NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 5, Issue 54, 1 December 1899, Page 2

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

[lf* rely on our local Unions to tend us neirs for this column. IFV tannot evolve it out of our inner consciousness. ] Greymouth. At the meeting held on Nov. 2nd a good amount of business w r as transacted. Our active and energetic treasurer is taking a long holiday, and Mrs Sweetman was therefore appointed to tlie office, pro tern. Mrs Peter Nelson was requested to supply literature to the newly-erected shelter shed on the wharf. Ships in harbour had been visited and railway boxes supplied with literature during the month. On Nov. 16th the Union met to spend a social hour before saying good-bye to Mrs Jameson, who is removing to Wellington. Mrs Jameson was one of the first five who formed the Greymouth Union, and we shall greatly miss her faithful services.

A Y has been started at Cobden under the auspices of our Union and is likt-ly to be very successful. The meetings are held fortnightly, and a large number of young men anti women h .we joined. L.T.L.-On Nov. 17th the L.T L. gave an entertainment to a crowded audience. The children (about 70) acquitted themselves splendidly in recitations, songs, and action-songs, and

looked very pretty with their white dresses and bouquets of dowers. To Mrs Gaskin and Miss Batchelor is due the credit of so well training the little people. Colyton. At our meeting, held on Nov. Bth, the last meeting before the general election, the electoral roll was examined, and it was arranged that members should see the people whose names were found wanting. Our President read extracts from “ Hold the Fort, or Practical Suggestions for Abstainers,” by Mary Pryoi Hack. “ Taking it Medicinally,” from Wings (October, 1899), was read by the Secretary. Hamilton. Our meetings are held fortnightly, and our numbers are gradually increasing. We are taking up earnestly any work we find to do such as hospital and other sick visiting. Of course the principal work at present is preparing for the election, placing ftesh names on the roll, and trying to influence voters in the right direction. We are doing our best to return a temperance candidate. Literature is being distributed, and some of our members also help in the meetings of the Christian Mission in our town. At the annual meeting most of our officers were re-elected. Woodend (ireat disappointment is felt at the result of the poll—lost “No License*” by nine votes. Ladies w'orked very hard, both during the weeks before and on the day. The Annual meeting was held on Nov. 30th. All the officers were reelected, with the exception of the President, Mrs Griffin, who has resigned through lack of time. Mrs Henry Judson is our new President, and promises to be a very able and energetic officer. Meetings have so far been held fortnightly, and the interest is well sustained. Invercargill. On Nov. 23rd the members held a social to welcome Miss Kirk to Invercargill. Invitations had been sent to the ministers, their wives, and all the most prominent Temperance workers. Although the afternoon was very wet, a good number attended, and a most enjoyable time was spent. Mr Baxter, as secretary of the “ No License League,” introduced Miss Kirk. Mrs Macalister, the President, gave Miss Kirk a most cordial welcome on behalf of the members of the Union, and the

Rev. J. A. Luxford welcomed Miss Kirk on behalf of the ministers of the town. Miss Kirk then gave a most happy and instructive address. Both of Miss Kirk’s meetings in the Theatre were largely attended, and must have influenced many not already decided to cast their votes aright. Winton. Under the auspices of the W.C.T.U., Miss Kirk addressed a well-filled hall, Rev. J. Baird occupying the chair. Though saying she had nothing new to tell, Miss Kirk dealt with her subject in an able manner, and proved to the audience that she is a speaker of no mean order. Vocal items added to the enjoyment of the evening. Gisborne. The Union has been working with unceasing earnestness during the past few months, visiting from house to house, distributing literature and sparing no efforts in the cause. The opening of the Coffee Rooms was a great sue ess, the f ree Reading room being crowded with men during the whole evening. The members of the Union were busy serving refreshments from eight to ten o’clock. There was no programme but all were encouraged to feel themselves quite at home. Auckland. We have l>een favoured with addresses from candidates Foulds, Rosser, and Allen at recent meetings. Our first district Convention was held on November 22nd. Delegates were sent from Thames, Onehunga, and Pevonport, and letters received from VYaihi, and West Hamilton. Very cheering and hopeful reports were brought from the various districts, and all testified to th» great lienefits of house to house visitation coupled with the distribution of literature. At the afternoon session Mrs Thorne gave a short address. Reports were read by secretaries and superintendents of departments, all showing steady, earnest work. An interesting account of the work of the Greymouth Union was given by Mrs Jlansen. Solos were contributed during the afternoon and addresses given by Messrs Mitchell and Richardson. In the evening we joined the “ No License ” meeting held under the auspices of the W esleyan Synod in the I*itt St. Church. Our members have decided to join in demonstrations on Saturday, 2nd inst. On Saturday evening we are to hold a mass meeting in the Salvation Army Barracks, (kindly lent for the occasion.

The volunteer camp is to be visited on Sunday and Monday, literature distributed, and meetings held, if possible. Our Friday evening open-air meetings draw large crowds. Christchurch. The annual meeting was held on December 13th, and the election of officers took place for the coming year as follows —President ,Mrs Bain; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs Widdowson ; Treasurer, Mrs Seed. The appointment of Recording Secretary was held over until next month. The retiring President, Mrs Cole, said that there was great cause for congratulation in the advance of the “ No License ” vote. The union should begin in real earnest at once to work for the next poll Afternoon tea was dispensed, and the meeting closed.