NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 5, Issue 55, 1 January 1900, Page 2

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

ll'e rely <m oar loot'. Unwin to tend in ne i/» for thin eolninn. Ifi cannot evolve it out of our inner eonaetoujntM.] Nelson. Since sending our last report, the W.C.T.U. has been busily engaged preparing for Election. Alas ! that such poor results should have followed. Still, progress has been made and will be made in favour of “No License.” We will therefore continue to work, and wait, and hope. A la*ge public meeting was held in the theatre on Nov. 28th. It was presided over by Miss Atkinson, and the speakers were: Mesdames Duncan, Ward, Crump, and Smalley. The rut eting was a success, and the speakers were rt quested to give the same addresses at Richmond, which they did a few days prior to the Election. A Sunday night after service meeting was also held in the theatre, and commanded a good audience. It was conducted by Rev. R. S. Gray, the speakers being several ministers of the town and district. Our President and Secretary were appointed to nominate the temperance scrutineers at the Election Much literature has been distributer!, and circulars inserted in daily papers. The election of officers at our last meeting was not a very difficult matter; our Union being so young, all holding office were re-elected. The meetings are postponed during the month of January owing to the Students’ Christian Union holding their “ Summer School ” again in Nelson. Leeston

The Annual Meeting was held od Dec 4, when the officers for the ensuing yeai were elected, and the retiring officers thanked for past services. One new member was enrolled. Colyton. The Union met on Dec 14th, when there was a fair gatheting, for die coming year were elected, and Mrs Fennel) read a good report of the work done during the past year.

Winton. The Annual Meeting took place on Dec 27, when the election of officers occupied the attention of those present. NasebyThe Annual Meeting of the Nasehy Union was held on Dec 6th. The balance-sheet was read and adopted. All the officers were re-elected. During the year educational meetings have been held at several places, in the houses of members and friends, at which literature was distributed. The Union gave a contribution to the local fighting fund, for the no-license campaign. In our district, very few votes were recorded; the liquor party issued leaflets requesting the electors to refrain from voting. As there was no election, these tactics were successful. It is to be hoped that before next No License Vote, the clause relating to the half poll will be removed. Wellington. On the 141)1 December the annual meeting was held in the W.C.T.U. girls’ association rooms. The annual report was read and adopted. It was considered the best report the Union had yet had. Our membership lias increased to 92. About a dozen drawing - room meetings were held during the year. The Hospital has been regularly visited. Convalescent Home has also been visited. Our girls’ ro in was opened on April 13th by His Worship the M iyor, J.*R. Biair, Esq., who gave a handsome cheque toward building. In September we had a most successful Sale of Work, for which we gratefully acknowledge help from many friends and sympathisers in all parts of the colony, and which ma le it possible to realise toward our debt. The Countess of Kanfurly opened the sale and left a handsome cheque. The officers were all re-elected, the President for the fifth time. Mrs lioxall, a vice-president, was appointed delegate to Convention at Auckland. .1 ’s work, m addition to girls’ room classes, is to include “ No License,” “ No Opium ” and other subjects. We rejoice that our present Mayor, Mr J. G. W. Aikin, is a life abstainer, an honorary member of our Union, and a trustee for our Newtown room. RangioraAt the ordinary meeting, held on the last Friday in the year, yearly fees amounting to 18s 1 id were paid. It uas decided not to send a delegate to

Auckland for Convention, as the exp use is too great. Mrs Darling, secretary, wishing to be relieved of some duties, Mrs T. G. Smith was appointe 1 reporter to White Ribbon and daily papers. An invitation from Kaiapoi to a meeting of Temperance workers on Jan. 11 was accepted. Correspondence re Influencing the Press, Use of Unfermented Wine, and a circular from the N. Z. Treasurer were read and considered. Feilding. Ihe annual meeting was held early in December. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in all officers being re-elected with one exception, Mrs Giesen being elected to fill the vacancy of vice-president caused by Mrs Greenwood’s removal to Christchurch. W e are indeed sorry to lose such a valuable member, but our loss will be gain to Christchurch. Both Mr and Mrs Greenwood will he greatly missed, especially in the Temperance w'ork, in w hich they took an active part. The treasurer’s report, showing a balance in hand, was read and adopted. Palmerston North. On Dec sth, a prayer meeting was held in connection with the local option poll to be taken the next day. The annual meeting was afterwards held, when officers and superintendents of departments were electe 1. Voles of thanks we u* passed to Mr- Cunningham ( »r----ganist during the past year), and the trustees of St. Andrew’s Church for the use of the hall. On Election day the women worked in Palmerston, and also at the booths in the country dis trict. They were encouraged by hearing from one of the Wellington victors, that he considered they had sh ired the honours of the fight with Wellington, and had helped in putting in the right man in their district. [Noth. —T he names of officers elected for 1900, will app ar in the Convention number of W hite Ribbon’. —Eds.]