W.C.T.U.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2734, 12 February 1910, Page 3

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONVENTION

[Pur Press Association. 1 INVERCARGILL, Feb. 11

The delegates to the twenty-fifth annual convention of the. W.O.T.TJ. started business yesterday, .under tins presidency of Mrs. Cole, of Christchurch. Among the numerous greetings received was one trnm the Countess of Carlisle (the world’s President). Correspondence was read from the Foreign Office, London, and Mr. It. S. Meiklejohn, secretary to the King. Mrs. Cole, New Zealand President read a comorehensive address, notin or a number of interesting happenings which, have taken place in different parts of tile world since the last convention. The corresponding secretary's report showed the adult * membership in the Dominion to he. 2552 women, 251 of these being Maoris. There were 43S on the cradle roll, and 432 children enrolled in l bands .of hope. The Hamilton branch hires a room which is lent to voung men for use at their athletic club meetings. Nsraire sends literature to bush camps. Three unions own and support sailors’ rests, and a fourth

is in progress, while a number of country unions make comfort banrs for .sailors. Wellington lias a girls’ institute and Invercargill carries on a home for friendless girls, to which has been added a maternity ward. Invercargill also presented a seat to the town. Other unions ca-iTy on tents at the local A. and P. shows, maintain rest rooms for women, have secured temneranee teaching in schools, and have carried out a number of plans for tho benefit of humanity. Letters of greetings were directed to be sent to the White- Ribboners. Resolutions wore passed expressing; appreciation of the work of tho Karitane Home, and of the action of the Otago University in founding a. chair of domestic science. Several departmental reports were read, and Mns. Paoakura took her seat, representing the nativebranch at Colac Bay.