NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 2, Issue 20, 1 February 1897, Page 3

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

We rely on our local Unions to send us netrs for this column. We cannot evolve it out of our inner consciousness, j

HaweraSince the election our meetings are in danger of getting fiat, so we have decided to hold a social shortly, thinking it would bring the members more together, and perhaps interest some who have held aloof from us, and at the same time celebrate our anniversary. At our meeting yesterday, bal-ance-sheet and Secretary’s report were read, and the old officeis re-elected. It was thought advisable not to change, as all were so new to the work.

Hitherto we have given our attention wholly to Temperance work, but I do hope we shall now’ take up some other branches of work.

Wellington. The annual meeting was held on Feb. 4. Ibe year s report was read and approved, the personnel of the Executive remaining almost as last year, the only changes being Mrs Hoby, Treasurer (vice Mrs Gibson, retired), Miss C. E. Kirk, Secretary (vice Mrs Hoby, retired), Miss Firth, W f HiTK Ribbon Correspondent and agent. It w’as unanimously resolved to obtain leaflets and other literature bearing on temperance for distribution at Mothers’ meetings, Hands of Hope, &c., so that at the next election the painfui ignorance in respect to the evils of drink in evidence in December last, may be largely overcome by education and moral suasion. It w’asalso decided to ask our delegate to Convention to get all information re coffee-rooms and other work carried on by Christchurch and kindred Unions. It is hoped we may he able to extend our work and influence during the present year. It was also decided to alter the date of annual meeting, the present date being found to press too closely on Convention. The first Thursday in December will in future be the date.

KaiapciOur annual meeting w r as held on January 27, w’hen w r e had a very good attendance of members and friends from Rangiora and \\ oodend. 1 he report for the year showed an increase of members, our numbers being 48. We have lost 3 during the year, who have removed to the North Island, amongst whom we are sorry to count Mrs Smalley, her place not being easily filled. It all members had paid their fees we should count more than 60. The President spoke a few words of cheer and encouragement, asking us to take for our motto for this year, “Go forward.” We had not done perhaps as much as we ought to have done in the past, but still to take courage and go forward determined to conquer in the name of the Lord of Hosts. Rev W. P. Fairclough then gave us good stirring words of advice, not to be cast down because of past failures, but to go forward quietly and earnestly in our work, and we shall succeed. A social was then held and a very pleasant time was passed. Two new members were enrolled. Palmerston North. The Legal and Parliamentary Department reports as follow : The

Union displayed a fair amount of activity in connection with the recent election. A public meeting for women only was held and—in connection with the Prohibition League—another for both sexes, with a view toinfiuencing the voting. For several weeks our members were busy enrolling the women, while on election day many of them were in attendance at the polling-booths. We also sent a letter to Mr Pirani, M.H.R., requesting an answer to certain questions. Amber ley, The Christmas holidays have somewhat interfered with our usual meetings. We resumed work again on January 6th, with a fair attendance. Readings were given from the Union Signal, and it was decided that members should contribute papers, one at each meeting, on subjects p Gaining to the l niou or on other topics of general interest. Also, resolved that for the future our meetings be held monthly, on the first Wednesday in each month. Our next meeting was held on February 3rd. Little business was done. A paper was read by the Secretary entitled “Our Pledge,” after which our Treasurer read an article bearing on woman’s position in the political w’orld. West Taieri. The annual meeting of the West Taieri W.C.T.U. was held on Jan. 28th. The appointments were as follows: President, Mrs Kirkland ; Secretary, Mrs Welch ; Treasurer, Mrs Neill. There was a good attendance of members. The annual report and balance, sheet were read and adopted. Two new members were enrolled. Port Chalmers. The annual meeting was held on Jan 14, Mrs Porteous presiding, it was proposed to hold a cottage-meeting 111 the house of Mrs Gibb, Carey’s Pay, to be conducted by Mrs A. 1 homson. The election of officers for the ensuing year was held, and resulted as follows: President, Mrs Poiteus; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames Monson, and Johnstone ; secretary, Mrs Hodge; treasurer, Mrs Bauchop. The secretary’s report was adopted, also the treasurer’s, the latter showing a credit balance of 2S id A vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs Sutcliffe on the loss of her mother a few days betore. Lyttelton.

The annual meeting was held, and officers elected as follows: Mrs Whitley, president; Mrs Clark, treasurer; Miss E. Kenner, secretary Our members go to the Seamen s Rest

on Sunday evenings, and sing Sankey’s hymns. The sailors seem to appreciate it, as they attend in large numbers, and join heartily in the singing. Our Evangelistic meetings are in charge of Mrs Hutchnell, who d serves our thanks for the trouble sh»* takes for her two meetings a month Mrs W ebb is still our superiniendent of Maori work We have reason to believe that the work done is acceptable to the Maories, as they are continually asking when we are going to hold the next meeting. Mrs Bell, our literature superintendent, does her work regularly and well.

Napier. The annual meeting was held on Jannuary 21st, when the election of officers took place. The result was as follows: —President, Mrs H. W. J. Miller, Bower.street ; Treasurer, Mrs Kirk, Marine Parade; Secretary, Mrs Roscoe. Christchurch. The Union gave an 44 At Home" at the new Coffee rooms, Gloucester, street, on Feb. 3rd, by invitation of Mrs Ballantyne. A large number of friends and well-wishers responded to the invitation, and expressed their pleasure at the spacious and comfortable appearance of the rooms It was explained to the visitors that the Union had been so much encouraged by the great success attending the Manchester-street coffee-rooms, both financially and otherwise, that the members decided to venture on this new suite of rooms at the other end of the town.

A general meeting of the Union was held on Feb. 10, the President in the chair. Arrangements for the coming Convention were discussed, and it was decided to hold a social for the reception of delegates and friends on the afternoon of Thursday, the 25th inst., in the Art Gallery, if the room could be obtained, a public meeting to take place in the evening in the same building. It was thought probable that a meeting of the N.Z. Executive would be held on the afternoon of Feb. 24th, if that time would suit the convenience of the general officers. Several of the members offered hospitality to the expected delegates during Convention. It was resolved to request the Secretary to write on behalf of the Union to the Congregational Union and the Presbyterian Assembly, both of which were holding their annual meetings in Christchurch, pointing out that in the interests of temperance it would be wise that no one engaged in the liquor trade should hold office in their churches ; also ask-

ing that the churches should use the unfermented wine at their Communion services.