W.C.T.U.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 265, 30 March 1911, Page 3

W.C.T.U.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The morning session opened with devotional services, Mrs. Blair, of Duncdin, lending. The following resolutions, after being discussed, were passed:— "That the unions represented at the convention are in thorough sympathy witii the work of the Bible-in-Sehools Committee, and will give' tlienl all the help in their power. ''That this convention urges the Premier to bring in a Bill fixing an age of protection for boys as well as girls. "That this convention urges the Premier to bring in a Bill raising the age of protection for girls to 21 years. '•That this Convention of White Ribboners, from all parts of the Dominion, emphatically protests against the disabilities under which women- at present suffer in the guardianship of their children, ami calls upon Parliament to amend the law in the direction of giving women equal rights with men, in this particular, especially' with regard to religious instruction. "Eesolved, that a W.C.T.tL gaol visitor be appointed in all. our large centres who shall visit (once a week or month) the women prisoner!. .-i; ''Resolved 'that the question of the Women's Page -in the Vanguard should be loft in the hands of the. local union, who shall communicate with the Christchurch union. "Resolved that no appeal for funds'! shall be sent to any of our local unions by any White Ribboners without authorisation of Xew Zealand Executive. , "That this' convention heartily endorses "the action of the New Zealand Executive in sending a wedding present to Miss Stirling in appreciation of her services as organiser. "That a deputation be appointed to wait on the Minister of' Railways', asking that the. Women's Christian Temperance Union be placed on the same footing ,as religious bodies and friendly societies, (the deputation appointed is: Mrs. Atkinson, Mrs. Ferryman, Mrs. Love, M.A., and Mrs. McAlister.) "That this W.C'.T.U. of X. -v Zealand, in convention, views with all"-n the condition of things in the Domin'on regarding degenerate and feeble-minded girls and youths, and the disastrous results to themselves anil .to the,, community i-f this continues, and respectfully urges on the Government the necessity of. establishing homes for the care and- detention of these unfortunatcs."Mrs. Blair's notice of motion re representation was fully discussed, resultin 32 voting for and 18 against; twothirds majority being required, the motion was lost. Mrs. Blair then gave further notice of motion, to be brought up at the next convention, in 1012: "That I or someone -in my.-place will move 'that article 8 of the constitution,!)? altered to give larger representation -of unions, one for every fifty or fraction of fifty members, no union to send more than three delegates to convention." Miss Powell, superintendent, read the educational meetings report, A number of unions report a large number of subjects on their syllabus. Clwistchurch reports sixteen meetings held, and the topics discussed cover a wide range: Other unions gained facts from no-liccn.se districts, with' which they educated their members. The report of Rest and Refreshment Booths was read by Mrs. Perrvman, inthe absence of Mrs. C. S. Howard (superintendent), Timaru. Auckland-, Palmerston Xorth and Christehuvch report holding large luncheon booths or rooms at agricultural shows. Palmcrston Xorth has made a great advance, and is tonkin* forward to further advance in the future. Christchurcli has erected a large building, which accommodates 450 peopfe. The union found tlie new rooms a great boon during the show week, and some idea may be formed of the undertaking when over 9000 people were served in the three days. On the People's Day 3000 were served for luncheon, and over 1000 for afternoon tea.. Many unions have restrooms, which prove of great service to women and children at agricultural and pastoral shows. Timaru, fiisborne, Pending, Xew Plymouth and Nelson hope to take up. this work very shortly. The report of Good Citizenship was read by Miss Powell in the absence of Mrs. Logan. Many reforms directly affecting good citizenship, for which the W.C.T.U, has long worked, have been brought, into operation during the year. The new hospital and charitable aid boards have been elected on a more popular basis. Several unions report women elected on charitable aid boards and school committees. The morning session closed with the Benediction. AFTERXOOX SESSION. . An enjoyable visit to the oil wells was made after luncheon by the mem-, hers of the convention and some friends. Drags were provided by the Mayor (Mr, Tisch). The manager and secretary of the Taranaki Oil Company'gave a most interesting description, of the working of the oil wells. The members of the convention passed a heartv vote of thanks (moved by' Mrs.' Douglas, president, Xew Plymouth, and seconded by Mrs. Don, Duncdin, in a very happy •speech), and the visit ended by the hearty singing of a verse ~„"' "All Round the World." On resuming work a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor for the pleasant visit. Mrs. John-Wright, Wellington, reported on -Notable Days." White Ribbon Day, Willanl Day and Franchise Day have been commemorated -by various unions. The celebrations took the form of garden parties, prayer-meetings', addresses, papers on kindred subjects, etc. The report on "Peace and Arbitration'' was read by Mrs. Cole, the superintendent being absent. Reference was made to Lord i_,,arles Bedford's recent utterance to the effect that "Peace is absolutely essential to us." Tho spirit of militarism was deprecated; ministers were invited to preach sermons advocating arbitration, and a wide-sprcadin" treaty of nations, to make war impossible. wa ' s advocated. . At this point three members were initiated by Mrs. DoiHas. This was followed by the question-box ami ,i most interesting discussion ou the points TiiNed.

The meeting closed with (lie P.enedie lion.