MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11556, 18 April 1898, Page 6

MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

The first, of the winter series of Band of Hope entertainments in connection with St-Paid's Sunday School, Eichmond, was held in'the Eichmond Public School on Friday' evening, when there was a good attendance of members and friends. A programme consisting of vocal instrumental solos, duets and recitations was gone' through. Musical items were contributed by Misses J. Barbour and M. ■ Strange ; piano solos and a piano duet by the Misses Miles; ' songs by Miss Weeks and Messrs W. Strange and Burgess; and recitations by Miss J. Barbonr. Other i items-were-given by the children. Mr W Gavin occupied the chair, ' The fortnightly meeting of the Canterbury- Women’s' Institute was : held on Friday evening in Hobbs’ Buildings. Miss ; Hookham occupied the chair. A report was 'presented from Mrs Williams with regard to the' complaint of the Christchurch married men working on the Midland Eailway line at the West Coast end,'that being at such a distance from their families they could do little for them, and, owing to the great expense, could not get to them even when sickness and death occurred. A letter on the sub-ject-was read, pointing out the fact that when men registered their names as applicants for work at the Labour Bureau it was on the understanding that they were prepared to accept work in any part of the colony, and. that there was an opportunity to'wjth, draw when included in any party sent away. The institute was also advised that the Wellington authorities were not at fill likely to' comply with the request of the men to be removed to the Springfield end of the line, especially as many of the Christchurch -;, unemployed were already wai^ng.anxiously for work at Springfield. Several members spoke on the question, and the ..feeling was very generally expressed . that in allotting work for the unemployed some attention should he paid to individual needs, and "that whenever possible the men; should- be located as near their families as possible. It was suggested that frame-houses such as those used in the United States Should be set up at the different centres of employment, and that free passes, or at least a' reduction in fares, should be made to enable the men to visit -their homes as often as possible. The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Seddon and to place before him the views of the Institute on the matter. _ The delegate, to the meetings of the National Council was.’reqnested to bring before the notice of the Council the Summary on Education passed at a recent meeting of the Institute, and to add to it the following resolution: “ That free Kindergartens should be established by the State for children under the school age.” The resolutions to be brought forward at the meetings,'of the National Council were .then discussed.' Three new members were Elected. The usual meeting of the Christchurch Prohibition League was held in the Manchester Street schoolroom on Friday evening,: The Eey F. W. Isitt presided. It was decided that the'congratulatory social to the Eev C. Porter,,which had been,unavoidably postponed, should be held next Friday, and that a welcome should be tendered to other, ministers who have lately come to Christchurch. 'All necessary arrangements were made in connection with Mr John Vale’s campaign, beginning on April 24, and a number of members volunteered to distribute handbills. Nominations were received for seven members of the Canterbury Committee, and the election was fixed for April 29. The conveners of all divisional committees were directed to report at the next ordinary meeting of the League. The usual meeting of the Socialist Church was held at the rooms. Cathedral Chambers, on Thursday evening. The business of the evening was the consideraof a paper on “ Social Health.” This was followed by a short discussion on the question of small allotments for working men, and an opinion was expressed in favour of State industrial settlements. A comrade from Dunedin gave ; sonm account of the paove'wOTt in that city- J ■ , '■ ~ TV-Loyal Siatwr Pearce . Lodge. , held its

usual meeting at the Temperance Hall, Gloucester Street, on Thursday. There was a fair attendance, Sister Maude Myers presiding. Sick pay was passed for two members. One new member was initiated into the Order and one proposed for membership. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Bros W. Johnston, Guntrip and Fraser for their assistance at the.- anniversary social.