DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 10, 1 November 1948, Page 5

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

AUCKLAND TI STRICT TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION

Church Parade The 25th Annual District Convention of the Auckland District began with the Annual Church Parade, which was held in the Church of Christ, West Street, the service being conducted by Pastor W. Campbell, whose subject was, “Why 1 refuse Strong Drink.” A great tribute was paid to the W.C.T.U. Between -40 and 50 delegates attended. Reception to Delegates The annual jrccepPon to delegates was held in the Presbyterian Hall, Edinburgh Street, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The District President, Mrs. F. W. Mountjoy, presided over a representative gathering of well over- a hundred. Several apologies for absence were received, included among these being those of the Mayoress, Mrs. J. A. C. Allum, the Rev. J. D. Smith, and Major Rogers. Mrs. Mount joy welcomed the delegates and visitors and representatives of other organisations who had brought greetings. An excellent programme was provided, the artists being Dr. Mavis Mortimer, Mrs. H. Kersey, Mrs. W. T. Cullen, and the accompanist was Miss N. North. The guest-speaker was Dr. Kingsley Mortimer, recently returned from Rhodesia. After thanking the officers for asking him to be the speaker, which he considered was an honour, he said he considered that being a Christian today was by far the most important thing in life. He then spoke of life as he found it in Rhodesia. During the afternoon Mrs. H. Kasper presented the Silver Vase to the Wellsfdrd Union for the best work done in the “Five-fold Flan, and the Bronze Vase went to the Onehunga Union which had really tied with Wellsford. Onehunga was again the winner of the Cradle Roll Banner for the best record of work done in the department. The Brass Vase was won by Birkenhead Union and the Kurahuna Maori Girls’ School won tin banner for the best work done in the L.T.L, The Silver Vase for the best “Y” work went to "Rangimarie" Maori Branch. Communion Service The Annual Communion Service was held in the Eeresford Street Congregational Church on Tuesday morning and was well attended. A beautiful, imi ressive service was conducted by the Rev. R. L. Chaliss and provided a merst suitable opening for Convention. Tuesday Morning Session Convention opened in the Edinburgh Street Hall with the singing of a sacred solo by Mrs. S. Carter. Mrs. Mount joy, District President, welcomed the delegates and visitors. Fifty-four delegates were present. Various Convention Committees having been appointed, reports from the Recording Secretary on the work of the Executive, and the Corresponding Secretary on the work of the Unions, were received. Mrs. J. A. R. Prussing presented the Treasurer’s statement and balance sheet.

The Cradle Roll report, given by Mrs. J. Williams, showed the district Roll number to be 1,673. Grey Lynn still has the largest Roll (4-40), Taka puna culling second with 196. XooiH dc Devotions were taken by Mrs. Cullen, her theme being “Shining for Jesus ’ Mrs. J. W. Long gave a marvellous report on "lie work of the Maori Girls’ Hostel, te.ling of all the wonderful things which had happened during the year. Tuesday Afternoon Session Business w.ts preceded by the giving of an address by the Rev. Roland Hart of the Valley Road Baptist Church. He divided his talk into two parts: (1) The devotional life if W.C.T.U. members, and (2) the withdrawal of the movement from the Real church. The Service ot Memories followed, conducted by the President, for the sisters of the \ariois L’nions who had passed to Higher Service during the year. The service closed with the singing of a sacred solo ty Mrs. Anstice. .The Presidential adlress was then given by Mrs. Mount joy, and was a most outstanding and comprehensive survey of present-day conditions in this and other lands. Several resolutions brought forward by the Resolutions Committee were dealt with. The Session closed with the Benediction. *> Wednesday Morning Session Miss Gfigg led the opening Devotions, her theme being “The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come.’ ” A number of greetings were sent to friends both near and far. Departmental reports received were: Press, Flower and Philanthropic, Mrs. Joiner; Bible in Schools and Sabbath Observance, Mrs. Cook; L.T.L., Mrs. Knauf. Noontide Devotions were led by Mrs. Kasper, who spoke on “Wines of the Bible.” Several more resolutions were dealt with, the session closing with the Benediction. Wednesday Afternoon Session Mrs. Mount joy again presided. Mrs. y W. Long leading Devotions, her subject being “Jesus understands.” A sacred solo was beautifully sung by Mrs. Jamieson. Election of Officers The following were elected as officers for the ensuing year: President, Mrs. F. \V. Mountjoy; Vice-President, Mrs. J. V\ Long; Correspond’ng Secretary, Mrs. W. T. Cullen; Recording Secretary, Mrs. R A. Joiner; Treasurer. Mrs. J. A. R. Prussing. Further resolutions were dealt with, and Depa*\mer tal Reports received were: Anti-Ombling, Mrs. Ecersall; Methods, Mrs. H. Kasper; Peace and Arbitration. Mrs. Mears; Evangelistic, Miss* Grigg; Noti.Sle Days, Mrs. Woods; Good Citizens).ip, Mrs. Cook; New Members, Mrs. Day; Maori Work. Mrs. Long; and “White Ribbon,” Mrs. Joiner. Seventeen Departmental Superintendents were appointed. After the usual otes of thank.: were passed the Closing Service found i»* the Hymnal fittingly ended another Convention.