A MEMORABLE CONVENTION

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 3, 1 April 1946, Page 2

A MEMORABLE CONVENTION

Just one hundred members of Convention were on the roll by the third day. Some were not able to be there for the opening days. Some who were there from the beginning wore a somewhat chastened expression following on a night’s unrest between the islands, but this soon gave place to the purposeful look which marks the good, conscientious delegate. Cold, even wintry temperatures prevailed for the first week, though bright sunshine and blue skies kept the atmosphere cheerful. Hot, summer weather came for the second week. First Impressions

Some thirty odd delegates were there in that capacity for the first time. The large hall, scene of many an historic gathering during past years, was ready with its long tables at right angles to the plathym, and the delegates, taking their scats with due regard to the various matters of light, hearing and company, chattered happily together. It was not long before even the newest member of Convention felt herself at home among friends. Among the well-known personalities, they soon found themselves on familiar* ground; and a certain thrill in seeing in the flesh some who have only been names to them heretofore gave pleasure to many.

On the Platform The sight of some on the platfotm Whose hair has grown white in the work of our organisation but whose vigour of mind and personality remains strong and unimpaired, some to whom so very much is owed, brought a sense of deep gratitude and of veneration for those whose service has been so notable during the years. Mrs. Hiett, Mrs. Kasper, Miss Kirk, and Miss LovellSmith. with Mrs. Mitchell. Mrs. Christian, and Mrs Grit?t. occupied platform seats as the dominion officers; and were a kind of united encyclopedia of information. Was anything in question, or was further information required. some one or other of them was usually appealed to, or was ready on her feet with what was wanted. Flowers added to the pleasant feeling of being “at home,” but very businesslike tables of papers showed that important work had been prepared for.

Devotions The morning devotional period always included a short, helpful address, those of the afternoon being shorter, with a P*ible reading and brief prayer session. Hut how they helped. The note of hopefulness and courage was often struck. Memories were stirred by references to some who had passed on during the year, and there was a “Longing for vanished smiles and voices gone,’ during these quiet m rromentv

“Group*!” \ great innovation, completely justified by its results, was introduced by

Miss Kirk, recording secretary, in the separating up of all the delegates into groups, each with a departmental superintendent as leader, for the consideration of reports as contained in the report book, w'ith instructions to report findings in open Convention when called upon. A most interesting period of about an hour and a half was thus spent. An onlooker would have been vastly entertained by what he saw. Kagcr questioners, ready suggesters. and constitutional arguers, all had their places in these groups. The largest was the “Legal and Parliamentary” group, led by our inimitable superintendent, Miss Henderson. No doubt existed as to the interest of this group in the subjects discussed. That it was the largest group was merely the fortune of w'ar, which was very good fortune for those who composed it.

The Findings

At intervals, group leaders were called upon, .and very profitable indeed were the conversations which followed upon their rresentations of “findings.” Many points were elucidated which have been, for some, hazy. Concrete suggestions for future planning were received generously. New ideas were not wanting. Delegates will report to union; about these.

Talks

These were not so numerous as on some occasions, and w’ere strictly rationed as to time. This was all to the good. More ground was covered by this method. Miss Edmed’s contribution. read by Mrs. Grigg, had its own characteristic quality, and being thoroughly well prepared, was much appreciated. Mrs. Kasper, on her own subject of “Methods,” was a mine of information, her suggestions having the value of long experience with a sincerity of desire for the best development of each union along the lines of well conducted meetings and businesslike dealings with our particular work. “Trust Control,” on which the Rev. W. H. Cireenslade spoke, had a very special significance for us, being the result of a close observation of the position at Invercargill. This was in the nature of special information for our own requirements. Mrs. Grigg, who, with her intrepid initiative, had gone to the highest authority for her material, presented a statement upon the extremely apt subject of the “Dry States in the U.5.A.,” which was excellent, coming directly from the scene of action.

Remit* and Resolutions

Most of the remits sent in were carried, some few being withdrawn and one or two being lost. Animated discussions arose from the consideration of some which were presented in a modified form after the resolutions committee had gone into them. The minutes are to be available in the

hand-book as usual, and all details will be giv en The “Plans” Committee Miss Andrews, Mesdames Toomcr and Lewis w'ere constituted a special “Plans of Work” committee, findings to be submitted in open Convention. This was one of the most outstanding pieces of work done, and is felt to be almost epoch-making. Miss Andrews’ excellent report on the outlines of findings was a model document. Each point was amplified by one of the three ladies. The truly constructive suggestions were exciting indeed and captured the imagination of Convention. Discussion showed that more than imagination had been stirred to life, and the resolutions emanating from the report were brought into the realm of practical politics after certain aspects had been well considered. Certain of the remits had covered the same ground, and the hearty agreement with the main ideas was good to note. “That for this year a full-time publicity agent be appointed (1) to explore the possibilities of propaganda through radio programmes and Press; (2) to receive cuttings, etc., to be distributed to unions immediately (payment to be made when possible); and (3) to draft replies to lying propaganda.” Such was the first resolution. It will not soon be forgotten that it was in full faith that God Himself would see this thing through that the Convention passed it. it w'ill be good new r s that immediately after the session a very substantial contribution to this proposed venture w?s promised. God honours the faith that will dare for His cause.

The duties of superintendents was another ’natter arising from the report. After some tJk about this, it was decided to call the attention of all departmental superintendents to the section in our constitution dealing with their duties, and to remind them that working expenses are recoverable from the Dominion treasurer. The importance of contacting unions at the beginning of the year and making suggestions as to the work of her department was emphasised as part of each superintendent’s work. “We want a little mothering,” was the plea of Mrs. Toomer, to whose lot this part of the report fell.

Much suggested in regard to the educational side. One would enlarge on this very happily if it were possible. It must be realised that this constructive, positive approach to our year’s work has opened up a great field fo* every union. If it is carried out results must follow'.

A Caravan

Such an idea! A caravan, W.C.T.U.owned, by means of which our literature may become available in out-of-the-way places. The suggestion seemed

to drop from the blue. It sounded purely Utopian at first; but when Miss Gordon, of Christchurch Union, actually a foundation member, made the offer to be responsible for collecting funds for this purpose, and the offer wa> accepted by Convention, members heyan to feel that this was no usual Convention. Things were happening. It is not possible to tell all here. The Handbook, which all arc urged to purchase for their officers and for themselves. cost'' 1/3, and is to he had from headquarters when it is ready.

Dominion Officers The election of officers, excellently conducted by Mrs. Long, resulted as follows: — Dominion president, Miss Kirk; Dominion vice-president, Mrs. Hiett; Dominion corresponding secretary, Mrs. Toomer; Dominion recording secretary, Mrs. Underhill; Dominion treasurer, Miss M. Lo\ell-Smith ; Dominion assistant treasurer, Miss J. Anderson; editor “White Ribbon," Mrs. Christian; business manager, Mrs. Grigg. Much is left untold. You will hear

more anon. The Chair It was something of a blow to the Convention when Mrs. Hiett, our beloved president during the last eleven years, was suddenly called home to Dunedin to the bedside of her brother, who has been in failing health for som* time. Deep sympathy was felt and expressed with her and Miss McKenzie, lier lister, in this sudden trial. Messages were received from Mrs. Hiett later, in one of which she grieved that her farewell as president had to he made to her sisters in the work “on paper.” Our prayers and thoughts were often with her.

Mrs. Kasper stepped into the breach, unable to make any preparation, and took up the duty of carrying on in place of Mrs. Hiett. To her we owe our sincere gratitude, for the task was not easy. The lovely flowers presented to her were a small token of the sympathetic attitude of the Convention. Her gesture in having them sent to Mrs. Rirrett, who had contracted a severe cold in journeying, and was forbidden by the doctor to attend Convention, was felt to he characteristically kind and thoughtful.

Retiring Corresponding Secretary Mthough we had been warned, it was with very real regret that we parted with Mrs. Mitchell as our corresponding secretary. Her bright personality and thoroughly capable handling of our work have endeared her to us through the ten years completed at this Convention. The presentation of a beautiful rose bowl from Convention members was felt to be a fitting gesture. “Till We Meet Again” I lie old Closing Service of Convention seemed to have a peculiar significance this time. God grant that our flans and work may come to full fruition.