AUCKLAND CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 281, 18 November 1918, Page 2

AUCKLAND CONVENTION.

The District Convention was held on Wednesday, October 3.oth, in the Central Mission Hall. Mrs Cook presid. ed. The influenza epidemic made a difference to the attendance, but tlmre was a very good gathering of delegates. Mrs R n ubcn Bailey conducted the devotional meeting at 10 in the morning. Mrs Cook welcomed the delegates, anti poke a few inspiring words. After the roll rail and minutes, reports were received from the following Unions: —Auckland, One. hunga, Devonoort, Ponsonby, Otahuhu, Birkenhead, Takapuna, Avondale, Papatoetoe, F.den, Grey Lynn, Tauranga, Opotiki, Warkworth, Matakana, Pakiri, Henderson, and City and Avondale Y Unions Several Unions did not send reports. The reports were of a most encouraging nature, and showed good work had been accomplished. All had done a great deal of patriotic work in connection with minesweepers, hutment, sending cakes to the boys in camo, days at the Soldiers’ Club, Red Cross, etc. All had been busy canvassing with the petition. Tauranga Union has collected £7O for minesweepers. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs Witten, President of Matakana Union, in the lamentable death c f b°r husband and son by drowning. The afternoon session opened at 2 p.m. Mrs Jory, of Birkenhead, conducted devotions. Mrs W. J. Taylor, Recording Secretary, read a splendid paper on “How We Won the Franchise,” written by Mrs Lill, of Ashburton. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs I.ill for her excellent paper. A discussion followed, severai taking part. The following resolution was passed, to be forwarded to the Premier and members of Parliament: “That the Government be asked whether it will cause such an alteration in the law as will give electorates the right to elect a woman representative to Parliament.” Adjutant Gordon, of the Salvation Army, and Mrs Moody then gave addresses on the social question. Afternoon tea was dispensed. During the day the following resolutions were passed:— “The members of the Auckland District Convention wish to thank Sir James Allen, Minister for Defence, for the legislation passed closing the

liquor bars on the arrival of a troopship, but would earnestly plead that the a r ea of prohibition be extended, and that all hotels be placed out of bounds.” “The members of Convention disapprove of the sentiments expressed by the Minister of Justice in regard to women police. Knowing that in the Salvation Army and other organisations there are women whose special training fits them for that work.” “The Convention views with satisfaction the change of attitude in regard to the women of England, when the House of Commons voted 274 to 25 that they should be eligible for membership to Parliament.” “That this District Convention urges upon Parliament the great need of giving to tli * people an early opl>ortunity of voting by ballot upon the recommendations of the Governmentappointed F.fiiciencv Board. F.veil while, we fail to see why the Trade should receive compensation for nut being allowed to continue its work of destruction, we arc so anxious to give Prohibition a trial that we will agree to the Efficiency Board’s proposal for reasonable money compact in lieu of the four years’ time now provided for in the Licensing Act.” The evening session was held in the W.C.T.U. Headquarters at 7.30. We had a very interesting evening with the “Y” Unions. Miss Parkinson, ex-President of the city “Y,” presided after devotions. Musical items were given by Mrs Chapman and Miss Thomas, and a recitation by Miss Stevens. Miss Stevens, President of Avondale “Y,” read a paper on “Industrial Womenhood and the W.C.T.U. ’ Miss Bottrill, Corresponding Secretary City “Y,” r°ad a paper on “Women and F. 'onomics.’’ Both were very instructive A very helpful discussion on ihe work among young people followed, several taking part. The President of the new “Y” Branch at Papatoetoe spoke a few words. This Branch was just the new baby organised by Mrs Napier, and has a membership of 38. The members are full of enthusiasm, and anxious to grow and become a power in the district. Mrs Cook, District W.C.T.U. President, spoke a few encouraging ,and inspiring words to the girls, urging them to consecrate their lives to the uplifting of humanity. A very pleasant and profitable evening, and Convention was then brought to a close.