WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 280, 18 October 1918, Page 10

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CONVENTION.

The sth annual Wellington Provincial Convention was lu'ld .it Masterton on September 3rd, 41h, and sth. Mrs Devonport, local M.C.T.I. President, and the Rev. T. llalliday, Organising Severer a r> f«>r Master i>n of the National Campaign, welcom d the Convention; and Mrs Crabb, Provincial President, replied on behalf of the delegati s. The Convention was .1 record one. Thirty delegates answered the roll rail, representing the following Cnions: —Wellington Distriit, Palmerston North District, Podding, Pahiatua, Masterton, (ireytown, Petone, Wellington Central, Lower Hutt, and Wellington “Y.” Replies received from members <»t the Cabinet to last year’'* resolutions were read. The balance-sheet, presented by Mrs Moulder, Treasurer, showed a credit balance of £$ os ;,d. Mrs Crabb gave an inspiring Presidential address, which w.i; received and adopted. Resolved that the address be typed, and copies sent to those Cnions desiring same. The Dominion President (Mrs Don) gave several short addresses. Mrs Napier, Dominion Superintendent of “Y” work, addressed the Convention on her travels in the Dominion since her appointment, and th“ su cess which has follo\ ed her efforts. Some very fini papers were read on the following subjets: ‘‘The Necersity for th“ Leaching of Sex llygeiu in Our S< bools,” by Mrs llodd r, “Medical and Sc ientit*< Temperance, some facts which every member of the \\ C.T.IT. ought to kn< u. la W ■ Kite hie ; “Sabbath Observant e,” by Mrs Cobb; “Cinema Pictures as an educational Factor,” by Mrs Kenrick; “Economy in the* Horn o ,’’ by Mrs McDonald; and “How Tobacco Smoking Affects the Hodv,” b\ Mrs Neal. Miss Kinlayson and Mr F. L. Combs, M.A., of the* Teachers’ Institute, Masterton, addressed the Convention, by invitation, and replied to many questions ret, irding the comfort and welfare of the children attending our public school;. The following resolutions were passed : “That our tenderest sympathy be conveyed personally by our delegates,

or by letter, to mothers and friends of fallen soldiers wherever they can be reached; that this resolution of our Convention be conveyed in such a manner .is to show our love to thofv° who have suffered for our safety.” “That this Convention of the W.C.T.U. express its thanks to the Railway Commissioner for having put a ladies’ carriage on the Main Trunk railway ; also for the nurse who is in attendance at night. Il°r services have proved a great boon to all classes of women but especially mothers with babies; and also expresses the hope that the Commissioner will soon be able to put a carriage for the use of women only on all the express trains throughout the Dominion. ” “That we urge upon the educational authorities the urgent need of teaching the boys and girls in the higher standards in our si hools, by carefully selected tea* hers, some knowledge concerning their own bodies, and something of the responsibility attaching to the reproduction of life.” “That separate infant school buildings and playgrounds be provided for the infants’ departments of all schools of 300 and upwards, such schools to contain a separate classroom for each class.” “That no infant-room class shall consist of more than ;o uupils, and that all teachers in charge of such classes be fully qualified.” “That thi Convention heartily suoport -. t iC ffort now being made to secure adoption of the system of open-air schools.” “That this body, representative of a large section of the mothers of the Dominion wishes to call the attention of the Minister to the scandalous deficiencies of our schools, and emphatically a M-rts that the removal of these is a matter of the first and most immediate importance. It takes it for granted that the physical disabilities of the schools, lack of fresh air, etc., are to be remedied without delay, but points to the recruitment of 1500 or more of the nick of our high school pupils to the teaching profession as tlie most vital .1 s|x < t of education reform.” “ l his Convention being of opinion that the marriage of children oi 12 years (for girls) and 14 years (for boys) is .1 relic of barbarism, strongly urges the amendment of the marriage

laws in the direction of raising the legal age of marriage.” (1) “That it is in the best interests of children that cinema performances of a wholesome and varied type, suit able to the child mind, be given on Saturdays and in school vacations.” (2) “That the suggestion of model programmes for children’s jierformances would be most usefully undertaken bv representatives of educational bodies in co-operation with the picture managers.” (3) “That since the eyesight of children is liable to injury by cinema attendances, their distance from the screen should be properly regulated, and that explanatory interludes should be given to lessen the strain.” (a.) “That the employment of children in the picture theatres should be prohibited.” (b.) “That the theatres should be better lighted.” (c.) “That the better ventilation of these theatres is very desirable.” “Convention furthei urges that two women, to be nominated by representative women’s societies, be assoc iated with the lensor of picture films.” The resolutions passed by the Dominion Convention were reaffirmed, and the Secretary was directed to forward them to the various members of the Cabinet. The Provincial officers were reelected as follows:—Pr“s., Mrs Crabb, Palmerston North; Sec., Mrs Neal, Pahiatua ; Treas., Mrs Moulder, \\ ellington. Mrs Neal gave notice of motion: “That *Y’ Branches be not required to pay the Provincial Convention capitation fez* of one penny per member.” An invitation to hold the Convention of 1919 at Petone was received, and accepted. Dn Thursday, a tea for delegates and hostesses was provided by the Masterton Union, in Knox Mall, after which an adjournment was made to the Municipal Hall, where a public meeting was held. The National Anthem was sung. Commandant Cook (S.A.) led in prayer. Mrs Crabb presided, and musical items were rendered. Mrs Don gave a stirring address, at the close of which four members were initiated. Votes of thanks to Mrs Don. and also to our hosts and hostesses.