OTAGO DISTRICT

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 11, 1 December 1947, Page 6

OTAGO DISTRICT

At the Annual Convention of the Otago District, held in Hanover Street Baptist Hall, Dunedin, the highlights of the gathering were the addresses given by Miss C. M. McLay and the Rev. A. H. Ivory. At the morning session, Miss McLay stated that alcohol has been found to be a racial poison, which is ruining the race before it is born, and destroying the minds and brains of men. She referred to the work being done for mental defectives in Scotland, of which she could speak with first-hand knowledge, and said that in nearly every case there was a history of drunkenness in the family. In working to promote temperance, we are reducing the number of defective children. At the afternoon session, the Rev. A. H. Ivory said that the passing of resolutions was not sufficient to combat the Drink Trade, but the most powerful weapon was well-informed and well-directed public opinion. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mrs. V. M. Hazlewood; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. J. Hiett and Mrs. V. Dickinson; Secretary, Mrs. M. Rippin; Treasurer, Mrs. F. Graham; Cradle Roll Superintendent, Mrs. P. M. Dow; “W.R” Superintendent, Miss M. Ford; District Superintendent, Y.P.C.T.U., Mrs. Dickinson.

SOUTHLAND 7th November, 1947

The Southland District held its Convention on Friday, 7th November, the meetings being held in the Y.M.C.A. Mrs. T. A. Thomson conducted the morning Devotions, and acted as Secretary for the day’s meetings. The Preamble was read and the Pledge repeated.

Only seven Unions w r ere represented by delegates, but the meetings were interesting and heartened members who were becoming discouraged. Owing to the number of deaths exceeding the number of new' members the total membership has dropped a little. Gore Union won the tablecloth for greatest increase, and Invercargill Central had the largest Cradle Roll.

A letter was read from Mr. Geo. Dash, of Waimate, announcing his proposed visit to Invercargill, and a small committee was appointed to arrange meetings lor him with groups of young people.

At the afternoon session. Devotions were led by the President, vocal duets were rendered by Mesdames Bell and Pope, and afternoon tea was enjoyed. The highlight of the Convention was the address delivered by Mr. M. Leadbeater, Rector of the Southland Boys’ High School. His talk, on the subject of Social Responsibilities, was both informative and encouraging, and helped to renew in White Ribboners confidence in the worthwhileness of their cause.

A vote of thanks to the speaker, proposed by Mrs. E. Holmes, was carried by acclamation.