THE WHITE RIBBON IN NEW ZEALAND.

White Ribbon, Volume 31, Issue 368, 18 February 1926, Page 2

THE WHITE RIBBON IN NEW ZEALAND.

Chapter 111. The First Convention of the newly organis'd Union met, as was fitting it should, in the Empire City. It assembled on February 23rd, IJSB♦». at the Congregational Church, Woodward Street, Wellington. At this first session, 13 delegates took their seats. On the third day of Convention Mrs Johnson Wright took her seat as a delegate for Wellington. The following were elected as Dominion Officers:—President, Mrs Dudley Ward; Cor. Sec., Miss Susan Brett; Rec. Sec., Mrs Fanny Troy; Treas., Mrs C. A. Raker. Mrs Johnson Wright was appointed to represent the Union at the New Zealand Temperance Alliance meetings. At this first Convention, the Constitution and By-laws were adopted, and the policy of the Union was defined. From the first it has ow r ed much to the self-sacrifice and devotion of its officers. The President, in part of that first year, had travelled 1900 miles and formed seven new Unions.

To show the independent and progressive spirit of these early members, it is to be noted that this Convention resolved (11 to strenuously oppose the operation of the Contagious Diseases Act, thus early setting up its standard of a “white life for two;” and 2nd, that this Union endeavour to obtain Woman's

Suffrage. Both these resolutions were unfalteringly pursued, and successfully carried out. After a very strenuous fight extending over seven years, the vote was granted to women, hut many years of educative w r ork followed before women w r ere eligible for election to Parliament. Still there is work left for us to do, and still disabilities on women are there for us to remove. The Contagious Diseases Act has tvased to disgrace our Statute hook. But, “Eternal Vigilance is the price of safety, *' and we have still to keep r< ady to fight any attempt to bring back a “C.D. Act” brought “up-to-date.’

A public meeting w*as held at this Convention in St. John’s Schoolroom. Mr Ebenezer Baker presided, and Sir

William Fox occupied the seat on tli platform.

The President gave a very eloquent address, explaining the work of the Union, and urging all to help it in its work for God, Home and Humanity. (To be Continued).