WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15604, 6 November 1912, Page 3

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

ANNUAL MISKTING.

The twenty-sixth aniiiial meeting of tho local branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held at the \.\V.C.A. rooms yesterday afternoon. .Mrs Dick presided over au attendance of about 50 ladies amongst those present being Mrs T. h. Taylor, of Christchurcli. After devotional exercises, the annual report of the union was submitted by the acting secretary (Aliss L. Neil), who also submitted t lie press report, the corresponding secretary's report, and the reports of tlio North-Hast Valley, Houtli Dilliedili, I'ort Chalmers, and Alexandra branches. These reports were all adopted without discussion. The reports of the Evangelistic Committee (convener Mrs Ivirkland), Maori Work (Mrs Itomeril), Band of Hone (Mrs Gain), Unferinented Wine (Mrs Edmonds), Anti-gambling (Mrs Edmonds), Sailors' Rest (Mrs P«u\<or.), White Ribbon and Writing Pads (Mrs Anderson), Drawing Rooms (Mesdames Chisholnt and Stuidstruni), and Domestic Science (Mrs Driver) were taken as read, and adopted. The annual ri'iwrt of the union stated thai the outstanding event of the vcar was the dominion convention of the W.C.T.U., whicli wa-s held in Dunedin in March. It was a success in the point of numbers, interest, enthusiasm, and inspiration. The pleasing financial success was gicatlv due to the untiring energy and capable management of Mesdames llislop and Iloitley, and to a generous donation of £20. Within a fortnight after the convention all expenses were paid, leaving a credit balance of £1619s Id in ham). At the school cnnimitteo elections, six members of the W.C.T.U. were elected to positions on the local school committex In May a branch union was organised at Alexandra by Mrs Don. assisted by Miss' Powell. A most promising union was started with a membership of 20. In August a conference of representatives of the various women's organisations of the city was called for the purpose of considering a petition dealing with the domestic problem, drawn up under tho auspices of the New Zealand W.C.T.U. Mrs Driver, superintendent of domestic science, dealt with tho petition, which was favourably received by all present, signed, and forw.irded to Wellingtn. Resolutions were sent to I'arlinneut, protesting against

any increase in racing |ieniiits, and asking that the question of gambling lie submitted to a referendum. Tho union expressed its sympathy with Mr A. S. Malcolm's 55 per cent, majority Hill. During the year letters of sympathy have been font l)r Henry, Mrs Kdmomis, and Miss Niool. Owing to removal from Dunedin or pressure of church or home duties, there lnvo been four resignations from the executive—Mrs Ifeatley, Mrs Evans Mrs M'Laren, and Mrs I'orteous. Instead of the usual afternoon meetin the tiiont.li of May, tlio Dunedin union invited its auxiliaries and South Dunedin, l'orlh-Kart Valley, Port Chalmers, and other " Y " bninehrs to a social evening in the Y.W.C.A. rooms. An address was presented lo Mi's Heatley, late treasurer, who left, for the North Island. Several members testified to tho faithful and

fclf-sacrilieing services of Mis Ileatlcy in tin; cause of the While Ribbon. The "Y's" contributed the musical programme, and nn impromptu speech competition was a. great success. The Dunedin district convontion was held in I lunotiin on October 1, in I lie Ilnnover Street Baptist Church Ilall, Mrs I'. Dick presiding, Delegates were welcomed from Port Chalmers, South Dunedin, NorthEast. Valley, Alexandra, and the "Y" Branch. Mi.-s l'owcll, who is about to start organising work in the South Island, was heirtily welcomed. Reports were received froin all the auxiliary unions and local superintendents of departments, followed bv a short difcussion on " Organising" and "How to Help Our 'Y' Unions." In the afternoon Mrs Monson, of Port Chalmers, gave a niM*. interesting lalk on " The lieginning and firowth of Temperance Work in Port Chalmers. Mrs Don read a paper on "Tobacc," -mid a resolution was carried deploring the growth of the cigar-Ptl-i habit among youths, and voicing the union's desire to see the law making cigarette smoking under 16 years of ago punishable, mono strictly enforced. In the ovening four sliort inspiring addresses wero given 011 " Florence Nightingale," " Harriet Bcoelier Stowe," "Catherine Rooth," and " Unknown Heroines." The convention meetings were muoh enjoyed uy all who attended them.

Tho third annual report of Iho "Y" branch of the W.C.T.U. contained a detailed account of the year's activities. Tho number 011 the roll was 61, and only four new .members had been added during tho year.

The press report prepared by Mrs Don stated that all tho union's meetings had been regularly reported in tlio press, both papers kindly publishing all tho data sent to them. Hearty tluuks wero accorded tho press for kindness in so fully publishing re|Kirt<i, and for unfailing courtesy to this department, of tlio union's work. ■ 'Hie Corresponding Secretary (Miss 1.. Neil) ro|K>rted that altogether about 370 circulars, post-cards, and letters had been sent out, mainly in conniption with the convention. The balance sheet of the Dunedin Sailors' Hest showed that tho yoir had commenced with a credit balance of £49 lis sd, and ended with a credit of £35 Is lid. Donations amounting to £53 13s had been re. ceked. Tile balance sheet of the union showed that the year began with a credit lialance of £17 2s 6d ami ended with'£2l 17s lid in hand. Tho total receipts, including the balance, amounted to £117 15s Bd. The matter' of the renovation of the .Sailors' Rest was left iu the hands of a sub-committee to deal with. It was decided to send a letter of svmlvatlly to Mrs Cole, of Christehurch. the dominion president, who has been in poor health.

The following odiee-bcarers wero dti!\ elected President, Mrs P. Dick; secritarv, Miss 1,. Neil; corresi>oi:ding secretary, Miss 11. L. Xichol.

At tho conclusion of the business, afternoon tea and refreshments were handed round.