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White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 11, 1 December 1947, Page 5

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NORTH AND SOUTH CANTERBURY AT TEMUKA September 9th to 11th, 1947 Mrs. Densem, South Canterbury District President, opened the joint Convention of North and South Canterbury at Temuka, on September 9th, and led the opening Devotions, speaking on the importance of right thinking and its power in bringing the “Peace of God” into our hearts.

Motions of sympathy were passed, and letters were to be sent to bereaved members. Greetings fro;.* distant friends were received. Reporters and eLtter-writers were appointed. The reports of both districts as read by the secretaries showed fine work being done among the unions.

Mrs. Dellow, of Timaru, read a paper on “How We Can Help the Younger Generation,” and a discussion arose therefrom on the drinking scenes shown in many films. Afternoon tea was supplied by the Methodist Ladies’ G"dd. Branch reports brought the uuc-noon session to a close.

On Tuesday evening, a very enjoyable "Welcome” social was given by the hostess Union, Mrs. Densem presiding. A good musical programme was much enjoyed. The Mayor of Temuka addressed the gathering and inspired us wdth the interest he is taking in our work, and the Rev. Mr. Wool ford welcomed the convention on behalf of the Ministers’ Association.

On Wednesday morning the Convention Communion Service, conducted by Captain Taylor, and the Revs. Nichol, Woolford, and Duncamb of the Timaru Baptist Church; Mr. Duncainb giving an appropriate address. The Methodist Women’s Auxiliary served morning tea. A paper written by Mrs. Duckett, President of Waimate Union, was read by Mrs. Stark. This dcalt # with different aspects of our work and led to a discussion on gambling and raffles. Officers were elected as follows: All returned again with the addition of Mrs. Griffiths as Vice-President for North Canterbury, and Mesdames Hewson and Millar for South Canterbury. Mrs. Clark, North Canterbury President led Devotions for the afternoon opening, speaking on the need for Faith. Miss Henderson’s paper on “State Control” was read and it was decided to make a leaflet therefrom. Three “Long-Service” Badges were presented by the first President of the Temuka Union, Mrs. Aiken, to Mesdames Allenbv, Smart and Buck. Bouquets were presented to the last-n?.med lady, and to Mrs. Hewson, present President and a foundation member. Afternoon tea was served by the P.W.M.U. An instructive address \va* given by the Rev. Mr. Johnstone of Geraldine. Thursday morning Devotions were led by Mrs. Markham. Letters of cheer

ami sympathy to various friends were authorised. The B.W.M.U. served morning tea. A paper written by Mrs. Pirrett on Anti-Gambling was read and discussed. A special letter of appreciation was to be sent to Miss C. M. McLay for her work among the Maori people. Votes of thanks to all helpers in a very succesful Convention were passed, and Convention closed in the usual way, Mrs. Densem conducting.

HAWKE’S BAY AT HASTINGS September 24th, 1947 A pleasant day made for the happiness of those who asembled for the Hawke's Bay District Convention at Hastings on September 24th, in the Campbell Room of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Lewis, District President, was in the Chair, with Miss Ensor, District Secretary, at her side. The opening Devotions were led by the Rev. G. R. Harris, of Hastings, who brought a timely and fitting message from the lif** of Nehemiah. Mr. Harris emphasised the need for constant and continued effort, as a new generation is always arriving, and the task is always to continue the building up in each succeeding generation. A welcome to delegates was extended by Mrs. M. Smith, President of Hastings Union. After the routine business, a pleasant interlude was provided by the presentation of a gift to Mrs. Smales, on her resignation from the position of District Treasurer, which she acceptably held for a number of years. Greetings were received from Miss C. McLay. Union reports were presented by the various delegates, and various remits brought by them w’ere adopted for sending on to Dominion Executive. Gisborne and Napier presented papers on subjects to be discussed, the former being “Is Temperance a Dead Issue?” and the latter, “What Are the Weaknesses of Trust Control?” Mrs. H. E. Grainger capably dealt with this. Noontide Devotions were led by Mrs. Mclntyre of Wairoa. The afternoon Devotions w’ere led by Miss Bibby. The “highlight” of the Convention w’as the address given by Mrs. H. Paterson, of Eastbourne, which was most charmingly and ably delivered. (See “Highlights.”) A hearty vote of thanks from the very large audience who had assembled to hear Mrs. Paterson was accorded the speaker The remaining sessions were occupied with various reports, and plans of work. The officers were re-elected with the addition of Mrs. Ryan, of Napier, as Vice-President. The invitation for next year came from VVairoa Union, which next year celebrates its 21st anniversary. This received with acclamation. Votes of thanks with special reference to the hostesses were passed to all helpers in a succesful and enjoyable Convention.