REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS.

White Ribbon, Volume 15, Issue 178, 18 April 1910, Page 8

REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS.

Bible Reading In Schools.

I sent oO letters to the various Unions enquiring if any work had been done in this 1 )epartment, giving the necessary steps to take in order to hold classes in the Schools. I also brought under their

notice the Nelson system of Bible Beading, and urged upon the Unions to cooperate with their local ministers to get this system introduced.

1 have rsceived from about twenty Unions’reports, mostly of an encouraging nature. In cases where the Unions are not doing the work p< rsonally they report good work done by other organisations. We believe, however, that it is through the influence of the W.C.T.U., either directly or indirectly, that the work has been started.

liangiora, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Waimate, Wanganui, Greymouth, New Plymouth, Waihi, Dunedin, North Kast Valley, Nelson, and Napier report good wrok done by the local ministers of the various churches, weekly lessons being given. At Nelson an annual examination is held and prizes given to the most successful scholars.

Christchurch has not taken up this department of work this year. Lyttelton.—< hie of their members holds a class once a week in one of the schools, and desired to do more in this department.

Winehmore expresses its sympathy with the work, and hoped to do something definite later. They were sending for a copy of tlit* Nelson system. Hamilton has brought tho Nelson system before the Minister's Association, asking them to take up the work.

Cambridge intend to interview the ministers, and a>k them to undertake the Nelson system. Waipukurau.—A successful class had been held for a time by one of the ministers.

Lower Hutt.-—Has vigorous campaign to introduced the Bible into the schools. < )wing to strong opposition their efforts were defeated. Still, they believe tho thin edge of the wtdgeis in, and that next time they will have better results. Wo trust that victory will crown their labours. Auckland still continues a class in one of the public schools, and as usual prizes were distributed at the end of the year for good attendance. I luring tho year the Nelson system was brought before the Union. The letter was passed on to the Auckland Minister’s Association. They hoped to have this system introduced throughout the province. Ouehunga Union has the subject under discussion.

In conclusion I should again urge u|k>ii the Unions the importance of this work. We only need to look around us to see the result of God’s Word being neglected by the parents, and what can we expect from the children. We can co-operate with the Minister 9 Associa-

tlons and get tho Nelson system introduced. Full particulars may he obtained from Mr. Pearson, 258, Uuha-street, Wellington. When asked what was the source of Lnglands greatness Queen Victoria pointed to tho Bible. Let us do our part to restore to the children of our beloved Dominion the Book which will guide them to the true source of all greatness. It is *• Righteousness that exalteth a Nation.” The Invercargill Union reports that the Union uses its influence in season and out of season, and greatly favour the Nelson system, which is in vogue in some parts of Southland, and the larger townships. Our Union has also been doing its utmost to have Scripture texts, etc., put up in schoolrooms. Nellie Dewah, Now Zealand Superintendent.

Black Blocks.

I wrote to nearly all the branches of the. W.C.T.U., asking for reports of tho work done in this department during the year, and have received eight replies. Gisborne.—The principal work in the hack blocks lias been the distribution of literature. “Grit,” a weekly temperance paper is forwarded, parcels of magazines, etc., have been sent to the railway camp. Ashburton.—During the year leaflets have been sent out through the post; also parcels of periodicals, magazines, and W.C.T.U. literatuie to back blocks and outlying districts. The same having been much appreciated by those whose lot is cast in isolated places. New Plymouth.—About PH) leaflets, hooks, and pictures have been sent from our union to the hack blocks. A large paicel of about eighty garments was sent to a needy family who lived about forty miles from Stratford. This was sent from our Dorcas department Invercargill distributes literature monthly to missionaries and employers of labour, who pass it on to those in need.

Replies were received from both Wanganui and Auckland, regretting they had not any report to give. (’hristi liurch.—A number of parcels of books, magazines, etc., have been forwarded to men employed on Government works, and an acknowledgment was recently received from the engineer in charge, expressing the men’s appreciation.

Napier.—From time to time during the year parcels of literature, packed in cases, have been sent along the line, at Waipawa, one of our W.C.T.U. members meets the train, and is respon-

siblo for the deliver}’ of the packages tn the various sheep stations. This department Ims only been recently commenced ; as it becomes hotter known it will he aide to do more successful work. L. A. ISRAEL, N.Z. Superintendent.

Home Meetings.

Christchurch has held several special drawing room meetings, one as a farewell to Miss Kobe its, where the President put the members through a sharp practice in extempore speaking; another to arrange for the proposed organisation of a“ V" Union ; a welcome given in the Kooms to Mrs. Stevenson. Also on one afternoon the Art ( iallery was engaged, and more then *2OO assembled, resulting in a large increase to our membership. Napier has held successful and wellattended meetings at various member's homes. The clergy, president, and vicepresidents have given addresses, and new members have been gained. Dunedin ha» held nine meetings; both interesting and educative, at which new members were gain »d, and a young women’s branch formed. The President of the “A' ” Union is Sister Annie, and the members are to b * congratulated on her election to that position. New Plymouth.— S-ven meetings have been held. They were planned in a methodical way, and have been very successful in adding new members to our ranks, new subscribers to the “ White Ririiox,’’ and now names to our Cradle Poll. Our town and suburbs wore laid out into districts, and a member put in charge. Wo have kind otters of rooms, 1 or .*> months in advnm■*» educational work has been done and literature distributed, besides the meetings being the mediums used for advertising Mrs. Stevenson s visit and the District < Convention/’ Sister Moohy-Bf.u., N.Z. Superintendent. Mothers’ Meetings. No report was received from the Superintendent of this department. lUenheim holds meetings once a fortnight; regret the loss of Sister Catherine, who worked hard to make the meetings a success. Determined to continue tliis work.

In the verbal reports given at Convention th » benefit of Mother's Meetings being held in conjunction with Cradle Roll work was dwelt upon. Kvery opportunity of educating young mothers’ in the way to bring up their families in temperance principles should he seized

upon. Mothers’ Meetings and Cradle Koll work is important preventive work, and who does not think it better to put a fence at the top of a hill, rather than provide an ambulance at the bottom.

Medical Temperance. Last March, when I lead in the newspaper that I hud been appointed Superintendent of the Department of “ Medical Temperance ” I received a shock. I hud been appointed local superintendent for Napier t lie previous December, hut could get no information from the New Zealand Superintendent. No literature on the subject from the local booksellers, and only the booklet “Safe Remedies in Illness/' from our “ Literature ’’ Superintendent. I felt that I must decline the appointment unless I could get literature to help me. I wish to thank the Kditor of the “ White. Ribkox ” for her kindness in lending me exchanges, so that I might work up the subject, and our President, who forwarded to me a packet of booklets and leaflets sent by Mis. Allen, our “ World’s Superintendent'' of this Department. In August I prepared a paper, and posted a copy to each Union—sixty-six in all; also to several Maori Cnions near Napier. Appended to each paper were five questions to he answered, so that I might have something to report to this Convention. Only nine Unions have acknowledged receipt of paper; only three Cnions—Blenheim,’ Kaiapoi, and Napier have reported appointing u Superintendent.

lUenheim, —Has rend paper and distributed booklet, “Sift* Kemedies ’’ at several meetings. Hope to do more this year.

Kaiapoi,—Paper read at meetings. Four dozen copies of the booklet, “ Safe Kemedies” have been distributed during the year ; are hoping to hold meetings for medical temperance study during this year.

Napier.—Taper re ad at four meetings held in different parts of the town. Seven dozen copies of the booklet, “ Safe Kemedies have been distributed at meetings and privately.

Petone.—Are distributing the booklet, “Safe Remedies ” at their “Home Meetings.” Papers read and discussed at two meetings.

Auckland. Have distributed the booklet freely through their Organiser. Hope to do more this year. Donsonby.—Have read paper at several meetings. Foxton.- Very interested in this Department. Have read paper at several meetings.

New Plymouth.—Have distributed six dozen copies of the booklet during the year.

Part of the time at three meetings was devoted to Medical lemperance study. Hope to take up the study this year. Palmerston North. —Hope to take up the work this year.

I wrote to our W orld’s Superintendent of “ Medieal Temperance,” asking for information as to the working of this Department. Mrs. Allen wrote me a very kind and encouraging letter, and forwarded booklets, \c. These did not reach me until late in the year. To 10 l nions I sent nine booklets, and to the rest of the Unions eight booklets and leaflets, containing a great amount of information on the effects of alcohol on the human body in health and disease, and the opinions of numbers of scientists and doctors on the subject. If this stirs up the Unions to study and realize the importance of this branch of the work, and they begin to spread the knowledge thus gained, far and wide, I shall feel that 1 have done a little work in this impoitunt department. < 'i.ara M. Ne AL. N.Z. Superintendent.

Christian Citizenship. Waipukurau.—Before beginning my short report, permit me to say that our I’nion has been much helped and inspired by our visit from Miss Powell. W r o believe and piav that God will Mess her richly. Our Union lias taken an interest in Munic’pal elections, in the local Hospital Board, in the School Committee, and have got the Ten Commandments put up in two of the class rooms. The teachers have promised to give a lesson on the subject occasionally. We sent signatures of all our members opposing the canteen in camps. Christchurch.—Much good work has been done in this department. Amongst other things, stops have been taken to help in the work to benefit destitute children, and to secure the election of suitable women on school committees. Protests against allowing liquor to he sent in the King Country, and the canteens in military camps. Auckland has engaged a canvasser whose time is given to visiting the homes and educating the women, so they may know how to do right at the ballot box. Protests have been sent to Parliament against the totalisator and canteen, and much literature distributed.

Lower Hutt were not successful in getting women on their School Committees, bur will try again. They have used their votes and influence to gain the election of suitable men on Ihe Borough Council.

Pevonport is trying to got the beat men elected oil comm it toes.

We shall hope to see a greater interest taken in this Department a* our children will not become good citizens unless they are educated to their responsibility. M. M. I/MiAx, N Z Superintendent.

Maori Work.

A Maori report having already been published in the January number of “The White Ribbon,” there remains but little more to be added. Great interest was shown in the Maori work of the W.C.T.I . at the time of the Convention held in Invercargill in Februarv.

The presence of our New Zealand Maori Organiser, Miss Stirling, who, with Mrs. Papakakura and the Maori friends, took an active part, especially with the social side of the Convention proceedings, added much to the pleasure and interest of the meetings, and in committees a good foundation was laid for future work among our coloured sisters.

District Superintendents for Maori work were appointed, and it is hoped, that with united elfort during the coming year, we may, at next Convention, have a good report to give of “something attempted, something done.” Miss Stirling reported that great interest is being shewn by the Maori women in the W.C.T.l r . work, and wherever a Pnion has been started and carried on in a Pa, • xcellent results have followed, the younger women especially rising to their opportunities, and with the signing of the pledge, undertaking to keep themselves, their homes and their children neat and tidy, and clean, and, in some cases, whore improvements have been made inside, the men folk have been requested by their wives to mend fences and dig gard* ns, and keep the surroundings of the house as neat as the interior. The Convention received, with great regret, the resignation of Mr. Pani Te Tail, one of our organisers, who felt she could no longer do justice to the cause in which she lias, in the past, rendered such excellent service.

The great need of the Maori work is visitation and organisation, and in order to assist in these, Miss Powell, with her usual administrative ability, had collecting cards printed and distributed, and these “ silent messengers ” are proving most successful. One small union in Ilawkes’ Day recently returned to the Treasurer eight cards only, hut thev carried a face value of £ I '»s. sd.

Any Pnion wishing to heat that record for collecting, please apply to the Maori Superintendent for cards at once.

It was decided that, t soon as practicable, a Maori Convention should be held in Hawkes' Bay, at which the New Zealand President was asked to preside. Maoris are quick to r cognised and to respect a “ bangitira ” or Chief, and it was thought that the presence of our N.Z. Rangitira Wahine would impress our native sisters, and make them feel that they belonged to, and were one with, a world-wide sisterhood.

I )ur hope of success lies in the younger generation of Maori women, and we anpeal to every White Rihhoner in the Dominion to “put her shoulder to the wheel ” and help on this most important branch of our work. W.C.T.U.—Maori Fund, Year ending February, 1910 :

Purity.

I canuot tell how sorry I am to have again such a meagre report to present of the work done in mv department. 1 do not know how it is; perhaps it is mv fault. 1 have had a good deal of my time and attention occupied, as some of you are aware, by illness and death in my family, and have not sent out a circular to the Pnions as I usually do ; but I have endeavoured to keep a good supply of new and attractive literature, and have sent out a much larger supply than ever before. I think some of our Pnions expect me to report their work from the scanty information I possess from sending them literature; hut this would not do justice to the work that I am sure is being done in many places. I have left the writing of my report to the last moment in tho hope of other informa-

tion coming on. At present I have only reports from live places:—Christchurch, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Gisborne, and Waimate.

Christchurch reports an address given to mothers by our President Mrs. Cole), followed by orders for literature. Some of the (’hristi hurch members have also sent letters to elder girls, and had talks with them, besides circulating a good deal of literature and lending copies of the “ Purity Advocate.” They are also hoping to start a Heading Circle soon. Dunedin reports much personal work amongst mothers and distribution of literature.

Gisborne seems to have chiefly done rescue work, and reports three young women placed in situations, and one rescued from prison; besides which a good deal of food and clothing has been distributed. Gisborne has also lately formed a strong Vigilance Committee, and has already been able to resere three children from undesirable surroundings and place them in tho Gisborne Chil dren’s Home.

New Plymouth has not been aide to do much, hut is keenly interested in the work and hopes to do more. Waimate reports meetings held regularly, and a good deal of literature distributed ; also an address given by Miss Powell, which was much appreciated. They hope to work on similar lines on a larger scale this year. These are the only reports that have been sent to me. To this I would add that I have ordered for various members (12 copies of the “ Purity Advocate,” and Mrs. (\de tells me that she has recently' sent six more names The circulation of this paper cannot, I think, fail to do good, and it is marvellously cheap—only fid. for four numbers post free. It is published quarterly, and subscriptions may commence at any time. I have a large variety of literature from Kngland, Scotland, America, and Australia, and have recently got some admirable booklets for boys, men, and parents, published by the “Alliance of Ilonoui,” an Englisli society which is doing splendid work. I have also some attractive booklets published by Mr. McCall Harbour, of Edinburgh; booklets by the late Mrs. At key ; and the “ Self and Sex ” Series. I also am exporting a further consignment of the late Mrs. Wood-Allen s books, “ Almort a Man” and “ Vlmost a\V Oman.” Mis* Powell has specimens of most of these, and will be glad to show them to members. In closing I would mention gratefully the help kindly given to our Purity work by Miss Powell, who carried booklets round with her on her organising tour. Mama Webb, N.Z. Supt.

Unfermented Wines. During the year I have sent circulars to 27 Unions. Christchurch.— Written to ministers and leaders of churches, urging the use of unfermented wine in Church work. Literature is being obtained on the subject, which will enable further work to be done. Kaiapoi. Unfermented wines used in all tho Churches except Anglican and Roman Catholic. Kangiora.—All Churches use unfermented wine save one. Auckland.—No Superintendent, but it is thought that most of the Churches (Nonconformist) use unfermented wines. Anglican and ltoman Catholic use fermented. < >nehungn.—No superintendent, but it is generally supposed that all Churches (Protestant use unfermented wine. New Plymouth. Nonconformist Churches use unfermented wines. Anglican and Presbyterian still uses fermented wines.

Palmerston North.—All the Churches with the exception of Anglican and Lutheran, use unfermented wine.

Ashburton. Unfermented wine used in all the Churches. Dunedin Port Chalmers). —All Protestant Chun lies, except ( ’hurch of England, use unfermented wine at Communion.

Leith, North Hast Valley. Nonconformist Churches use unferrn *nted wine. The only Church using fermented being the Church of England. Timaru. —All Churches except Anglican use unfermented wines.

Invercargill.—With the exception of Homan Catholic and Anglican all churches use unfermented wine.

Nelson. Nothing special to report. A number of churches use unfermented wine, and the matter has been discussed in the meetings. Greymouth*—Methodist Churches use unfermented, Anglican and Presbyterian fermented wines.

Invercargill reports that our Churches are gradually falling into line on the unfermented wine question, and now all the Invercargill churches bar Homan Catholic and (’hurch of England , are using it at the Sacred Supper. Progress has been slow and sure, but has been withal encouraging, and many W C.T.U. members in our towns are thanking God for h’s answer to earnest prayer in that direction. I am sorry to say that I have received no answers yet to my letter sent to World’s Superintendent for information and literature in September last. I sent

P.N. to Rev. John Pypcr, Dublin, for literature, but so far nothing has come to hand. Caroline Gaskin, N X Superintendent. Work Among Seamen. Dunedin is doing splendid work. Mr. Falconer is ever on the alert visiting incoming and out-going vessels, both at Dunedin and Port Chalmers. Gospel meetings are held on Thursday and Sunday evenings, much loving work being done with the assistance of Christian friends. Some interesting cases of conversion have to be recorded. The hearts of the workers are cheered, as from time to time letters are received testifying to spiritual help received at the “ Dunedin ” Rest. Socials have been held on Tuesday evenings throughout tho year. They were well attended and much enjoyed. During the year an entertainment was given by the W.C.T.U., under the leadership of Mrs. Hislop, at which TL> was raised for social work.

A Christmas tea was provided by Mr. Falconer, and his workers, at which about GO sat down. Each seaman received the gift of a housewife. An invalid friend made many of the bags. Reading matter has been freely distributed, including llibles and Testaments in various languages. Parcels of literature have been supplied to vessels leaving the port. Stationery is provided free, and many hundreds of letters are written. Seamen in distress from whatever cause are assisted.

The report from Timaru is most encouraging, the members of the \\\< \T.I . feel greatlv indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Stead for the excellent way the “Rest ” is conducted. During tho year 1000 1,000 seaman have made IHOI visits.

The balance sheet is satisfactory. Socials have been held and much appreciated. There is a g<»od Library, including Hibles in foreign languages. Parcels of literature are supplied to vessels. Writing materials are provided free, and are well used by the sailors, and gratitude is freely expressed for the comfort enjoyed at the snug little “ Rest.” Grey month. During the year the “ Rest ” has been well-patronised, an average of 200 men passing through it every month. Pledges have been taken, and letters received from the seamen testifying to the good they had received through visiting the “ Rest." The Sunday evening Gospel services have been well attended, the men listening very attentively, and joining heartily in the singing. Several socials have been hold and much appreciated by the sailors. The

Greymouth Union are glad and thankful to Almighty God, who put it into their hearts to make the effort which has manifest!*! His blessing upon it. Wr*l port. Miss Powell lias lately visited Westport, as a result, a movement has been set on foot to establish a “Seamens Rest.” A committee has been formed, and I hope to be able to report a “ Rest " in full working order in PM 1. In the mean time the Hranch is distributing literature and interesting themselves in tho seamen.

Lyttelton. —Gospel services are held on Sunday evening after eight o'clock. Literature is distributed. Six socials have been held during tin* year. A Christmas tea was provided, followed by a pleasant evening, and gifts for each of the sailors. Parcels of reading matter have been supplied to vessels leaving the Port.

The Union is much indebted to the young men from < ’hristchurch, who have given their help on all occasions, and are still to the fore in the good work.

Xelnvn. On account of the absence of some of the ollicers of the Union, tho work of entertaining the men of the Encounter, usually done by them, was handed over to the Good Templars, w ho looked after them well

Xetr Ply month. —Nothing fresh to report, but the Union is trying to get Waitara to do wlmt they can, and they still hope to see Home boats alongside the w harf.

Auckland. — Some of the members of the W.C.T U. assist the Mission workers in their Sunday services, and have distributed a few comfort bags. Wanganui.-- Work is being done among tin* seamen, but not by the Union.

Wellington. —Tho work in Wellington is well covered by the Seamen’s Mission. There is a “ Sailor’s Rest.” The W.U.T.U. assist occasionally.

Mntajm —The Union has sent 1 dozen comfort hags, well furnished, to a sea port union for distribution.

I should like to add a few remarks to the above. I gather from the reports received that the W.T.U.U. of New Zealand are taking a lively interest in the welfare of our seamen, and I am of opinion that the departure is one of the most useful among the many useful works in which we are engaged, aud I would urge all seaport Unions to carry on the good work with even more vigour than heretofore. Wo can say, “ Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." A. E. Whitby, N.X. Superintendent.

Scientific Temperance. Sinco presenting my report at last Convention several efforts have been made to got Scientific Temperance instruction made compulsory in our State schools, but so far no progress can be reported. Kesolutions have been passed at different religions and temperance gatherings ; also deputations have waited on the Minister. During the sitting of Convention last year in Wellington a large deputation of delegates waited on the Minister of Education, who promised to make the recommendation to teachers re the effects of alcohol on the morals and health of the community more mandatory and a report issued by the British Education Department has been sent to the teachers. The Minister has promised that articles suitable for the “ School Journal ’’ might be forwarded to him and should be inserted in the Journal. I have sent several, one of which appeared, and there have appeared J or I other articles *vell to the point. I have written to all the Inspectors, asking them to encourage the teachers to study the subject, inclosing leaflets. I have also send leaflets to about 150 teachers.

Palmerston reports that they tried to get two ladies on ♦he School Committee, but failed.

They sent a resolution to the newlyelected Committee, who forwarded it to the Wanganui Board, who issued a lieport, giving the lines on which the teachers should work.

Auckland reports : A resolution, asking for temperance instruction passed at a l'ublic Meeting and forwarded to the Minister; also a deputation waited on the Board.

(hr inf church reports : A deputation waited on the North Canterbury Board, urging the use of temperance wall sheets in the school rooms.

Ashburton is raising funds to get wall sheets placed in the 1 )istrict .Schools.

Xetr Plymouth reports that a deputation waited on the Taranaki Board, asking the Board to do all it could to encourage the teachers to teach in the schools the harmful effect of alcohol: further, a member of the Union trained the Band of Hope children to give two lessons on the effects of alcohol at an open meeting of the Band of Hope. J. E. Maunder, Superintendent.

Literature.

I fir work of tin* literature department ha* b«vu carried on steadily all through the year, although comparatively few unions have forwarded a report.

A*hhnrt»n has supplied member* of the Union with literature to be circulated. Parcels of papers and jicrindical* have l>een contributed. These are sort«*d out and sent, with suitable leaflets, to isolated parts of tin* electorate, to the “ Old Meus’ Home,’* and through the post.

Appreciation and thanks have Ins n r**ecived from many of the recipients of these parcels. Literature has been left at homes by memls rs vi*iting. also in the railway station, and a copy of the “ White Ribbon ’’ placed in the Reading Room at the Library. .liwkhiHtl has supplies! the organiser with “ Safe Remedies, etc.,” and other literature for distribution when vi*iting tin* homes, the railway station has Im*» n supplied. Copies of tfie “ White Ribbon ” are placed in the Library, Y.W.C.A., and Ley’s Institute each month.

( hn*t< hnrvh. — Twenty-four copies of the “ White Rihlsm " paper have bven distributed monthly, as well as copies of the- “ Vanguard,” “ Union Signal,” and “ British White Riblmn.”

(ii*/n t rhi has had a small committee at work in town and in the country distributing literature. Parcels have been posted into the country, and e m ulated in town. Also magazines, etc., have been supplied to men at the railway camp Lyttkton has supplied (»o*pel and Temperance tracts te» seamen e»n leaving port. Also on Sunday evenings in the Sailor's Rest. Vessels are supplied with reading matter. The Maoris at Rapaki nave leecti supplied with literature. The “ Union Signal ” is circulated.

AV ic l’li)month distributed about !>OO leaflets, including “ Safe 1 Remedies in Illn«*ss,” children’s leaflets, ; Maori leaflets, and other matters on Purity, Narcotie *, and either subjects. Twentyfour copies of “On the Line” are given to railway nun monthly. The Union possesses a copy of Horsley and Sturge’s liooks and rece>niim ‘inis it for use at Home Meetings, *tc.

I'nlinrystoH Xorth has kept a box at the railway station supplied with No-License and other literature, such as Social Reform, Smoking, Opium Trade, and the Drink Traffic. Also evaugclistie leaflets have lieen distributed in Hospital visitation during the year. Jl'hhgaum lias supplied the railway boxes at Wanganui and Aranioho. The Sujieriiiteuilent of this work, after beiug laid aside for some time, has been “called Home,” so that a fuller report is not available. During the* ye ar a circular letter has been sent to every Union in the Dominion, and literature forwarded to the following place's • —Napier, Hawera, Onehunga, Wanguuui, Wellington, Kaukapakapa, Nedsou, Kaiapoi, Ne w Plymouth Winchmeire, Ashburton, Ngaere*. Trenthain, Wellington, (ireynieiuth, Feilding, Wailii, Blenheim, Aucklauel, Reeftem, Tiuiaru, Christchurch, Alicetown, Palmerston North, Petom*, Devoupeirt, Otatau, Island Bay, Fe.xton, South Dunedin, Ponseinhy, Roslvn, Hamilton, Ngaruawahia, Waimate, GiDxirue, Tauranga, Hastings. Whangarci, Nasehy, Dunedin, Frankton Junction, Ix'vin, Otahuhn, Le wer llutt, Ke rikeriroa, Riverton. Ami .*0 ♦nun north to semth of tlu* Dominion, wherev r the' W.C.T.U. is working the* precious se*t*ls of Truth, Purity, aud Temp* ranee are* lx*ing si .»*♦■ “ «i, and surely we have a right te> expect an abundaut harvest, if we only is rscvere ami be not weary in welldoiug. Much re gre t has been felt during tlu* ye ar on aeeuunt of the delay cuuaed by the slowness aud uncertainty of tlu* Ainerie-an mails, and apologie s are* offered te» theisc wlni have ls*en ine*ouvcnieneed by Ix'ing ke*pt waiting fe»r supplies.

Our warm thanks arc due* to the courteous manager of tlu* “White Ribbon” for giving our “List” a place in our valuable little journal. In re*gard to tin im*e the n jh»rt shows less cash in hand than usual, hut we have the value in the* stud; instead of in cash. I have mentieuied before, a few of our Bilious forget to se*n 1 along the* money for good* supplied, and :e few 1 * bad debts ” are* fr/t when there* i* little* e,r no “ profit ”to make* up for them. NV he*n outstanding ae eeunts are collected the- fund* *hoiild lie sufficient for working expenses, but I have been unable to obtain it in time tor this report eui account of ill-health. Financial Statement.

H. (L Hughes, N.Z, Superintendent. Anti-(Jamblirg. There has lieen very few reports sent 111 eif weirk done iu this department. During the year 1 wrote nmre than sixty letters, to which 1 have received fifteen replies. Ashburton— A series of monthly addresses were given to the school children on the evils of gambling, drinking, and smoking. Wanganui— Distributed literature, and had a paper on “(•ambling real and discussed at the Bible Class, in which much it. Merest was shown. Napier— At a Drawing--00111 Meeting a reverend gentleman gave *n a« dress 011 “ Tiie Evils of (Gambling. ’

Replies were also received from Timaru, North-east Valley, Kaikohe, Palmerston N., Waitara, Auckland, Nelson, (Jreymouih, and .South Dunedin. All hope to report an increase of work done another year.

WaII’I KUKAU (Jive addresses to the Band of Hope children. Nkw Plymouth— Distributes literature. ChUISTUHI KCIt— A protest was made by the Union against the holding of an art union in connection with a temperance bazaar promoted :n the city, and it was decided that, under the circumstances, the members of this Union could not contribute to the same. Auckland--Sent a \ rotest to Parliament against the totalisator and the bookmakers.

The Anti-Gniuldhuj deputation received a favourable reply from Sir Joseph on several points. He admitted that tne nunilier of racing days are too great and thai the licensing of bookmakers had had unexpectedly bad results. While on the subject of races 1 Udieve wc* were always given to understand that the idea of horse-racing was to improve the breed of horses, yet many of the promote:* of racing attend the race meetings in motor cars. The

present Government have limited the area of land that can he held by any individual, and are trying to stop gambling in land, hy making it compulsory for tenants to reside on the land for a certain time before being allowed to sell ; and yet this same Government enrich themselves hy levying a tax of U per cent, on all money passed through the totalisator. I am constantly being asked to give suggestions and advice as to the working of this department, so am forwarding a list of (questions, some of which every Union will l>e able to reply to : I. Have you a Superintendent? *2. Have you a report of work done during the year ? 3. What has Wen the nature of the work done ? 4. Has an account l»een kept of crimes due to gambling ? o. How many accidents and deaths due to horse-racing ? ti. What literature has Wen distributed? 7. How many leaflets and pamphlets distributed ? 8. Have you read and cutout Press accounts of special gambling cases ? 9. Have you a copy of the country a laws against gambling ? 10 Are any newspapers regularly supplied with items against gambling? 11. Has your Union worked to put down rattling, coupons, prize competitions, children playing games of chance, card playing (amongst women especially), lotting, the totalisator, sweeps, etc. ? I*2. What have the Churches and individuals •lone by addresses, sermons, and lectures against betting shops, pony racing ? S. Annik Jkmison, N Z. Superintendent.

W ork Among Voung People.

1 have much pleasure in submitting my report for the past year. T>«re is cause for great thankfulness and encouragement in this department of work, for during the year nine Unions have started Cradle Roll work, an increase of fou r upon the previous year, making in all twenty-two towns where Rolls are established, and the numWr of voung children very large whose parents are pledged to give them temperance instruction. I ’os son BY (Auckland) reports 40 on the Roll, with several more to Ik* added shortly. Over 30 visits have l*een paid, and literature distributed and soeial gatherings arranged for.

Auckland Central has formed a Roll within the last three months and has already ‘2l names. Visits are paid in time of sickness, or when help is needed. The mothers are much interested in the Cradle Roll, some having realised their ow n need of a change of heart before they can train their little ones in the path of purity. New Plymouth reports a steadily in* teasing Roll, having 91 names already down. Mothers’ meetings are to he arranged alternately with Home meetings. Noaruawahia is prepared to stait work, having sent for the necessary cards, leaflets, Ac.

Nuaekk Wgan Cradle Roll work at the end of October, and has already 30 names on the list. A tea is to he given in the Ngaere Gardens to the mothers and children, w hen short addresses suitable to the occasion will be delivered. Palmerston North Union has chosen a Superintendent for the ( radle Roll. We shall hope to hear of go >d work Wing done in due time. Nelson reports an increase of 1"' names for the year, so the Roll stands at 71 names. A numWr of visits were paid during the vear. Klenhkim Superintendent states that 43 names are upon the Roll. Stress of other work has prevented the increase that is possible, but better w ork is ho|»cd for next year. The triplets continue to thrive. Heath has removed the names of two others from the Roll. Upper Hi tt lias just begun work, and has 8 names upon the Roll. Riverton is keeping steadily on, with little fresh to report. Timaru has 30 names on the Roll. M astkrton has only just Wgun work for the children, so has little to report. Whancarki is also a new Union to take up the Cradle Roll. Onehunua reports 40 on the Roll. Meetings are Wing held monthly for mothers and children.

Taukanua is just starting a Roll. \N INCHMORE also is stat ting w ith 3 names* and exacting more later on. South Dunedin reports an increase of names, and good meetings with mothers and children, which are Wing held quarterly. Dunedin, Takiki, Waimatk, Napier, and Hastings reports have not reached me in time to W included, but doubtless all are doing good work for the young. Newtown Girls’ Association lias Wen steadily going on in spite of the many changes in the helpers. The Junior Class, which started last February, has a memWrship of 3t» girls. The Senior Class started in April was the outcome of a social given to girls of the Match Factory, Laundries, the Biscuit and Box Factories. Purity literature was distributed at the socials and appreciated. Twenty-two girls meet under the management of Mrs. Boxall and her helpers. Forty-two garments were made during seven months, which is considered most satisfactory. “The most encouraging atqiect of the work, says the •Secretary, “is the marked improvement in the girls in every way, showing that the room is truly Wing made use of, to the Glory of our Master. l lie room is lent on Monday evenings t<> tlie Sunshine Guild, which has a memWrship of Wtween *2O and 30 girls, who work to prepare Xmas gifts for the >iek and poor. The Guild pays I - i>er month for the use of gas. During the year Mesdatnes Cole ,ml McAlister and Miss Mason have visited the girls and talked with them, sowing tike good seeds of the Kingdom. On June 30, nine 'iris attended the Rev. Cole’s mission, and O went into the enquirers room, expressing a desire to follow the Lord Jesus. Christchurch. —At an “At Home held in the Union’s rooms on June Ist, a** V Union

was formed with an initial membership of about *J.~ which has since increased to 3.». The work of the Union is divided into five sections, namely, Sewing, Reading, (Entertainment, Kducational, \ isiting, and Flower Mission. Meetings are held fortnightly. A good deal of *ew mg has been done at the meetings, one maternity hag, consisting of 34 garments, having already Wen completed, and others are to Ik prepared, whilst a iinniWr of garments have also Wen made for children at the hospital. Papers have Wen read on “Physical Culture,” “The Life of Frances Willard, and “The Work of the W.C.T.U. It is hoped that later on a Domestic section may lie added to the work, and endeavours will also lie made to interest newspai»er boys and factory girls in the cause of temperauce. Altogether the “ V ” Union promises to prove an energetic and useful auxiliary to our work. Blenheim “V ” branch lias neglected to send in a report. Ocean Beacii Blutf) reports eight Band of Hope meetings with a memWrship of 1*25. A Sale of Work was held in DecemWr, the proceeds of which go to ards a Building Fund for carrying on work among young people. 1 lie total amount raised was JL’iJ.) ; when i’HHJ is raised the building will lie started. Thanh. —We feel deeply thankful to our Heavenly Father, \\ ho has called forth all these workers and granted so much success to their labours on Whatf of the young grow ing up all around us. To His Name be all the praise.

Balance sheet for year ending Feb. 1910

Yours in His Service, Jessie Spence, N.Z. Superintendent.

Hygiene.

The report for the year with regard to this department is very short. Ashburton and Christchurch are the only Unions that I am aware of having done anything. The Ashburton Union has Uvn continuing to keep an oversight of the Ladies’ Waiting Room at the Railway Station, which is in a much Wtter state of cleanliness than formerly. In Christchurch we have not been able to have more than one gem ral meeting on Hygiene, when one of the nurses »»t the l’apanui Sanatorium gave a very able address on Health. We have, however, Wen able to get friends to s.av a few words at the two Cradle Roll meetings, where leaflets, hearing ou the well-being of both mother and child were distributed. J. M. Lovkli.-Smith, N.Z. Superintendent.

Receipts. £ s. d. 1909. Department grant . 6 Timaru Union 1 0 0 Treasury Donation . 5 0 0 Rort Chalmers, IWV.M.U . 1 0 0 Ashburton . 1 >) 2 Miss Reeve, Te Kuiti . 0 12 0 Napier (collected . 0 (> 0 Waipukurau 1 5 H Hastings .. . 0 1*2 0 £14 5 4

Expexiuttre. i* s. (1. 11)09. Printing music, curds, etc. Miss Powell, Maori Work, 3 2 6 Te Jvuiti 1 0 0 Miss Stirling, travelling Stamps, stationery, exchange, and cost of 1\<) 0 12 fi orders 0 5 6 Halance in hand .. 9 1 10 £U E. H. IIexi>ersox, 5 ■1 X./. Superintendent and Treasurer, Maori Work.

Total rewipta f« »r the year .. 12 11 3 In hand last year •> 9 7 16 9 10 Total expenditure .. 17 4 .» Deficit 1 3 j Stork in hand value nlmut .. 9 0 0

J)R £ S d To Printing cards .. 3 14 0 Badg<« and literature .. 1 (1 0 Printing leaflets .. 0 7 ti Stationery .. 0 4 <i Postage .. .. o 7 9 £•> 13 9 Balance in hand .. 4 5 S £9 19 5 Cr £ H d Bv Balance from 19<>9 .. / .. 3 1 4 Department grant .. o i <> Sale of card* and literature .. t> 10 i £'J 19 5