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WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

♦ The annual meeting of this Union was held in the Coffee-rooms, on Wednesday last. The President (Mrs Ballantyne) occupied the chair. The annual report was submitted, and dealt largely with the work done by the various sections of the Union during the past year. The following matters, among others, were referred to : — Social Purity — Early in the year methods for the furtherance of this cause were discussed, and the responsibility of women in this matter was pointed out. It was felt that mothers especially should be aroused to the need of guiding and controlling their children aright, and also of teaching them the laws of lif e> &c. To this end a series of mothers' meetings was arranged in different quarters of the city and suburbs. In conjunction with the Canterbury Women's Institute, the Union forwarded a petition to Parliament dealing with the repeal of the CD. Act, old-age pensions, inebriate homes, raising the age of consent, divorce laws, &c. The petition was set aside, however, by the Legislative Council, and a public indignation - meeting was held to protest against such action. In connection with mothers' meetings some difficulty has been felt in obtaining leaders, and it is suggested that some of our sisters who have leisure at their disposal might assist in this direction. Rescue Work. — Several young girls have been helped and looked after, and clothing and lodging have been provided jbut the great difficulty is to obtain permanent situations for them. Clothing has also been provided for several poor women. It iB urged that a home for unfortunate women is sadly needed. Relief. —Assistance has been rendered in .several cases of distress. Temperance. — The Union 1 'has. ■ arranged take up certain districijß . for . visiting^ . pledge-taking, .;• and ; fo ; r "placing - riianies '7'on "..tfie electoral -j :v6p^,\ &c; •< ; .-, In October were ! sent to the various synods, conferences and other annual assemblies of the churches of New Zealand, requesting them to discountenance drinking and gambling, and to avoid electing to office those promoting, these evils. Miss L. R. Kirk. — This lady visited Christchurch in. September last, as well as Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Ashburton, Timaru and Lyttelton, holding meetings at each place. The various Unions have expressed much pleasure at her visit and appreciation of her work. A large drawingroom meeting was held in the Art Gallery in September to celebrate the anniversary of the enfranchisement of women. Nearly 200 guests attended. Addresses were delivered by the Rev P. R. Monro and Mr T. E. Taylor on the Prohibition movement. Sewing Class. — Miss Hewson'a sewing class for girls has a steadily increasing attendance. The class has been visited by Miss Kirk and other friends, who expressed themselves highly pleased with this branch of our work. Coffee Rooms. — The balance--1 sheet of the coffee rooms is highly satisfactory, showing .a marked increase in receipts. Temperance Booth.— The efforts of the Union at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's annual show in November were very successful, even more so than in previous years, and experience shows that a larger tent or permanent building is greatly needed. Literature. — The progress in this department has been very satisfactory. Good use has been made of the Women's Page in the Prohibitionist and of the White Ribbon. Advantage has also been taken of the opportunity afforded by the daily newspapers to place before the public the reforms advocated by the Union. Prison Gate Mission. — Work in connection with this department has been continued during the year, arid many ex-prisoners have been helped." •' ' After the adoption of the report the following resolution was unanimously carried : — "That while the Women's Christian Temperance Union takes no action in party politics, it exists for the securing of social and moral reforms, and recognising Mr T. E. Taylor's work in the past in that direction, and his able advocacy of the same, both by voice and pen, pledges itself to do all in its power to secure his return as member for Christchurch." It was also decided that Mr Taylor should be asked to address a meeting of women, prior to the election, under the auspices of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. The election of officers and Executive Committee was then proceeded with. Mrs Ballantyne was elected president; MrsW. S. Smibh treasurer, and Mesdames Owen and Widdowson secretaries. It was arranged that no meeting should be held next Wednesday.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS18960211.2.62

Bibliographic details

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5486, 11 February 1896, Page 4

Word Count
729

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. Star (Christchurch), Issue 5486, 11 February 1896, Page 4

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. Star (Christchurch), Issue 5486, 11 February 1896, Page 4