NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 36, 1 June 1898, Page 3

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

We rely on our local Unioni to send u» vein* for thi* column. UV cannot evolve it out oj our inner contcinusnett.

Leeston*

At our May meeting five new memhers were initiated, and Mrs Hill, V.F., gave an interesting paper, describing the Prohibition Convention held at Easter in Christchurch Miss A. Barnett read a pleasing extract from the life of Miss Crosby, the blind poetess. Under the suspices of our Union a special meeting was held at Irwell on May 19. Papeis were given by Mesdames Arthur and Hill, anil Misses Wills and Harnett. Three ladies joined our Leeston Union, but we trust that they will soon see their way to form a branch of their own. We intend trying drawing-room and public meetings at other places during the winter, and in this way arousing interest outside our own township.

Onehunga.

A meeting of women interested in the work of the W.C.T.U. was held in the Church of England schoolroom on May 20. Miss Brown, President of the Auckland Union, presided. In a very interesting and ha{ py manner Miss Powell gave an account of the origin of the W C.T.U., and of the varied departments of practical work taken up by the women. It was resolved that a branch of the W C.T.U. be formed in Onehunga, and nineteen of those present immediately enrolled. The officers were selected from the various churches, viz.:—President, Mrs Watkin, Wesleyan ; Secretary, Mrs DeWolfe, Congregational; and Treasurer, Mrs A. Whyte, Presbyterian A reporter was also appointed to the White Ribbon.

Dunedin.

At our monthly meeting we had the pleasure of welcoming and hearing a few words from a member of the Tasmanian Union. Mrs Kirkland, with the President and Secretary, were appointed to visit one of the country districts where a wish had been expressed to have a branch of the Union formed. The Secretary spoke in the interests of the White Ribbon, and in response several new subscribers handed in their names. Arrangements were made for the annual social, and two new members were enrolled.

Frances W illard Memorial Service: — This was held in the Garrison Hall, which was crowded. Members of the Union occupied seats on the platform. The Rev. \V. Ready presided, and Mr J. Vale, of the Victorian Alilt rce, was the principal speaker. The annual meeting was held in the W C.A Rooms. Mrs Dick, president, took the chair, and in her opening remarks spoke of the need for work among the waifs and strays of the streets. The Treasurer’s report showed a balance of £"l6 is 8d on the ordinary account. The Sailors’ Rest account shewed a balance of £1 os id. In her lengthy report the Secretary noted that the Union was neither a political nor a prohibition society, although it valued both the vote anil the Prohibition Leagues. Stress was laid upon evangelistic work Among the departments of work taken up by the Union are mothers’ meetings (two centres), bands of hope, flower missions, sick visiting, prison work, press work, litera ture, hygiene, drawing-room evangelistic work, and also the Sailors’ Rest. The work is so increasing that an evening as well as an afternoon meeting each month is now necessitated During the winter it is intended to take into consideration juvenile work, the need for women on charitable aid boards, and the establishment of a reformatory for girls. After the report had been read, Miss Nevison, Rev W. Ready, Rev Dr W r addellj Rev T. G. Brooke, and Mr McLaren spoke on various subjects, and music was rendered at intervals.

Wellington.

At our meeting on May 5, new members were admitted and several new subscribers to the White Ribbon were recorded. Owing to the Secretary’s resignation Miss Kirk was elected to the office. Mrs Wright and Miss L. M. Kirk were appointed delegates to the conference at Palmerston North on May 24. The room opened for girls at Newtown is working satisfactorily. Our President reported that she had visited Petone, with encouraging results. Lady Stout promised to prepare a paper for next meeting on Dress Reform.

Gisborne.

At our monthly meeting, Mrs. Blight was appointed superintendent of the Educational Department and Miss Nelson reporter to the White Ribbon. Mrs Blight consented to read a paper at the next meeting on “Late Shopping.’’

Other papers, or various topics of social interest, are to follow.

Thames.

A meeting of ladies was held in the Congregational Church, on March 22, with a view of starting a branch of the W.C.T.U. at Thames. A large number of ladies attended, and a very interesting address was given by Miss Powell on the work of the W C T.U Considerable interest was manifested by those present, and it was decided to hold another meeting on Miss Powell’s return from Upper Thames, and then take the necessary steps to form a branch of the Union here. Upon Miss Powell’s return, a meeting was held, when it was decided to open a branch of the Union, and the following were appointed to office. President, Mrs Taylor; Treasurer, Mrs Wood ; Secretary, Mrs E. Miller

T urakina.

Our monthly meeting was held in the Vestry of the Presbyterian Church. The Secretary read a circular letter from Mrs Knigge, urging us to take up work among the young people, especially such subjects as dress reform, food, etc. The President read a letter from Miss Dalrymple giving an account of Convention, and also a very interesting account of the late Miss Willard.

Kaiapoi.

At the April meeting the President gave an address cn the life of Miss W illard, and also read an account of the Memorial Service held in St. James’ Hall, London.

Colyton,

Mrs W. Pearce very kindly invited ineml»ers and friends to her house on March 31. Our delegate, Miss Mini bin, gave us an interesting account of the work accomplished by the Convention. She dwelt particularly on the importance of “ Noontide Prayer,” and asked us to take certain subjects for each day in the week. At the monthly meeting, held on April i2,oneni*w member was enrolled A most interesting and instructive pap. r on “ The Choice of Literature ” was read and much appreciated. It was decided to send delegates to the Convention to be held at Palmerston North.

Naseby.

The Union met for business on April 22nd at 7 p.m. The public meeting was held at 7. 30. A paper entitled “ The Bible and Strong Drink ’ was read by Miss McCarthy. A precis of

the paper was published in the Mt. Ida Chronicle. In the Convention No, of the White Ribbon Naseby is mentioned as not having sent in a Balance-sheet. Both Annual Report and Balance-sheet were sent to the District Union last December. The Accounts ior the year 1897 amounted to £7 17s. 9d including a credit balance of 2S. Bd.

Greymouth

At our June meeting we had the pleasure of initiating three new members. Reports of work for the month were piesented, showing thirty-two boats visited, as well as the Hospital The missionary prayer meeting had also been held, and the L. f.L. had held one meeting. Since March the number of subscribers to the White Ribbon has increased from eleven to thirty-two.

Davenport.

The quarterly social meeting was held on March 30 in the Wesleyan schoolroom, when between 50 and 60 ladies responded to the invitations sent out. At these gatherings business is dispensed with, and tea and chat introduced Our President, Mrs Crump, was with us for the last time prior to her departure for Nelson, and regretful references and farewells were made. Papers were read by Mrs Roberts and MrsHampson,and a few timely remarks were given by Rev. J. Crump on “ Why we should N ote for Prohibition.” Three new members were enrolled and two signed the pledge. At our business meeting Mrs R. J. Roberts was elected President tor the remainder of the year.

Auckland.

Our Union is just now fully awake. The Committee of the Central Mission Hall has granted the Union the free use of its Hall, anti the removal from the old room is an advantage in several way.. The Social Purity Committee recently invited the lady teachers of senioi classes in the various Sundayschools to a coffee supper. Several speakers dealt with the subject of warning and guiding the young people in matters relating to social purity. An auxiliary Union has been formed at Onehunga by our President and Miss Powell, and tive subscribers to the White Ribbon have been gain ! in that place. The nucleus of a Union has also been formed at Orakei, a Maori village a few miles from Auckland, by Mrs Schnackenberg and a number of white ribboners. Six Maoris signed the pledge. As they have promised not

only to abstain from alcohol, but also to discontinue the use of tobacco and the practice of tatooing, their loyalty will be well tested. Our Evangelistic Superintendent, assisted by a gifted Maori sister, Mere Poruamata, recently conducted a suecessful service in the Mission Hah. Our Union has decided to send a donation to the Willard Temple Fund, as an expression of sympathy with the American members, and also that Auckland may have a brick in the House Beautiful. Friends desirous of doing likewise may forward contributions through Mrs Harriet Garland, Lincolnstreet, Auckland. Mrs Sheppard’s visit to our union last month gave great pleasure. Mrs May also kindly gave an “ At Home, so that women from the various societies might have an opportunity of meeting Mrs Sheppard. All were greatly delighted, and thankful to know that we have such gifted and devoted women workeis in New Zealand.