NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 29, 1 November 1897, Page 3

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

[ We rely on our local Unions to send us news for this column. We cannot evolve it out of our inner consciousness. J Naseby. During October three meetings have been held-two cottage and one business. At the latter a resolution re C.D. Acts was passed and sent to the Premier ; also a letter of sympathy to Mrs Josephine Butler. The formation of a Y Branch is under consideration, and a parcel of literature has been secured for distribution. Petone. At the October meeting the superintendents reported that the Girls’ Sewing and Social Guild had been opened on October 15th with a pleasant social evening, and that two meetings for

work had since been held, which were most encouraging. Devonport. Taking advantage of Miss Powell’s presence in our midst, we arranged for a public meeting on Oct 2# The Mayor of Devonport presided, and Miss Powell gave a stirring account of the “ Women’s Whisky Crusade.” The next afternoon Miss Powell addressed a meeting of women on “Social Purity.’’ Mrs Schnackenberg was also present, and said a few words. At the close five new members were enrolled.

Marton. At our last meeting, on Oct. 14, it was decided to order “ The Woman’s Signal ” and “ The Medical Pioneer” for the use of members. Mrs Spence’s report of the L.T.L. showed the satisfactory membership of 84, with an average attendance of 68 to 70. On Oct. 28, the third of our educational meetings was held. Miss Wilton read an able paper on Dress Reform, and an animated and profitable discussion followed. Turakina. At our last meeting Mis Ross and Mrs Lethbridge read papers on the Temperance question, and several business items were discussed. Greymouth. At our November meeting correspondence and reports of work done during the month were read. Two successful meetings of the L.T.L. had been held. Ashurst. At our September meeting we had to report our loss by removal of Mrs Crichton, our president, and the prime mover in forming the Union. Mrs W. J. Andrew was elected in her stead. At the October meeting the “Social Question ” was discussed, Capt. Law (S A.) giving some of her own observations on the subject. We hold Band of Hope meetings regularly, and hope for greater success with the fine weather. Gisborne, As several ladies had declined to become members of our Uuion, alleging that the stringency of the pledge would prevent their receiving the wine at Communion, the President, Mrs Webb, wrote to Mrs Schnackenberg on the subject, and her letter in reply was read at the meeting. It stated that the N.Z. pledge was much stricter than the World’s pledge, and suggested that Mrs Webb should propose at Convert

tion that the words “ as a beverage ’ should be included in our pledge. It was resolved that a sermon of Canon Farrar’s on Temperance should be reprinted for distribution. Colyton. At the October meeting an address was given on “ Charity.” Circular letters were read and discussed. Our Press Correspondent agreed to interview the editor of the local paper re the matter of publishing items bearing on \V. C. T. U. work. It was decided to select literature for distribution. One new member was enrolled. Foxton. This Union was organised by Miss Powell as a branch of the Palmerston North Union. The following are the officers: President, Mrs Gibson; Vice-President, Miss Duncan ; Treasurer, Mrs Osborn®; Secretary, Miss Woodcock ; Reporter, Mrs Small. We have 15 members on the. roll. A “ White ” service was held in the P.M. Church (which was decorated with white flowers), conducted by the Rev. Mr Barnett. Brunnerton. On Oct. 28 the usual monthly meeting was held, conducted by Mrs McDowall, acting - president. Correspondence was read from Mr J. Greenwood, president of the Boys’ Club, Feilding, who, in response to a request from our Union, had kindly given particulars of the working of the Club, with rules and other helpful information. Also, a circular from the Superintendent of “ Social Purity ” and “ Rescue Work,” urging the claims of these Departments It was thought that something might be done in the way of distributing literature on the subject, and the secretary was empowered to obtain specimen copies of the leaflets suggested, and other desirable literature, before ordering for distribution After the business meeting, an open Missionary meeting was held, at which some visitors were present. The local Superintendent of Mission Work read an interesting letter from a lady missionary in China, and extracts from Missionary papers were contributed by other members. Dunedin. At n well attended meeting it was reported that, notwithstanding a wet evening, Miss Statham’s lecture had proved very successful, and in response to numerous requests she has promised to repeat it. The Committee reported

that a good meeting had been held during the month at the Sailors’ Rest, kindly and efficient help being rendered by ministers attending the Presbyterian Synod. Interesting extracts were read from letters written by sailors who had received good. Matters connected with temperance tent on Show Grounds were left in hands of a Committee to arrange. Christchurch. At the meeting on October 13th a letter was read from the Secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, stating that the members would not consent to allow the Union to erect a permanent building for a temperance tea and luncheon room, neither could they erect a building themselves for the purpose, as they were not in funds. They offered the site hitherto occupied by the Union for £ 3O, and stated that, failing the acceptance of this offer, public tenders would be called for. After discussion, the members resolved that the demand for was an exorbitant one, and should not be conceded. The President sai l that the Union had done good service to the public for many years in the Show Grounds, and she regretted that the A. and P. Association had not taken this fact into consideration. Inspector Pender had repeatedly told them when in Christchurch that there were considerably fewer cases of drunkenness on the Show Grounds since tea had been so freely and cheaply sold. This was something to be glad and proud of. Their luncheon tent had been much appreciated, and they would greatly regret if, by the increasing demands of the Association, they w'ere deprived of the opportunity of carrying on their luncheon and tea tent as usual. At the meeting of October 17th it was announced that the Union’s tender for the sde had been accepted, and every member present was pressed into the service of collecting money and produce. Several lambs, hams, and other commodities had already been promised. The secretary was instructed to send a letter of thanks to Mr Dunnage for his efforts in the Anglican Synod to obtain power for women to vote at parish meetings. Ngaire. We held our monthly meeting on October 27. Correspondence was dealt with. A paper was read by Mrs Morison on “ Education Without Religion,” which was afterwards discussed. The introduction of Bibiereading into the State schools was thought desirable.