W.C.T.U.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21531, 19 December 1939, Page 5

W.C.T.U.

Golden Jubilee Of Timaru Branch Progress Through The Years In May. 1889, a branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was formed in Timaru. The meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms and many of the pioneer residents of the town were present. Miss Mary McLean. M.A., was the first president elected and held office for several years. She was followed in succession by Mrs W. Gillies, Mrs F. Smith, Mrs Bardsley, Mrs Rule, Mrs Brown and Mrs Norrie. The number of members on the roll in the first year was about 20. To-day the membership is more than 180. The motto of the world’s W.C.T.U. "For God. for Home, for Humanity” was adopted, and has been earnestly upheld. The world's W.C.T.U. constitution was adopted, the main clauses, to which the members pledged themselves, being comprehensive—embracing many activities: (1) Total abstinence. <2) Welfare of women and children. (3) The enfranchisement of the women of the world. (4) The establishment of courts

of national and international arbitra- i tion which shall banish war from the I world. Most of the reforms and social educa- I tive work done in New Zealand have j been originated by the W.C.T.U. and 1 the Timaru branch has taken its share in working for these reforms. The act for the enfranchisement of women was passed and signed by Lord Glasgow in 1893. The pen with which it was signed is now in the possession of the W.C.T.U. Headquarters. Wellington. Early in the history of the Timaru branch the need for educational work among young people was recognised. Classes in technical education were undertaken. Classes for girls were formed in cooking and sewing. In 1890 a night school for boys was opened. During the years of 1889-1890 members took a practical interest in the "Barracks.” The first Old People’s Home (the Barracks had previously been the home for immigrants until a home of their own was found). About this time a humorous episode arose, a deputation waiting upon the Borough Council to ask that the horse drinking troughs be removed from the hotel doors! Through depression and war years the Union has done valuable work. Clothing has been distributed to many families, and during the depression period, a maternity bag was equipped. This contained an outfit of all necessary articles and in addition the baby was in many cases given its first outfit of clothing. During the Boer War "sewing bees ” were busy and many garments were made and distributed. In the years of the Great War, members nobly did their share. Hundreds of garments were made; hundreds of socks, scarves and comfort bags knitted. During the presidency of Mrs W. Gillies the Union decided to engage in work for the welfare of the seamen j visiting the port. The Rev. W. Gillies 1 and Mr Moss Jonas (Mayor), approached the Harbour Board and secured the old offices to be used as a Sailors’ Rest. To furnish and equip this Rest small committees were set up to collect funds. A sewing guild was form- , ed. which took orders for plain sewing. Many of the "early days” trousseaux were designed and made by the guild. This Rest was a home of cheer and comfort to hundreds of seamen until 1924. In March. 1923 a public meeting Was held in Wesley Hall to consider the question of raising funds for a new building. A committee was selected consisting of Mesdames Norrie. Minifie (secretary), and Black, Misses Pearson and Fyfe, Messrs A. Wilson (chairman), Rolleston. Tripp. Craigie, McKeown. Little, Brown and Bruce. It was decided to make an appeal to the public to raise £3.000 for a new building. The fund was opened in July, 1923, and the new Sailors’ Rest was officially opened by Viscount Jellicoe. Governor-General, in October. 1924 The Rest was opened free of debt. The Rest has proved a haven of rest to thousands of seamen and at present it is also at the service of the men from the military camps.