W.C.T.U., CAPE PROVINCE.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 247, 18 January 1916, Page 3

W.C.T.U., CAPE PROVINCE.

The ibth Annual Convention of the Cape Provincial Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held at Graham’s Town during the last few days of September. The Executive Committee met on Saturday morning, September 28th, and arranged business for Convention. In the afternoon the delegates were entertained at a Garden Party in the beautiful grounds of the Residency. In the evening a prayer meeting was held in the Baptist Church, and on Sunday, at 4.15, a public service was held in the Town Hall. Miss Solomon, Provincial President, was in the chair, and the annu'al sermon was preached by Miss Lockhead, 1 ravelling Organiser for South Africa. Miss Solomon presided over business sessions. The Corresponding Secretary’s report for the year was most encouraging, and showed a good increase in the membership. The Treasurer’s report was a satisfactory one on the whole, though an earnest appeal was made to the delegates to do all the y could to increase the funds. Miss Solomon, in her annual Presidential address, said that though war was still raging, and though the awfulness of it grew as time went by, yet we had learned that our daily tasks had not changed, and our attitude towards national evils had not altered, and so the call for this Convention had gone forth. To-day more than ever it was our duty to wage undying war against the liquor traffic and all its attendant evils. When the whole world is convulsed with anguish, when the dower of the manhood of the nation is being destroyed on the battlefield, when hundreds and thousands are widowed and orphaned, and rendered homeless, we can no longer sit at ease with folded hands. God is calling us to come out and work for Him with a more whole-heaited conseciation than before, and we want in this Convention to hear His voice directing and controlling us.

Miss Solomon then referred to the latest information received as to the measures ic. other countries with regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors, and the great disappointment felt in our own land by temperance workers who had watched and prayed and worked and done all in their power to protec t the men and the boys in the Defence Force camps. The very men who should have initiated reforms were against them. In speaking to the younger women, Miss Solomon appealed earnestly to them to prepare themselves to be the companions of the new manhood of the nation. The young women, she said, could wield a tremendous influence on the young men of their acquaintance, and the call came to them to be worthy to be lovers and friends. In the reconstruction work which must be done our young women must take their part. In closing this very eloquent address, Miss Solomon quoted the following verse for the delegates to carry with them for the new year:—“Be strong and of a good courage, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Reports of the various departments were submitted, and were intensely interesting. On Monday evening a public meeting was held in the Town Hall, presided over by the Mayor, who warrtily welcomed the delegates to the city of Graham’s Town. Tuesday evening was devoted to the young women, and a public meeting was held in the Trinity Hall, presided over by Mrs Duncan Brown. A recitation contest for a gold medal formed part of th«* evening’s programme. Many important resolutions were brought forward for consideration. It was fitting that the first one should express the deepest gratitude to His Majesty the King for his noble example of personal abstinence, and among others the following might be quoted: “That the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior be again approached begging them to abolish or abrogate the clauses of the Comagious Diseases Prevention Act of 1885.” “That with a view of increasing our membership we inaugurate an each One Win One Campaign.” “That the heartiest support be given to the Bill drafted by the South African. People’s Union to provide legis-

lation for the Direct Popular Vote.'* “That congratulations be sent to the White Ribboners in Denmark and Iceland on having obtained enfranchisement.” “That as the women in Natal and the Transvaal can sit on. Municipal Councils, further attempts be made to obtain this right for the Cape Province.” The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— President: Miss Solomon, Cape Town ; Vice-Presidents : Mrs Hartnall, Rosebank. Mrs Sutherland, ’ iterleague; Cor. Secretary, Mrs Watts, Rondebasch; Ke< Secretary, Miss T. Kapleton, Sea Point; Treasurer, Mr> Geard, Port Elizabeth; Y. Secretary, Mrs Duncan Brown, Cape Town.