W.C.T.U.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 55, 6 March 1914, Page 10

W.C.T.U.

WORK DURING THE YEAR. (BX TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) GISBORNE. sth March. At the W.C.T U. Congress the corresponding secretary presented a lengthy report reviewing the work of the union's during the year. Miss Henderson said one was alternately cheered and discouraged — cheered by the evidences that most of the unions were active in the promotion of the manciples of the great organisation, and discouraged because too many seemed to' lack the energy and enthusiasm necessary for the successful carrying out of their work, and were disposed to complain of the fewness of their numbers and their lack of opportunities. The prospects of the poll at the end of the present year might prove to have a regenerating and revivifying influence on the weaker unions. Therewere eighty-seven adult unions, four less than in 1912, though during the year six new unions had been organised and one old one reorganised. There were nine "V" unions in active work. Miss Woodhead, tlie Maori organiser, had been doing splendid work 'for the last few months, and there were now seventy-four Maori unions on the list, with a total membership of 800. The- weak link in the chain of ! the work was the "V" unions, and the most popular department was*>the cradle roll. A union which has succeeded in bringing a number of young mothers into touch with its work was doing a splendid service to the nation. This year they had hoped for great things, but they would need to put all their energy into fighting a reduction of the hapdicap that would make the carrying of national prohibition a possibility in 1914. " God has ordained that right shall triumph-, but He accomplishes His purpose through men and women. May it be given to us to carry the white ribbon banner in the triumphal procession of victory in the year 1914." Miss Henderson also stated that the membership was 2893. The treasurer's report showed a credit balance of £85 2s 2d. The Dominion organiser (Miss Powell) reported after the Nelson Convention that , she spent six months and a-half in organising for the Dominion W.C.T.U., during which time she travelled by steamer or on wheels about 3200 miles, cycled 150 miles,' wrote 161 letters. 52 letter-cards, and 1007 postcards. She slept in 46 different beds, and paid over 600 calls. She also visited 14 unions, organised seven new ones, and visited eight places with a view to organising, but failed to do so, giving 47 addresses and organising three Bands of Hope. She secured 131 new members and 98 ' White Ribbon subscribers. Miss Powell then' detailed her tour. All the reports were adopted.