WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10087, 7 September 1910, Page 7

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

CONVENTION IN MASTERTON.

The W.C.T.U. Provincial Convention opened its morning session at 10 o'clock yesterday in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, the delegates being introduced by the local president, Mrs Devonport. The chair was then taken by Mrs Boxall, district president, who opened the proceedings with a Bible reading. The roll being called, there was seen to a full attendance of delegates and local officers.

Mrs Boxall, in her opening remarks, congratulated Masterton on carrying No-License, and urged members to keep on working to maintain their victory. It was decided to forward a message to Mrs Kavanagh, district secretary, expressing re-.ret at her absence through illness,

An interesting letter from Mrs (Dr.) Chappell, who has bsen attending the World's Convention, was read by the acting secretary, Mrs MacAliEter,

It was decided to forward the letter to the press at a later date. The reports of the delegate?, representing the various Unions, was read. Mrs Hayea, W llington, reported good work in the different departments durirg the year. An | encouraging report on the work i done in Wellington Central Union was read by Mrs MacAlister. This ' Union, which began with ten members, now numbers 47. Mrs Jensen, j representing the Lower Hutt Union, j reported a small but energetic band) of workers. Their departments comprise evangelical work, cradle roll, distribution of literature to the Seamen's Missior, railway stations, lighthouses, and backblocks;, flower mission work; Sabbath observance, anti-gambling, etc. Mrs Jenseu also reported encouragingly on the prospects of No-License being carried in her district. The Upper Hutt re* port, read by Mrs MacAlister, stated that the Union, though new, is growing and developing the different branches of the work. Levin, represented Mrs Remington, reported that through many adverse circumstances this union had been somewhat backward during the past year, but bad just received a fresh stimulus from the visit of Miss Powell. Mrs Rouse, president of the Petone Union, reported progress and good workers. Afternoon home meetings, with addresses by the local ministers, had been found to be especially helpful. This Union had been very fortunate in a visit from Mrs Henry, when a record meeting was held. Masterton: Mrs d'Ews, secretary, reported that all meetings have been well attended and interest Bhown by the members. Their chief work this year has been to endeavour to obtain the Bible reading in State schools, and, though up to the present time unsuccessful, they still intend to continue their efforts. This Union has been favoured and helped by a visit from Mrs Oldham and Miss Powell. Thin closed the morning session, and.at 12.30 p.m. the Convention adjourned for lunch. The afternoon session was opened by a Bible reading by Mrs Rouse.

Business was opened by a discussion on the Bible reading in schools quesion, during which Miss McLean, of Wellington Girls* College,,was quoted, as lamenting the declining knowledge of the Bible among school children. The Nelson system was reported to be working satisfactorily in various parts of the Dominion. It was then resolved that the various Unions pledge themselves to do all in their power to bring the Nelson system into vogue. At this juncture Mrs Boxall and other ladies who had been appointed, answered in a satisfactory and instructive manner various questions which bad been banded in daring the morning. Some of these questions called up considerable discussion, which was a decided education to those present, A letter from Miss Barton, urging the necessity for women workers among the Maori girls, was read by Mrs Boxall. Mrs Rouse, relict of the late Rev. Rouse. Maori Missionary, spoke at some length on this subject. Mis MacAlister then read a splendid paper by Mrs Liil, entitled "Our Boys and Girls." An invitation from Levin being extended by Mrs Remington, it was decided to hold the next Provincial Convention there if convenient,

A vote of thanks was passed by the delegates to tneir hostesses and members of the local union for their kind entertainment, and also to the Trustees of the Methodist Church for the use of the schoolroom. During the afternoon two new members were initiated by Mrs Boxall.

The session closed at 4.30 p.m