REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS.

White Ribbon, Volume 6, Issue 71, 1 April 1901, Page 7

REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS.

LITERATURE. It is with pleasure that I have to report that good work is being done in this department. Although only three Unions have sent me a n*i>ort, the fact that twenty-eight Unions have Wn supplied with literature during the year in smaller or larger quantities is an indication that good and faithful work is being done. Auckland reports that leaflets have been supplied for a box in the Railway Station and waiting rooms; also distributed at various meetings, at the Agricultural Show, and at the reception of the Imperial troops in the Domain Lyttelton reports that tracts have been distributed among the seamen attending the “Rest,” and parcels of tracts and le *flets have also Im>cii supplied to vessels leaving port tor the use of the seamen. The I'nion bigml is taken regularly by this Union. Wanganui has a Imx in the Railway Station, which has been regularly supplied with leaflets and periodicals. When this department was given to me last year a grant of 45 was made for working expenses, but the department was in debt 410 Is to Mrs Harrison Lee for literature. As that lady was just leaving Australia fora lengthy stay in England, she wrote to me asking for a settlement of her account. The 45 grant was devoted to this purpose, and an effort was made to pay off Mrs Leo's account; 40 was sent as soon as it was obtained, and the remaining 41 Is forwarded to her in London, five months later. We were then out of debt, also quite out of funds, and in need of saleable sttx-k, it having l>oen reduced in order to raise the amount required. This department cannot be worked without money, so, with the a«sistance of my daughter, we collected among friends of our work sufficient of the “ needful to replenish the stock of leaflets, etc. The various Unions were notified of literature on hand, and the response on their part ha- been most encouraging. Fresh supplies have been obtained from America, from England, and by printing in Auckland. Several friends not connected with any Union have written to me and obtained literature to help them in their personal efforts in th* Temperance cause. This is to me a source of gladness, that we can assist other workers, even if it is in a small way. Having a large quantity of literature on the C.LL Act in my cat , 1 have been able to supply this to some

who required it free of charge. 1 have now a niee supply of literature on hand—not a large stock, but nicely assorted, —amounting to 414 98 Kd ; also a balance in band for working oxpenses of 44 8s Bd. It is very necessary that a more liberal allowance for correspondence should !m* granted to this department than to others, because the correspondence is much larger. Within the year 120 letters were written in connection with the work; Host Office orders and 15 parcels wen* sent out by post or parcel delivery, costing 42 l«>s s id for postage. I would also remind friends (who have not done so) that by sending money with their order the expense in postage is less. In the years which follow 4 he Local Option poll, as well as that which precedes it, we need to educate and influence individual and public opinion on this subject. In no way c<m this done better than by the distribution of suitable literature. .lust lieforo the election hist year a gentleman in one of our suburbs, speaking to a friend who was discussing the I’roh i l lit ion question, said, “ It was through reading tint leaflet. ‘The Great Experiment,’ that 1 was converted to the Prohibition views.” Facts like this encourage us to “sow lieside all waters,” believing that God will bless our efforts, and that many may be reached by these silent messengers who could not be influenced in other ways. A new list of the literature on hand will be sent to the White Ribbon, and l trust that every one will assist heartily in making this very useful department a great success. The balance-sheet for the past year is as follows: — Receipts —From Mrs May, March 2, 1900, 42 :ts bid; Mrs Hill, N. Z Treasurer, 45 0s ; collected, £5 ss; by sale of literature, 4Li 17s 7s; total, 420 0s 1 Jd. Expenditure.—Mrs Harrison Lee, 410 Is; type-writing, 8s ; printing, 45; ditto, Constitutions, 41 Ss 0d; imported literature, England, ss, America, 41 10s ; postage and P.O, orders, 42 15s 6Jd ; carrier, 2s ; pledge books, Is Od; total expenses, 421 17s sjd. Balance in hand 44 8s Bd. H. J. Hughes, Superintendent.

EVANGELISTIC. Your Superintendent visited Timaru Sailors’ Rest. A good work is carried on there by the members of the W.C.T. Unions, Rev Mr Gillies and others interested taking part. lam a frequent visitor at the Sailors’ Rest, Dunedin, and happy to rejiort that tin* soul-saving work still continues with Messed results. Lyttelton Branch still visits the Sailors’ Rest there on Sunday evenings, from S to 9 o’clock, and sing Sankey s hymns. lam sorry it is all they are allowed to do, the building not being their own. I heai of no good work at the Bluff Sailors’ Rest. The delegate for Invercargill reported that this Rest is constantly visited by members of Invercargill and Ocean Beach Unions with encouraging results. The usual Temjicnmee sermons wen* preached again in most of the churches throughout New Zealand.

The reports from the newly-formed branches are very meagre, but promise I letter work in the future. Some of our younger members are working in conjunction with Christian Endeavours, which is a good move. The reports from the Unions which are doing work

in this department are v. ry much the same as your Superintendent reported last year. In some there has been a spiritual uplifting. Special meetings for prayer have lieen held for missionaries in China and other parts of the benighted world, also for our soldiers on the battle field. This has been a record year indeed in our history as a people, and God’s children have much need to plead in earnest with God the Lord, who is mightier than the waves of the sea. For there has lieen, and is still, sore trouble over the world—plague, famine, wars, and much sorrow and bereavements. The “ Lord reigneth,” and as sure as “ the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it,” so surely shall the Lord bless our instrumentality in hastening on the day when the kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. M. H. Kirkland, Sujierintendent.

SOCIAL PURITY AND RESCUE WORK I have to report returns from eight Unions

—Auckland, Dunedin, Grey mouth, Invercargill, Kai&poi, Napier, Nelson and Wanganui. Only two (Auckland and Invercargill), report any Social Purity work, undone (Wanganui) Rescue work. Ido not, however, think that this entirely represents the amount of work done during the year. It is, of course, mainly in thi* large centres that there is much opportunity for this kind of work, but I think something might be done, and ought to be dune, in all our Unions in the way of rousing mothers to a sense of their responsibility in the matter

Auckland has been active in many ways, chiefly in trying to arouse public opinion on many important subjects connected with Social Purity, and this Union seems thoroughly alive to the importance of the work. Invercargill is doing excellent work with its Victoria Home for Friendless girls, which seems to combine Preventive and Rescue work. 15 girls were admitted during the year, and these seem to have received lasting good in the Home. Wanganui reports two cases undertaken to rescue girls from lives of sin.

Gisborne has undertaken no special Purity or Rescue work as a Union, but several of the members have assisted cases that came under their notice and have been cheered and encouraged by the success of their efforts. I have no doubt that there is a good deal of earnest work of this kind taken up by members of our Unions, though done privately. Nelson has purchased literature and intends to commence work shortly. A good deal has been done outside the Union by other agencies, the Rev F. Chatterton having held meetings for men and given addresses on Social Purity, while Mrs Chatterton has had meetings for women and girls.

I wish more ot our Unions would distribute literature. I have plenty of well-written booklets and leaflets for girls, which any mother would give with advantage to her own daughters or to young friends. I have also a great many booklets intended to educate and help mothers. I do not think the time has yet come when we can relax our efforts to make our people pure in mind and body, nor do 1 think such a time will come until mothers understand and realize more fully their individual responsibility to God in the matter. Maria Webb. Superintendent.

1 INFLUENCING 111 L PRESS. No grant having been sent to me for last year I could not communicate by letter with the Unions, and an appeal through the White Ribbon result'd in two reports being sent to me, one from Wellington, an 1 one from Wanganui. Little therefore has been accomplished through the department this year. Christchurch Union advertises several matters connected with our work in the daily papers, and reports of our meetings are always rent to the dailies and publishers. Correspon ‘T«ce also has been sent by the members on subjects in which the Union is interested. Miss Roberts, our Chtislchureh delegate, has a scheme in hand for influencing the Press which I strongly endorse. I trust she will explain it to Convention, and that the various delegates may see their way to adopt it in their own districts. 111-heaith prevent* rue from attending Convention, which I much regret May God's richest blessing rest upon our Unions everywhere. Fanny Coi.e, Superintendent.

JUVENILE WORK. The Report I have pleasure in presenting to you for 1900 is as follows : The Maktgn L.T.L. has held eight meetings during the year, which have increased in interest and membership each month. In August the plan was adopted of throwing all meetings open to all comers, old and young, and visitors were invited from neighbouring towns to •peak, the children being the chief performers. There is a highly satisfactory roll of 108 members. 22 having joined this year. The Wanganui Girls’ class has considerably fallen off through various causes, but after a recess of three months, it is hoped that fresh interest wili be manifested. Garments have been made and given to the children, who have contributed pence for purchasing material. Others have bought and made up their »>wn stuff', temperance instruction meanwhile being given. Grkymouth. —The Young People’s Willari Society (senior grade) has done good work, and held successful meetings during the year. The L.T.L. has been lropped for the year, lacking helpers, but hopes are entertained of restarting during 1901. Sanson L.T.L. has held very satisfactory meetings under the direction of Mrs Crichton, and a slight increase of membership has been reported. During the year past I have had printed and received orders tor upwards of a thousand handsome pledge cards for young people. Also I sent to America for a large parcel of books for Juvenile work, and have received orders from New Plymouth. Waverley, Turakina, Marton, Halcombe, Mangaweka, Nelson, and Rangiora, which were supplied. Jessie Speech, Superintendent.

RELIEF WORK. Our Unions have done much gool work unostentatiously, and ibat upon lines recommended, which are adapted to the wants of different localities and persot s Some Unions have not established this department, knowing that the Churches and other Christian organisations are quite willing and able to cope with the wants of the needy in their districts. To many of my letter cards I have received prompt

and courteous replies, others reply more tardily, and some forget to do so. Wanganui sends a good report. One Maternity-bag is so much in me, that a second is about to be purchased. Several families w‘u*e help*nl with food and clothing during the year. One family was especially care l for while the father was undergoing imprisonment. One of the W.C.T.U members is the president of the Dorcas Society. Kaiapoi sends no formal report, but cards and help of other kinds have been given, and several visits were made to those in need New Plymouth reports really excellent work. A Maternity-bag is in good use. Chests contaming cast-off clothing are kep* by members at the two extreme ends of the ♦own and, clothe, with other necessaries, are distributed to many families. Let me add a few words by way of suggestion. I found, while conducting this departmen 4 locally in Christchurch and Wellington, that two Mother and Infant-loan bags lent for six weeks, containing three of each garment necessary fora baby’s day weir and three of each necessary for night wear, as well as clothing for the mother, did good service, and were much appreciated. Temperance literature as well as Gospel tickets were enclosed for the parents and illuminated cards for the little ones. These we found disposed the parents towards W.C.T.U. workers and their views, and a good influence was set up. A “ Needy Children’? Saturday Afternoon S *wing Class,” at which m* garments made are Considered the property of the little workers, is an admirable adjunct to the W.C.T. Union. Aones Corlett, Superintendent.

LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY. A Petition relating to Scientific Temperance teaching in Public Schools was circulated early in the year among the Unions, and numerously signed by the members. The reply of the Premier in June last to the deputation from the various Temperance Organisations that “ Parliament would no longer forbid the sale of alcohol in the King Country,” roused the Unions to action, many of them sending resolutions of protest against this attempt to pluy into the hands of the liquor sellers and to violate the promise made by the Government some years ago to the Maoris that no liquor would he allowed in their Country. The Licensing Acts Amendment Bill was i troduced in Parliament and passed its first reading amid strong protests. The atiocious proposals contained in this Bill, viz. : To greatly enlarge the Licensing Districts : to empower the Colonial Secretary to giant licenses for the convenience of tourists regardless of the local option vote ; to take a special vote by which a bare majority of the electors of the Colony can increase the present licensing term of three years to six years ; to legalise the sale of liquor in the King Country, were indignantly protested against by Temperance workers The Bill for the removal of Women’s Disabilities passed its second reading early in last session, but was rejected in Committee. The discussion on the Bill in the House was anything but cred'cable to 6une of the members. A circular letter was printed and sent by your Superintendents to every Union in New Zealand urying (1) that they should protest against the unworthy and illogical manner in which the Disabilities Bill was discussed in the House, (2) that they should attirm that the

artificial limitations placed on women are an* tiquated and absurd, and ought not to be olerated in a young and free country, (3) that they should urge the Government to pass a measure for the Removal of the Civil and Political Disabilities of Women, (4) that they should forward the foregoing resolutions to the M.H.hs of their respective districts. A number of Ihe branches cotdially responded to this appeal. In reply to questions the Government announced that it did not intend introducing legislation with a view to removing the civil and political disabilities of women, feeling that the women did not want, and indeed, had not asked for such a measure. In face of the fact that net only the New Zealand W.C.T.U., but most of the Women’s Societies io the Colony had been asking for this legislation for years past, the statement of the Government was curious, to say the least of it. The statement had the effect, however, of rousing the Women’s Nati nal Council to issuing petition forms for signature by women, which were addressed to both Houses of our Legislature, and which asked that equality of opportun ty should be granted to all citizens irrepective of sex, capacity alone being the test. In this action your Superintendents cooperated, and a letter was written to every W.C T.U. branch throughout the Colony asking the memb rs to obtain signatures to the petition, copies of which were forwarded at the same time. Over twenty branches replied sympathetically and sont 4 or petition forms. It is to he hoped that other branches may now fall into line an 1 take lip this very important work. At the Canter' ury District Convention, held this month, an address was given on the” Disabilities ” question, and at Naseby the W.C.T.U. gave a Garden Party for the special purpose of collecting sigmtures. Letters and articles were published recently in the White Ribbon, dealing with different aspects of the “ Disabilities ” question. During last session provision was made by Government for establishing two Inebriate Institutions, one for paying, and one for non paying patients, but so tar is we have seen, no steps have been taken towards making Use of this provision. The Stoke Orphanage enquiry excited much comment, and fresh legislation was introduced by tne Government with a view to preventing si nilar scandalous occurrences. It is a question however, whether anything short of State control will protect the best interests of the children. The Christchurch W.C.T.U. organised a public meeting in October to discuss the w hole question of Industrial Schools, at which it waj contended that Industrial Schools and Reformatories should be made separate Institutions.

Among the Bills dropped last session which interest us es.ecially are:—The Young Persons Protection Bill, to which Auckland, Invercargill, Wanganui, Christchurch, Naseby, and other Unions have given a great deal of earne t consideration ; the Totalisator Abolition, which, if passed, would help to minimise the gambling evil ; the Elective Executive, which many believe would be at least a partial remedy against the present system of Government by Cabinet, and give us a purer administration ; the Absolute Majority Vote, which would insure the representation of a majority in a district, and not merely a minority, which the present law allows. In conclusion your Superintendents urge that the Union memters should be alive Vo their responsibilities uader the provisions of

the Municipal Act passed last session. Practically every married woman hns now a vole in the Municipality or Boronyh in which she lives, the qualifications for voting are either that of a freeholder to the value of £2it, or a rate paver, or a tenant at a rental of not less than jCIO a year. Husbands and wives have votes by virtue of property possessed by ei f tier, or by one of them being a ratepayer, or paying a rental of jEIO a year. We should get our own as well as our neighbours’ names on the municipal roll before April 9th, and then look about for thabest and most trustworthy individuals who will serve the Cities and Boroughs faithfully, and for whom it should he a pleasure as well as a duty to cast our votes. K. W. Shiitahp, L. M. Atkinson, Superintendents.