OTAGO DISTRICT CONVENTION.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 375, 18 September 1926, Page 6

OTAGO DISTRICT CONVENTION.

The Annual District Convention was held in Port Chalmers on Tuesday, August 17th, the morning and afternoon sessions being held In Currie Street Hall, and the evening meeting in the Town Hall. There were 36 delegates present, Mrs Hiett (District President) presiding. Convention opened with the singing of the Crusade Hymn; Mi.s Powell gave the Scripture lesson. Mrs Walker (Acting President of the Port Chalmers Union) welcomed the delegates to Port Chalmers. Mrs Hiett spoke a few words based on Joshua. Miss Cunn (Port Chalmers) was appointed Mistress of Courtesies. A greeting was received from Mrs IVryman. Miss Smyth (Acting Secretary) read the annual report, wdiich showed steady progress, especially among the young. This was adopted. The Treasurer’s (Mrs Macartney's) report and balance sheet showing a credit balance of £23 10b. lid., w'as read and adopted. A letter w r as read from Mrs Judson, bringing forward the following resolutions, which were confirmed. “This Convention affirms ifs belief in Total Disarmament as the only sure road to Peace, and urges its members to for its adoption by all who desire and are working for Peace.” “That in view of the fact that the Navy League has five access to the Public Schools for the purpose of military propaganda, especially in the interests of Naval Defence, while the promoters of Peace are denied that privilege, a strong representation should b“ made to the Education Department of the need for bringing to bear upon the minds of the children. some counteracting influence, w r hich shall arouse in them a hatred of war and an enthusiasm for the principles of Peace.’’ The following recommendations were confirmed: (1) “That History books us<sl in the schools be subject, as may be necessary, to periodical revision, that reference to wars and battles, and military achievements generally may jnore and more be eliminated in favour of the triumphs of Peace and the gradual building up of civilisation

among all nations along peaceful lines." <2) “That standard works on the rise of the I*eace Movement in general, and in particular on the League of Nations, be included in Libraries for Teachers.” (3> “That lectures on the Peace Movement, and especially on the League of Nations may be given at intervals in the schools by members of the staff, or by specially appointed lecturers.” (4> “That steps may be taken, by Conference or other means, to ensure closer co-operation between teachers and the members of. and sympathisers with, the League of Nations Union.” The following resolutions concerning local work were confirmed:— (1 > “That Unions be strongly n*commended to endeavour to hold Home meetings throughout the years intervening between the polls, and. further, to make every effort to secure the attendance at the meetings of women who are not members of the Union.” <2> “Recognising that there is urgent need for systematic, scientific, and medical temperance instruction in the Unions, it is advised that at least once a quarter, a short address, or reading on this subject be given in the Unioni.” (31 “That it be suggested that after devotions, a minute or two be spent in giving members one little tact or piece of instruction on such matters as the action of alcohol on the heart, or on the warmth of the body, etc.” (4 > “That a recommendation be made to the Superintendents of Departments working among the young, to urge that all taking part in this work inculcate into the minds of the children a knowledge of. and hatred against the evils and the practice of gambling.” (5) “That it be a suggestion to Unions that immediately after the opening devotions, members should stand and solemnly repeat the pledge of membership.” The election of Officers resulted as follows:—President, Mir H ; ett (Dunedin); Secretary, Miss . T . C. Smvth < Oamaru) , ' surer. Mrs Macartney (Dunedin >. In response to a r quest from Roxburgh for speakers, Miss Powell, and Mrs Peart offered to go.

In the afternoon. Mrs Peart led the devotions. A recitation by Miss Smyth was much appreciated. After roll call, Mrs Hiett introduced to us a visitor from Peterhead (Scotland) Mi.*s Cheyne, who, in a happy little speech, congratulated the Convention on its business-like methods and on the work it was doing. Decided to send with Mias Cheyne, a greeting to her Union from the Otago Dist ict Convention. Mrs Hiett stressed the value of the White Ribbon, and urged all members and all Unions to make a special point of increasing its circulation. Several members spoke of the educative value of the paper. Mrs Hiett also stressed the importance of our always wearing and keeping to the front our little White How, which stands for Prohibition, Purity, and Peace. Mrs Gain read an excellent paper on Hand of Hope work, stating that, in our light against the drink evil one of our most vital weapons is the Hands of Hope, and it is a sign of progress that they are on the increase. Half-an-hour was s|x»nt on impromptu speeches on educational subjects. An invitation for Convention to meet next year at N.K. Valley was accepted. The following resolutions were carried: “That this Convention urges upon the Government the necessity of amending exisiting legislation so as to provide for (a) the employment of women police; (b) the inclusion of women upon juries.” “This Convention respectfully urges upon Parliament Amendments of the Destitute Persons’ Act in the direction of (a) placing the onus of proving inability to pay upon the defendant; (b) making provision w'herebv men committed to gaol for non-compliance with maintenance orders shall be employed upon remunerative w jrk. and their earnings applied immediately to the maintenance of their dependents.” “That this Convention urges the Prime Minister to give Parliament an opportunity to expipss an opinion upon the proposal that a woman of Brithh birth shall be. if she chooser, allowed to retain her nationality on marriage with an alien.” “That a letter be sent to the Hon. F. J. Rolleston (Minister of Justice)