§ 152. Payments to the New York public welfare association; attendance at conventions of public welfare officials. The legislative body of a county or city is hereby authorized to include annually in the appropriation made for public assistance and care and to raise by taxation the sum necessary to meet the actual and necessary expenses of maintaining and continuing the New York public welfare association for the purpose of devising practical ways and means for obtaining greater economy and efficiency in the administration of public assistance and care, and for the expenses incurred by public welfare officials and employees in attending meetings of public welfare officials. Superintendents and matrons of public homes, county and city public welfare officials and deputies and agents designated by the public welfare officials are authorized to attend the midwinter and annual conventions of public welfare officials. The necessary expenses in connection with such attendance shall be paid from public welfare funds.