W.C.T.U.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2736, 15 February 1910, Page 5

W.C.T.U.

ANNUAL CONVENTION. [Pep. Phess Association.] INVERCARGILL. Feb. 14. At tile Women’s Christian Temperance Union Convention, Mrs Hobbs, a White Ribboner from Victoria, was inticduced. She stated that the women of New Zealand had seriously retarded the attainment of the women’s franchise in Victoria on account of the way in which their votes had been cast against the liquor traffic. The report of the department of nonalcoholic medication showed that a number of unions liad disseminated information upon the subject. Attention was particularly called to the fact that a certain tonic wine was frequently used by temperance people. Tim opinion of a prominent medical practitioner was stated to the effect that it was just a light wine similar to claret with, a verv small quantity of drugs. The' report on “'Sabbath observance” expressed appreciation of the action taken by the Presbyterian Church in this connection. Satisfaction was expressed at the action of the Premier in prohibiting firing in military camps on a Sunday.

The Maori report- showed that, in addition to the membership already returned, a large number of men had signed the pledge and joined the union. The students at the Te Ran College, Gisborne, were all interested in temoeranee work and willing to help. Miss Hera Stirling was appointed as organiser, to act as far as consistent with her other duties. In the afternoon Miss Powell, who is retiring from the honorary office of secretary, which she has filled 1 for fifteen years', was presented by Mrs. Kirkland, on behalf of the unions throughout the Dominion, with a “peggy-bag” well lined with sovereigns. Resolutions wer© passed (a) expressing appreciation of the advanced and: hmuane methods employed by the Minister of Justice, especially as exemplified in the new reformatory prisons now in course of erection in Invercargill; (b) emphasising the necessity of a police matron being appointed to all lock-ups whore women prisoners are taken, such matrons to be available day and night-; (c) calling attention to the necessity for separate lavatory accommodation for women on the Main Trunk Railway; and (d) the better protection of passengers (upon all lines) from the annoyance caused, by drink and drunkenness.