NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 8, Issue 88, 1 September 1902, Page 2

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

[ir« rely on our local Union» to tend 14* new 1 for thia column. We cannot evolve it out of our inner contcioutneta .]

Napier* At the last meeting of this Union the President dealt with an mspiiing article from a recent issue of the Union Signal. Mrs Hill read a letter from Miss Anna Gordon, World’s Secretary, re future methods of organisation. Several new members were enrolled. Nelson. At the meeting held on the 12th ult. letters were received from some of the clergymen who had been asked to speak on the Totalisator question. It is hoped that a vigorous protest will be made. It was resolved to support the request to the Government that a Commission be appointed to inquire into the condition of child labour in the dairying districts of the colony. The Secretary read a most interesting paper on the “ Origin of the W C.T.U.,” after which literature was distributed. Rongotea. Our ordinary monthly meeting was held on the second Thursday, when arrangements were made for a social to be held in September. Mrs Harrison Lee’s visit was also discussed. The President read an interesting article from Joyful News. Our recent victory was most encouraging, and should nerve us for the coming fight, which we can see will be an unusually hard one, as the Publican Party are going to make a great effort to alter the result at the com ng Local Option Poll. It will be urgently necessary for all our women and Temperance friends to vote. Last time we polled 21 over the three-fifths majority, which fact largely influenced the Licensing Committee. Through death and removal we have lately lost 18 reliable Temperance votes. Christchurch A social was held on the evening of August 24th, to which young people were invited. A programme of vocal

and instrumental music was provided, and much enjoyed. Miss Powell (chair) gave a chatty speech, introducing Miss Roberts, who gave a really good, rousing “ No-License ” addres . Miss Powell invited those present to give their names and help in forming a Young People’s No-License League, and about twelve responded. Refreshments were handed round It was decided to hold another social on the evening of Monday, Sept. 22nd, when it is expected a number more will join the new r society. Auckland. Meetings were held on July 23 and August 6. A paper on Child Labour in the Dairy Districts was read ; also a letter asking if the Union would take up the matter. A resolution was passed that the letter be laid on the table. Miss Caly has been engaged by the Union, in connection with the Prohibition League, for visitation and other temperance work. The sum of ten shillings was voted for the purchase of temperance literature for distribution by Miss Caly. A report was given by the Secretary of the benevolent work that is being done by this Union. One new member was enrolled. It was resolved “ That this Union strongly support the resolution passed by the Women s Political League te Veterans’ Home not wanted.” A lengthy discussion took place as to the best way to go to work in view of the coming election. Creymouth. Our August meeting was held on the 7th. As the result of our annual limelight we realised, after expenses, £4 6s. Since last report we have given anotht r of our popular evenings to our sailors, to whom also literature is distribired every Sunday morning. It was decided to Rev. Williams to give two temperance addresses during his visit to Greymouth—one on the Friday afi'irnoon, to women only ; the other after service on Sunday evening, in the Opera House. The Young People s Willard Society recently held a concert which proved a success. The L.T.L. is in a progressive state. The monthly missionary prayer meetings are better attended latterly. We are working in Educational meetings, and have had some very instructive papers, dealing with the “ Effect of Alcohol on the Body.” Our Temperance columns in our local newspapers are supplied weekly by some of our enthusiastic gentle-

men helpers in the Temperance cause. It was resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to our worthy treasurer in her sad bereavement, the loss of her beloved husband. Petone. Our Union has made great stiides lately as a result of the “ Mothers meetings,” which have been held fortnighly at the members’ homes. We try to make them educational and ate very grateful to the members of the Wellington Union who come out when they possibly can. By this means we are constantly getting strangers to our meetings who in time become membeis of our Union. A cup of tea is always a useful part of the programme. We ventured out a little on Coronation Day and erected a booth on the Recreation Grounds, where the ceremony was held. We received very good support and are going to try again the next opportunity that occurs. We are giving the members of the two “ Bands of Hope, ’ a Complimentary Social, and so hope to gain their mothers’ and fathers’ sympathy. We are also busy distributing literature all over our scattered electorate. At our monthly meetings up to the election, we intend devoting half an hour to special prayer. Wellington. At our last meeting it was decided to devote the time to prayer instead of to the usual business. Earnest prayers were offered for the mission held by Dr Torry and Mr Alexander, specially in regard to their visit pi our Girls’ Association. Colyton. At our meeting on the 14th of August Miss Minchin presided, and Mrs P. W. Jones, of Feilding, gave us a very good n port of the Temperance Convention heid in Palmerston North. It was de. cided to have a collection at our next meeting in aid of the \\ ills Memorial Fund. Miss Minchin kindly offered to citine and conduct a Bible reading. Musical items and refreshments brought a pleasant gathering to a close. New Plymouth. Regular meetings of the Union were re commenced on the first Wednesday i 1 August. Though the attendance is still small it is improving. At the opening meeting Mrs Douglas, our President, gave a stirring address on “ The Aims of Our Union,” and at the September meeting the Rev S. J. Serpell was present, and gave an interesting

address. Tee Union has sustained a loss in the services of Mies Ah:er, who has resigned the position ol secret; ry. Mrs Gaukrodger has been dectedto the office. Naseby. The monthly meeting was held on Sept. Ist. The Secretary reported that a Cottage Meeting had been held during the month. Several members have handed their copies of the W mite Rin bon to the Secretary, to be posted to various districts where the paper is unknown. The same is done with the irohibitionist. One new subscriber has been obtain; d through this method for the latter paper, and we are in hopes that more subscribers will be obtained for our own pape r. During the meeting Miss Glenn sang the solo, “Only a Little Word,” very sweetly.