maori youths under 21 years of age, the W.C.T.U. in convention assembled emphatically protests and urges the Government that the law be enforced." The anti-gambling report was read by Mrs Jemison. of Tariki. Many unions • had sent resolutions to the Premier, Ministers, and members of Parliament as to the abolition of the bookmaker and the totalisator, Lectures had been given to school children. Dunedin had a - large meeting addressed by Dr Henry, and the following resolution was passed: ' "We appeal to Parliament to protect the children from the use of Toblers' chocolate, and similar temptations, by adequate legislation, and ask all respectable tradesmen to refuse to sell goods under such conditions." The report on medical temperance was read by Mrs| Peryman in the absence of Mrs. C. 11. Veale, of Foxton, superintendent of the department. Educational work in this department was spread by instructive papers being read and printed in daily papers, also by the distribution of literature, most of which was prepared by Mrs. Martha M. Allen, the world's' Superintendent of Medical Temperance. Mrs. Lovell Smith, of Christchurch, read the report of the Legal and Parliamentary Department, in the absence of Miss M. 1!. Lovell Smith, superintendent The year 1910-had seen the fruits of 25 years' work in the repeal of the CD. Act. and also many other legislative reforms. In April a letter was sent to reach the union, asking that a resolution be sent urging the Premier to repeal the CD. Act. Fifty unions did this, and on May .'ll a deputation waited on Sir Joseph Ward. The outcome was the repeal of the Act. The Licensing Amendment Act was watched very closely, and many unions sent telegrams and letters urging the hare majority, Do: minion option, and two ballot papers, with the result that the two latter issues were granted. The year had been eventful, and in next year- unions might make a point of endeavoring, to promote equal pay for equal work, and tile economic equality of husband and wife. The report on I he backblocks was read by Miss Powell in the absence of Miss L. A. Israel, of Napier, superintendent. Parcels of magazines, i'/nstrated papers and temperance literature had been sent to niilwavmen and backblocks stations. Letters'of appreciation were often received from men, ministers of religion, and ollicials. Letters had also been written to the women in the back-blocks townships. Mrs. Hislop, of Dunedin, reported on the Literature Department, and urged all unions to send for leaflets, pledge cards, and ImoKicU, kept in her department. ' This afternoon, the question box and general discussions „„ the work will be taken. HARDEN PARTY. _ In the afternoon the delegates attending the W.C.T.U, Convention were the guests of .Mrs. Homer Aru( . n ai)(1 . Mr< '|- •!• "• <>key al ii garden partv in the firmer - * beautiful ..rounds at Frankley road. About eighty delegates availed themselves of n„, imitation, and, witli trieuds. (here must l, im , i )e(!ll flll i v ]5 „ Present. The visitors were mos't enthusiastic m their appreciation of the ma-iinlieeiit bush 5(.,., UM . V) witll its W| ,. lltj| of nikau and ferns, which is so characteristic of Hi is part of Taranaki. The hostesses were mon attentive to their guests, who spent a verv pleasant and rein-lung afternoon after the deliberations of the part few (U i v . s . SOCIAL EVENING. Wlutclcy Ibtll was crowded in Ihc ■' evening, win social was held in cun--1 nection witli the convention. \lr (.' II ■ -Maunder presided mid gave a short ad- ■ dress. Mrs. Powell gave an instruclive • address on scientific temperance. Mrs 1 Jicrynian read a lengthy and iiilerestin^ ■ paper on "Equal Pay, Equal Work. -- l, v - Mrs. Page, of ClirUtclmrch. Short coii- • vincing speeches were given by ladies residing in the im-license districts of Eden, drey Lynn. Masterton, Wellington 1 South, Ashburton. Mataura and Clutha. . The following resolution was passed:' 1 "This meeting is of opinion that as men f ana women Have equality of franchise

thev can rightly demand full civil and political rights,'those rights to ensure economic equality." A programme of vocal and instrumental items weie also rendered as follows-. So'igs, Mrs. Mowlem and Miss Black; violin solo, Mrs. Dowling. Mrs. Douglas was accompanist. Three new members were initiated.