News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 15, Issue 178, 18 April 1910, Page 2

News of the Unions.

Tin* Editor cannot promise to insort anything 1 in the next issue that does not reaeh her by the Sth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the pajw r only. Newsj>H|s*r rutting* are unsuitable.] NUAERE. The “Cradle Roll picnic was held at Mrs Xavier Jones’ on Hrd February, and passed oil successfully, the weather I wing \ erfeet. Mrs 11. Stanners, Klthain, gave a stirring and helpful address to the mothers, and was listened to with great interest. The Roll now numbers Afternoon tea was dispensed and games tor the little ones brought a most enjoyable afternoon to a close. At the meeting held Ist Mareh at Mrs Manly s home, three new names were added to the Roll, one that of a gentleman—the lirst honorary meml>er for Ngaere. Mis Phillips, SujM'rintendent of Evangelistic Work. sj»oke of the “ Pocket Testament league,' which is a dan to make Rod's Word a more vital part of daily life by inducing (teopleto carry His Word alMiut in their pockets and to read at least one chapter daily, that by “ searching the Scriptures and applying tin* truth honestly to every thought, word, and deed, all may l>e brought into harmony with the Divine mind. The scheme was originated years ago in Birmingham, England, by Mr Charles M. Alexander, but was made a world-wide movement in Philadelphia last year by Dr Chapman and Mr Alexander. The le ague is for all classes ami ages. There are no fees nor dues, no meetings nor officers. The league has secured a supply of special Pictorial Pocket Testaments, which it sells at cost price to inemliers of the League for |K*rsonal use or for distribution. Mis Phillips has sent for same of these and it was decided to take up the work as soon as they arrive. All the uiemlier* agreed it was one of the most practical methods of which they had ever heard for encouraging a systematic, regular, and conscientious reading of Rod’s Word and increasing interest in spiritual things lu view of the near approach of the beginning of April and election of School Com mittees three meinliers of the Union were ap|H>iiited to find out the views of likely men and women on the “Nelson system of Bible in schools, compulsory scientific temjieranee instruction, Ac., and report. The Union to nominate a committee and turn out the night of the election in full force to register votes.

ASHBURTON. Our postponed monthly meeting was held in Baring Square schoolroom, February *J*Jnd. Mrs \\. T. bill occupied the chair and gave some interesting reminiscences of Convention. Mrs Oldham, Editor of White Ribbon, was present, and received a warm welcome. She briefly outlined the part the White Ribbon should play in W.C.T.U. work, urging upon her hearers the necessity of Iwing sul>scril>ers and thus keeping in touch with the aims and objects of the Union. She also s|M»ke of the work undertaken on Iwhalf of the native race, and said that further opportunity of hearing more of the Maori w ork would l>e given at the visit to Ashburton of Miss Stirling. In eele-

hratinn of “Frances Willard Day, Miss Kershaw, M.A., gave an interesting and instructive address on the life of our honoured founder, from her early days in Forest Home, Illinois, to the closing scenes of the life of that fascinating woman—whose memory the world loves to honour and whose work is still moving the nations. Miss Kershaw gave vivid glimpses of the gnat reformer, as daughter, sister, and comrade, as student, teacher, ami orator. Two mends rs were initiated.

Our usual monthly meeting was held on March Sth, Mrs \V. T. bill presiding. A letter was received from the Householders’ League, Wellington, drawing attention to the near approach of the annual election of School Committees and suggesting that public notice lie drawn to the subject of Bible reading in schools, also, if possible, that the Nelson system Ik* adopted, and tlie return of those members of Committee in sympathy with tlie movement Is* worked for. .Mrs bill spoke briefly on the scheme adopted on trial at Convention, viz., equalisation of delegates' expenses. Mrs R. W. Andrews, delegate to Convention, gave a lengthy and interesting report, which was adopted.

WESTPORT. The monthly meeting was held March *Jnd, when a pleasant and profitable time was spent. It was decided for the future to hold the meetings in tlie svenings instead of the afternoon, as Iwing more suitable to the majority of members. The Secretary was instructed to write to clergymen in country districts with reference to circular re Bilde reading in schools. Books, magazines, etc., arc distributed on Sunday mornings among the sailors on boats in port and this effort on their Udulf is very much appreciated by them. We are looking forward to good meetings and profitable results. OTAUTAU.

We have had the pleasure of a visit from Miss Powell. She held a series of meetings, which were well attended, and the meinliers of our little branch in Otautau feel grateful to her for her untiring energy and zeal on their behalf.

On Tuesday evening Miss Powell gave an address to girls on the subject of “Rirls and Their Lovers,’ and spoke very earnestly and strongly, especially in warning girls against a careless or hasty choice of their life partners. Thursday, the monthly meeting, was held in the Presbyterian Hall, Miss Powell presided. Tlie President was elected for the coming year, a unanimous vote l»eing given for Mrs W. S Baird. A resolution was carried, “That this “ Union desire to place on record an appreciation to the memory of our late President, “ Mrs Doniian. We, as a Union, feel deeply “the loss we have sustained by her removal “ from our midst ; we all know how much our “ Union owes to her untiring energy and zeal, “ and it is to her the Band of Hope mainly “owes its success. It was indeed to her a “ labour of love, and although she must often “ have l**en weary and suffered much pain, she “ never faltered, but kept steadily on to the “end. The l>est tribute we can pay to her memory is to devote ourselves more earnestly and faithfully to any work we may have given us to do for the great cause. Miss Powell then gave us a very interesting address on the rise of the W.C.T.U. movement in America and New Zealand. Also an account of a recent tour which she had made in the North Island.

hrganising Unions amongst tin: Maoris. Refreshments were dispensed. Throe new memliers were enrolled Miss Rowell gave an address on “ Purity to a well-attended meeting in the Methodi t Church on Friday evening. AUCKLAND. The first meeting was held February 23 rd in the Central Mission Hall. In the absence of the President and Vice-President, Miss Kvan* presided. I lie Superintendents of Departments were elected and arrangements made to receive the Delegates repoit from Convention. Mrs Maidment, from (Queensland, gave a very interesting account of the work there, and also of temperance work in the Homeland, which she had recently visited. A visitor from Waihi gave a short account of the good effect of No-License in that district. The fortnightly meeting wa» held in Albert Street Hall, Mareh 9th. Mrs Hughes presided. Mrs Thorpe, Delegate to Convention, gave an inspiring report of Convention work. Afternoon tea was handed round. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs 1 horpe for her thrilling and aide report Two new members were initiated and a profitable ami instructive meeting came to a close with the singing of the Pcinperance Doxology. The usual fortnightly meeting was held March 23rd in the Central Mission Hi M. bur President occupied the chair. A letter was received from Major Cosgrove, of Cln isteluirch, r< forming a branch of the Peace Cirl Scouts in Auckland, asking fos the name of a suitable lady as Organising Secretary. A circular was read from the Secretary of the Wellington Householders League, urging the importance of securing memliers on the School Committees who are favourable to the Nelson system of Bible reading in schools. Mrs Conk was appointed Wiiitk Riiihon Agent.

CHRISTCHURCH. A special meeting of the Union was held on the ‘2nd February, when certain matters to come lief ore the annual Dominion Convention were considered. At the usual fortnightly meeting on the iftli February, a paper was read <>n “ Non-Alcoholic Medication.’ written by Mrs Neal, in which it was urged that in order to make the administration of No-License effective, education was needed against the continual resort to alcoholic drinks in the home as cures for colds, as stimulants in cases of collapse, for relief in heart troubles, and as a food for the aged and invalids. A leaflet on “The Use of Aleohol as a M edicine was also read, and a letter w arning women of the alcoholic nature of a certain wine frequently recommended for medicinal purposes. It was resolved to bring the matter under the n dice of the Convention, with a view to representations being made to the authorities against the sale of medicated wines by unlicensed grocers and chemists.

At the meeting on the 23rd February, a discussion took place on the boarding out system, and it was resolved to secure the candidature and election of suitable women as memliers of the Charitable Aid Board, at the first elections to be held shortly under the extended franchise. A Cradle Roll “ At Home is to lie held on March 23rd, when an address w ill be given by the President of the Society for the Health of Women and Children, explaining the work of tlm Plunket nurses, and illustrating, if possible, the making of humanised milk. 1 he Delegates

to the Dominion Convention presented interesting reports of the proceedings. WAIPAWA. At our meeting on March 22nd, presided over by Mrs James Hihhy, Miss Barnet gave an interesting report of the Convention, and also read Mrs Cole’s address, which was attentively listened to. We have to record the death of one of our most helpful memliers, Mrs Turley, whose loss will Ik- greatly felt. A letter of sympathy was sent to tin- liereaved family. Mention was made of the regret feit at the loss of so esteemed a sympathiser in the person of Mrs Bihhy, senior. The meeting closed with prayer. (HIRE. A special meeting was held on March 4th, the President. Mrs Ijandles, presiding. 'There was a very good attendance. The principal business was to reorganise the Union. We bad a welcome visit from Miss Powell, Organising Secretary, and appreciated her useful and instructive address on different subjects in connection with the organisation. The President was re-elected. Fourteen new memliers were initiated. Afternoon tea was provided. The meeting closed with the Doxology. A meeting of young women was held in the Presbyterian Schoolroom March Ist. Mrs handles presided There was a very good attendance. After a short musical programme had been gone through. Miss Powell delivered her popular address on “(iirls ami Their Lovers, which was listened to with great attention.

RANGIORA. We held a special meeting in th** Institute Hall March l(ith. There was a good attendance. The object of the meeting was to welcome Mrs Cole, who gave a most interesting address sketching the history of the Union since its inception. She also gave an account of flic Twenty fifth Annual Convention held at Invercargill, and spoke of the effects of NoLicense in that town, proving it to lie most lieneticial. (hi the motion of the Rev. Aliernetliy a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Cole for her \isit and address. The Rev. D. T. Steele also addressed the meeting. Some musical items were given and refreshments were served. KAIAPOI. Our meeting held on 20th February took the form of a “ Frances Willard Memorial „-ifternoon Mrs Kvan.- presided in the absence of the President. Mrs Soulhy read a paper, written by Miss Cannon, on ‘The Life of Frances Willard, and extracts from the Union Si'fihil were also given dealing with the same subject. Mesdames Baker and Ward were appointed Absentee \ isitort, to visit the sick and absentee memliers.

On oth February a good many memliers met at Mrs Blackwell's residence and held a farewell social for Mrs Dayman, who is leaving the district. Mrs dayman has always lieen one of our most energetic memliers, and lias lieen manager of the Coffee Rooms for the last year. Mrs Kvans voiced the feelings of the memliers when she said how sorry we all were to lose Mrs dayman from Kaiapoi. Mrs Soulhy presented Mrs dayman with a case of afternoon tea spoons. Recitations and solos were given, and the meeting was closed by singing “Cod Be With You Till We Meet Again.’

A social was held oil 30th March, w hen there was a splendid attendance of memliers and friends. Mrs Harrison, our Delegate to Convention, gave a comprehensive report of the proceedings, ami also gave an interesting account of visits paid to the reformatory, explaining Dr Findlay’s humanitarian efforts in the way of reforming prisoners, and to the \ ictoria Home for girls. The President spoke about the School Committee election on the 2’ith April, and urged all the members to lie present and vote for those memliers who support. *d the “ Bible in Schools movement. It was decided to return three women, if possible, on the (’ommittee, and several of the memliers were nominated to stand for election. It was decided that the Secretary order from the Christchurch Union sets of temperance wall sheets, and that these sheets lie presented to the School Committee with a request that they should he hung in tin* class rooms.

FEILDINCL At our meeting on Mareh 3rd pleasure was expressed at the presence of some young lady memliers. It was resolved that educational topics on “ Women’s Work lie discussed at future meetings. Regret was expressed at the projected departure of two memliers, one by removal and the other by trip to England. The President read a graphic account of how Prohibition was carried in Tennessee. An account of the recent Convention will be given at our next meeting. BLENHEIM. At our meeting held m Wesley Hall on Ist March, we observed the anniversary day of Miss Frances Willard. A sjiecia! invitation was issued to friends on the occasion, and afternoon tea was provided. The President read a very interesting review of part of Miss Willard’s life and work. Our first Drawing Room meeting for this year is to he held on the I(ith of this mouth. We found these meetings very helpful to the Union last year, and hope by continuing them to increase our inendiership.

WAIMATE. I lie meeting was held in Knox Church Hall, Mrs (iraham, President, hi the chair. After singing the hymn, “All Round the World,” the President welcomed Mrs Cole, New Zealand President, to W aim ate, and introduced her to the meeting. Mrs Cole thanked the meeting for their welcome. She was on her way from the Twenty-fifth Annual Convention, which had just lieen held in Invercargill. Mrs Cole gave a very interesting and impressive account of the history of the formation and progress of the Union, from its origin in America about I") years ago to its present position on the 2.‘*th anniversary of its commencement in New Zealand, starting at Auckland tinder the mission of Mrs Leavitt, who was the herald of the movement from America to New Zealand, The character and work of Frances Willard and Mrs Leavitt in America, and of other ladies in Australia and New Zealand, who so energetically and successfully organised branches of the Society in the cities of America, England, ami Colonies, until now there are 2000 White Rihhoners and 7.’» branches of the Union in New Zealand. Mrs Cole also expressed her great pleasure at the success of the Invercargill gathering, and at her experience of Invercargill as a No-License district. She referred to the w ork of the Union toward* Woman’s Suffrage,

work among discharged prisoner*, petitions for release of barmaid* from their paintni position. The Union now w**rks for abolition of bars instead of barmaids. She encouraged her Waimate sister* to unity and patience and faith in their work for Hod, Home, and Humanity. She spoke highly of the good work lone against drink by some Maori ladies in Masterton and Hawke’s Bay. She encouraged her Waimate sisters to work on in their crusade against drink and gambling. Mrs I'ole's interesting address was listened to by an enthusiastic and sympathetic audience. Music and refreshment concluded a very enjoyable programme. Two new members were initiated ONEHUNOA. I’he tirst “Cradle Roll meeting of I'.HO was held by invitation of the Rev. and Mrs ,J. H Mackenzie, February Sth. After games with the children tea was served under the trees, and the 00 friends and children had a most enjoyable time. Miss Evans, Auckland, gave an interesting address on “ Woman’s Influence.” Mrs Northern and Mis* Nellie Watson rendered solos. At the close each child was given a toy. The monthly meeting was held in the Presbyterian Sehoolrom on February I’-nd In the absence of our President, Mrs D D Scott took the chair A hearty vote of thanks \\ as accorded to Mr J. Murgatroyd for his very generous donation to the Union funds, such help la-mg much appreciated. Also votes of thanks to the Rev. and Mrs J. H. Mackenzie for their kindness on February Sth. The monthly “Cradle Roll meeting was held in the Presbyterian -Schoolroom on March Sth. Jn the unavoidable absence of our President, Mrs J. H. Mackenzie Vice President) took the chair. Sister Esther, Auckland, gave a very appropriate address on “ Little by Little,” which was listened to with much pleasure. Mrs Sutherland oiul Miss Sommerville were the soloists. Afternoon tea brought a happy hour to a close. We are taking up the Household League work re Bible in Schools.

DUNEDIN. We have held two monthly and one special lx**ides two Executive meetings since Convention. At the one in March we had Mesdanies Cole and Allan Douglas with us. Mrs Douglas gave an interesting rr*nntf of the Union’s work in New Flymouth, and Mr- Cole urged ns in an educational and eloquent address to seize the right granted us during the last -es-ion of Parliament, and get women elected on the Charitable Aid and Hospital Hoards. We only had two weeks to work, and after securing tin* help of kindred societies, viz., Protection of Women and Children and Karifane Committee, we nominated our candidates to find, at the eleventh hour, for some unexplained reason their names had been removed from the electoral roll and thus made them ineligible. However, we are hojieful that the present Board, who are all in favour of women being on the Committee, will elect what is called a Co-operative Committee, and m that way we can work with Imth the Charitable and Hospital Boards. At the April meeting a lengthy discussion was held or the Nelson system of Bible reading in schools, resulting in all present agreeing to sign a petition to the Chairman of State Schools praying that Bible reading lx* re-established in state Schools. The President, Mr- Blair, urged all to vot p at the sehool elections on April ‘24th.

A transfer was sent to Mrs E O. Blamires (<»•> Sister Annie who hi- gone to Wellington. We ad\ i-e our sist-rs there to secure her help for their Union. •-pe iallv aneng voting people, we hoe proved her to a champion worker, and was so»rv indeed to lose so able a I*resident tor our Vs. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs Henderson in her ivc*>nt -ad bereavement. Delegates were charted to the \\ . I'.|{.( 4’olleetion cards for tin* M tori Mission distributed among the members.

DUNEDIN V s. Very soon after Mr- K. L. Steven- »n vi-ited Dunedin there was inaugurated a Y brain h in connection with tlu* local \\ .C 1.1 . Two preliminary meeting- were held in the homes of Mr- \. C. Broad and Mr- J. liislop, and the new stM-iety placed on a sound working basis. Si-ter Annie was elected President, with Mrs Don ild and Misses Sparrow and Pearson VicePresident*, Miss Adams Secretary, and Miss Wardell Treasurer. Two verv sueeessful meetings have been held in thi- new year Ihe V’- -ent their Delegate to Convention, and reeeiwd from her a most interesting .e e Mint of tin* prods slings. They also undertook th»* work of providing entertainment at *h*‘ Sailor-* Rest monthly, also having charge of tie refreslimeiit -t ili at the forthcoming V.M.C.A. Itazaar lie v also have a Flower Sup rinteiident and a Literature Super iutendent. At their last meeting tic V on the unavoidable retirement of their President, eleeted one of their own number Mi— .ban Begg to that ottiee, and as tin* membership already stands at something over H>, all augurs well for successful and useful work during the years that are to come. MAS! ERTON. (>ii March .!r 1w e had the pleasure of an address from the Editor of our p iper, w lio was returning home from Convention. Mrs Oldham gave us a splendid account of the various meetings held in Invercargill, and also many useful l int- for the enlarging of our membership, and the way in which to make our work more sum*—fill. Afternoon tea was provided and two new inniiWs were welcomed. It was reported that our efforts to get the Bible read in the State School has failed. This was a great disappointment, as our Ministers and local School Committee had agr ed to the Nelson system. W e hope to do b*tt* r aft* r tie 1 next < lection <>f School Committee by the householders. The annual meeting was h Id in lvnox llall April oth. The President being unable to be pivs« nt, owing to illness, tin* chair was taken by Mrs Burton, \ iiv-Pnarideiit Business correspondence was dealt with, and a discussion a- to tin- best ne ms ot getting peopl inter* st*sl in the householders' meeting for the election of the educational committee eii*u**d. A deputation of our members are to wait upon several of the Ministers, asking them to stand for election and pledging themselves to work for the Bible reading in our State School*. An interesting letter from Mrs Kavanagh was r* ad teiiing of the work of tic Union at the Lower Hutt.

PALMERSTON NORTH. Our monthly imaging was held in the Baptist (’hurdi April )-t, Mrs 11. Mowlein, President, in the chair, w ho gave a short addrt ss on “ Being 141 s-ings.” Mrs Snow’s r«*signation a- Vice-Pie-idcnt was received with regret, aud Mrs H odder was unanimously elected to till the vacancy. It was decided to hold a District Conventi in in two or three months' time. In view of this it was decided to attempt the re.

organisation of branches in surrounding districts. Much sympathy was expressed for our sist**r, Mrs Spence, who is suffering from a very painful illness. Prayers were offered for her recovery. A message of sympathy was sent to Mrs Henderson, who has lately been bereav»*d. It was decided to start a V branch that we train the younger ones to take our places in time Report* were given by two or three Superintendents of Departments and a profitable meeting elos**d by the pronouncing of the Benediction.

TARIKI. \Vc celebrated “Frances Willard Day” on M irrh loth by a most successful “Cradle Roll” picnic, about 100 being present. The children spent an enjoyable afternoon. Race* and games were got up for th**ir benefit, each little* one receiving a doll or toy of some description. After tea had been served, Mrs Bayly, our President, gave a short account of France* Willard and her work, remarking how pleased she would have been could she have seen “ her day ” celebrated by a “ Cradle Roll' picnic. The usual monthly meeting was held in the Wesleyan Church on April 4th, when the patter “ .tiiiinnrt /■ n/t was read and well discussed. WANOANUI. Our first uniting wa- held February Ist, Mrs Upton, president, in the chair. Mention was made of the debt we -fill owe to the Organising Fund. Mrs l pton was clccttsl Delegate to the Invercargill ('(invention. At the meeting held March 4th Mrs Upton wa- in the chair. Owing t*» the illness of the Secretary Mis- Hu-twirk, wa- appointed to art /no t> nt, and a letter of sympathy was directed to lx- sent to Mi— Pucker. A letter was received from tic Putiki Maori branch asking f*>r someone to take their meeting on Wednesday. oth. Plie President oiitlimsl some work that might lie taken up through the year, such as the Organising Fund, Seamen’- Mission, \c. Also gave a glowing are* imt of the Invercargill Convention. Mrs Smith was appointed by the New Zealand l nion to he District Superintendent of Maori W< »rk. At the inerting held April 1-t, Mrs Upton presiding, it was resolved that a letter of -vmpatliN b -**nt to Mr- lleudersoti, Superint* ndeut of Maori Work. A communication was rrreivisi troiu tin* Bible in Sclmkil- League, asking the co-op* Tat ion of the Union in their efforts to get Bible reading in the public schools. Tin* S* rret irv w as instructed to reply that Wanganui is air adv doing all that is desired.

NELSON. At ->:ir meeting oil March sth there was a largo attendance. Miss Atkinson presiding. It was unanimously' decided t** nominate Mowlam"- Fell .u*l Wats.m for the Hospital and Charitahl • • Ai* 1 Boards, and to work for their election W»* are glad to rep*nt that loth lie-* 1 ladies wu* returned. Mrs Sheppard, of Ctiri-tchuivh, was present, ami delighted us with a charming address. tin the 10th tie* 1 nilm tendered Mrs Sheppard a public social. Our President presided, and was -upportisl by our lieloved Mr- Crump, who wcleom* d Mrs Sheppard and introduced her to tin* large audience. Mrs Sheppard and Rev. S. Jeiikin. S eretarv of the No-License Ijeague, gave addresses. lie. it itions and songs delightfully rendered made up an excellent programme.

TIMARU. There was a g**«Kl atteudauoe to hear the report of (’ invention. Mrs Rule deserve* credit for the full and educative report she gave. It was sup-

port«*d by that of Mrs Bardslcy, and an .*ippr»«iativc vote of thanks waa pHs***<l. Mr St**a»l r*p**rt«*<l quiet month. A vote of thanks was j»assr<l to dotiors of literature, also to AI r Hardsloy for presentation of a letter rack for tin* Sailors Host.

The V l uion meet on the 7th Maivh. One lie* neniWr was initiated and the meeting elosod with prayer. At toe monthly meeting on the 2!*th March Mr Stead reported a husi I month than the two previous oiu ■>, s.'i sailors making 11 <> visits. We eonyTatlllated ours<*lves on having ls*en sueeessflll in plaeinv a lady, Mrs Newnman, on the Mospita 1 and Charitable Aid Hoard, Ettort is to lx* made to attend the School elections and, it possible, serurr a lady candidate. Arramrenients were made for a visit from Miss Powell on tin- bth and 11th Regret and sympathy was expressed for Mrs Henderson, of Franktoti Junction, in her sad bereavement. Mrs Xorrish that we do more local work to save onr young’ men from the drink tratti**. It was «leekl«*d to take a r*>**ni in the main part < f the town for the l nion to meet in, the rental to be paid between the W.C.T.r and the \ Union. As funds are low and none too easy to obtain, a generous friend has offered to pay half the rent for six months. The meeting elos*sl w ith the Iteiiedietion.

The first general meeeting of the Union was held at the Sailors Heat on April Ifh, Mrs Hirdshy, our President, in the chair. The President then read the Christ* hurch Constitution, which gave members an idea of the w orking of the Y Union. It was decided to rent a room for six. months in which to hold the meetings, and a concert i> to be arranged at an early date to furnish same. Our President suggested that the memliers visit the Maori pa to get iti touch w ith the Maoris and so endeavour to lie on more friendly terms. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer, which was related aloud by all present. We hope to do good work in our Fimam Union, and ask f*>r your prayers and sympathy.

NAPIER. An invitation tea to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the death of Frances Willard, the founder of the W.C.T.U., was held in St. Paul’s Schoolroom on February 17th. I here was a g'ssl attendance of memliers and friends. Hie meeting was presided over by Mrs Cobb. In a short address Mrs Cobb said we were met to honour the memory of one whose life had been devoted to the service of humanity As the result of her work in connection with tin W.C.T.I . there are 72 Unions with r. total membership of 2300, and they were looking forward to a further increase. The Union had done a great amount of work for Cod, Home, and Humanity, hut much remained to l>c done, not only hv present members but by tliosi who might join. Mrs W. Kerr read a paper containing a short biographical sketch of Miss \\ illard's life. A reception was given to Mrs Hearlove, the Delegate to tin* recent Convention, on March 17th. Mrs Leask, Vice-President, occupied the chair. Tin* report was of an extremely comprehensive chamcte.% and was much appreciated. Mrs Hearlove told of the visit paid to the gaol which was in course of erection at Invercargill. It was designed with the object of giving the prisoners a chance to reform, and euabliug their privileges to be extended in accordance w ith their classification under tin* Hon. Hr Findlay’s scheme. Mesdaines Leask and Oldham gave short addrt *s**s on the ne«*d for women to live up to the privileges they already have, so as to obtain more. Afternoon tea was dispensed. Mrs Cobb pronounced the Hem*dietion.

PONSONBY. At our meeting held at Hue* Hall February 10th, Mrs Harris presided for the lir*t time since h**r election. Our meetings an* on the second Thursday of tin* month. The Treasurer's ami “Cradle Roll “ reports were reeeiv**d and adonted. Miss Evans report***! a \**rv successful garden party of tin* “Cradle Roll” at On**hunga. Mrs S. A. Plummer was el»*et**d agent for the White: Rihho.v. Two new gave in their names. Much appreciation was expressed as to the value of the paper. It was decided that our next meeting should I*** a soeial OIU*. Die special meeting took place March Oth in (Queen’s Hall, Mrs (’. T. Harris. President, presided. Mrs Harris heartily welcomed our visitors and earnestly pleaded with them to train their little ones to avoid the use of all intoxicants, and to *l*» this effectively she advised them to sign the pledge ami join our Union, where they would l*e helped by sympathy ami encouragement, Mrs Vickers, Superintendent “Cradle Roll,” said how important is this branch of our work, and of its great need, so that the children might In* trained t<» touch not, taste not, handle not, that which is so harmful to them. She also kindly welcomed the mothers. Miss Evans, Organiser, gave a very interesting ami thrilling address. Although not a mother she was*juit<alive t*» the importance of the place the children would have in the future. Miss Kelly, of Wellington, expressed her pleasure at being present with us. She had just returned from a visit to England. Spare copies of the White: R iitro\ were distributed, also “ Safe Remedies in Illness.” Instrumental ami vocal solos were rendered. Afternoon tea was dispensed, mothers and children heartily enjoying this, (bn* told of her experience. Doctors advised her to take stout at her meals : she obeyed and took it. till one day her little son asked if be might have some. Instantly she realised the danger t<» her child by her example, ami from that hour it was banished. Ever since she had been an active worker in the temperance cause, and ever grateful that she had Ireen so /<•»/ by Divine Providence to so work. Mrs Harhutt, Superintendent of Mothers Meetings, was not able to lie present, having gone to Sydney for needed rest and change.