News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 13, Issue 159, 15 September 1908, Page 2

News of the Unions.

Oorresi*indents are to make their Reports as roix isr ms possible. RAVENSBOURNE. A very pleasant Mini interesting meeting was held «>n August 26th, when Mrs. Johnstone, President of tin- Port Chalmers Union, accompanied t»\ Mt xlames Mmusoii, Crant, (’. Menzies, and T. J. Thomson, and Miss Menelaws, in answer to a numerously signed request, went to RaveuslMiurne to institute a branch of the W.C.T.V there. They wen* met by tin* Rev. hr. Nieolson. wlio gave them a very hearty welcome. Mrs Heslop, of the North-east Valiev, and Mr. (rain, No-License agent for the Chalmers electorate, were also present. Alter partakimr of afternoon tea the meeting was opened with pnver bv the Rev. Dr. Nieolson: the singiug of a hymn was follow«sl by suitable portions of Scripture, read by Mrs, Johnstone, who then proceeded to iiiauiruratc the new I niou, Mis Nieolson was chosen President. Aeveral donned the Whin* Ribbon and the new Union was fairly launched, with many good wishes from the visitors for its success. Interesting addn ssos were given bv hr. Nutilson, Mr. (rain, and Mrs. Heslop, an<l the nesting elos**d with the Benediction. NELSON. ()ur August meeting was well attended We decided to print some invitation cards for the purpose of securing a l*ettcr attendance at oor special meetings for women, th** result fully justifying the expenditure. The second of our sp**eial meetings for women was held in the Port Mission Hall on SeptemlsT Ist, when alsiut oO ladies were present. Mrs. Crump, our President, took the chair. Helpful and interesting addresses w*re given by Mesdames Hainpson and Peryman and Miss Atkinson, and solos were given bv M**sdanie& Derrick and Knapp PALMERSTON NORTH A siieecssful MM-ial gathering was held on August 6th in St. Andrew's Hall, about so people hang present. The social opemd with singing and prayer. Solus were contributed by Mrs. (ieo Miller, Messrs. Wilby, Sidford, and (L H. Bennett, and recitations bv Miss F. (Jeorge and Master Kay Whitehead. Two interesting addrt sses were given bv Mrs. H. BeggsandMrs. I»w, M.A. Our President, Mrs. Snow, occupied the chair. Twelve new members were initiated. A i*olleetion was taken up for our Union funds. We were glad to see the Press take an interest ill our work by sending two reporters to the social. After supper a ver\ enjoyable meeting waaclos*<d by the Rev. H. Beggs pronouncing the Benedict ion. Our monthly meeting was held on Septeinlwr Irh iu the Baptist Church, Mrs. MacDonald presiding. A motion of condolence whs carried all nicudiers standing to our President. Mn. Snow, in the death of her father, Mr Furlong, who was called t« higher service last Sunday It was reserved t • hold a mass meeting for women only, early in November and arrange for Mrs. W illiams and a not tier speaker to come up and address the meeting. Also to ask a medical man to address the meeting on a suitable aubji’ct. Mrs. H<shier was ap|>oitiled organist and we

were pleased to welcome Mrs. Fearnley from Auckland, who ha- • oiile here to reside. Mrs. Culver was appon.* d agent for the White Ribbon and badges.

A *»|>»-« *iji 1 meeting was laid on August 12th, wh<*n Mr. Morine, the Xo-Liceune canvasser, w as present, and pointed out work lie wished us to do. After sorting some thousands of NoLiceuse eards the meeting dosed, refreshments were provid**d hy Miss Baker and tin* Secretary. LEVIN. We held a ptihlic women’s meeting laat mouth, wiii» h was addreswd hy Mr. Polk, the No-License organiser. The meeting w as enlivened hy musical and other items, unfavourable weather, however, prevents! a large atfendanee. At our last ordinary meeting letters were read from the .Superintendents of Auti-Cambliug and Evangelistic Department suggesting method- >f work. The Sabbath Observant* Superintendent, Mrs. Kansome, reported having received good literature and had distribute! muehof it. One n» w member was initiate!. A Baud of Hope meeting was held during the month and addressed by the Rev. .1. White. NAPIER. We are glad U* report that in<Teasing interest i» being taken in our w ork her**. A* Drnwingr«m»m meeting was held r**centlyat the house if Mrs. Shirley, our President in the ehair. The Rev J. Asher sfu\e an address and read some extracts from the L>ok- of two women whoso works had influenced hi- life for gisnl Chris* ine Rosseti and Dora <ir**nwell. One new member joined our ranks. At our last meeting Mrs. Cobh, Evangelistic. Superintendent. gave n- a short address which was full of encouragement. Much interest is aroused by tin* splendid way in which Miss Barton is working amongst the Maoris in the N«*rth BLENHEIM. Since our last report great interest in Tern, runce lias been aroused by the visit of Mrs. Harrison L*v, who spent a wet*k here and gavs several very interesting addresses. On Sunday, 19th July, Mrs. !.»*♦* addressed the eombin«*d Sunday schools in the Salvati >n Army Barracks—the largest available hall—which was crowded to excess, as was also the later meeting in the sam»* place after evening service. Hie address in the evening was nost earnest and impressive, the lecturer with her < harm of manner having an irresistible iuflu**n •* over her audience. As a result of her work here ininiU rs sigmd the pledge. On Tuesday afternoon, the 21st, Mrs. L**«* gave her farewell addr» >- in Wesley Hall. At the close of the meeting afternoon tea was provided. I hiring her stay Mrs Lee also visited S<hl 1 »u. Meetings were held in the afternoon and evening and Were well attended. At our usual monthly meeting a number >f new mmils rs wen welcomed to the I'niou. I ARIkl. Mr. Palmer, Vicar of :'t. Mary’s, Sydney, gave a lantern Injure iu the hall on August 12th. iu the interests .*f the New Zealand Alliance. In the afternoon a f*w friends met Mr. Palmer and Mr. Poston Taranaki organise! at Mrs Jeinisoifs home. Afternoon tea was provid«sl and a pleasaut time spent. Or. August 21st Mis- Hughes j aid us a flying visit. Tl.e metnliers of the Cnion met lier at Mrs. Coutt’s residence. Miss Hughes told in >4

In i work abroad and gave hint.- * u canvassing for No-li«*nse here* whi*-h wore mu< h npprevit During th«* month an At Home was held at Mid W. H. I* en wick's to -ay gt**»d-bve to Mr*. CVuningtou, who i- leaving thi- district. TI.MARU. At our Sept-end* r meeting arraiig* m*ut- won* made for house to horn** canvassing to enroll all «*ligible voters We initiated two m-w memls-rs. Our Cradle Roll Superintendent rep rt*-d good progress. The ministers have been asked, and liave consented, to pre-a- h -jat ial rnions against gambling. GISBORNE. There was a g«**>d attendance at our last niwtii,ir here, Mrs J. Ea-t t*>**k the chair. A letter was read from Mr. Bailey, Superintendent of I>| >er Mission, Edinburgh. acknowledging the subseription sent from our l nion. After a good deal of business had l icon gone through Miss Hiev wright read an article from a Home pajsT *«n the Woman Suttrag* movement. On September 2nd Miss Hughes gave an address to women in the Baptist Talvemaeh*. Mrs. Graham, President of the l nion, oc**upi**d the chair, and announced that tin Union purposed holding weekly prayer meeting- *-n Thursdays until the election. Miss Hughes gave a most interesting addr*— on h«-r w* rk in New Zealand, and rescue, slum, and pris*-u work in Australia. She dwelt --n the fact that drink was directly or indirwtly responsible for nine-tenths of the misery she met and that it caused the downfall of so many women and voting girls. She paid a high tribute to the Work of the W.C.T.U. in Australia She dwelt upon the importance of striking out 0A7.1 the top line and thereby helping to carry Rcduc*iou wherever No-License faihal as it had always | »r«*v«*<i to I*** a step in the right direction. SI - said that Australia was watching New' Zealand close! v in th* matter of this No-Liot-n*e reform, and though f« Im* and garbled rejM-rt- are often circulated in tha* country the Ternjvranee worker- are very watchful and s*-*- that true accounts are also cireulatid. Miss Huuli> - wu- li-t. u*-«l to with elost attention by a large audit nee and a hearty vote of thanks wa- pro}*o*ed and <-arri«*d. Mrs. Graham. in closing, made a strong appeal to mothers to remends r that although their duty ls*gai at home it did not end then', and to realise the great responsibility of their \ *t*-. HASTINGS. Our monthly meeting w.** held it, St. Andrew’s *chooli*oom or Augu-t 12th, There* wa- a good attend nice anti thre* n, « mend* r- u*-r*- initiated. Correspondence was re ad and di-< a—ed. A letter from Mrs. S|ience rh* Cradle Roll was reatl by tin- S-Tt'tary, Mad it wa- decided to yet it working in connection with our Union a- -oon as ]**>-ibh*. Tlie S****r«*tarv has visited the absentia•* and others and hoj**- * re- long to have a real gf»od muster at our meeting-—" Union i- Strength.” WAIHAO DOWNS. Dur.ng Mr. and ?*lr-. Simdhv’- >tav at M aihao Itowns four public meeting- were* held. r l be first in connection w ith the Band of Hope, the second on Sunday night in place of the ordinary service, and on Tuesdav Mr. Smedley gave his lecture on India. At all of these antern pictures were shown. On Wedntadav aft*-moon the W.C.T.U, n reception to Mr-. Sm«-dley ami Mi-- Bonham. Alnait f wenty ladies w»-re present. Mrs. Snuslley gave a brief aecoun 4 of her work in Derby. I'v.glind, ami Miss M'Cart by, by reference to

women lik»- Florence Nightingale, Frances Power Colds*, May ('arjventcr, and Agnes Weston, showed how women hail la***n I**<l to s,*ek for the franchise and reminded those present of the celebration on Sept**mU*r litth. Mi— Bonhan and Mr. M< K* •n/ie -ang during the afternoon, while Miss F. Sid*-.- and Mr- Hnr-t played tin• aeeompauimeiit-. A very pleasant afternoon was -]m ut. Such meetings as th*--*- form an excellent opportunity for women residing at a considerable li-tan*-*- to enjoy s**-ial intercourse with each other. I his visit of Mr. aud Mrs. Smedley result*-*! iu a nuiuU-r of uames lieing added to tli»* roll, to .-ay nothing of literature* distributed ami g***>d —*•***! -* *wii. TE AWAMUTU. A branch of the \\ .( I .U. was formed here on LV.th August by Mcsdaiiies Dewar ami Hughes. of the Auckland Union. There was a good attendauee in spite of the had weather, amt much enthusiasm w as aroused, every person present l*eing enrolled as a member. Mrs. Dewar, in an al*U- speech, stated the object of the meeting ami urged those present to use their influence to minimise the eviU of the drink traffic. The lueetiugs will I** held *>n the second Wednesday in the Presbyterian Church, when new memls-rs will lie heartily welcomed. The following officers w'ere elected : Mrs. \\ oolla-s. President; Mrs. Clarke, Vice-President; Mrs. Andrew, Secretary; Mr- Brdgeii.au. Treasurer. MASTER I ON. I he n-ual iimntidy meeting was liehl in Knox Hall <*n the Ist -September. There was a fair attendance, the President iu thechair. Special efforts have l*e**n made during the month t*> arrange a meeting amongst the Maoris at TtOre Ore, many promising t*» help forwarel the movement. A paper was read l.y Mrs. Green on “The Effect of Alcohol on the -System, w hich was helpful aud instructive. Two meml»ers promised, after discussing the paj>er, to write papers hearing on this subject. The resignation of our Secretary, Mrs. l>evenport, through ill health, was received with regret. All correspondence should l>e addressed to Mrs. Dewes, SO, South Road, Masterton. FEILDING. The usual monthly meeting was held iu the Grey Street Hall. There was a good attendance aud Mrs. ( oasutn presided. The tetn|>eram-e meeting to Is- held on Septemlier iStli was discussed, and it wa* decided that the Drill Hall l>e engaged ; Mrs. Low, M.A., of Wellington. and Key. K. alker. of Halcombe, t** give addresses; ami united choirs musical items. Letters w*re read from Bible iu State Schools league, calling attention t«» that branch of work. The Union express**! its approval of the system advocate*! by the League, ami instructed the -Secretary to write to Wellington for all necessary information. DUNEDIN. Three “Drawing-room ’ meetings were liehl last month. Sister Annie kindly spoke at two ami Rev. C. Dallaston at the other. Eighteen new members names were handed in. A very pleasant evening was given at the Sailors FV-t under the auspices of the Union. The Uaversham Pres. Bible Class kindly supplied the entertainment, ami fully 40 sailors were there and all spent an enjoyable time.

ASHBURTON. The fortnightly meetings have U**ii held regularly and well attended. An increasing interest in the coming Local Option Poll is manifest amongst our members. At the business meeting held on July *2Stb a letter was read regarding the District Convention to Is- held at Christchurch in S*pteml*er. Mesdames Lill, Keiiningtoii, and Misseu were elected Delegates. Ihe Treasurers (piarterly report was read and adopted, showing a substantial credit 1 valance in hand. Mrs. Bowman, No-License organiser for the electorate, then addressed tlit* meeting. She offered valuable suggestions regarding the work of enrolment and street visiting. In closing she urged her hearers to do some definite work to help forwarel the cause of Temperauoe. On August 11 th. Sister Maisie (Miss Lill). of the New Guinea Mission, addressed our meet mg. ami a large audience listened with npt attention w hile she spoke of the work undertaken ami the needs of our dark-skinned sist* riu far-away lands. At the close a hearty vote o 4 thanks was accorded Mister Maisie tor her interesting and instructive address. WELLINGTON. There was a good attendance at **ur meeting * n tin- Jrd instant, when rej*orts of work done in the several departments were given : During the month 0 meetings for women were addressed by Mrs. Williams ami a tiumlier of workers enlisted; Mrs Harrison Ij**c gave an address to w * >iii*-ii in Mt John s schoolroom on August PJtli, and as a result we gained four new members. During the visit of Miss Hughes a number of **ur Union women joined in a torchlight Temperance procession through Newtown to the ball of meeting, where a splendid a*ldress was listened t*>. Arrangements were made to commemorate Franchise Day by holding a public meeting in the Concert Hall on the evening of the 17th instant. We were glad to welcome two visitors ami initiate three new members. •WAIPAWA. In Jul\ we liehl two meetings, the tirst to make arrangements for Mrs. Lee .- visit. At the second we ho|>e*l to have had Mrs. Lee with us. but she did not arrive iu tint**. The meeting was largely attended. The Kev. G. Frost gave us an inspiring address. Mrs. Bibby also read Mrs. Ijee’s paper «*n “Why we Work.’ At the close tea wadisjiensed in the \ estry by the memlvers. At our August meeting Mrs. Bibby gav** an address on the District Convention held at Napier. On the 25th August w e liehl a special prayer meeting and although not largely attended waa means of blessing to those present. WANGANUI. Our monthly meeting was held hi M. Paul - Hall on Septeinlver 4th. There was a good attendance. A number of important matters were discussed by the members. A Utter wa read concerning the “ New Zealand Citizens Bible in State Schools' league, ami a resolution passed. Two new members joined the Union. A prayer meeting in connection with the Union is liehl **ti th*- third Thursday in every month, at 3 o’clock, in the T. Y.M.I. club-room.

HAMILTON. An “ At Home " meeting was lu-M at Mrs. Jones' residence, Milton Street, <m August Ulth, and was largely attended. Iwo young ladies rendered vocal and instrumental music. The President read an interesting I einperanee paper. I luring the discussion which followed our hostess provided afternoon tea On August 25th a welcome social was tendered to Miss Kay, the newly-appointed No-License canvasser. Ihe ladies ot the Union arranged tin* programme and pro\ ided the supper. The social was well attended, Kev. H L. Klamires presiding Ministers and representatives from the churches, the guest of the evening, and the President of the W.U.T.U. occupied the platform and gave short addresses which were interspersed with musical items. Mr. Waterhouse, Organising Secretary, responded on lichalf of Miss Kay, and gave a most encouraging account of tin* No-License work in the Waikato and Tauranga electorates. The monthh meeting was held on September 3rd in the Baptist Uhurch It was decided to devote our time principally to No-License work tiM after the election; also that the ('radl* Hull l»e started. An interesting pajs-r was read hy Mrs Mason on “ How Prohihition \t ts won in Georgia, U.S.A Arrange cents were made for the next “ Home" met ting.