The White Ribbon. "For God, and Home, and Humanity" WELLINGTON, SEPTEMBER 1, 1948. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE August 4 and 5, Taranaki Street Methodist Church, Wellington

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 8, 1 September 1948, Page 4

The White Ribbon. "For God, and Home, and Humanity" WELLINGTON, SEPTEMBER 1, 1948. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE August 4 and 5, Taranaki Street Methodist Church, Wellington

vice as Deputy-Chairman and in presenting a report from a special subcommittee. In addition to the annual report the General Secretary presented a number of special reports on such matters as organisation and “The Vanguard.” The annual report gave useful information concerning the increase in acreage for the growing of grapes tor wiae and barley tor beer—all this being done in our country when so many in the world are crying for food. To absorb the extra wane production the Department of Agriculture iiad suggested the sale of wine in restaurants and the sale, by the bottle, by grocers. May God preserve us from the “Grocers’ Licence,” which the late Dr. F. B Meyer declared to be one of the worst causes of drinking among women. We are asked to eat less meat, less butter, less bread, but the Go\ernment is afraid to <i»V the people to drtnk less beer. The annual report gave an interesting summary of Licensing Legislation since 1866, with particular reference to the period from 1922 to the present day. This is well w-orth study by Unions. It also made mention of recent newspaper reports concerning the supplying of liquor to members of the Police Force, and strewed the need for thorough investigation of this matter. It has been suggested that the name “New Zealand Alliance” be changed to “N.Z. Temperance Alliance.” Personally 1 think the change would be a good one as I have found that so many people these days do not know what the words “N.Z. Alliance” stand for. The full title does explain its meaning, but that is too long for everyday use. While it would take up too much space to give in full the findings of the Conference on Policy, Organisation and Finance, a brief account of some of these might be helpful to those Unions which have not access to the Minutes. Policy. 1. The Alliance considers it most important that in the event of any redistribution of licensee, electors should determine by referendum whether they desire a license in their particular locality.

For many year* it has seemed to me that the YV.C.T.U. plays more or less a lone hand for the Temperance Cause. It was therefore a real pleasure to be able to attend tor the tirst time the annual meeting of the New Zealand Alliance and to realise that there are many good and sincere men, ministers and laymen, who are also working well for the cause which we hold dear. In the absence of the President, Rev. YY. A. Burley, through indisposition, the Rev. Dr. Merrington presided and commenced the nueting on a high note with Devotions, which included a message concerning Paul’s ad\ice to the Ephesians to “put on the whole armour of God,” in order to withstand the wiles of the Devil. Dr. Merrington made special mention of the big issues confronting us and the danger of legislation increasing the facilities for drinking. The Rev. S. W. Webber and the Rev. G. R. Harris gave efficient service as Minute Secretaries, and the Rev. G. H. Goodman gave a valuable ser-*

2. If Corporate Control is to be submitted to the electors as a National Referendum, that “Corporate Control'' should include the whole trade, and not merely the retail trade. 3. The Alliance cannot support am Trust Control system yet inaugurated in New Zealand, and reaffirms its conviction that the total abolition of the liquor trade is the only final solution of the problems and abuses associated with the continuance of the liquor trade. 4. The powers of Licensing Committees should be strengthened and there should be stouter enforcement of Licensing Laws. 5. The Alliance will strenuously oppose the sale of and supply of liquor in restaurants and tea rooms. 6. Local Option should be introduced, including the areas at present under Trust Control. The Alliance is opposed to any extension of tinperiods between polls on the National Issue. Urg«M>« a tion 1. Areas are urged to do their utmost to secure persons as full or part-time Area or Financial Organisers, and nominate them to the Dominion Executive for appointment. 2. Urgent appeals should be made t<> Churches to release suitable Minister.--for brief periods to assist in organisa tion. 3. All Area and Electorate Committees are urged to inaugurate imnu diately preparations for the forthcoming poll. 4. Each Area is urged to api>oint a Political Action Committee to keep in touch with the Dominion Executive concerning legislation. 5. A representative from each Area should attend special meetings of the Dominion Executise for the purpose of deciding matters of vital ini|H>rtanee Finance The following budget was accepted for the 1948 financial year. 1. Headquarters expenses £2,100 Area Organisers .... 1.400 Provision for possible referendums on redistribution of licenses, hours of sale, etc 1,500 Royal Commission .... 1.000 £6,000

2. All Churclies arc asked to appeal for financial support of the N.Z. Alliance, Temperance Sunday being suggested as a suitable time. 3. All Churches are asked to observe as far as jxjssible the third Sunday in September as Temperance Sunday. Among* other matters it was urged that in view of the great success of the Canberra Hotel in Brisbane some move should be made to open similar hotels in New Zealand. The Rev. M. A. McDowell and Mr. F. de la Mare pressed for a strong educational policy, and a motion to this effect was carried. In addition to a large number of Vice-Presidents, many of whom have rendered great service in the past, the following Executive was elected: President, Rev. W. S. Burley; Deputy President, Rev. Dr. Merrington; Treasurer, Mr. A. Gerrie. Other Executive members are: The Revs. E. N. Goring, G. H. Goodman, F. W. Winton, Brigadier Win. Smith,

Lt.-Col. Gray, Messrs. C. R. Edmond, H. H. Stockbridge, E. C. Spratt, Miss Kirk, Mesdames L. M. Brewer, F. I. T. Grigg, L. Johnson, F. L. Sired, A. Thompson, M. J. Williamson. Associate Executive members are: Rev. A. H. Ivory, Messrs. F. C. Brash, H. E. Combs, E. H. Hay. H. W. Kersley, B. H. Wood. Mrs. H. W\ Hiett, and Presidents of Area Councils. Special mention was made of the work of Messrs. F. A. Feist and Louis Falkner, who had passed to higher service during the year. Members of the conference appreciated the welcome morning and afternoon teas served by two young ladies. It was real joy to see a number of W.C.T.U. friends at the conference, including some from other towns. We know that our cause is that of our Master, and that is a claim that the licensed victuallers cannot claim. VICTORIA GRIGG.