MORE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 1, 1 February 1947, Page 5

MORE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

WANGANUI Wanganui District Convention was held in Ingestre Street Baptist Schoolroom, on October 15th, 1946 "Suggestions are being made for the betterment of the Liquor Trade in the Dominion. W'e are concerned about the thing itself,” said the Rev. T. A. Speer, of Fordell, speaker at the afternoon session. He urged members to fight for prohibition. Cornering human lives with a convoy of ships, each dependent ior safety on the co-operation of otiici s. Mr. Speer said that it was necessary to bring back into ordinary life a true •.ense of values. “If Christian people made up their minds that we could have prohibition, we would get it,” he concluded.

Following the noontide devotions, a Service of Memories was conducted by Mrs. Clancey, when the undermentioned, who had gone to their rest, were remembered: —Mrs. Loundv, Mrs. Hallatn, also her husband and son, Mrs. Grinstead, Mrs. Collier, Mrs. Griggs, Mrs. Horsley’s son, Mrs. Britton’s husband, Mrs. Ashmore’s husband, and Miss Mary lories, who was a lifelong member The afternoon session was opened by the Rev. A. O. Jones taking the Devotional service. During the morning, the Rev. N. R. Wood led the Devotions. The Salvation Army in Invercargill was commended for its stand in not accepting a donation offered by the Licensing Trust. Mention was also made of Princes Te Puea’s action in standing out against liquor being introduced into the King Country. Miss Christie, District Treasurer, read the financial statement, which showed a favourable j>osition. Retorts of Union" were read by the delegates from Wanganui Central, Wanganui Hast, Aramoho, Gonville and Raetihi.

Mrs. E. T. Cheswass presided. The election of officers resulted as follows: — President, Mrs. Cheswass; Secretary. Mrs. Ogg; Treasurer, Miss Christie; Superintendents * were appointed as under:—L.T.L., Mrs. Ogier; C.R., Mrs. Ogier; Bible in Schools, Mrs. R. Wilson; Maori, Mrs. Angus Wright; Hospitals, Mrs. Duxfield.

SOUTH AUCKLAND 'South Auckland District held their Convention this year at Te Awamutu, on September 10th, in the Presbyterian Hall. The Unions represented were Hamilton, Cambridge, Fencourt, Tauranga. and Te Awamutu. Mrs. Christian, District Acting-President, presided, and Miss Kirk, Dominion President, conducted the opening Devotions.

All stood in remembrance of Mrs. Martin, for many years President of the Cambridge Union and a most faithful Temperance worker throughout a long life, who had passed away during the year at the age of eighty-two. Greetings were sent to Mrs. Peryman and Mrs. Weston, President. w r ho had

left the District since her ap(x>mtmcnt a> President at the last Convention. Mrs. Lewis, District Secretary, read tlu district rejiort, and a condensed report from Union re|*orts sent in. In moving the adoption of this, the President spoke of “What membership in the W.C.T.U. means to us," emphasising the advantages and privileges which are enjoyed by those who take membership seriously and make the most of the <>p|K>rtunities it brings. A delightful luncheon was provided by the members of the hostess Union, who also provided morning and afternoon tea with lavish hospitality. In the afternoon Devotions were taken by Te Awamutu members. Mrs. Stephenson Craig, Vice-President, presided over the special period which was in the form of a public meeting and was addressed by Miss Kirk, Dominion President. It was emphasised that tin** was the first time that a Dominion President h?d attended the District Convention. Miss Kirk’s address was full ot infoimation and inspiration. The findings of the Royal Licensing Commission were criticised and after the address were the subject of special remits.

Beautiful solos and elocutionary items were contributed by Mesdames Wade and Hull. A re|>ort of the meetings of tlie N.C.W., Hamilton Branch, was given by the delegate, Mrs. Lewis. The financial rejKirt presented by Mrs. Clark showed a very satisfactory position. After a vote of thanks to all helpers, and especially tlie hostess Union for beautiful floral sprays, and most onerous preparation, the Convention was closed in the traditional manner.

Miss Kirk presided over the election of officers. Mrs. Christian was elected President; Mrs. Craig and Mrs. Gatman, Nice-Presidents; Mrs. Lewis. Secretary ; Mrs. Clark, Treasurer.

HAWKE’S BAY The Annual Convention of the Hawke’s Bay District was held at Waipawa on November 6t!i. Delegates attended from all branches of the Union and were welcomed by Mrs. Ford, President of the Waipawa Union. A short address was given by the Rev. Mr. Henderson.

A number of Remits to be forwarded to New Zealand Convention in 1947 included protests at the children attending picture programmes which are advertised as suitable only for adults; the sale of liquor to minors; the waste of food materials in the manufacture of intoxicating liquors during a world shortage of such materials; the curtailment of trains when special trains are used for race meetings; the increased gambling and sale of raffle tickets.

The election of officers for 1947 resulted:—President, Mrs. Lewis, Napier; Secretary, Miss C. L. Elinor, Napier; Treasurer, Mrs. A. M. Smith, Hastings.

Next year’s Convention arranged to he at Hastings.