HAMILTON DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 234, 18 December 1914, Page 3

HAMILTON DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The fourth annual District Convention of the Hamilton W.C.T.I . and its auxiliary I'nions was held on October 23rd, in Wesley Church, Hamilton, President Mrs Auld presiding. Convention opened with the singing of the l nion hymn, “Ail Round the World." The Crusade Psalm was read in unison. After prayer, the minutes <.f last Convention were read and confirmed. The following I'nions were represent* d: Cambridge, Morrinsville, and Xgaruawahia. The President hear ;ly welcomed the delegates, and in giving her address, thanked God for His goodness to Us duiiog the: year. We te* .irate this year the coming of age a the women’s franchise. It was a l ng and dignified struggle, in whit b our I’nions largely shared for ever 15 years. The name 0: Mrs Sheppard would always be honoured in this Convention. The W.C.TT, composed of 45 Nations, hive always advocated total abstinence for the individual, and prohibition for the nation. The President spoke of the sad calamity which had happen* cl at lluntly, our sympathies going out to the women and chiUren who wete the sufferers. Also this great and terible Kuropean war, which we greatly deplore. We believe it to be a righteous w..t prat that God will bring it to a speedy and successful issue. We ex-p-ess our sympathy with gallant little Belgium, who so valiantly withstood the unjustifiable incursion of the German army. We regret to notice that -the totalisator permits are increased by 35 days, although th* y have already over 200 days. 1 his year we arc fighting th** foulest evil that cu r ses and degrades man. Once more wc have the opportunity of ending the drink evil. We specially pray that statesmen max Be led to see the great mass of misery, degradation, disease, and death produced bv the liquor traffic, and th*- urgent need for its entire abolition. We regret the defeat of Mr Massey'" Bill to reduce the three-fifths handicap, but which shows us again the necessity of returning men to Parliament who are on our side. Mr Mason welcomed the delegates on behalf of the No-License Council, and gave an account of its work, urg-

ing all present to co-operate in canvassing. Hamilton reported having three hospital visitors, who visited regularly every week: 300 names on the Cradle Roll; literature collected and sent to the back-blocks and hospital, also jams, fellies, eggs, fruits, etc., to patients The sum of £2 5 promisee! to No License Council, partly raised; members assisted in the equipment of our Expeditionary For* es, also in making and collecting clothing for needy families in lluntly and Belgium. One I'nion member on S< hool Committee. Cambridge reports: Monthly Band of Hope well attended; 31 names on Cradle Roll; collected for Dr. Bar nardo’s Homes. Xgaruawahia reports: Good Band of Hope meetings; donation see* to “Home Journal”; collected for I)r. Barnardo's Homes; held a gift auction and com *rt in aid of the NoLicense campaign, realising £24 ss. Morrinsville reports: Meetings lapsed for some months, awing to removal of officers. A f/esh start has now been made; new officers elected. Resolutions. “That this Convention views with great displeasure the attitude the present Government ’ns taken in the increased number >f racing d.*>s, and ♦hat the Waikato and Raglan members of W.C.T.L., who represent a good proportion of voters, strongly protest against it.” “This Convention strongly protests against the three-fifths No-License majority Bill being thrown out.” “This C* nvention tenders its heartfelt sympathy and condolence to the sufferers through tin* lluntly mine disaster.” all members standing. Mrs Horne read an open lett* r from Mrs Pet hi' k Lawrence to the Bishop of London. Evening Session. Mrs Auld presiding. Addresses were given by the follow ing - Mesdaines Hogan and Brown, Mr Foster and Dr. Waddell. Solos were given by Misses Gaulton and Stewart. Hearty votes of thanks were carried by acclamation, and a very profitable Convention closed with the Benediction and National Anthem.