DISTRICT UNIONS.

White Ribbon, Volume 5, Issue 57, 1 March 1900, Page 10

DISTRICT UNIONS.

AUCKLAND. During Mrs Harrison Lee's Mission liGnew pledges weie taken. 27ordinary meetings, open to tbe public, have been held, and since September Open Air meetings have been held at the Fire Hell, and Grey Streets. These have been superintended by our energetic President, assisted by member* and friends, who nave addn ss*s and di-tributed literature Six classes for Bible instruction are held in three schools—Ponsonby, Richmond, and Hayfield. They are conduced by four young ladies and prizes are given by the Union. One class for juvenile work has been effectively managed by Miss Hew son, thirty littlcones attending Saturday afternoons and receiving instruction in n« edl* work and the principles of Temperance. Social purity meetings have been held and suitable literature judiciously distributed. The Literature department has l»een very active and has distributed literature in boxes at Railway stations, on tables in waiting rtoms, in trains, in the Kiosk at the Exhibition, at the dose of religious and temperance meetings, as well as from house to house. Several parcels have also been sent out to country districts. A Home meeting was held at Ponsouby, Miss Hughes giving a capital address. Our meetings are always advertised and reported. Legal and Parliamentary work has been attended to during the year, also educational work. The Kiosk at the Lxhibition brought us in the sum of i)3l. On Election

day a refreshment booth was opened opposite the polling booth by members living iu PoJaonby. I)r von port. —Tventy-nine members. Eight ordinary and eight public meetings. Literature regularly distributed from house to house and in bouts. Mrs Harrison Lee’s visit was a decid'd spur to our Union. In connection with No License work, we felt the need of assistance on many business and legal points. We therefore took steps toward the formation of a League, thereby gaining the help of our gentleman friends. It was with regret that, in September last, we said good-bye to our President, Mrs Malcolm. Hamilton. —Thirty-two member. Sixteen ordinary meetings. Literature widely distributed. Hospital visited and flowers and texts given to patients. We are also trying to persuade the storekeepers to stock Unfermented Wine.

Onehunga. —Twenty-four members. Twelve ordinary meetings. Good work done and Literature fr**ely distributed. Waihi. Fortnightly meetings. Twelve members. Several public meetings, assisted by Prohibition and Temperance leagues. Also a Temperance l ea meeting, when Mr Dewdney, of Thames, gave a very stirring address. Revs L. M. and F. Isitt also gave lector*s. Distribution of literature from house to hon e. GISBORNE. Our membership has increased from 31 to 51 which is largely due to Mrs Harrison Lee’s visit. The great work of the year has been the establishment of Coffee, Free Heading, and Recreation Rooms. The Union divided the town into districts and thoroughly canvassed for the Local Option Poll. A large amount of literature was distributed. Special Bible-readings on the “ Duties of Citizens,” and “ Our Responsibilities as Women.” and kindred subjects were held, while several members road papers of an educational nature.

NAPIER. Napier reports an increase of 18 m* m* ere. Home meetings have Iroen successfully held under Mrs Leask’s superintendence. The Hospital has been regulaily visited. During Mrs Harrison Lee’s visit a picked meeting of Women was held in the Theatre under theauspic s of the Union. In July Mrs Troy organised a Young People’s Temperance Union in Taradale, with a membership of 30. These helped to distribute literature before the Election. Napier was thoroughly canvassed and just before the Election a monster procession of children went through the streets, winding up with a public meeting, and a show of banners u ade by the children. Prizes for the best banners were given by the Union. Ormonpyjlle. —lt is not found possible to hold regular meetings in Ormondville, as the few members are widely scattered, but the President, Mrs Wills, and the Secretary, Miss Patterson, do what they can in visiting and distributing literature.

NEW PLYMOUTH. New Plymouth has been actively engaged during the year. By permission of the Minister of Justice one member visits the female prisoners in the Gaol, and has helped three women when released. A maternity bag circulates, and the Superintendent of this department has had pleasure iu giving a dainty

suit of short clothes to each baby. Railway work has been carried on, two doz-m copies <>f On the Line, given by the generosity of Mr S. B. White, and Mrs Copeland, have been circulated among Railway men. ('Phis paper is the official journal of the United Kingdom Railway Temperance Union, and can b * procured from 4, The Sanctuary, Westminister, London. S.W.) A box for literature is pla< 0 at the Station. Rescue work is also done. Agrert deal of hard work was done before the Local Option Poll. Literature was “ sown knee-deep.” Waitara. —Waitara supplies literature to Sailor’s Rest, and invites frequenters to Sunday services, and has a box at the Railway Station. It also circulates a maternity bag, and supplies clothing to poor families. It fought successfully for 10 o’clock license, and has distributed thousands of leaflets in adjoining districts. Takiki. — Work is taken up in the Evangelistic, Hygiene and Food Reform, Literature, and Relief Departments. Midhukst. —This Union is in a very flourishing condition. The m* ml*ership has increased from 32 to 56, l>oing now the 6th in point of membership. The real strength of this Union is the number of praying women in its ranks. Fortnightly meetings have been held in tne bye roads. During the year we havt* had every Temperance speaker available, and have had some splendid meetings. Stratford. — Stratford, with 47 members, takes 42 numbers of the White Ribbon. Work is done in a number of department*. Pung iKKiiu has held no meetings during the year, and collected no fees, but a new Secretary h** been appointed (the former one having left the district) and it is hoped that the Union will do g< ol work in the future. Ngaire —has sent no report.

WANGANUI. Hospital visited, leiflet* given to patients A special effort during the year was a meeting for Women, addressed by members and friends, of the Union on the follow ing subject*: —“ I’he Mother the Maker of the Nation,” “ The Need for the Co-oporation of Women in all efforts for the Uplifting of the Race,” “ Illegitimacy. ’ Mrs Harrison Lee’s six days’m : »*ion was highly satisfactory. Juvenile work is tak- nup and classes held every Saturday afternoon. Twentyeight garment* have been made aud taken homo during the year, besides a patchwork quilt which is doing good service in a needy home. Bible reading and prayer are never omitted at these meetings. A large quantity of literature has been distributed and our meetings reported in U al paper, and White Rib b< n. Po< needy families l ave been helped with ung. A maternity bag has been provided aud has proved of gnat value. Turakina. —Four public meetings have been held, addressed by Miss Kirk and Rev. N. J. Cooirie. A Loyal Temperance Legion, with twenty-five members, is successfully worked, assi tance being given by Mr N. McDonald. Scientific Temperance instruction is given. Meetings are reported in local paper.

HAWERA. Our chief work has been the distribution of literature. The EUctoral campaign organizers having formed Liberator 1 ‘agues for women, no pledge required of members, it was found necessary to give up our monthly meetings Lr some months and to work up for the Election

on their line?, uni in that connection house to house visitation has been carried on. Eltham. —Some relief work has been done, and house to house canvassing before the Election. Okaiawa. —This Somerset Union has increased its membership to twelve and has now formed itself into an independent Union. The fortnightly meetings of the L.T.L. have been fairly regular, over twenty children attending. PALMERSTON NORTH. We have to report thiGy-two new members during the year. Successful meetings during Mrs H. Lee’s Mission. On April 23rd, a workers’ social was held which was largely attended, and nine new members gained. Good work has been done by membeis canvassing for enrolment of voters, and collectirg for the Youth’s Institute. Wellington wus helped with their lta/.uar to provide funds for a Girl’s Institute, Colyton, Bunnythorpe and Feeding assisting ; and our President held a very successful Mo‘her’s meeting at her own home at Bmmythorpe, which was largely attended. hv.NNKviKKE.—Fourteen members, no report. Feii.ding.—The past yoar has been one of stcidy progress, seven new members have be»n added to the roll. Fortnightly Bible readings have been held, also prayer meetings for Missions and Temperance work. Monthly sewing meetings are held and quarterly sales of work, in aid of Foreign Missions. Temperance leaflets have been largely distributed. Marton. —At the begiuningof the yeura successful Public meeting and Afternoon Tea was hell, for which over 100 invitations were sent out. Miss Kirk gave anjaddiess. Four new-pled-ges were gained. The Town was canvassed with a petliton against eleven o'clock Licenses being granted. The L.T.L. ha 3 a membership of 100 and is still successfully worked by Mrs Spence. A Tea and Entertainment and Medal Contest for the Legion children was held in October. Tne proceeds made a very welcome addition to the funds. Coltton. —We have been much encouraged both by the interest taken in our meetings, particularly by the younger members, and also by the increase of membership. On August 10th we held our second Anniversary meeting, when a nice number attended, including visitors from Bunnythorpe. Papers were read and discussed and tea handed round. Miss Kirk has done good work amongst us dming the yeur. Literature ha? l*e*n distributed and a lux put at Taonui railway station. The Band of Hope has united with us in the circulating library. We have over 100 book? and are hoping to add more before long. For the half year we have contributed to the Temper anee column in the loc*d paper. Iq response to an appeal from Mr? Hill, New Zealand Treasurer, for funds in aid of theCc "lial Treasury of the W C.T.U., it was suj .pvt* d that a penny collection should be taken op at each meeting, and the idea has met with a hearty reception. Another mean? of raising money is by the members undertaking needlework in their leisure time, proceeds being devoted to W.C.T.U. work. By this means wo have been able to forward an additional pound. Sanson. —This new Union reports twentyfour members and five honorary members, w ith titteen meetings held, four of which were open to the public. Foxtow. —The members here work under numerous difficulties, but hope to keep up the

name of the Union in the district, so that they c:in open up again at any time. Bunntthorp*. —There is a large and growing Band cf Hope and also a Temperance Society here, so that the need of a branch of the W.C.T.U. is not v**ry pronounced. We believe our Irest work will be done by Influencing the Press, and by holding Social Home meetings. Kongotea. —This is a new Union, started in June last by Miss Kirk, with 9 members, now increased to 22, besides 18 honorary memliers. A banner was made and erected at the Polling Booth and proved a good opening for conversation with the people on Temperance. Rongotea recorded 22 votes over and above the required three-fifths majority. WELLINGTON. The year has been marked by many changes and much work. Early in the year we lost by death our old friend, Mr Harding, of Mt. Vernon Liter on Sir Robert and Lady Stout resigned their meml»ership on Sir Robert’s acceptance of the chief Justiceship. Since then we have lost by death our sympathetic friend, , Mr Wright, the husband of our \ ice-President We have, with the help of our many friend*, secured the Newtown property for our Gi-l’s Association. Our sale of work realized A3>B. Wo have registered under the Unclassified Societies Act and would here gratefully acknowedge the help generously given by the Rev W. Shirer and Dr Finlay. Pktonk—has I eon visited quarterly, and prior to the Elections several most successful drawing-room meetings were held. CHRISTCHURCH. Early in the year it was decided to join with other South Island Unions in engaging Miss Maunder for six months as organiser. As a result many towns and district* were visiteefl and some new Unions f> rmed, but owingJO*? very bad weather Miss Maunder could complish all she desired. During the year a strong Union has been formed at Woolston. Mrs Harrison Lee was successful in gaining many vote? for No License by her clear, logical arguments. Ten Drawing-room meetings have been held and have influenced a number hitherto opposed to us. Addresses at these gatherings w'ere given by our own mem tiers and also by Revs F. W. and L. M. Isitt and Messrs T. E. Taylor, G. J. Smith, and G. H. Ell, MILK. A meeting on March 22nd was addressed by Mesdames Schnaekenberg, Hill, and Sheppard and Miss Maunder. On September 13th Mr Malins, of Birmingham, England, addressed the UnioD, and on November 2Hth, a public meeting for women was held in the Openi House. 1 he Legal and Parliamentary Department has been actively engaged. Resolutions have been passed and communications sent to Ministers and Member? on such matters as Scrutineers’ Bill, Fines for Sly Grog-Selling, Unequal Payment of Boy and Girl Apprentices, Elective Executive Bill, Young Persons Protection Bill, etc., etc. The literature distributed (through the post and from house to house) has included Mrs Sheppard’s “ Ajjmal to Mothers,’’ Mis Harrison Lee’s “ App al to Women *' and a pamphlet giving the Opinions of Leading English physicians on Alcohol. Railway boxes arc regularly filled. The Union has c3ntributed to the Temperance Column in the Prets newspaper, and before the election published Mrs

Lee’s Appeal in l>oth daily papers. The W - man’s page in the Prohibition!id is still own** l by the Union, edit'd and managed by Mis Cole and Miss Gordon respo tively. One member contributes articles on Hygiene, etc. appearing in White Ribuon. Other departments of work in active operation are:— Mother’s Meetings, Rescue, Relief, and Jubilee Home. Th*» Coffea Room? are increasingly prosj>erouß and prove a b *>n to many, aud the Luncheon Booth at the November Show was, as usual, a thorough success. Woolston. —A new Union. Returns 22 members and reports public meetings held, Literature distributed and a box placed at t' e Railway station. Also contributes to Temperance column in Press. Lyttelton. —Distributed the leaflet “In His Steps,” an<l other literature. Taken 51 new pledges. Temperance meetings have been held at the M tori l’ah. Thirty pledges a good work done. Rescue work has been taken up and weekly meetings have been held from March to November for negUcted girls. Average attendance 20. Useful work taught and refreshments given. Monthly entertainments given to the mothers of the girls, the latter taking part. Lkkhton —Held ten public meetings during the year, and besides distributing literature by post and canvassers, arran ei for boxes at two railway stations. Contributed towards the Temperance column in our local paper. Scientific Temperance lessons have been given at our Bands of Hope, and one at the Maori Pah. Wo have also arranged a Mission Wedneslay, once a quarter, when all friends bring what (hey can to be distributed amongst the poor and sic’:. Akhbiuiton.—l)is*ributed literature Held Educational meetings, which were avllreused by Mrs Harrison Let* and Miss Maunder. Tim a HU. —Sailor’s Rest. We have again censured our energies upon this work. A successful Garden party was held enabling us to pay ri.ff the debt on the building put up last year and a substantial balance left to carry on the work. The Rest is now open on Sundays and services held in the eveuing. A good attendance is reported. KAIAPOI. Good work has been done during the year, proof of which was shown by the large vote taken for No License. Kaiapoi itself secured a three-fifths majority with three over. All our women worked hard in enrolling voters, distributing leaflets, and visiting generally, and though our desires are not granted, the result of the voting shows that the Bars have received three years’ notice to quit. Work taken up during the year : Evangelistic, Influencing the Frets, Legal aud Parliamentary, Educational, Relief and Literature distributior. We have beon helped by Mrs Harrison Lee, Misses Ilewson, Yoak, Maunder, Powell, and others. Coffee Rooms : On January 15th the purchuse of the above room? was completed on the following terms : The price is JJ257, of which Xo7 was paid down, the remaining Jt2U> to remain on mortgage at 5 per cent per anuuin, to be* paid every six months. As the roof requires repairing we ate thinkiug of raising it, so that the large room will be greatly improved. The cost will be between A'9<> and -£lU>, which wre hope to raise by means of a monster bazaar to be held in June. Three Trustees o i the building have been appointed, Mesdumes T. G. Bl&cknell, Ellen, and J. Hayman. We hope

some of the W.C.T.U. member. - will send us something for tne bazaar, anything that will sell. Ranuiora— Reports a large increase of membership, and great an 1 growing interest in the work. Enthusiastic audiences to hear Mrs Harrison Lee, and Miss Powell. An organized system adopted for distributing literature and canvassing from house to house during the “ No License ” campaign. Woodend. —A new Union organized by Mrs Harrison Lee. The President and Secretary (Kaiapoi) paid th m a visit, and found a brave, active Union ready for work. They t tke the Whit* Ribbon. Waikari, —A new Auxiliary organized by Miss Maunder. Also visited and found ready to take up the work of the W.C.T.U.

GREYMOUTH

We have been steadily working through the year and go; d has been done. L ist September, principally owing to the exertions of our energetic President (Mrs Gaskin), a senior L.T.L. was formed in Cobden with good results. It is hoped during the year toe mnencea sinilar class in Gieymouth. We have forty-six subscribers to White Ribbon. Two railway boxes are kept suplitd with literature. Boats in port are visited every Sunday morning and suitable pap* rs left. \\ e have hold several drawing room meetings, when addresses have been given by Misses V r oak and Hunter Brown Bkunnkiiton. —We have held eight ordinary, two special, ard three'public meetings. Miss Power’s visit was a stimulus to the Union Miss Voak’s address on missionary work was also helpful. Ihe sick and needy have been visited and assistance ren lered to the amount f Jtb. At an enjoyable social our late Treasurer, Miss Hill, was presented with a b-ooch. A copy cf the “ Life of Miss Willard, ” has been procured for use e>f members. Temperance and other literature his been distributed. Have written to all the chrches w ith regard to use of unfermented wine, and can leport that all comply, with the exception of the Church of England.

HOKITIKA. Hokitika has thirteen memlers and has held eight meetings during the year. Weekly Cottage meetings have also bee 3 held and literature has been distributed. Work was also done n the way of enrolling voters. So far no officers have oeen appointed for PJOO. DUNEDIN. We look back upon the year 18W as one of strenuous work and great achievements, and though we did not win in the No License «inpaign we lealize tha", God is on our side and we shall yet triumph. The Sailor’s Rost i& open daily. Every ship is visited and all the crews warmly invited to the Rest. Hundreds of men and lads frenuent the rooms, writing letters, reading and chatting together. Frequently th* - workers, with other friends, give a free tea to fdl the Seamen in harbour. Gospel services are bold every Sunday and Friday but almost every night during the year Seamen so disposed can have personal conversation with some Christian worker. Bibles, Testaments, Tracts, and various reading matter, printed indifferent languages, are distriluted by the thousand. The friends constantly invite Seamen to their homes, especially on Sundays and holidays. We take charge of letters for Seamen, and re-

ceive yearly scores from them. The Mother’s Sewing Meeting continues to prosper. Our Auxiliaries, formed by Miss Maunder, report active and good work. Port Chalmers.— Held monthly, and Cottage meetings, and did active work before the Option Poll w;is taken, and though disaj pointed as to results intends to work on for God, Home and Humanity. Nassbt. —Held Educational meetings, subjects : —“ Wom?n’s Work for Temperance” 1 Rev Ready), “ Obstacles to Healthful Development,” “ Temperance in Canada ” (Miss Maun der. “No License Poll,” “ Responsibilities of Voters,” “ Breaking a Pledge.” Resolutions were sent to the Premier re Curfew legislation, Restriction of th■> sale of Opium, and Prohibiting the sale of Tobacco to children. Literature has been widely distributed. A parcel of papers was sent to a Society at Bla kstone Hill. This Society has been kept in touch by correspondence an i has written expressing gratefulness for help received.

INVERCARGILL. We report hiving gained eighteen new members during the year and attendance at meeting good. In the early part of the year the Union approach* d the Ministers Association on the Curfew Bell subject, with the result that the whole town was canvassed on this question. Five new Unions were formed during Miss M lunder’s visit all of which seem to he working earnestly. Good work has been •lone in the Victoria Home. A number of new subscribers has been obtained for the White Ribbon. Miss Kirk’s visit to us was much appreciated. The result of the Local Option Poll was very encouraging, especially in our town. Three Home meetings have been held. Winton. —A new Union formed by Miss Maunder. Has a membership of ten. House to house visitation and literature distribution was largely carried on before the Election. Wallacetow n. —Abo a new Union. Reports ten members and literature distributed. Tapanui.— Organized by Miss Maunder, May 17th. Monthly meetings in different members’ homes have been held and much interest in the work has been showm, especially near the Election time. A large amount of lit rature has been distributed throughout the district, for which we were repaid by carrying No License. The Public house at Pukerau and the Wholesilo License here will be abolished in June. We have a Band < f Hope in connection w ith our Union and have had good meetings. Mrs Milne, of Fiji Islands, gave us an interesting account of her work in the Islands, at our first regular meeting. We wish to express our thanks and gratituda to Miss Maunder for her kind letters and words of advice.