NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 6, Issue 66, 1 November 1900, Page 2

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

| y e re l,f on our local I'nions to send us neus for this column. lIV cannot evolve it out of our inner consciousness.]

NelsonAt the monthly meeting of the W.C.T.U. h eld on October 9th, the Women’s Disabilities Bill was submitte 1 for discussion, and resolutions passed protesting against the action of the Government in the matter, the Secretary being requested to forward copy of resolutions (same as those endorsed by Mesdames Sheppard and Atkinson) to the Premier and to Nelson’s M.11.K. A parcel of literature having been purchased from Mrs Hughes, of Auckland, the same was given to members lor distribution. We were pleased to welcome a new member to our Union. Wellington. Our monthly meeting was held last Thursday afternoon, Mrs Wright presiding. Miss Jarvis, of Auckland, was present, and brought greetings from the Union, whicli we were pleased to receive. Superintendents of work were asked to have their reports in early, and it was dtcided to hold the annual meeting at Newtown in our own rooms. Our members are beginning to feel the time is drawing near for Convention, and if it is to be the successful gather ing we hope to make it, we must be up and doing. The lirst Wednesday in

March, 1901, was tin* day selected for the opening. Rangiora. The usual monthly meeting of the Rangiora Branch was held on Friday afternoon. Mrs Graham, N ice-Presi-dent, occupied the chair, and there was a large attend nee «f members. A communication was received from the Secretary of the Christchurch Branch re booth on >how Grounds. The office of President being vacant, owing to Mrs |. Smith having left the district, Mrs Barling was unanimously elected to the position, and Mrs F. B. Lane to that of Secretary, the office formerly held by Mrs Darling. Mrs Graham conveyed to the meeting greetings from the late Prcsid* nt, and deep regret was e\pie sed at the loss the society has su* lined through Mrs Smith’s removal. A new member was initiated, and the meeting closed in the u-ual manner. Devonport We continue to hoi 1 our im W 1 y meetings, and spend many enjoyable afterno ns together. Sometimes we just have an infotmal talk amongst ourselves, and find we get as much profit and encouragcm nt by this means as with set speakers and subjects. Our last meeting was held on Thursday, October 25th, in the Wesleyan school room. In the absence of our President, we voted Mrs Hampson, our untiring and enthusiastic Secretary, to the chair. Among other things that caked for attention, arrangements were made re the temperance booth at the coming Agricultural Show. Several members volunteered their services as waitresses on the days the Show was held. Mrs Spraggan rendered “Ora Pn Nobis” in her usual pleasing style, and we had a piano selection by Miss May Hampson. One new member was received, and arrangements were made for our next meeting. KaiapoiTti. key no e of our meeting on Oct* 31st, was one of thankfulness for success attending our efforts for lenovation fund of 11 Coffee Rooms. At there-opening sab / 25 was taken, and £22 promised in conations. An enjoyable promenade cor ert in the evening was presided ovtr by Rev. J. Orchard. The work of renovation proved more extensive than we had anticipated, and included laising the walls 2 ft, a new ver. ndah, and new upper front. W e art, however, very proud of our building, whi h stands out splendidly in its coat

of white paint with dark red outlines* The large room is lofty and well lighted’ and prettily tinted in cream and blue* with doors, windows, and supports to the roof of oak colour. Greymouth. At the meeting held Nov. Ist, the question ot opening tea rooms was discussed. It was decided to leave the matter in abeyance till a suitable person to manage could be found. About twenty members signified their intention of being present at the district meeting to be hehl at Reefton on November 9th. Christchurch. Preparations for the luncheon booth occupy a great deal of time and attention, but not to the exclusion of other subjects. The proposals of the Committee of the Ministers’ Association were received with dismay and disappointment. The following motions were carried unanimously : “ That this Union deeply regrets that the Committee of the Ministers’ Association should unite with the promoters of the Contagious Diseases Acts in recommending the compulsory reporting of venereal disease.” “ 1 hat as in older countries it lias been clearly shown, by medical experts and others, that compulsory reporting, with its attendant evils, espionage, and evasion, has always been a failure wherever tried, this Union strongly disapproves of the system of police surveillance, believing it to be utterly unsound morally, and futile hygienically.” “ That in the true interests of public health hospital accommodation should be provided for those who shall voluntarily present themselves for treatment.” Naseby The Naseby Union held its monthly meeting at Mrs Ladd's. Mrs Ladd has been in ill health, and is still far from well, so it was a case of the nioun tain (a very moderate sized one) going to Mahomet. It was decided to collect subscriptions to assist tlie New Zealand Alliance funds. Mrs Ladd was appointed librarian of the very few volumes which compose our library. A Home meeting at an early date was arranged for. I'his month’s meeting was well attended.