DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 376, 18 October 1926, Page 4

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS.

NELSON. The Nelson District Union held its Annual Convention this year on September Bth, at the Anglican Sunday School, Richmond. Great regret was expressed that Mrs T E. Taylor, owing to illness, coe ~ not be present as expected. The Richmond Union who did all possible to make the Convention a success, gave the visitors a warm welcome. The Convention Officers and Delegates numbered 17. In the afternoon quite a number of visitors also wen 1 present. Five out of six branches w r ere represented, Nelson, Richmond, Wakefield, Wakapuka, Motueka. The chair was occupied by the District President, Mrs Field, who led the opening devotions, and afterwards addressed the members. The pledge was repeated by all members, and a Temperance fact given by Mrs Telenius, of Wakefield. Reports w r ere received from the Secretary, Treasurer, each of the five branch Unions and from the Library Superintendent. Six resolutions passed at Dominion Convention were confirmed. Several other matters were discussed and resolutions passed. The Election of Officers resulted in the same officers being returned. President, Mrs Field; Vice-President, Miss Tarrant; Secretary, Miss Cresswell; Treasurer, Miss Cooke. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. On Tuesday evening, September 15th, a civic reception was given the delegates in Knox Church. Welcome speeches were given by the Mayor of the town, the Alliance, Ministers’ Association, and the Salvation Array. Mrs Evans and Miss Kirk thanked the speakers on behalf of the delegates for their warm welcome. On Wednesday morning, Convention opened with devotions led by Mrs Evans, District President. The Crusade Psalm was repeated, after which Mrs Evans spoke on the i>ower of right thinking. The roll was then called, when sixteen delegates representing twelve Societies answ r ered. We were very pleased to have with us Mrs Perynian, representing the White Ribbon, also Miss Bradshaw, our Dominion Organiser. Mrs Evans then spoke on “The Family allowances Bill,” that had just passed the

House, providing a small weekly amount to be paid direct to the mother, and used by her for the benefit of the children. Reports were then read from the various Unions represented, and showed that good work had been going on in ail departments during the year, that at most meetings the pledge had been repeated, and a fact given re the danger of alcohol. The noontide hour of prayer was then observed, after which a discussion on District work ensued. The afternoon session opened by devotions led by Mrs Perynian, who read the 91st Psalm, and then spoke on, “Faith and Prayer.” Dwell in the secret place of the Most High with God and let Him use you, it is where we get our power, let us resolve this year that we will do this. Miss Kirk then spoke on the benefits that would arise from a domestic court; as things are now, they are not at all satisfactory; she cited cases coming under her own personal knowledge. Some of the cases were very sad anti pathetic, and made us realize that there was still need of us as Unions, rousing ourselves on behalf of our unfortunate sisters, and helping our country to give them better facalities when they are brought before the court, and their cases are being tried. Resolutions w'ere then passed: First, re Total Disarmament as the only sure road to Peacp. (2) That as the Navy league haa access to the School, counteracting influence should also be allowed, that the children should be taught the horrors of war and the principles of Peace. (3) That history books in the Schools be subject to periodical revision. (4) That standard works be included on Peace movements, etc., in Libraries for Teachers. (5) That Lectures on Peace be given at intervals. (6) That closer co-operation be ensured between Teachers and Members of League of Nations. Greetings were then read from Carterton and from Canterbury Conventions, who were also holding their Annual District Convention. Let us not be w r eary in w'ell-doing, for we shall surely reap if we faint not. Letters of sympathy to be sent to Mesdames Sutherland and Burton.

Decided to put on record an appreciation of the work done by Delate Mrs Johnson Wright, of her untiring self-sacrifice for the good of others; we all realize the loss our Union has sustained, may her life b»an incentive to us that are left to go forward and fill the gap she has left. Resolution of thanks passed to Miss Avison for her work as District Secretary, and our sorrow' at losing' her. Thursday morning Devotions led by Mrs Keene, Nehemlah Ist Chapt r. The power of prayer; it was through prayer Nehemiah had been aide .‘ i build again the walls of Jert’Vv. •'•u. After a hymn and prayer, discussion ensued re holding periodically District Executive meeting- in various districts, if possible, in those places that need stimulating. ~V resolution was passed affirming this. Carterton then invited for the first meeting, which w'ill be held in November; they have a membership of over a hundred. but find it hard work getting leaders to Keep the work going. W<hope and pray that the Executive will stimulate and encourage them. Resolution of thanks w T as passed to the Hon. Bollard for curtailing of Art Unions, Postages, etc. A letter of thanks to the Hon. Rolleston, re the Guardianship of Children. Resolved that we protest strongly against the extension of time in the Poll, also in favour of a Two-issue Paper. We were pleased to note we have the driest Parliament also the power to appoint Justices of the IVace. Mrs Perynian then spoke on the White Ribbon, urging us all to help circulate it more, and help her to keep it up to the high steward it holds; to send good reports of w'ork done, etc. A vote of t.ianks was passed to Mrs Peryman for her selfsacrificing w'ork in connection with the paper, and we assure her that.W'< greatly appreciate it. The following w T ere elected officers for the ensuing year:—Miss Oates, of Grey town, President, Mrs Evans, M.A., Vice-President; Miss Kirk, Secretary, and Mrs Anderson, Treasurer. Votes of thanks were then passed to the Local Unions for the royal w r ay they had entertained us, to Knox Church, and to our Hostesses.

Morning and afternoon tea was provided by Hie Local Union, and was much appreciated. The session closed by responsive reading of psalm and the Doxology. In the afternoon, we were to have been taken to the Whatman Home and the Solway College, but a snowstorm coming on, it had to be abandoned. A party of us went to Mrs Smith's, the Local Secretary’s house, and were entertained with songs, recitations, and afternoon tea; we that were privileged to be there had a right royal time, and we heartily thank Mrs Smith for her kindness. On account of the storm, our social at night had to be put off. and we were all glad to get back to our hostesses to a good fire, etc., as it was bitterly cold. We thank our hostesses, one and all, for their great kindness to us. WAIKATO DISTRICT. The South Auckland (Waikato) District Union Annual Convention, was held at Morrinsville. on Tuesday, October sth. Mrs J. M. Jones, of Hamilton, the President in the chair, Mrs T. E. Taylor, of Christchurch, the Dominion President, was present. The morning session, preceded by an Executive meeting, was held in the Methodist Church, the afternoon in the Parish Hall. Convention was called to order at 9.30, and after the opening exercises, Mrs Jones read from Luke 1, and then very lucidly stressed the fact that total Abstinence from strong drink was a condition on which John the Baptist was set apart for the special work of being a Herald of the Christ’s Coming. Samson, too. raised up for the purpose of routing the Philistines was an abstainer, and Daniel, and his three compatriots refused the rich foods and wines of the King’s table, and grew in both strength and wisdom. The roll call w r as responded to by delegates from Morrinsville, Te Kuiti. Xgaruawahia, Fencourt, Frankton, Hamilton East. Cambridge, and Hamilton, the last three sending delegates from the Young People’s Unions also. A party of Walhi members was also present, having motored through. The Rev. Sage, of Morrinsville, gave a very cordial welcome to the delegates, and a letter of welcome from Rev. W. J. Elliot, of Cambridge,

on behalf of the Methodist Church of the South Auckland District, was received. The President then gave a very line address. She emphasised the fact that we must begin with the education of the young, working from the Cradle Roll upwards to the Young People's Unions. Scientific Temperance instruction w’as provided for in the State Schools’ curriculum, and in 'order to ensure that that teaching is actually given, women should be returned on School Committees. The speaker referred to the Licensing Bill recently before Parliament, and rejoiced that both it and the Gaming Bill had been dropped. New Zealand need have no fear of poverty if drinking and gambling were abolished. A touching appeal to the Government from the Maori Chiefs of the King Country, imploring that the pact made regarding the introduction of licenses in the King Country be not broken, was quoted. The speaker concluded with an appeal for prayer, which would remove the mountains of sin and wrong. “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

Reports from the several Unions represented w r ere then read. Mrs Baillie, Hamilton. moved their adoption. Mrs Beer. Cambridge, seconded. Carried.

A circular letter from the Editress of the Official Organ, the White Ribbon was read, urging the possibilities of the paper in counteracting much of the evil influence surrounding the young women of the present generation, and telling them of wdiat earnest-minded and thoughtful women are doing in the w’orld today. Moreover, it is the only actual woman’s paper published in New Zealand. Mrs Taylor was of opinion that no officer of any Union could do her work effectively, unless she subscribed to the White Ribbon, and made herself conversant with its information.

The morning session w’as brought to a close by devotions, led by Miss McLay, the Organiser. The afternoon session w r as opened in the Pa ’sb Hall at 2 p.m., by the President of the Local Union. Mrs Starnes, who read a portion from the Sermon on the Mount, following with a short, but telling address. The speaker showed that Christ, in this

sermon, used twro common articles — salt and light—to symbolise Christian workers. “Ye are the Light,” “Ye are the Salt.” These are Christ’s own w’ords, and Christian workers should see to it that they fulfil these w'ords in their own lives, “lest the salt lose its savour and be cast out to be trodden under foot of men."

A. vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mrs Edgar, President of the Te Kuiti Union, was passed, all present standing in silence.

After the minutes of the morning session had been read, the Mayoress. Mrs Howie, in a happy little speech, welcomed Mrs Taylor and the delegates, and expressed the hope that the Conference would be productive of good. At this stage, the resolutions forwarded by Mrs Judson, of the Peace and Aribtration Department, were read and confirmed. Recommendations regarding the teaching of History, tlie triumphs of Peace over those of war. and securing co-opera-tion w’ith Teachers and sympathisers of the Peace Movement and League of Nations, w’ere approved.

The Minister of Justice, Mr F. J. Rolleston, w*as thanked for certain amendments in the law r s relating to Guardianship of Children, to the Justices of the Peace Act, and to the Destitute Persons’ Act.

The outstanding feature of the afternoon session was tne address by Mrs T. E. Taylor, of Christchurch, whose late husband was tne w'ellknown VI.P. for Christchurch North. Mrs Taylor based her address on the Scripture account of the Raising of Lazarus, and the Two Commands — “Take ye aw’ay the stone," and, — “Loose him and let him go." She proceeded to show' that the w’ork of the W.C.T.U. is educative. There was a mistaken idea abroad, that its work was the securing of votes at the Poll. This latter was a test of the work done, but the work itself was the education of women and young people in purity of living, in child-welfare, in the evil effect of alcohol on the human body, and on tin* moral and economic life of the people, and its menace to the sanctity of home. It might be argued that these matters w r ere taught in the churches, but it w r as in the W.C.T.U. they w'ere taught intensively. If

young people were effectively educated in the evil of the alcohol liabit, and its danger to both the physical and spiritual life, we would be a very long way towards gaining our objective—their lapses were often due to ignorance. Therefore, it behoved women and mothers to work —not to sit still and wait—but to obey the commands, —“Take ye away the stone,” —“the stone of ignorance and selfishness.” and “Loose him and let him go.” free from the deathproducing shackles of sin and intemperance, and rejoicing in the glorious freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.

Mrs Taylor closed her address by urging greater co-operation between Executive Officers of Unions in the district, so that helpful ideas and plans of work night he discussed anti exchanged; to that end an Executive meeting was arranged to be held at Hamilton on November 12th. The Treasurer reported a credit balance of £3 17s. 3d.

An elocutionary item by Mrs Wills, and a sons very sweetly sung were much enjoyed, and then the Initiatory Service was held, four ladles joining, the badge of membership—the White Bow —being fastened on by Mrs Taylor.

The election of Officers (by ballot) resulted in Mrs Jones, of Hamilton, being re-elected President; Mrs Starnes, of Morrinsville, Vice-Presi-dent; Mrs Stephenson Craig, Secretly; and Mrs E. J. Davey, Treasurer. The delegates and visitors, who numbered fifty, were the guests of the MorrinsN iilc Union, and were entertained in right royal fashion. Morning and afternoon tea was provided, and a sumptuous luncheon, of the nature of a banquet, was laid in the Vestry of the Methodist Church. This Union was accorded a hearty and well-deserved vote of thanks for their hospitality, as was Mrs Taylor for her presence and her address. An invitation from Hamilton for the 1927 Convention was accepted, and a memorable Convention concluded at 5.30 p.m., with the singing of “Cod be with you till we meet again,” and the Benediction pronounced by the President.