Wellington Convention Reports.

White Ribbon, Volume 1, Issue 3, 1 September 1895, Page 2

Wellington Convention Reports.

NAPIER. At this the close of mother year of our Society, we have to report that twenty-six meetings have been held, with a very fair attendance. There! are thirty-eight members on the roll, including five honorary. The Western Spit has been visited by Mrs Morrison, and literature distributed ; and Onepoto Gully by Mrs Bischeno, and prayer meetings held. Mrs Begg continues to superintend the department of unfermented wine. Mission work has also been organised by Mrs Bischeno. Clippings from the daily papers have been regularly sent to the Prohibitionist by one of the members since August last. The Band of Hope was re-opened early in the year, under the superintendence of Mr Heron. Two lectures were delivered, under the auspices of the Union, by Miss Yates, on “Food Reform ” and “Progress of the English-speaking People.” At the request of the Prohibition League, the Union assisted in conducting the social and refreshment part of the conversazione. In addition to the Union Signal, the Medical Pioneer and Womans Signal have been subscribed to. September 19 being the anniversary of enfranchisement of the women of New Zealand, a public meeting was called, but, owing to the unfavourable weather, was poorly attended. At the beginning of the year meetings were held, in conjunction with the Good Templars, to take action on the Alcoholic Liquor Bill. Educational meetings have been held, and papers read and discussed, on the Living Wage, Gambling, &c. Twelve copies of the Rev Mr Wills’ book on “ The Church and the Liquor Traffic” have been taken by the members. In February of the year a branch of the W.C.T.U. was organised by Mrs Troy at Hastings, and correspondence with Gisborne entered upon, in hopes of forming a Union there. The latter place does not see the way clear at present. Napier Union was represented by Miss Harding at the New Zealand Alliance Convention held in Wellington. The desirableness of forming a Women’s League has been discussed, and hopes are entertained of doing so as soon as possible.

WELLINGTON. Notwithstanding the many drawbacks that have attended our efforts during the past year, we are pleased to report an increase of eleven in our membership, thus making a total of forty-nine on the roll, live of whom are honorary members. A number of pledges have been taken, but unfortunately no record of the number has been kept.

During the year, ten ordinary and six special meetings have been held. At the April meeting, two de legates were appointed to attend the Conference at Palmerston North. In accordance with the suggestion received from the Christchurch Union, a petition, praying that the age of consent be raised to eighteen, was signed by the officers of the Union, and, through Mr Barton, M.H.K., w’as presented to Parliament. In spite of our failure last year, we again took a booth at the Agricultural Show, and regret to say that by so doing w’e are once more involved in financial difficulties. M iss Wilkinson, superintendent of the Hospital Band, sends an encouraging report. The Band, comprising eighteen members, has paid monthly visits to the Hospital and Home for the Aged and Needy, the inmates of these institutions being cheered and comforted by the service of song. The Chinese Missionary work has been regularly and steadily carried on, under the superintendence of Miss Kirk, who reports that “ the hearts of the teachers have been cheered by the tokens of love and gratitude from these too often neglected Chinamen.” May God’s richest blessing rest on this and all branches of our work. “ Sunday Trading and Sabbath Observance,” “ Influencing the Press,” “ Evangelistic Work,” and “ Supplying Literature to Railway boxes,” are all branches of work carried on by our Union. Whilst thanking God for blessing received in the past, w ? e desire in the future to go forward in His strength, praying that He may guide us and make us willing to spend and be spent in His service.