NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 34, 1 April 1898, Page 8

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

\*'e rely on our local Unions tz $ end us news for this column. We cannot evolve it out of our inner consciousness. ] Auckland. The fortnightly meeting of March 23 was specially interesting. The Evangelistic, Bible in Schools, Social Purity, and Relief Work Superintendents handed in their reports and a profitable discussion followed. Our delegate to Convention also gave a lengthy report of the proceedings. One new member was received, the President reading the initiatory service. Lady Henry Somerset s letter withdrawing all she had said in the way of sanctioning legalised vice was read, and it was decided to send to her a congratulatory letter. Mr Judkins (Sec. N.X. Alliance) and his wife have been holding a short mission here. The women’s meetings were presided over by White Ribboners. Unfortunately few outsiders were present, and it is felt that home meetings, may, perhaps, be of greater service in awakening women to their responsibilities. Leeston. We celebrated our second anniversary on March 17th, by an “At Home” in the afternoon, and a public meeting at night. The hall was beautifully decorated, and arranged as a large drawing room. Ov r 150 of both sexes accepted invitations. Afternoon tea was dispensed by members, and Mrs Arthur, President, received guests. The report of work showed that we ha 1 gained 13 new members, present membership 46; that 13 well-attended meetings had been held and increasing interest displayed Good work had been done by distributing temperance literature. Mrs Sheppard warmly congratulated the Union on their successful year, their good gathering that afternoon and especially on having the sympathy and attendance of so many gentlemen. The death of our beloved leader, Miss Willard, was then touched on by the speaker and personal reminiscences given. Mrs Mminings spoke principally on her own branch of work in the Union, “ Mothers* Meetings, ’ and urged all women to be “ builders with God.” Musical items were contributed by Misses Wills and Bamett, and Ms Arthur. At the evening meeting the chair was taken by Rev. Grajf. The S.A. hand played up to the hail and led in the opening hymn, “ Forward he our Watchword The bad was crowded.

Addresses were given by Revs Griffin, Grant, A. C. Laury, Ensign Lane, Mrs Munnings, and Mrs Arthur, and musical selections were given at intervals. Collections during the day amounted to over 14. Our annual meeting was well attended. Mrs Arthur was re-elected President ; Mesdames Hill and Paulyer were elected Vice-Presidents; Miss Barnett, Secretary; Miss W ills, Treasurer ; and Mesdames Griffin and Nairn, with Misses Breach and Harper, Literature Distributing Committee. Mrs F. W r . Isitt gave an address on the Responsibilities of our Pledge. During the week the Rev. F. \V. Isitt gave thr e addresses in our district under the auspices of the W C.T.U. which will help our work immensely. Dunedin. At our monthly meeting special reference was made to the death of Miss Willard: it was also decided to forward a letter of sympathy to the American branch. The question of appointing an organiser for the South Island was fully discussed, and the suggestion heartily approved. Report of Mothers’ meetings was encouraging. Mrs A. S. Adams was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Bands of Hope. Promises of financial help for Sailors’ Rest were received Rangiora. At our February meeting the matter of appointing an organising agent was discussed and heartily approved. A letter from Mrs Josephine Butler was received, thanking the Union for vote of sympathy with, and appreciation of her life work, passed some time ago. Distribution of “ W r .C T.U. Letter to Absent Members was arranged for, and a resolution was passed expressive of our sense of the deep loss we have sustained in the death of Miss W illard. Marton. At our first meeting in the year v/e had a large attendance. Mrs Spence, president, gave an account of three Temperance meetings held in Auckland, and also showed the handsome medals intended as prizes for the elocutionary contests to be held in connection with the LT L Miss Dalrymple (from l-'eilding) gave an address at the February meeting, dealing with the subjects she wished to bring forward at Convention, viz., Bible in schools, boys and smoking, and savings banks in schools. Miss Dalrymple kindly consented to represent us at Convention

Woodville. The first meeting of the year was held on February 25 In order to try to create a greater interest in the work of the Union, it was decided to hold the monthly business meetings at the homes of the different members. Devonport. At the February meeting of our Union appreciable papers on “ The early Training of Children,” and “ Home Influence ” were given by Mrs Hampson and Mrs Roi erts. Reference was made to the sudden death of Miss Willard, and our members join in the deep felt sympathy towards the union in the great loss sustained through her removal from the ranks. Kaiapoi Our Monthly Meeting was held on March 30. Votes of sympathy with Mrs Alcorn, and Mrs Kirk, of Wellington, were passed. Mrs F. \Y. I sit t gave an address on “ Women’s Responsibility with regard to the Liquor Traffic,” and also spoke of her visits to Unions in the North Island, and of the great good done by house to house visitation. T urakina. Two new members were enrolled at our March meeting. A paper was read giving the opinions of noted judges of the present day upon alcohol. Discussion followed, and reference was made to the large number ot “respectable ” drunkards to be seen in our Empire city, and also to the apathy of the police in dealing with the nightly riots at hotels. Colyton. At our February meeting two names were added to our members roll After dealing with general business. Mrs Fennell gave an address on Narcotics. The March meeting was well attended, and again two joined our ranks. Our President read extracts from the life and works of Miss Willard, and testified to the loss sustained by her death On March 11 a drawing-room meeting was kindly arranged for by Mrs R. L. Pudney. Miss Powell spoke on the work of the Convention and on the Maori Mission. The same evening a l:.i gely-attended public meeting, held under the auspices of the Hand of Hope, was h»Jd in the Methodist Church Mrs R. Pudney presided, and, after other items, Miss Powell spoke on the I nion work among the Maoris.

Naseby. The Union met for business on Jan. 20 and Feb. 18. It was agreed that a concert be arranged to raise funds for winter industrial classes. This was held on Feb 25 in the Town Hall. At the close of the concert, Mrs Miller, N.Z. Superintendent of 1 lygiene, gave a short address, the subject being “ Our Hoys and Girls.” A series of cookery lessons are now being given by Mrs Miller. Both adult’s and children’s classes are well attended. The Union hopes to conduct practising classes during the next few months. Our late Vice-President, Mrs Jacob, is now installed at the Dunedin Sailors' Rest. Gre ymouth. At our April monthly meeting reports and correspondence were read and dealt with A monthly missionary meeting is held, and the boats and hospital are visited The L.T.L. meets regularly, and great interest is shown in its work. Feeling reference was made to the death of Miss Willard We are looking forward to the visits from Messrs H E. and T. E Taylor.