News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 15, Issue 171, 16 September 1909, Page 3

News of the Unions.

Correspondents are requested to make their Reports as concise as possible. HASTINGS. The u-ual monthly meeting was held in St. Andrew s Hall on Wednesday, 11th August, when a very pleasant afternoon was spent. On the 24th Mbs Powell addressed a meeting for women, which was hotii interesting and instruetive. Afternoon tea was provided, adding to the enjoyment. At the close of tin meeting three new niemWrs were added to our roll. CHRISTCHURCH. At the fortnightly meeting held or the 11th August, an address on “ Health and Hygiene " was given by Mrs Mackintosh, ,<f P&panui Sanitorium. Dealing with the subject of food, the speaker pointed out that the three essentials of food were that it must lie satisfying, sufficient, and ay metrical, the latter term meaning that it must lie of such kinds and in such ■proportions as to be most easily digested. The most frequt lit errors of eating were enumerated as, hasty eating, drinking with meals, overeating, csjs-cially of animal foods, which predisposed to other forms of excess ; eating too frequently, or lietween im-als, or when exhausted, and sleeping after meals. There was much need for a more simple diet, with legs variety at each meal : for the avoidance of condiments, which were merely whips to encourage overeating, and for r» cognition of the fact that nourishment consisted not in the amount eaten, but in the quantity properly digested The use of tea and coffee was harmful, the effect of the one being exciting, and of the other benumbing. Stimulants were not a food, and people netded to I»** educated away from drugs. Passing on to the subject of hygiene, Mrs Mackintosh pointed out much more care and attention was usually given to an ina"imate piece of machinery than to the human body, which was full of the most wonderful mechanism The transgression of the laws of health injured this tine machinery, created obstructions, and pro«luced suffering and death, which were charged to the mysterious dispensations of Providence instead of to our own errors. At the meeting on the2oth August, a very interesting and encouraging report of the progress of the Y Union was given by .Mrs Hlyth, ami Mrs Wise reported on work in connection with peace and arbitration, and advocated the introduction of tiie subject into Bible classes and Bunds of Hope. GISBORNE. There was a good attendance at the usual monthly meeting held on August 12th. Reports were received from the evangelistic, literature, and visiting departments. During her three days' sta\ here Mrs Stevenson was kept very busy. She addressed the children in the public school, high school, and students at Te Ran (the Maori college) Afternoon meetings w ere arranged for teachers and members of educational and school boards, and two addresser on W C.T.U. work and methods of conducting Union meetings were given, and two public addresses in the evenings in the theatre. All who were privileged to hear Mrs

Stevenson are unanimous in their appreciation of h< r power* a* a prat form speaker, ami her quiet, logical and forcible speaking here, has been felt of great benefit and help to all engaged in teinjieranee work. At the meeting of the No-License league In hi hereon Monday night a vote of hearty appreciation of her services was unanimously passed. WELLINGTON. There w as a good attendance at our September meeting, when final arrangements were made for Mrs Stevenson’s visit, to wliieh we are looking forward with much pleasure. We are glad, t" welcome two new member*. During the momh a drawing-room meeting wa» held at the home of Mrs Keene, Island Bay, Short addresses were given by Mrs Williams and others, also two songs and a recitation were admirably rendered. Three new members were initiated. ONE H UNO A. The monthly business meeting was held in the Presbyterian schoolroom on Tuesday last, Mrs Dc Wolfe (president), in the chair It was decided to hold a rally in September, invitations to he sent to the other temperance bodies to join. TIMARU. The monthly meeting was held in Trinity Hall at tiie kind invitation of Mrs Stinson. There was a large attendance of members ; much interest and enthusiasm U*ing shown in reference to tiie coming Convention. We are expecting to reap much Iwnetit from our work, and that as a result of it Wing held here our Union will W* strengthened. NN e are to he favoured with the presence of Mrs Stevenson, and shall undoubtedly benefit by her rich experiences. \\ e have made arrangements to give her a worthy reception, and taken the theatre for her evening on the 14th Septemlier. Mr Stea l reported a very busy month at the Rest, 147 sailors making .'147 visits. A social given by the ladies to the sailors was greatly appreciated. How blest we are to lie able to cheer and brighten some lives in this way. Through tlie generosity of some friends we are to send three frozen sheep and a box of clothes to the West Ham Baptist Mission. We were pleased to welcome Mrs .lames from Christchurch as a memlter and worker. Afternoon tea was dispensed Please remember our Convention, and pray that Timaru may receive a blessing. ASH BURTON. At our meeting on August 10th a large amount of correspondence was received ana dealt with It was decided to semi a letter of sympathy vn our Secretary in her illness. <>ur President reported having made all necessary arrangements in connection with the Provincial Conference to l>e held at Timaru on September 14th ami loth. Owing to the Provincial Conference at Timaru falling on the date of our Septemlier gathering, we met again on August Hist, Mrs W. T. lull presiding. The President reported in connection with the Presbyterian Summer School Conference that the proposal to cater for the members while in camp had evidently not met with the approval of those in charge, viz , “ 10, jht week with all home comforts possible. ’ It w as decided that the proposition fall through. It was also decided that a letter of thanks l*e sent to each represen‘ative who took part in the Congress of Nations, and to Mr and Mrs Kingston ami family for tiu-ir

untiring effort*, to which the *ucoe** of the entertainment «M largely due, and to Mr ami Mr* Elliott for the very artistic manner in which the hall was decorated. Receipt* were m»t available, hut much gratification wan ex* pressed over the success the Congress of Nation* ha«l proved to l*t. AUCKLAND. The visit of Mr* k L. Stevenson to Aucklaml ha* come and gone. Owing to a delay in departure from Sydney the steamer did not arrive till Monday morning, much to our disappointment, a* Mr* Stevenso, wa* advertised to preach at Mi* Majesty's Theatre, and a large congregation gathered to hear her. Mr* Stevenson w a* welcomed at the boat by our Pre.-ident and three White Ribl Miners, and ’.io*i -tably entertained by Mr* Wilson, Princes Street, At three o'clock on Monday afternoon there was a large representative gathering at the reception in the Council Chamlier* After the Mayor had welcomed our guest, short speeches were given by the Rev. A North, Ministers’ Association, Rev. F. W Isitt, New Zealand Alliance, W. A Prickett. Esq, NWS A. Consul, ami our President, Mrs Dewar Two young grand-children of the President, Miss Flora Young and Master Alec I.atnbnnrne, presented Mrs Stevenson with a lieantiful shower bouquet. Mrs Stevenson gave a delightful little speech, referring to the work in which she was engaged ami the glorious aim of the W C T U. In the evening a public meeting was held in the Pitt Street Chur, h Rev. Ready took the chair Mrs Stevenson’s subject was the “Bright Side of temperance Reform, and the address was most interesting ami instructive, showing tin advance in this great Work in the last PM) years, how mu'iice was coining to the aid ot this reform, and the studies made in America through scientific tciuperam-e instruction in school*. Musical items were rendered, and questions invited. On l uesda) afternoon a public meeting wa* held in the Central Mission Mali. The President presided Solos were rendered, and Miss Mall »ang “Some glad day, composed by Mrs Stevenson. Mr* Stevi 11*011 gave a most interesting and tin tiling address on “The evolution and Wlll k of the W.C. 1 U. t " telling of the very liegiiniiiig of thi* great organisation in lin the women * crusade, and how wonderfully it had spread, till now’ it was working in titty countries. The farewell address was given in the evening at the TaU-made Rev. Knowles Kempton presided, and musical items were rendered by the choir. Mr* Stevenson gave a splendid address on “The Throne of Iniquity, and at each meeting made an eloquent appeal to women to coiue forward and join in this great work. M e enrolled nine new memhera On Wednesday morning Mr* Stevenson ami Mr* Dewar left for Rotorua, where they were hospitably entertained by Mrs Brent at Rathgate M«»u*c. A public meeting was held on \\ ednesday evening in the church, Rev. T. Scott in the chair. Thursday w »* spent in sight-seeing. At the kind im Ration of the Mr Rm k* Mrs Stevenson was entertained with music from the Maori choir in the evening On Friday two public meeting* were held at Hamilton. LOWER MUTT. The tiret Wellington District Convention w as held at the Lower Mutt, and was very successfully carried through, ami proved a great help ami iuqietii* Mrs Roxall. the District Preal-

dent presided. Miss Powell was with us, and both these ladies proved an inspiration, and the delegates were satisfied that it was time well sjient, while the suggestions and hints would prove invaluable for future warfare. We look forward w ith pleasure to tin- next Provincial Convention, which w ill lie lu Id at Masterton in September next year. Our monthly meeting was held a few days earlier than usual to give Mrs keay another opiHirtunity of lieing present with us. A presentation was made to Mrs keay as a token of the Union’ll esteem. The good wishes of the Union go w ith her to her new home in Sydney. Two new memUirs were received, one of which was made President (Mrs MeCaw). Mrs Stevenson gave her lecture called “Light,’ and received the inspiration of those present. Mrs Roxall presided, assisted by Mrs McCaw. Miss Knight kindly played the accompaniments. DUNEDIN. The usual monthly meeting was held in the Y. W.C. A. rooms on 3rd August. Our President, Mrs Blair, opened the meeting with reading of Scripture, and an excellent address on “ Prayer. ’ It *' as decided to help at a future date the editing of Woman's page in the Vahytoird. All interesting report of the literature department was read by Mim Don. Large quantities of magazines, book* and pa|ier* of every description have lietn sent to the Oreymouth Sailor s Rest, ami for distribution in backldixk*, a* well as in the homes for sick and aged. The meeting expressed their indebtedness to the Union .Steamship Company for carrying the above by steamer, also to Mr T. Sanders for earting free Mrs Loewing was el* cted Superintendent of thi* De|artment. The Secretary, Free Public Library, accepted with thanks our offer of the Wmi k Ribbon for their reading room.

Arrangements were made for the visit of Mr* k L. Stevenson to Dunedin, and it wa* decided to have large representative gatherings for women in the afternoons during her mission. The U.T K C. wdl co-operate with the Union. It was decided to send invitations to .ill branch Union* and kindred societies in Otago. One new mcmlier was received, and an excellent meeting doted hy singing the DoXology. MASTERTON. It is w ith feelings of thankfulness we record the visit of Miss Powell to Mastertou ; her presence and lo r words have lieen a stimulant to all of us. A draWiiig-room meeting was held at Mrs Rall s house. A very happy time was sjient, and arrangements made for other meetings to Inheld. Afternoon tea was kindly provided hy the hostess. On Friday Miss Powell gave a talk to yirl* on “Girl* and their Lovers in knox Mali The meeting was well attended, and Miss Powell’s remarks were much appreciated, all the telling points being w ell applauded. One lady was heard to remark that she wished every girl in Masterton could havelieen present On Tuesday a meeting of our Maori sisters was held at Te Ore Ore. Unfortunately it wi* a pouring wet morning, but in spite of this a nniiilier of our memliers drove out to Mrs 'Te lau’s house, where the meeting was held. Our Maori friends were waiting, and after greetings had ln-eii exchanged a very bright and happy meeting was held. Miss Powell’s address w .’s interpreted hy Mrs Te Tan.

A new branch was formed at Te Ore Ore. Mrs Te Ao Auaru was elected President; Mrs IV Tail, Si cretary, and Mrs Himioiia,Treasurer. Mrs Te law had already obtained nearly 40 signature* to the \Y bite Ribbon pledge, and we trust that great work will lie done at Te On* ()re.

The meeting closed with the Temperance Doxology, sung hy all present with joined hands. The branch is to lie managed by our Maori sisters, but we hope to visit them ; as one of the Maori women so happily put it, “ we are sister* for ever now. ’’ On Wednesday we had a meeting to w elcome new meinlier*. A goodly number braved the rain, and were rewarded hy hearing Miss Powell tell the story of the founding of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Wo trust to have a visit from Miss Powell again. NAPIER. On August 18th a drawing-room meeting was held at the residence of Mrs Dodds, when the Rev. J. A Asher, R. A., gave a most interesting address, comparing the W.U.T.U. work with the lives of three great men —Abraham Lincoln, W. K. Gladstone, and Tennyson, whose centenary i* this year. Mr* Neal occupied the chair, ami the hostess provided refreshing afternoon tea. Since our last report the principal event has been the visit of Mrs Stevenson. On the afternoon of her arrival a reception was la id in the Rorough Council Chambers. The room was decorated with white flower* and the Mags of both nations. The Rev. .1. A. Asher opened the meeting with prayer. The Mayor, Mr J. \ . \ igor Brown, 31. P., presided, ami expressed hi* pleasure at lieing there as Mayor to welcome Mrs Stevenson to Napier. He relerri'il to her long Association with the W.U.T.U., and said he hojicii she would lie able to assist the local branch in its efforts. Miss Powell, on liehalf of the Dominion officers, welcomed Mrs Stevenson, also Mrs Oldham, ou liehalf of the Napier District Union. Bishop W illiams and the Revs. A. U. Law ry and R. McNaugliton also extended a hearty welcome. Mrs Stevenson gracefully thanked all the sjieakers iu the course of an extremely interesting speech. lu the evening in the t heatre Royal her address w as on “The Throne of Iniquity. Miss Powell presided ; Mrs Oldhum and Mrs Leask also occupied seats on the platform. The following afternoon a drawing room meeting was held iu St. Paul’s seho.dro. .a, at which there was a large attemlan e of visitors from Waipawa and Waipukurau, many Maoris lieing present. A most interesting feature of the proceedings was an address by a native lady from Wairoa who, with the assistance of other natives present, sang a Maori song of welcome.

Mias Stirling spoke of the work done amongst the Maoris, ami said that the leading women of Hawke’s Ray wi re in the native Union. Mrs Stevenson’s reply to the natives was interpreted hy Miss Stirling, and she gave an address on “ The Evolution and Grow th of the W.U.T.U.,” closing w ith an eloquent plea for new memliers, to which eight ladies responded, and were duly initiated. During the afternoon a vocal item wraa contributed by Mrs S. E. McCarthy, and a recitation by Mrs Kosewame, senr. I he series of meetings closed by a lecture on “The Bright Aspects of Temperance Reform,’’ on Friday night. Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M , presided. Miss Stirling, by request, sang *• Home Sweet Home ” iu Maori.

(hi Scptemtar Ist our usual meeting was held in St. Paul's schoolroom, Mr* Oldham in the chair. Arrangement» were made to hold a ha/aar the tint week u Xovemlter for funds for the building scheme. A friend gave a donation of Ci!s. One new memlicr was initiated.

FEILDINfi. Our monthly meeting was held on August 2nd It was rose, ed that the Anniversary of granting the franchise to women of the dominion be celebrated on the 17 th, and that invitations be sent out and afternoon tea pro vided ; that Mrs Snow, president of the Palmerston Union, W invited to give an address. A note was received from Miss Powell, dominion Organiser, to say she would visit Fielding early in October. The syllabus was arranged for the weekly prayer meetings. NEW PLYMOUTH. The preparations for Mrs Stevenson's visit and our district Convention entailed some thought and trouble. At the reception for the visitor the Mayor presided. 1 he address on “All Things New, or What is Scientific Temperance ? w as optimistic and satisfying to all who have the l etup* ranee cause at heart. Hie district Convention (of w hich we hope to give a detailed account later on), was a success from the minute it opened, during the afternoon session, w hich was * pen to the public, Mrs Stevenson gave an a*ldre** that the Union members will not quickly forget ; this was followed by a question box. 1 lie questions asked were in connection with the W.U.T. U. wo.’k chiefly, ami the answers given by Mrs Stevenson were such as to put the w ork oil a plane that we had never seen before. The help that was given us in a Parliamentary drill will never lie lost : gentlemen and ladies have since told us how intensely interesting it was. The public meeting oil the evening of >ep tember 2nd, presided over by Mr Okey, M l\, was well attended. Musical items, votes of thanks, etc., supplemented an address from Mrs Stevenson, which was simply masterly. The subject, “ l ht bright Side of the Temperance Keform gave scope for the producing of facts w hich w ere pi led otic on another, each fact richer ami more convincing than the one that had gone before. We are still gathering in the harvest as regards new inetnliers. The opinion is, that not only our Union, hut tin* whole town, lias l>eeii much benefited by Mrs Stevenson’s visit. BLENHEIM. Our meeting was held on Tuesday. Sth August, in Wesley Hall. Mrs Rose presided, ami there was a good attendance of members. Correspondence of a most interesting nature was received from America on Scientific Temperance ami Hygienic teaching for schools, and it was resol veil to refer l*otli subjects to the Kducatioii Hoard. Mesdantes Rose ami JuckH«ni were deputed to w ait upon the Agricultural Show committee with a view to obtaining the privilege of the refreshment booth, and to urge that the publican’s booth l*e dispensed with • luring Jubilee week. A resolution was passed that the Jubilee Committee should lie asked to urge tile borough Council to enlarge Seymour Square by the addition of the ad joining reserve us a memorial of the jubilee of Marlborough An address was given by Major Rogers on the subject of national defence and universal training, for which he was heartily thanked,

the meeting being in full sympathy with the matter.

On Wednesday, 18th August, a drawingroom meeting was bold at the residence of Mrs Rose. Although the weather was most unfavourable, there was a largo gathering of members and friends. A special car was run from the town to Kegwortli. Mrs Hose gave an address, ami a very pleasant afternoon was s|>ent. HAMILTON. An “At Home meeting was held at Mrs Jones’s residence, “ Te kohanga, ami was very largely attended. A profitable time was spent. I hree new memU rs joined. Afternoon t«*a was served, and the meeting closed with the benediction. Mrs k L. Stevenson arrived on August 20th, accompanied by Mrs P< war, the Auckland president. The afternoon meeting was held in the baptist church. The address was most helpful and encouraging, on “ What the W.U.T.U. is. The evening meeting was held in Wesley Hall. His worship the Mayor (Mr. J. A Young), presiding. I lie hall was decorated with the Union Jack and Stars ami Stripes, while on tjie table stood a large glob* encirele*l wi*h white ribbon. The Mayor introduced Mrs Stevenson, who took for her subject “The bright Side of Temperance Reform.” She gave a lengthy and well illustrated address, and at the close answered a number of questions. There were present two delegates from W hi hi, two from Cambridge, and one from Ngaruawahia Unions Tin* monthly business meeting was held on Septeml*er 2nd in the Willard t»irl’s Club room. Tin- Vice-President, Mrs blamires, occupied the chair. After devotional exercises, accounts were passed for payment. At the invitation of Mrs Cotter it was resolved to bold an “At Home meeting at her resilience on S-ptemhcr loth, to Ik* a quotation afternoon. A paper would also la* read. Hie Club room has now been ojh* i three months, and lias proved a gn at boon to the business girls of the town. All expenses have been met to date. Tne Secretary read a very aide paper on Medical Temperance, by Mrs J. H. Neal, of Napier. WANOANUI Mrs Stevenson arrived on August 28th, and was the guest of our President. On Sunday morning she preached at St. Paul’s Presbyterian church, and in the evening at Trinity Wesleyan, both services were well attended, and two thoughtful sermons were appreciated by those present. Monday was a rest day, though Mrs Stevenson attended the band of Hope demonstration in the evening. Tuesday afternoon an “ At Home was given by the local Union, n«) i lie miners and friends were present. Mrs Stevenson was introduced by the President, ami spoke on the life of Mi** Frances Willard whom she knew personally), of the great power of her personality, of her influence over every one with win m she came in contact, ami very specially of her motto, “ Let some good lie spoken of every one.’ A member of the juvenile l«»*lgc of (L»od Templars Miss Violet Deem), presented Mr> Stevenson with a beautiful bouquet, and in a short speech wished her success in her missi m. Afternoon tea w as handed round, and an opportunity given to all present -to make Mrs S evcnsoii s acquaintance. On Tuesday evening .Yrs Steven-on addressed a public meeting at St. /aid's Hall, her subject was, “ Many reasons why Temperance workers should l>e optimistic. ’' SI espoke of the growth

of the Temperance movement all over the world, and especially in her ow n land. The talented speaker held her audience spellbound for over an hour. M/ ( arson, President of the No-License League, occupied the chair. At th** monthly meeting of the Union on Friday Mrs Ritchie read a pajier on “ Why should not a woman preach ?’ and proved from the bilde that Woman should Ik; and always had been, the publishers of good tidings. She showed that in the early days of Christianity woman took a very large share in the evangelising of the world, and spoke of the work she was still doing both in Home and foreign countries as missionaries, preachers, and teachers. SOUTH DUNEDIN. The monthly meeting was held in the ('argill Road W esley Uliurch schoolroom on Thursday afternoon at J o’clock. Mrs Hancock presided, ami read a paper relating to the duties of superintendents of departments. 1 lie White Ribbon song, “ All Round the World,” was then sung by all present. Mrs Uoutlcdgc followed with a short reading on Frances \\ illard. Superintendent* reported on their several departments. Mrs Hancock, Mrs South, and a few other members attended the band of Hope meeting held in the Wesley Uliurch schoolroom. Arrangements were marie for the next meeting. Ihe meeting closed with refreshments and social intercourse. CiREYMOUTH. The monthly meeting of the W.U.T.U. was held on Scpteuilier Jrd. I’h* re was a fair attendance of members. In the absence of the Yice-president, Sister Moody IMI was voted to the chair. The Secretary read a most interesting paper by Mrs Neal, Napier, on “The Medical As|*ert of Alcohol. Mrs B. Parkinson was appointed superintendent of literature, also reporter to the White Ribbon during the absence of Mrs Mclntosh. It was resolved to hold a grand concert and social at the Sailors' Rest on September 2'Jth. TARIKI A meeting was held on July 27th at the home of Mrs l'heikelson’s,' senr. A most enjoyable afternoon was spent, Mrs Douglas and Miss Ambiiry, of New Plymouth, lieing present. It was decided that we write a paper oil “ Our Superintendent's method of securing names tor her Cradle Roll. ” On August 2iUh .\lrs Therkleson, senr., was appointed delegate to the New PI) mouth Convention. A most enjoyable time was spent by the four members who atteii*led the Convention, it Iteing a decided success in every way. Words fail to express our appreciation of Mrs Stevens*m ; she is sweet, womanly, tactful, practical, and convincing. PALMERSTON NORTH. Mrs Stevenson \i*it**d us on Scptemlier Jrd. In the afternoon a inception in her honour whs held in tin- Anglican schoolroom. Mrs Snow preside], and amongst other* on th** platform were th*- Mayor and Mayoress. The Mayor, on Ix-luilt of the town, addressed a few words of welcome to Mrs Stevenson, expressing In* own pleasure at meeting *o distinguish***! a visitor. The Rev. D. llird, Chairman *<t the Minister*' Association, welcomed Mr*- Stevenson on laJialf of all Temperance inmlu-s in Palmerston North. Mr* Stevenson, expressed her great pleasure at the welcome, ami gave a stirring aildrt **. At th** conclusion little Mis*. Snow presented her with a handsome bouquet of uolcta and prim-

roses Afternoon tea wn> handed round, and m»v» ral musical iwen> rendered. The hi Toolroom wiii Im>;i ut if nil v decorated, also on the platform waa our banner, hi d on the table wan a large globe with whit*- satin twsl round it. Iho schoolroom was tilled to its utmost. Thr evening mooting was hold in tin* Municipal Hall, and was well attended. The Mayor occiipi»*d the «hair, united choir* leading: the aingiug and Mrs Steveuson’s hymn, “ All Hound tin* World." Mrs Stevenson spoke on “ The Bright Side of the Temperance Hefortn.' At the clone a lllllllher ot ipies'iolis wore answered. We are v. rv thankful that Mi" Stevenson and also M.ss I’oWtU n visits have Ihjcii a great sue *ess. We are ploasod to record that our tneinlN rsliip has almost doubled, and more new siilasribeis' names handed in for the Whitk I.'IBUON pa|H r. On August *2Mh Mrs Stevenson pas.-ed through Palmerston North. The members of the W.C.T Union entertained ln*r at an “At H >me,** at the residence of Mrs lloddcr, Fergus >n Street, and Mrs Stevenson gave stirring address. At tin dose afternoon tea was serv *d by the hostess. While Miss p.twell was visiting ns she gave her two popular before to good audience*.