NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 26, 1 August 1897, Page 3

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

I We rely on our local Unions to fend us news for this column. We cannot evolve it out of our innrr consciousness, j Brunnerton. We have been mainly occupied of late with considerations for furthering the scheme proposed by Miss Kirk, of establishing a Boys’ Club in the district. In order to raise funds for this purpose a tableau and musical entertainment was held on July 14, and though the weather proved unpropitious it resulted very satisfactorily, the proceeds amounting to £Ti is Arrangements are on hand to procure a building, and we only await communications and materials to commence operations Could Miss Kirk have remained with us the success of our venture would have been assured, as she completely won the hearts of our boys during her visit. On the last night of her lectures they lingered round the door as if loth to leave the building, then raised their voices in “three cheers for Miss Kirk ” as she passed out. Our meml>ers have entered into the undertaking very heartily so far, and we hope soon to have this institution in working order amongst us.

Naseby. On July 9 the subject of Narcotics was taken up. Extracts from a collection of papers sent by Mrs '/enables, of Christchurch, were read. A full report was published in the 44 Mount Ida Chronicle.” A cottage meeting was held oh July 23. An address to parents, on Dr Norman Kerr’s pamphlets “ The’ Advantages of Bringing up Children on Total Abstinence Principles, 1 was given by the Secretaiy A missionary prayer meeting will be held on August 6. This is the outcome of a circular letter from Miss Jack, New Zealand Superintendent of Missions. Arrangements are being made to commemorate our first anniversary.

Wanganui A social was held on July 14 to welcome Mrs Isitt to Wanganui. A large number of ladies attended, and listened with marked attention to Mrs Isitt’s address. Mrs Isitt, who spoke brightly and earnestly, referred to the greatness of the work, and to the need of workers, and urged all present to join hand in hand with those who were fighting for the overthrow of the wrong. After a brief sketch of the pioneers of the movement, and a glance at the spread of the work from country to country, Mrs Isitt launched into her subject, “ The Object and Aims of the Women s Christian Temperance Union.” Most of the leading branches of the work were mentioned, and much useful and interesting information was given. Many present were evidently impressed by what they heard, and doubtless the result will be increased membership, and more earnest efforts on the part of all. Mrs Aitkt n and Miss Byers still further added «o the attractiveness of the meeting by some beautifully-ren-dered solos. Refreshments were handed round, and the meeting closed with the Doxology. Christchurch.

The fortnightly educational meeting was held at the coffee-rooms. Manches-ter-street, on July 28. Miss Roberts gave a very interesting address on “ Alcohol.” She showed the nature of the various kinds of alcohol, and described the process of fermentation. Nature, she said, rotted the grapes upon the branch, hut art converted them into alcohol. If fermentation were allowed to proceed naturally, acetic acid would result, but when stopped at a certain stage alcohol was produced. She showed how the various

forms of alcohol burned in the air, and how all had a dca ilv effect on animal a.;d vegetable life. Ashurst. The inaugural meeting cf the Ashurst branch of the W.C.T U. was held in the Wesleyan Church on the afternoon ; of July 14, when Miss Powell, ex-Pre-sident, and Miss Barry, Secretary of the Palmerston branch, conducted the 1 meeting. E.even members were elected, and the following office!s were appointed : President, Mrs Crichton; Vice-Presidents, Mrs Hutchings and Captain Law, S.A.; Secretary, Mrs Clarke; Treasurer, Miss Scott. In the evening a public meeting was held in the S A. Barracks, when addresses were given by Miss Powell, Captain Law,and Mr George Grant. Solos were sung by Mrs Clarke and Mrs Hutchings. Mr Nutsey occupied the chair. At the close of the meeting another seven members handed in their names, so that in our litth* corner we have a branch of eighteen members. It was decided to hold the meetings on the second Wednesday in the month. Colyton. On Tuesday evening, August 4, we 1 were fortunate enough to have a visit from the N.Z. Corresponding Secretary. The meeting was fairly well attended Miss Powell gave a graphic account of the rise and growth of the W.C.T.U., and explained its objects. On the following afternoon seven ladies met to form a branch of the W.C.T.U., many were prevented from attending by the inclement weather. Our visitor, after reading the Crusade Psalm, in a few well chosen words explained the different departments of work. Miss Powell admitted all present as members of the Union, using part of the Initiatory service. The officers were then elected :—President, Mrs Robert Pudney; Secretary, Miss Car er. We have decided to hold meetings on the first Thursday in each month, and trust that the membership will soon increase. Lyttelton The members of our Union decided to have an evening meeting for young people who could not come in the afternoon There were about fifty present and a very enjoyable evening was passed. Mrs Whitby read Mrs Venables’ interesting paper on Narcotics, and a lively discussion followed. The rest of tlie evening was filled by songs by Mrs Hiskcns, Misses Clark, Hough, Meekle, and Bradley, Messrs Webb, and MacGregor, and recitations by Mr antes Webb, and Mr A. Erickson.

The young people enjoyed the meeting very much, and we hope to gain new members by this departure. About twenty of our members and friends walked to Raupaki last month and had an evening meeting with the M.lories The church was well filled, and some of the Maories told us how they enjoyed those meetings and wished we could go oftener. Mrs Webb read a piece about our Queen, and Mrs Whitby spoke on the bad effects of alcohol. Several of our friends sang songs which were highly appreciated. The meeting was brought to a close by singing “ Some Glad Day.” Rangiora.

The ordinary meeting was held on Friday, July 31st, the two previous ones having lapsed. The Account for Convention numbers of White Rihuon was passed for paym nt. Correspondence wastece'ved from the Superintendent of Narcotics and Superintendent of Mission Work, and were consi lered. A circular was also received from Mrs Cole, re influencing the Press, and it was res jived to do all in our power in this direction. A W.C.T.U. letter to absent members, urging their attendance, was brought forward by the President, and heartily approved by members. Rool ved that we make enquiries about obtaining some. A letter from Rev. T. J. Wills was read, soliciting an order for his book in reply to Bishop Neville. Decided to obtain a copy for the Union. Palmerston North. A meeting of more than usual interest was held in connection with our Union on July 30th, at Mrs Caleb Whitehead’s residence. The members responded h.artily to Mrs Whitehead's invitation, about twenty-eight ladies being present. After a short address on “ Hygienic Clothing ” had been given by Miss Powell, Mrs Astbury, on behalf of the members, presented her with a writing desk as a token of appreciation of her work amongst us while President. Miss Powell goes from us carrying with her the good wishes of every member anil followed by their prayers for her wi Ifare and success. The ordinary business meeting was held on August 6th, Mrs Wrigley, our newly-elected President, presiding. PahatuaOur indefatigable Secretary, Miss Powell, was here on the 24th of last month, and gave a stirring address on the evils of the drink traffic. At the close of the address several of those

present signed the pledge. Miss Powell was also successful in forming a branch of the W.C.T.U. here. A well-attended meeting was held in the Foresters' Hall. New members were proposed, and a committee formed for starting a Juvenile Loyal Temperance Lodge. The following are the officers appointed President, Mrs Burrows; vice-president, Mrs W. Vile; secretary and treasurer,/™ tem. % Mrs Keen; corresponding secretary and reporter, Mrs Knight. Creymouth The usual monthly meeting of the W.C.T.U. vvas held in the vestry of the Wesleyan Church on Thursday, sth inst., twelve members l>eing present We again per formed the pleasing ceremony of initiating another member. We also went through a good deal of routine work. Reports were handed in by ill • ladies who have charge of the Loyal Temperance Legion. Good progress is reported, and an increase, both in numbers and enthusiasm, among the young. The usual Missionary Prayer Meeting was held during the month in connection with the Union, at which a fair number of ladies were present. WellingtonOn Thursday, 5 inst., our usual monthly meeting was held, and although the day was wet and cold a good y number attended In the unavoidable absence of our President Mrs Ostler took the chair, and gave a very practical, wise address, which was much appreciated. Several new members were receiv-d and the Initiatory Service was read. We have several other candidates who will he received at our next meeting. All arrangements were made for a meeting at Petone, which will take place on Wednesday, nth inst. If we are favoured with a fine night we feel success is assured Doubtless a branch of our Union will be formed there in a few' days ; Miss Kirk, New Zealand s organising officer, has promised her services to this end. It was decided to order two copies cf Mr Wills'new work, “ Bishop Nev ille’s Mistake.” Greetings from Miss Powell were received anil appreciated. Two photographs of Mrs Barney were ordered The visitois to Mothers’ meetings w’ere re-appointed, and messag s of appreciation of former visits were received. A few' friends were invited by one of our members to meet Mrs Isitt, who gave an interesting account of her work between Levin and New Plymouth. She has now' gone to Blenheim to help our Union there.