Reports of Local Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 1, Issue 10, 1 April 1896, Page 10

Reports of Local Unions.

(Abridged from those presented to the Convention.) AUCKLAND. Tha past year has been quiet and uneventful. The membership roll shows 6G ordinary and four honorary members. The Uuion has been favoured with visits from Mn Courtenay Smith, President of the Sydney W.C.T.U.; Mr T. E. Taylor, of Christchurch, who gave us a rtirring ac count of the Temperance work in that city; and Mrs Ardell, Australian Superintendent of Legislation. Besides .addressing the Union, Mrs Ardell gave a most thr lling public address on the Rescue work carried on in Sydney. She also took an active part in forming a Rescue Society in Au kland. Ways and means are now discussed for establishing a home for the fallen and other social purity work. Under the guidance of our President, measures are being taken for dealing with the C. D. Acts. The circular from Mn Kirkland, N. Z. Evangelistic Superintendent, was reoeived and adopted, and copies lent to 40 ministers of

this city, many of whom preached sermons on the subject. Literature, consisting of leaflets and pamphlets bearing on Social Purity, Communion Wine, and other subjects, have been, circulated. “ The White Ribbon ” has been appreciated and wo cannot but rejoice that we have now* a paper of our own, and trust that it will prosper. NAPIER. We have 40 ordinary members and 8 honorary members on our roll. To increase the number of the latter we have reduc 'd the fee from 5s to 2s 6d. We have hel l 2G ordinary and one special meeting during the year. The latter took the form of a social to commemorate ths 10th anniversary ot the Union in Napier The Dean of Waiapu presided, and our own President gave a resume of the work accomplished since the inauguration of the Union in this town. We have obtained a number of subscribers to the White Ribbon, and the Union subscribes regularly to the Union Signal, Woman’s Signal, Prohibit umist, and the Medical Pioneer. The latter is sent to the local doctors in town. At {Mrs Kirkland’s suggestion we asked all ministers in the district to preach temperance sermons at stated times, and a number acceded to our request. The Superintendent of Mission work forwarded a quantity of clothing to the Zenana Mission. A petition from the Union to the Anglican Synod, asking that unfermented wine be med for Communion purposes, was presented by Canon Webb, and favourably received. It was also decided to send a petition against the C.D. Acts to the Mt-dical Congress. The Napier School Committee were communicated with on the subject of Temperance reading books. N.Z. Alliance leaflets have been distributed in railway trains and steamships. NEW PLYMOUTH. On the occasion of the visit of Mr Thos. E. Taylor of Christchurch, a women’s meeting was hold, and it was then decided to organize a branch of the W.C.T.U.; officers were elected and 17 members enrolled, which number has since increased to 50, with 8 honorary members. The Home Meetings department under Mrs Douglas has been very successful. Meetings have be* n held in different parts of the town, and have blessed and helped many. Literature.— This department is doing good work, over 1000 ’outlets and pamphlets are distributed every month in the town, and. tbo superintendent receives cheerful help from mar y members in this work. Visiting Absent Members.—Good service is done in this department, many members unable to attend meetings are kept in touch with the Union. Elect >ral Roll department.— Mrs Isaacs and a Committee of five members have added many names to the Roll. Mrs Collis has done good service as Organizing Secretary in the country districts, establishing branches and Somerset Unions. Her offices as Secretary and Treasurer, have been taken by Miss M. R. Ahier and Mrs Runciman respectively. We have had the pleasure of a visit from Miss Kirk, and at the time of writing Mrs Schnackenberg is with us, aud we have been greatly helped by these visits. MARTON. 1 h'B Union has n membership of 29 ordinary and six honorary members. Seven meetings have been held during the year, d’he mee* ings from various causes have not l>eeii well attended, but many of the members who have been unable to attend regularly aro still interested in the work of the Union. We continue to distribute the Prohibitionist and other temperance literature. FEILDING. No formal report is to hand from Feilding, and from a letter received from Mrs A. J. Thompson we gather that, owing to the removal of officers and other causes, the local

Union has almost ceased to exist. The members have, however, still retained their love for Tern iterance Work, for they i. ve a capital Hand of Hope, and distribute a hundred copies of the F’rohibitionist regularly. While Convention was in Session a telegram was received from Miß3 Powell, saying that the Feilding branch had been revived. LEVIN. During the earlier part of the year our members worked very hard in endeavouring to prevent a second hotel being established in this district. In concert with ether Temperance workers, Licensing and other meetings were attended, and several petitions prepared, the last of these being signed by 75 per cent, of the eett era. Despite our efforts, and in defiance of the wish of the great majority of the people, four Committeemen granted the removal of a license to l evin, close to the State farm. We have now two hotels, both of which are very harmful. In our great fight we had hearty help from other places. We have pleasure in acknowledging the ass.stance given by Miss Kirk and Mr A. W. Atkinson, of Wellington, Metre Grant and Stubbs, from Palmerston North, and the Messrs L. M. and F. W. Isitt and Mr Crabbe. These friends, by their public addressee and personal influence, caused a large growth of temperance sentiment We sent delegates to the Conventions held at Palmerston North and Wellington, and also to ther*ception given t; Mrs Sheppard on her return to New Zealand. HAWEBA. This branch was organised on January 13 1896, by Mrs Collis, of New Plymouth, a few days after a visit and address from Miss Kirk. The number of members on our roll is thirteen, and several others have l>een elected, hut have not yet signed the c nstitution. The departments arranged for art Literature, visiting absent Members, Heine Meetings, and Legislation. STRATFORD. This branch was organised on January 20, 1806. The number of members on the roll is twen 4 y-four. Superintendents have been appoint* d for Literature, FianeHse, Influencing the Press, and visiting absent Mmibere. WELLINGTON. The work of the Urion has gone on steadily during the year. The Annual Convention of the N.Z. W.C T.U. took place here duiing the year, the reception meeting being heta on March 18, at 3 p.ra,. The Union provided breakfast for the nieiting of the N.Z. Allianc*-, and also assisted in the arrangements for the farewell meeti:. ; to the Rev L. M. Isitt. 'I he department of Relief work under Mrs Corlett has done good work. Homes have been visited, clothing supplied, maternity t ags lent, and sewiug classes for little girls have been held during the winter. Hospital work has be* n superint* nded by Miss Wilkinson, visits being paid to tne Hospital and the Home for the aged and needy. The Committee greatly regrets that the Chinese work so ably conducted by Mbs L. M. Kirk had to be given up to avoid clashing with the work of the Chinese Missionary, w ho is supported by the C. E. Union. We have signifie 1 our intention to resume the woik if the C.E.U. abandons it. Miss Hall has been appointed to superintend the supply of reports to, and the obtaining of subscribers foi, the White Ribbon. Literature is r* gularly distributed at the railways. The Union sent a circular to the Medical Congress and the local medical m*n re the C.D. Acts, and also took action on Mrs Kirkland’s letter re temperance sermons. Our Union appointed three delegates to attend a conference ot workers called by the leaders of the Forward Movement to consider the unemployed difficulty. A report wis sent to the Minis-

ter of Labour, and a Standing Committee formed to watch events. We also joined in preparing a petition to the Governor for the removal of those members of the Licensing Committee who granted the removal of the lic*nse from Quay to Newton. Our membership roll contains the names of 55 ordinary and 8 honorary members. BLENHEIM. There has been no increase in the number rf members. Early in th<* year the Union purchased a piano, on which jC2O his l>een paid. This sum was raised hydonitions, collections, entertainments, Ac. The Union acknowledges its indebtedness to MrT L. Buick, M.H.R., and the ladies and genrlemen who assisted him for thcee lectures on ‘ National Mong,” which realist £2H 13s 6d. During the greater part of the year, Saturday Evening Socials were held at the rooms. The attend noe was good, and the appieciation hearty. A public meeting was called by the Union to discuss the New Licensing Bill. Vs an outcome, a large debating society was formed, and vigorously worked, resulting in a contribution of £1 13s 9d to our funds. Drawing-room meetings have l>een held by Mesdames Noseworthy, Litchfield, and Rose. A successful Temperance Picnic was held on March 10, in grounds lent by John Holmes, Esq., foliowod by a social in the rooms in the evening. Joint proceeds £8 2s 91. There has been no distribution of literature during the year, but some has now been pr cured, and will be distribute*!. The Union acknowledges its indebtedness to Mrs Pt-nnv for her economical and successful management of the Reading and Dining-rooms. These are new under the management of Mrs Whe-ler, who is devoted to the cause. HOKITIKA. The members on the roll number 20. Ten business meetings have been held, at which Temperance literature has been read, Evangelistic—Cottage m< etings have been held weekly throughout the year, save in the month of December, with encouiaging results. Missionary Work —A monthly mission iry prayer meeting has been held, at which gleanings from the Mission field have been read, aud contributions for the China Inland Mission received. Juvenile Work—During the winter a sewing class for girls under 15 was held, and was attended by 16 girls. Some of the articles made are to be presented to the Old M**n’s Home, and the proceeds of the sale of the remainder will be devoted to the same charitable object. Work Amongst the Maoris—The Pah at Arahura lias been visited, hymns sung, Scriptures read, prayer offered, and Maori tracts distributed. Unfcrmented Wine—Leaflets have been sent to ministers ind oJSce-bearere of the various congregations. Literature —The Woman’s Signal is taken by the Union, and individual members subscribe to the White Ribbon and Prohibitionist. Flower Mission—Bouquets, with texts attached, have been sent to the patients at the Hospital. BRUNNERTON. The membership is nine, being diminished by death <*nd removals. Eight meetings have been held. Ministers have been written to re Temperance sermons, and havefcompli*»d with our request. Signatures i.ive been obtained for the Moral Reform Union Manifestoes. A committee has done good work among the sick and needy, giving practical assistance where necessary. We have discussed several subjects, “ Alcohol as a Medicine” proving specially interesting and helpful.

GREYMOUTH. The Union has a membership of twenty-eight. Every Sunday morning each vessel in port receives a parcel of Gospel and Temperance literature. In this way over 200 vessels have been visited, and many of the sailors come to church at our invitation. On May 2, we entertained the crew of the Rnngitiki, and on Dec. 20 the crew of the Ganymede. The room was decorated, a bright programme gone through, and supper providod. We joined with the Good Templars in opposing a license to an hotel. In Rescue Work we havo reason to believe that we have done good in two cases. Hospital visitation is continued every fortr.ight by two of our members. Gospel and 'I emper&nce leaflets have been distributed every Sunday in the back streets. About 100 signatures were obtained to the Moral Hefoim petition. CHRISTCHURCH. We have Cl members on the rod. Social Purity—Active work has been continued in this department. The attention of the Insjectorof Police was called to the fact that the law affecting disorderly houses was disregarded. With the hope of arousing parents to a sense of their responsibility, a series of Mothers’ Meetings was arranged in different parts of the city and suburbs. In conjunction with the Canterbury Women’s Institute we forwarded a petition to Parliament dealing with the Repeal of the C.I). Acts, the Age of Consent, the Divorce Laws, and other matters, 'lhe Legislative Council having thrown out the Bill for Repeal of the C.D. Acts, a public indignation meeting was held to protest against such iniquitous action. Our local medical men were supplied with the pamphlets issued by the Wellington Union. Rescue Work—Several young girls have hten helped and looked after. Clothing and lodgings have been provided. Relief Woik —Assistance in cash an in other ways has been given. Temperance—Petitions have been sent to the Annual Assemblies, Synods, etc., of the various Churches. Arrangements haye been made for visiting certain districts for pledge-giving. In view of the election, some hundreds of names have been placed on the rolls. The kindly visit of Miss Kirk was greatly appreciated. Miss Kirk addressed a public meeting, a crowded drawing-room meeting, and addressed weeting.at Ashburton, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Timaru, and Lyttelton. Franchise —A large drawing-room meeting was held in the Art Gallery in September, to commerorate the enfranchise ment of woman. Afternoon tea was provided, and the rooti was tastefully furnished. Addresses were given by Mesdames Munnings, Venables, and New’ton, the Rev Munro and F. W. Isitt and T. E.Taylor. Sewing class for young Girls— This class is being successfully continued. Coffee Rooms —These rooms meet with public approval, and the balancesheet is satisfactory. Temperance Booth—The Booth at the A. and P. Society’s Snow' is as successful as ever. Literature The Union subscribes to the Union Signal, JVoman’s Signal, and Medical Pioneer, and pays for the page in the Prohibitionist. Leaflets have been distributed at Mothers'Meetings, and in other ways. A consignment of “ White Ribbon Hymols” has been received. Prison Gate Missoin —Mrs Venables has continued the Women’s portion of this mission. Sho reports several discouraging cases, and advocates longer periods of detention for habitual criminals KAIAPOI. We report 40 members, being an increase of six. Bibb meetings have been held on alternate Wednesdays, and have being useful in deepening our spiritual life. Sewing meetings were held, which resulted in a sale of work netting a sum eutticient to clear off the debt on our piauo ' Miss Firk paid us a pleasant visit in August and gave us an interesting and practical address. Two of

our members distribute Temj-orance leaflets, and leave them in the waiting-room at the Railway station. In preparation for the election we are now distributing the Alliance leaflets. We keep a lot of clothing for relief woik. The Refreshment Rooms, with the aid of concerts, lectures, etc., have ju*t paid th*dr way, and we have arranged with the Sons of Temperance, who now* own the building, to continue them. LYTTELTON. Our Union has 20 members. The first Tuesday of each month is devoted to Temperance work, and the remaining Tuesdays are in the charge of the Evangelistic Superintendent. Visits have been received from Mrs Munnings in connection with Social Purity, and from Miss Kirk. In connection with the visit of the latter most interesting afternoon and evening meetings were held. Thirty-three pledges (mostly Maori) have been obtained. Literature— Two pounds* worth of leaflets have been distributed in the town and at the Seamen’s Rest. Leaflets in Maori have also been distributed to Natives. The Irish Text-books have been circulated. We acted on Mrs Kirkland’s letter, and three of our ministers preached Temperance sermons. Seamen’s Rest Four of our members form a visiting committee. A piano has been bought and partly paid for. A pleasant hour is spent by some of our members in singing hymns to the seamen at the Rest after the evening service. RANGIORA. Our Union is still doing quiet work, and we have added eight new members. Several special meetings have been held. At one we had a most interesting address from Miss Kirk, who also addressed a large public meeting in the evening. At another, we had a most interesting address from Mrs Munnings on ihe necessity of mothers not only living puro lives themselves, but training their boys ard girls to do likewise. As the outcome of that meeting we have established a Mother’s meeting, and hope to do good work. ASHBURTON. We held 16 meetings—three were public ones. We have 12 members. Tracts have been distributed at the Railway Station, and Tomperance sermons wore preached by the various ministers. Besides the annual sermon, the Presbyteiian minister gives a Temperance address to the young monthly. During the winter Saturday evening open-air meetings were held, at which plodgts were signed and signatuies obtained for the Moral Reform League, London. Our number of workers are so few that we cannot undertake much work, but will try. though discouraged, to keep the Union tog* tb *r for at least a little longer. TIMARU. We havj forty-eight members on the roll. Ten ordinary meetings, sev ral special ones, and a monthly prayer meeting during the winter months, have been held. One public meeting was addressed by Miss Kirk. Lectures and addresses were given at throe others by the Revs F. W. Isitt, Gillies, W. Scorgie., and Mr Theo. Wake. One drawingroom meeting has been held, and we had a social arid coffoe supper for seamen. Our long-talked-of tSuilors’ Rooms are now an accomplished fact. The rooms are central and very convenient, and are useful for our own meetings, and for meetings of the League. I'he Dorcas work has b* en helpful and successful, and has been a spiritual as well os a temporal blessing to mother who seldom attend church. Literature—We have printed and distributed some thousauds of leaflets. Uniermerted wine and Temp* ranee sermons have been attended to as requested. During the year we have striven to make

our monthly meetings more attractive, and after the business is disposed of an essay by one of the members or an interesting article is r« ad. We find these of great advantage to members who do not take an active interest in the liiisiness part. DUNEDIN. The membership has increased during the year. Bible readings have l»een held in different houses with gr at success. Children’s Work—The Supei intended t has addressed several meetings, and has also provided shakers for a number of Bands of Hope an«l Chiistian Endeavour Societies. Leavitt House —A Christian band of workers aie continuing their good work at Leavitt House. Uuferraented Wine —The Superintendent reports many enquiries for pure grape juice for Communion purposes. M nv representativ* s of different churches have written to say that they are using the unfermen ed wine. Dunedin Sai.or’s Rest—The best is open daily (except Sunday) from early morn till late at night. Every vessel is hoarded and every tailor welcomed. Probably tens of thousand** visit our best during the yeir. Writing material is piovided fee. We have the local daily and Home illustrated papers and magazine and books. We freely distribute thousands of Gospel lv>>ks and Pacts, also Bibles and Testaments in vaiious lan.uages, during the year. Help is afforded as far as we aro able to destitute seamen. During the year we have had our Friday and Sunday Gospel meetings, and frequently social gatherings. It is no uncommon thing to see Britons, Am* ricans, Indians, Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Germans, French Italians, Russians, and men of other nations joining together in a hymn or listening to the Gospel of God’s grace —not unfrequently from the lips of one of their own number. We (workers at the Rest) wiite to our sailor friends, and receive during the year scores of letters from them from different parts of the world. We have given what time we could to the weary sick and dying during the year. Grateful thanks are expressed to a large number of kind friends who assisted in many ways and with many gifts. PORT CHALMERS. The work done by this Union has been of the usual kind, cottage meetings and woman’s tea meetings being the most pr. minent feature. Twelve business mettings and ten cottage meetings in different parts of the port have been held. A tea-meeting for women was held in June, which was addressed by Mesdames Dun and Kirkland; and one in . September, at which ad were given by Mrs Kirkland n'uJ Miss Scars. Literature leaflets and copies of the f ;zi*ibitionist have been distributed during the year. A resolution for the suppression of immorality was forwarded to the Premier. A request to Ministers to preach Temperance sermons was complied with. A meeting of women in the Sailors’ Rest was addre-sed by Miss Reynolds in the interests of the Y. W. C. A., and several present signified their willingness to join the Dunedin branch MOSGIEL. The work of the year has consiste 1 mainly of Temperance work and relief of the poor. A Mothers’ inciting has been held ev ry Saturday evening throughout the year. The Hand of Hope in connection with the Union is very flourishing, and affords good scope for our eneigies. WEST TAIERI. West Taieri presents no startling record for the year, but a healthy interest is maintaned in the Temperance movement. Our membership is twenty four. A Mothers’ Prayer Meeting is he’d in connection with our meeting.

Resolutions have l*een passed re the C. D. A ;ts and Reformatories. I iterature on the C. D. Acts has been distributed Cottage meetings have been hold, and the Sailors’ Rest has been assisted by gifts of various kinds. INVERCARGILL. This Union reports a membership of 71. A long paragraph of the report dwells on the importance of supporting the White Ribbon, ns being the official organ of the W.C.T.U., as affording a m»diuui for the discussion of subjects Ik l iring on the social, political, moral, and religious questions of the day, and as being essentially a Woman’s paper, that will deal with the many phases of tho “ Woman Question” in its legal and social aspect. It considers that the paper will not only help to bind the various branches of the W.C.T.U. together, but remind the White Ribbon woman that she belongs to a worldwide organisation of 800,000 women. Association in Aid of Friendless Girls—This Association has been of great assistance to several dangerously placed girls. A comfortable home, with active supervision, is provided for friendless young women until suitable situations can be found for them. Mss Reynolds, the Secretary of the World’s Y.W.C.A., gave an interesting and instructive address in the Dun street Church, and also to a Drawing-room meeting. Unfennented Wine—Much activity has been shown in this department, and a petition was presented to the minister and session of First Church on the subject.