PROVINCIAL CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 278, 19 August 1918, Page 5

PROVINCIAL CONVENTION.

STRATFORD, JI NK ijth. 1018. Convention opened with devotions, conducted by Mrs Kennington, life member of the Ngaere Union. Welcome to delegates by Mrs M. Philips, President of Stratford Union. Reply, Mrs Duxfield, Wanganui Hast. Convention Letter-writer, Mrs Gillings. Reoorts of Unions. Ng aere has collected money and clothing for Red Cross work; assi*ted Stratford in efforts for Y.M.C.A. funds; visits the hospital: collects for Maori Department; a member on the School Committee, also a member Secretary and Treasurer of School Committee. Stratford has a member on the* School Committee; took over the patriotic *hop and tea rooms on Y.M.C.A. Day, when nearly /50 was raised, no r.iffles or guessing competitions; runs a successful L.T.L.; has a Sunshine member. Ilawera has a flourishing Cradle Roll and L.T.L., also a Young People’s Union; £<k> was raised for comforts for mine-sweepers; Maori work undertaken. Kltham has worked for patriotic purposes; held a Band of Hope last season. Manaia conducts a most successful L.T.L., members <>4; contributions are given at every meeting lor Y.M.C.A. Fund. Normanby reports keen interest in all work; held a Garden Party for mine-sweepers; has a flourhhing Cradle Roll; takes flowers to the hospital ; has an absent member letterwriter; owns a library in connection with Union, and, like most other Branches, been very busy with patriotic work. Wanganui.—Home meetings; two member*' on Sc hool Committee, one on Hospital Board, and a Y Union. W’ar.ganui K. Red Cross work, work among seamen, and home meetings were held and white ribbons distributed; L.T.L. doe good work under the leadership of Mrs Duxfield; educational literature distributed. Most of the Unions have been vhited by Mrs Lee-Cow ie. Reports adopted. Noontide hour. Afternoon. Devotions conducted by Mrs Campion Roll call.

Twenty-six answered with a verse of Scripture. Resolutions. “That this Convention views with concern the insanitary condition of many of our public school buildings, and considers that, although much is needed to carry on the war, yet it is unwise to neglect the health of the rising generation, u|>on whom so much of ‘he future welfare of the nation depends, and requests the Government to tak'j means speedily to remedy this serious flaw in our education system.” “That in view of the fact that it is unwise, in the moral interests of < hild ren between the age*- of 14 and 17, to be out so much at night away from their parents’ control, the Government be strongly urged to amend the Education Act that compulsory continuation classes should be conducted at the Technical Colleges during tin* day time*, instead of as now, it night.’ Recommendation. “That each Union procure a few copies of Parlumcn'ary Rules by J. Robert*'.” President’s address. A review of work during th»* vear; thankfulness for six o’clock closing, and encouragement for coming year. Received and adopted, and apprecirted. A paper on “Influence” was read by Miss Johnston. This was much appreciated, au it was the first time one of our young members appeared in public. A few words of encouragement from Mrs White. A short address from Mrs Duxfield On the evil effects of c igarette smoking. Election of Officers. —The present officers were unanimously re-elected for ensuing year. Pres., Mr* Philips, Sunny Hollow, Stratford; Sec., Mrs Jones, Ngaere; Treas., Mrs Jemison. Tariki. Invitations for next Convention were received from Ilawera and Wanganui. Wanganui accepted. Votes of thanks were passed to the ladies of Stratford Union, hosts and hostesses, Trustees of the Methodist Church. Convention closed with singing the Temperance Doxology and the Benediction.