REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS.

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

REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS.

THE “WHITE RIBBON.” The report and balance-*heet of the Committee showed a liability of AH 5 1-s sd. I here had been a slight increase in the number of subscribers, but the subscription list is still short of the number which the Unions, through their delegates, had pledged themselves to raise*, and which the editors and publishing stuff made a condition of their holding office. The officers of the paper feel strongly that the Unions should relievo them of financial worry, and this could lie done if members could introduce to the notice of their friends the only woman’s paper published in New Zealand. The hearty sympathy and cordial eo-opera-ti)n of many friends throughout tho colony is gratefully acknowledged.

DRAWING-ROOM AND HOME MEETINGS. Early in the year your Superintendent wrote to each of the District Unions, asking the secretaries to forward tho letter to their auxiliaries in turn. The Unions were urged to take up this work. The special >pportunitieß afforded by these meetings were pointed out, and it was suggested that if taken in hand by earnest, intelligent women, great good would result. Up to date only reports from four unions hav* arrived. Kaiapoi, Wanganui, Gisborne, New Plymouth, and Hawera wrote, saying that they had held no Home meetings. In some places they feel such meetings to be unnecessary, and others may, like myself, be so pressed with home duties since the Election, that they are late in writing their reports, and may be sending them direct to Convention.

Wellington sends a most encouraging report. Twelve meetings have been held, with an average attendance of fifteen. 'I he local Superintendent is hopeful that outsiders have been influenced. Addresses were given on “No License,” “Mothers* Obligations and Privileges,” etc. No returns from auxiliaries. Napier has held six Drawing-room meeting!, and these were very lirgely attended by outsiders, and were helpful to the Unions. Mrs Leask addressed two meetings at Danevirke. Greymouth has had one Drawing-room meeting, but gives no particulars. Christchurch has held eleven meetings during the year, and the-e have been attend d by about 480 women, chiefly outsiders, and we can honestly claim that the results far exceeded our expectations. Four of these were held in cottage homes, with an attendance of about 30 women. It was found difficult to

arrange these meetings, and 1 believe we must get ladies to lend their drawing-rooms, and invite the mothers. I tried this plan myself, and it was greatly enjoyeb Five ladies lent their drawing-rooms, and invited their f Tends, taking care to secure the attendance of ihe right sort of people; and it w as wonderful how successful the e gatherings were in removing prejudice, and how much the opportunity wa r j appreciated of hearing our speakers, and becoming personally acquainted with our prominent workers. Two Drawingroom meetings were held in the Art Gallery. In each instance “At Home” cards were issued to 300 people. At the first, abou f 150 were present, and from 175 to 2UU at. the

second. The room was beautifully arranged, and made bright with flowers and evcrgr»>enß. Several of my young friends looked after the tea, which was handed round Indore the meeting, »> that people might be made known to each other and formality prevented. Beyond the members of the Executive, who gave their assistance, the member* of the Union were not invited, the object In-ing to reach outsiders, and to prevent formality, which sometimes comes from over crowding. The Beve H. Watson and L. M. Isitt gave eloquent addmscs at the tirrt meeting, Mr Isitt urging those present to vote No License, and tusking a deep impression. At the second meeting, Mest-rs T. E. Taylor, 0. J. Smith, and H. G Ell were present, and gave addresses ; and it was pleasant to see those who had looked upon these gentlemen as notorious “ fanatics ” now quite eager ts» hear what they had to say, and to make their acquaintance afterwards. Mr Taylor's address was deeply impre-si ve, and tie* thoughts he gave went homo to many bents. The Ktv '•'inlay and M ss Powell weie also with us. The guests were the wives and daughtt rs (all electors ') of ministers, Syncdsinen, doctors, lawyers, teachers of tin* leading public and private girls’ tchools, wive- of schooliuustcis and leading 1 tininess men, deaconesses, and many Anglican Church memheis. It is in this way, I Itelieve, we chad do our liest work in future. Addresses hive I e« n giv< n at there meetings by Mesdam<*s Cole, McKee, Sheppard, Cunnington, Squires, Mickle, Field, and Newton, and by the Misses Robert*, Kirk, Maunder, Powell, and Henderson, as well as by the gentlemen already mentioned. The whole effort was to tiy and remove prejudice, educate those who never attend our meetings, and bring friends into personal contact with our leaders.

The subjects of addresses were : Liberty of tho Subject,” “The Revenue,” " Evils of the Tiaflic,” “Our Duty as Citizens,” “ Our Ke-ipousihility for the Fruits of the Traffic if we Neglect to N ote for its Abolition,” “The Medical At-pect,” “ \p|a al to Mothers,” '* Story of Sampson,” and “ God's Command to Manoah's AYife.” 1 have spoken at St. Michael's Mothers' Union, the Papanui Prohibition League, and our Christchurch Union Leaflets have I* en post'd ai.d Istuks hut on the Social Put ity question. Dr Nicholl’s “ Laws of Generation ” and confidential talks to young women have Iwvn much appreciated, and I have now lu> of Mrs 11. Lee’s book, " Marriage and Heredity and Social Evil” for sale at Is Ikl |>er topy, p st free, and I would like orders for them from all parts of Die colony. These and kindred subjects should lie taken up at these meetings during the year. I also suggest that every Union secure a Corrected roll, and fiud from it the names of all women who did not vote at the last election, and try and get them to attend the Home Meetings. 1 may mention that w« do not urge visitors to join our Union or to do any work. If we can succeed in interesting them, help or membership will probably follow. 1 should add that the success of these meetings has been chieffy owing to the generous help I have had from others. in lending rooms, speaking for me, aud in other ways. I do not intend taking a N.Z. office this year, and 1 believe a change will In* g'iod for the work 1 love. 1 have given my ideas on the work, and my successor may help afresh with new suggestions, and may help us

in Christchurch, whore I have been appointed locil Su{ ermtondent of the Department. The World’s W.C.T.U. has asked for a report from me for th * past two years, and I regret that 1 have no report from Auckland or Gisborne to include iu it. Mary I>k Ken/.y Newton, Superintendent. P.S.—A very enthusiastic report arrived sine * writing the above from Mrs Douglas, of New Plymouth, telling of three eminently successful meetings in connection with this Departin’ nt. The first was held intheChurch of England Schoolroom, to which 2(10 were invited by card who were not in sympathy with our work. Miss Kirk gave an address in her happiest vein; the tea tasted good, and the music was a joy to be remembered. At the reoond gathering, advantage was taken of the Rev Wills’ presence in New Plymouth to ask him to address the meeting. The Veil. Archdeacon Oovett occupied the chair, and a success was scored. But the beat effort was a mars meeting for women on December 6. which was piesided over hy tie* Mayoress. A band of loyal workers nad decorated the Drill Hall for the occasion, flowers, ferns, banners, pictures, while and gdd draperies helped to transform the hall into fniry-lan<l Two handsome flower baskets were prepared for presentation to the M aye rets and Mrs Harrhon lav. The two candidates for Parliamentary honours were invited to answer the qin-st ions forwarded to them by the President of the Union. Invitations had been sent by card to about 1000 women and 530 responded. Mrs Harrison Lee gave a grand address indeed she excelled herself—which meansa great deal. Altogether this meeting was one to la* remembered, and the prouiot rs could not but feed that good has been accomplished. WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. When 1 was appointed Superintendent of this Department my first step was to write to the Secretary of every District Union in New Zealand, asking them to take up the work among young people, and also to urge their auxiliaries to do so. lam sorry to report that only six (fit Unions acknowledged my letter: viz.—Kaiapoi, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Invetcargill, Grey mouth and Napier. Kaiapoi wrote stating that the “Young People’s No-License Guild ” was not a branch' of the W.O.T.U, although formed by Miss Powell. That members signed no pledge, simply pr mining to won for and vote “ NoLicence,” but I think that this Uuion should, now that the election is over, try to form a Y.P.C.T.U out of this same 44 No-Licence Guild.” The Secretary was in doubt as to Amberley being one of Kaiapoi’s Auxiliaries, and so I wrote to Amberley Union myself, but received no reply. Palmerston North. The Secretary of this Union wrote stating that my letter had the fullest sympathy of members, who decided to dis ms ways and means and let me know results, but I have had no further news, und conclude nothing has Keen done.

Invercargill.—This Union writes recognizing the importince of the work, promising to bring it l»efore next meeting and let me know result, but up to the present I have no news. New Plymouth wrote thanking me for my letter, and stating that most of the youug people belonged to Christian Endeavour

Societies, and could not attend other meeting I do not for one moment think that th** Unions are indifferent to this branch, but th* elections have absorbed all their interest, aai I have no doubt that healthy Unions w ill b* ready in 190) to resume this hopeful work. Greyinouth.—At Cobden, meeting for. nightly ; members, eight l>oys and ten girl* ages ranging from 11 to 21 years. The bon wear a blue ribbon and the girls a white otv They are very much in earnest, and intend taking up the study of scientific temperane* Mrs Gaskin wrote me that 1 should receiver report from the secretary of alove, U although I wrote asking for one, 1 have c heard mere. Napier Union hss formed a branch of Y.P.I at Taradale, a little village about five milfrom Napier .Six members joined. Mn Troy informed me that it is a very benight-, district, and a racing fra’ernity, but they ho;» to get on. Both Greyinouth ami Napier wrote askin me for suggestions re methods of work, whier I was most please 1 to give. Auckland.— The Secretary of Y.IM’.TX reports much work done during the ye.irn connection with election, delivering literatsr placing posters in warehouses and large factories, providing programme for differs temperance meetings,etc. Meet twice a uioatk Numb rof members on roll, 48. This l.nn has found it very hard work, owing to waiir of the members not attending imetingg,« paying tL.ir subscriptions of Is (xl per yes* an l at one time the young people had senou. thoughts of disbanding, but at their tin* meeting in 181h* deeded to continue m i Union, and will re-open in M irch, 1900, wha the election of officers will take place. Miss Hewson also reports successful wort in Auckland. The sewing classes were reopened in May lasi with an attendance A eight children, which number afterwards gr<-« to thirty. The children have been given instruction in Bible and Temperance subjectarid sewing lessons also. They made seven garments and one or two patchwork quil Miss Hewson. uufortunitely, has to re*i,i this work for the present. Newton Girls’ Association, Wellington.— I Tfe Secretary, Miss A. M. Shirer, n*p>rts that u* work of the institute has been carrii 1 on witl some legree of success. Meetings ave b*'. held for various forms of instruction on M > day, Wednesday,and Friday evenings. Auu>u' the subjects taught were plain sewing, km tin/, fancy work, dress making, etc. Meeting have been opened and closed with prayer -Special meetings for recreation have been heifroni time to time. Regular visitation receive careful attention. A successful eale-of-wtfi in aid of the Building Fund was held on Aig 31st and Sept. Ist. After a holiday at Christ mas, the work was again resumed by the co* mittee iu a way that gives promise of suoewfor 1900. 1 sincerely trust that the year 11M»0 will a year of harder work than ever by memlier of the Union, which will help tostcu-* a victory foi our cause. M. Spencki, Superintendent

EVANGELISTIC HE FORT. Although I cannot report any sptcial i* create of work in my Department this there are not wanting signs cf active inters and definite work in one or other cf 9*

branches of Christian service connected with (lUr Temperance Unions. Your Superintendent sent a letter and also a question circular to every Union. The replies to hand were encouraging, l>ut some have not yet sent any report. The various branches of work rep >rted on are V —Bible-readings, with satisfactory results, House to House Visitation. Aluishouws, Hospitals, the Needy Poor Visited, Cotta/** Meetings, Meetings in Coffee-rooms, Soc ial Prayer Meeting* f<>r the Temperance Work and Workers Gospel and Temperance Literature distribute*!, Address to Children at Hands of Hope, Missionary Prayer Meetings, Services in “ Sailors’ Rests,” which were much appreciated by the sailors, and many of them brought from darlinoes to li ;ht, and from the p< wer of sin, to believe and trust in a living, loving Saviour. Almost without exception ministers of religion throughout New Zealand hare l**en in earnest and have preached nevenl temperance s 'noons, and at election tim*' held othei public meetings. Meetings were held for women, when papers were read un various subjects, such as “ Women tlie Mothers of the Nation,” u Thr» Necessity of United Effort,” " How Best to Arrest the Thought* of our Young People in Matters Concerning ibeir Highest Good,” and other subjects. The Superintendent addressed a public meeting the Sunday before the pollingday. and House Meetings were held urging the women to vote “ No-License.” I regret that I have not l>een able to give a fuller report, but I have waited in expectation of getting rep»rts from the Unions. None came, however, and this is H some <ases probably du** to the fact that many of the branches have not appointed an Evangelistic Superintendent. This duty I would urge upon the branches, so that good, earnest work may le done. May we all gird on the whole armour of God, and go forth fully equipped for the tight. M.vav Kirkland, Superintendent.

SOCIAL PURITY AND RESCUE WORK In presenting iny report on the two llepartinonts of Social Purity and Rescue Work, I am glad to say that l have received answers to iuy circular from a larger number of Unions than last year; but when 1 tell you that I addressed a circular to forty-eight Unions, and hare only received answers from fourteen, you will B** that there is room for considerable impiovement iu this respect. The fourteen Unions which replied were: Auckland, Dan:*c. irke, Devonport, Feilding, Haweia, Hamilton. Levin, Napier, Onehunga, Ponsonby, Thames, Tirnaru, Turakina, and W anganui. Out of these fourteen, I am sorry to say, eight report “ nothing done,” but several of those promise to begin working at once, "ud have procured literature to start with. My own Union (Gisborne) is one of the defaulters. We have never been able to secure * uay for the full discussion of the subject, though we had many extra meetings, but these were all taken up witn plans ot work fo* the Local Option Poll. A little literature ha* *•* r dstributed, and som* of our members have helped in one or two Rescue cases. Auc .land reports work done in the shape of addresses at Mothers’ Meetings, and an attempt to help young girls by the formation of * ‘ Snowdrop Hand” in connection with the V.K.C.A, I hope the number of members will

increase, and that they will be able, by God’s help, to raise the standard of purity of heait and life among the girls of Auek’and. Napier reports distribution of literature, and some addresses to young men by one of the local doctors. Only six Unions have applied for literitur\ I think it is evident that »« all ought to try to do more in this v« ry important held of work than was done list year. Iu many of the smaller places 1 know there does not Seem much opportunity for this work, hut even in the smallest pise s I think literature might be carefully distributed. Many of our leufi *ts aie quite suitable for distribution among our elder Sunday scholars and young teachers, and a considerable number may be obtained for a very small sum. Maria Wkbh, Superintendent.