ECHOES OF CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 288, 18 June 1919, Page 6

ECHOES OF CONVENTION.

Another Convention has come and Konc, and we arc on the eve of entering ujion another campaign, even if we may not say it has already begun. Meanwhile we may take a shot breathing-space, and looking b'. .. over the doings of Conventier., there are a few points that it might be worth while to note, for which neitS r time nor space was available in tra Convention number.

One of the necessary det ;is of work for the next Poll is the instruction of our people in the method of voting on the three-issue ballot | a pci*. A good suggestion made by Miss Henderson was that an election should be held frequently at an ordinary meeting of the Union. It would not be difficult to obtain or prepare a few specimen papers, and a vote could be taken among the members present. The papers should be carefully scrutinised, and with the help of a blackboard, any mistakes or informalities could be explained, and if many such had been made, a second ballot could be* held, giving the opportunity for correction.

Some suggestion was made foi doing away with th»- well-known “Strike out the top line." Hut it seems a pity to throw away the result of so much energy spent during past >ears in drilling prohibitionists in this simple method of securing, almost automatically, the desired casting of the vote. A flight modification of the familiar line will bring it up-to-date; and “Strike out the two top line'" can be made to tit the same melody by singing the words “two top” to short notes in place of the one k>ng note for “top,” this alvantage also being gained, that the word “two” can have a strong accent put on to it, thus calling attention to the important change in the voting. Apropos el singing, Miss Henderson made a fur (her suggestion that should appeal to all music-lovers, that at the meetings of Unions more use should be made

of campaign songs, set to well-known lHjpular airs.

Several points of interest were brought out in the (Question Box. The value of Provincial Conventions was emphasised, as it was also in one of the closing paragraphs of the Cot responding Secretary’s report. Even District I’nion should endeavour to hold a Provincial Convention for the education and benefit of the smaller Branch I’nions, which arc not always able to send a delegate to the Dominion Convention, or two or more neighbouring District I’nions may often combine with mutual ad vantage. Referring to I'nions not being represented at the Dominion Convention, one speaker stated that in some countries it was compulsory for Unions to send a delegate, and Mrs Don expressed the opinion that the travelling expenses of a delegate ought to be regarded as a first charge on the Union’s funds, to be met before any money was voted to an cutside organisation, however laudable the object of the latter. Every Con vention our President speaks in terms of strong disapproval of the action of any Union in voting sums of money from its funds to objects that ary outside the activities of the W.C.T.U., when there are so many channels within the Union into which loyalty would prompt that surplus monies should he diverted. On the other hand, Unions that are too poor to afford the delegate’s expenses from the ordinary funds, could get up an entertainment for the purpose; this is the method adopted by some. In answer to questions, the President stated that an individual Union has not power to get up a petition without reference to the Dominion Kxeeutivr; that the President of a I’nion is justi fied in refusing to take a resolution she considers ultra vires; that a Union should not get up a presenta tion without the knowledge or consent of its Executive; and that a I’nion may ask help from other Unions in the wav of funds for an institution run by the W.C.T.U., provided it has

ch ained the consent of the Dominion Executive.

Attention of Unions is drawn to the matter brought up in the discussion on Military Camps report, namely, th< advisability of getting in touch with the young wives of returned soldiers coming from Home. Several delegates promised to see to this in their own districts, and here is certainly an opportunity for showing a little real sisterly sympathy that will help to make the young brides feel at home in their adopted country. Miss McCarthy’s motion to add Superintendents of Departments to the Dominion Executive was lost chiefiy on the ground of its undemocratic character in discriminating between the Departments. The new form given by Mrs Field’s notice of motion, that Superintendents who are present at Convention be given a seat on the Executive for that Convention, may possibly appeal to delegates, as it is not open to the same charge. Mrs Penman’s motion re proxies was lost, and immediately handed in again as notice of motion for next year. It was admitted that the time is hardly ri|>e for it, but its purpose is to a great extent educative, that Unions may be led to realise more fully the necessity for each one being represented directly at the Dominion Convention by a delegate who knows something of the special needs or conditions of the district.

The meaning and origin of the term “Sumerset” members was explained at Convention for the benefit of some to whom the term was new. “Somerset’’ members, or members not attached to ? Branch Union owing to their iceding in places where no Union exists, were so named from Lady Henry Somerset, formerly World’s President; but it was suggested that a term more readily understood in New Zealand would be “National’’ members, as their fees are paid direct to the National Treasure.

Speaking of iiquoi licenses on coasting steamers. Mr Peters related a

ittlc incident that came under his ictice. He was travelling by boat, jnd happened to hear a young man, (Iso a passenger, ask the steward foi < t cup of tea for supper. He was in* ormed that tea was not served for mpper; and apparently there was oothinß available except what could In* obtained at the bar, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks. Mr Peters made it his business to inquire and to remonstrate, with the result that the dfsired cup of tea was soon forthcoming. In how many little ways arc voung men almost compelled to form the drink habit! A point made by our Legal and Parliamentary Superintendent was that Unions and members could often materially assist the carrying of reforms if they would adopt a method very common in America, and bom bard their M.P. with telegrams when a matter comes up in Parliament for discussion or for voting, that is of special interest to the Unions, purlieu larly if it has been the subject of a resolution forwarded to Cabinet or to Parliament. This is one of the most effective means of influencing members to take a decided stand. One last word to Unions re the White Ribbon Hymnal. This is suc h a beautiful little collection of hymns that it is a great pity all our Branches do not use it. But, at least, will those* who do use ,t try to learn some of the beautiful hymns that ate not quite so familiar? On one occasion our President wished to have Hymn No. 85 during the Convention, but finding that hardly any of the delegates knew it, she was compelled to (hange it. Let us see to it that nrxi year this hymn at least shall be known to the majority of delegates present!