NEWS OF THE UNIONS

White Ribbon, Volume 9, Issue 98, 1 July 1903, Page 3

NEWS OF THE UNIONS

fIF« rely on our local Unions to send ue netri for this column. We cannot evolve it of our mn«r con»e»oui»ieM.] Napier* The union held a very pleasant and profitable social in the Methodist schoolroom on the evening of May 27th. Mrs H. W. J Miller (President) presided. The chief item of the pro gramme was the reading of the first and second prize essays on the “ Wisdom and equity of reducing as much as possible the temptations of the liquor traffic.” The papers were expressively read by Mrs Caro and Miss Howe. The first prize, of two guineas, was contributed by Mrs Caro, and the W.C.T.U. gave the second prize of one guinea. Mrs Hill, who attended the annual Convention, gave a resumfc of the proceedings. During the course of her remarks she congratulated the members of the Napier union on the enthusiastic manner in which they worked in connection with the licensing poll, and mentioned that after paying the expenses of the year’s operations they were free from debt. Musical items were interspersed, and refreshments were handed round at the conclusion of the programme. Coiyton. At cur last meeting we were favoured with the presence of Mrs Atkinson, who gave us a most enjoyable address on the “ RiseandGrowth of the W;C.T.U.” Mrs Atkinson also inferred to the system of school savings banks, the sending of temperance literature to the back blocks, and to the advisability of obtaining new subscribers to the White Ribbon. A social cup of tea closed a pleasant afternoon’s proceedings. Christchurch A social was held on the evening of June 25th at which it was expected Messrs T. E. Taylor, H. G. Ell and Bedford, M.H.Rs, would be present. There was a very large attendance and Miss Powell presided. Unfortunately, only Mr Bedford was able to attend, Mr Ell having had to leave for W ellington a day or two previously and Mr Taylor being indisposed. Mr Bedford w’as enthusiastically received and spoke on licensing matters, and Miss Roberts gave an abU*.’dress on the Disabilities question, specially urging the right of women to a seat in Parliament. Several

enjoyable musical items and refreshments filled up a pleasant evening. New Plymouth. On May 27th an afternoon tea was held in honour of Mrs Douglas, our retiring president. The newly elected president, Mrs Maunder, took the chair. A small amount of business w as transacted and the Initiatory service was read, two new members joining and Mrs Buttle being welcomed. A short programme of music and recitation followed. During the afternoon Mrs Drew spoke in highly appreciative terms, not only of Mrs Douglas’ untiring energy and zeal during her years of office, but also of her quiet, self-denying efforts in rescue work and in all that tended towards the good of the town. Other members spoke in a similar strain. Mrs Douglas replied and added some helpful words. The social part of the programme was then entered upon and a happy hour was thus spent. Auckland* W r e are glad to report an increase in our membership, three new members have been enrolled, and Mrs God ley, ot Brighton, England, and a member of the B.W.T.A. and Mrs Wakelin, of Mt. Morgan, Queensland, have been welcomed in our midst. The union sent a letter to Mrs Darcy Hamilton, spokeswoman of the deputation of ladies who waited on the Premier at Kawhia, re sly-grog selling. iV r e were disappointed that the deputaticn did not urge prohibition. It is decided to hold a public meeting on the 9th ot July, when an entertainment will be given consisting of “ The Congress of Nations. ” InvercargillOur monthly meeting was held on June 2nd, about twenty-five members being present. Invitations had been sent to Bluff and Waianawa unions to join us at this meeting, but owing to the very cold, wet weather, only three of our Bluff sisters responded. These were heartily welcomed by our president, Mrs Baird. It was resolved to resume the “ Pleasant Afternoons ’’ at the Old Men’s Home. A very interesting paper was read by Mrs M tealist r on “ The beginning of the W omen’s Temperance-Crusade. Miss Hardie, leader of the hospital singing band, reported on the work done at'the hospital. After a social cup of tea, Mrs McQuarJ rie and Miss Mitchell, of the Bluff! union, spoke of the great need for al hall at Blutl suitable for holding Tempe-I ranee meetings, and where the young!

men could spend their evenings in a social way, instead of going to the public houses. They said they had already secured a site suitable, and intended to proceed with the building as soon as funds were available. Our union resolved to assist in the sale of work to be held shortly to raise the necessary funds. At a previous meeting it was resolved to send the amount asked for towards the Organiser’s expenses. Dunedin. The usual monthly meeting was held on June 2nd. Notice having been given in several of the churches, there was a good attendance. Several letters were read, one from Mr T. H. Raison (Secretary of the Harbour Board), granting 1 20 to the Sailor’s Rect. It was decided to advertise in the White Ribbon. Miss Roberts gave an able address, touching on matters of import to women and the community The monthly meetings will, in the future, be held in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms, Moray Place. The July meeting was held on 7th inst. It was announced that Miss Marchant would shortly give ?n address on Venice, accompanied by limelight views, proceeds to go to defray expenses in connection with appointment of Organising Agent. Delegates were appointed to attend the meeting shortly to be called, in connection with definite Temperance work amongst the young. Correspondence dealing with the Anti-Gambling question was also received. Steps were taken to procure signatures to the petition against Women’s Disabilities. Feilding. The last monthly meeting was held in the Presbyterian church, the attendance was good, one new member joining. Business matters were brought forward, but net finally settled. It was stated that a set of Temperance wall sheets had been placed in the Feilding school. Our President told of the remarkable conversion of a well known local man, and urged the importance of Bible tudy. Our N.Z. President’s visit an J address were very helpful and highly appreciated. Wanganui. The claims of the organising agent were brought forward at the July meeting. The members expressed the fullest sympathy with the attempt to rouse and assist the unions and it was decided to contribute 30s to the fund. It was also decided to at once forward

the £2 previously promised to further the interests of the White Ribbon.