News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 16, Issue 187, 16 January 1911, Page 2

News of the Unions.

'The Editor cannot promise to insert anvt' >ng in the next is*ue that docs not reach her by the Bth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one *.i«l#* of the paper only. New spaper cuttings are unsuitable.]

AUCKLAND. Annual meeting Deeeml>er Mh, Mrs Dewar President) in the chair. It was resolved to send a letter of congratulation to the Premier n the re|*»al of the C.D. Acts. Report* tjere read from Superintendent* of Departments Evangdistic, Mrs Taylor; “ Cradle Roll/’ Mr» Thorpe: White Ribbon. Mrs Gouk ; Backblocks, Mi's Stanton ; Pledges, Mrs Rule; Temperance, Miss Evans; Bible in Schools, Miss N Dewar. The Secretory, Miss Evans, read the annual report, showing a year of good wi»rk The Treasurer's statement was presented by Mrs Hughes. Votes of thanks were passed to all. The election of officers took place : President, Mrs Dewar; Vice-Presidents, M«*sdames Thorpe and Taylor and Miss Dewar; Corresponding Secretary, .Miss N. Dewar; Riroruing Secretary, Miss Evans; Treasurer, Mrs Hughes; Assistant Treasurer, Mrs Cooper; White Ribbon Agent, Mrs Gouk, pro tun. : Visitors, Mcsdames Targuse, Appleton, and Keane; Delegates to Convention, Mrs Dewar and Miss Evans.

DEVONPORT. We had hoped to take up >oine wo**k with the Cigarette League, but were not able to procure literature. Sent parcel of clothes to the Door of Hope, literature to the Imekhlocks, helped with booth at the Agricultural Show We hope to do more f<>r the cause in the New ear.

CHRISTCHURCH. The annual meeting was held on Pm»mf>er 14th, Mrs Cole presiding over a large attendance of members. The President read the annual rejx rt, which shewed that a year of strenuous work hail been accomplished, with satisfactory and encouraging results. The finances of the branch were in a healthy condition. The retiring officers were reappointed. NEI.SON. The annual meeting was held in the Baptist Schoolroom on Peecmlier I.lth. The report showed a considerable increase in nu-mliership, and referred to the election of two women on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, to the circulation of the magazine Amt man Mathn'hotxl, and other matters of interest. Sympathy was expressed for Miss Ramin, who as long as her health permitted had been a faithful and consistent worker. The Treasurer’s statement showed that, owing to a very successful Sale of W<>rk and Garden Party, £36 had been expended and a substantial credit balance had been carried forward. The election ot officers resulted as follows:—President, Mias Atkinson; YieePresidonts, Mesdaines Cru np, Field, Watson, and Miss Gascoigne; Secretary, Mrs Knapp: Treasurer, Mrs Grove; White Kirron Agent, Mrs Field; Reporter, Miss Wilson. Mrs Henry was present and gave a most interesting address on woman's work in America, particularly w ith the temperance movement. Several new members were welcomed.

ASHBURTON. December 12. Owing to the indisposition of our President, Mrs Perymau occupied the chair. Correspondence was dealt with. Departmental reports were r»*eeived and read. Mrs Permian was appointed Superintendent of Evangelistic Department. The following were nominated as Dominion officers :—President, Mrs Cole ; Seeretan . Mrs Perymau ; Treasurer, Mrs Bendely. Mrs Munro (nit Stirling , who was present, gave an eloquent address on the needs of the Maori race, and of the Maori Unions, organised throughout New Zealand to help to educate Maori girls and women. In the evening Rev. and Mrs Munro gave an entertainment under the auspices of the \\ C T.U. iu the Oddfellows’ Hall, to a large and appreciative audience. The background of the stage was strikingly arranged so as to form tie entrance to a Maori whare, having all the necessary equipment of Maori curios, mats, etc. Mis Monro's ls>autiful rendering of a number of items fully justified her distinction of being one of New Zealand’s leading vocalists. Several local musicians rendered valuable assistance. Stirring addresses on their work among the natives of New Zealand were given by Mr and Mrs Munro. NAPIER. The last meeting for the year of the FI van gelistii Department was held in Mrs Cobb's studio, (bi behalf of the members, Mrs Xeilson presented Mrs Cobb, the Superinten lent, with an afternoon tea set, making the gift in a few well-ehoaen sentences. The recipient feelingly replied. Several ladies testified to the benefits they had received from the meetings. Mrs Cobh read an excellent paper on “ Prayer. ” At the residence of Mrs Evans, a final meeting for 1010 of the L.T.L. was held. Mrs Leask addressed the children, complimenting them on their good behaviour and prompt and intelligent answering of questions put tothenion the subject of alcohol and its baneful effect. Mcsdames Evans and Dent were thanked f r the work done during the year.

GISBORNE. Socials have hern arranged by Mrs Church at the Old Men’s Homo through the year, l>oth our own nii*ml»**rs ami the old people finding them helpful and enjoyable The address (riven is bright, and the tea is provide by members of the Union. On the kind invitation of Rev. F. W. Uhatterton, Principal of T»* Ran Native College, our annual meeting was held in the College grounds December Bth. The Sale of Work, for which our Maori inemla*rs had lx*en busy preparing, took place the same afternoon. The Maori Unions were well represented. Speeches were delivered by Mesdanies ,1. Carroll and Halbert, both speaking in Maori, which was interpret'd by Rev. Pine Tamahori They spoke very warmly of their keen interest in the work of our Union, and pleasure that the Maori women were now included as members. Rev. F. Chatterton also spoke, saying that he believed that the work of this Union might he made most useful in helping to educate and raise the Maori women to a keener sense of their duties and responsibilities, especially drawing attention to the opportunities now given them by the clause in the new Licensing Fill, giving the Maori women the right to vote on the drink traffic, and wished the W.C.T.U. every suec**ss in the field of work that lay before them for the coming year. At our meeting it was felt hv members that the importanee of meeting our Maori sisters wlcn they were gathered together in large numbers from the surrounding districts for the College break-up justified the occasion. Reports were read by the Secret my and Treasurer, and considered very satisfactory. The election of officers resulted :—President, Mrs Graham re-elected ; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Fast, Grant, Lamb, Malcolm, McLeod, and Loehoie; Secretary, Mrs Walker re-ele. t»*d ; Treasurer, Mrs Gotfe (re-elect* d . Miss Lssie Scott, who loci won the medal given by our Union for tie* Band of Hope contest, gave a recitation.

WELLING TON DISTRICT. December lib Most interesting addresses were given hv Rev. and Mrs Munro, Mrs A. R. Atkinson, aud Mr R. A. Wright, M I*., in Trinity Wesleyan Church. Mrs fioxall occupied the chair, and introduced the speakers. Mr Munro spoke ou the effects of the contact with the Pakeha upon the Maori. He said the position he occupied was one of the effects of the eoutaet, hut, unfortunately, it was too often the case that the uupriucipled Pakeha came more into touch with the Maori. Hnd they were not sufficiently trained to discriminate between the g<kkl and the evil, and very often took the evil as a guide or pattern. Mr Munro spoke of the Gmhorn •* Maoris, many, lie said, being station owners who have sueciaded so well that for two years past their wool has topped the market. Their greatest enemy against Miicceag is the puhlichonses which have been placed in some of these Maori ilistricts, and the successful Maori in his farming, hut with little knowledge of the evil of the drink, spends his money at tins*' places. He makes money by diligence and the Pakeha places a publichuuse where he is easily tempted. Mrs Munro sang very sweetly a Maori poi song, and in response to an encore sang “The Better Land,” after which she gave an address on the work of the W.C.T*. U amongst the Maori women. Several Unions have been forimsl in different parts and many Maori women ary learning how to keep tlieir homes clean and how to cook and care for their children. Mrs A. R. Atkinson spoke on some of the work accomplished by the W.C.T.U and

reasons why everyone should join i s membership. Mrs Atkinson said the \V C.T.U. might justly claim some of the credit for the fact that the repeal of the C.D. Acts had taken place. For 21 years the Union had l>een petitioning the Government to remove them from the Statute Book, and at last it has been done. Amongst other things the Union had done was that it had established the on /y women'* paper entirely run and successfully managed by women -Tm White Ribbon. 'The Union had won the franchise for the women of New Zealand. For six years they were the only ones who got signatures for petitions, and it was not until the last year they had help from other bodies. She also referred to the awful responsibility resting on the white race for placing the drink within the reach of the Maori. Mr R. A. Wright spoke very briefly on the hare majority question. NGARUAWAHI A. December Ist. hold in the Presbyterian Church, Mrs Bycroft presided. Mrs Williams read a very interesting paper on “ Happiness,” showing how true happiness could only lie found by serving God and our fellow creatures, especially in acts of kindness. WAIPAWA.

December 13, annual meeting. EWtiou of officers resulted : President. Mrs Rihby : VicePresidents, Mesdames Wilson and James: Secretary, Mrs II McLean; Treasurer and White Ribbon Agent, Miss Barnett

(] REV MOUTH. Annual meeting held at Sailors’ R**t, December llth. In the abaetieo of the President, Mrs Mason \ ice-President took the chair. The Secretary's report and Treasurer s balance-sheet were approved of. Mrs Wright, a member of the Wellington Union, received a hearty welcome, She gave an excellent address, especially impressing cn members the necessity of wearing their badges. The election of officers resulted in the following being elected: President, Mrs Gaskin ; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Griffin, Stewart, Austin, and Mason. Secretary, Mrs C. Hansen ; Treasurer, Mrs Sweetman ; Evangelistic. Mrs Mills; Organist, “Cradle Roll,” #nd White Ribbon Agent, Mrs Mclntosh. Social an' 1 other Committees were appointed. One new member was received. We have now 55 members on our roll.

RANGIORA. At a special meeting. December loth. Mrs Cresswell read an interesting and instructive paper on “The New Licensing Bill,’ laying stress on scviral important points in the Bill A hearty vote of thanks was accorded her Five new members wen initiated. HASTINGS.

At our annual meeting, llth December, we bad a record attendance. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mrs Boyle; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Ramsav and Wallis and Miss Runiball; Secretary, Mrs Walker re-elected); Assistant Secretary, Miss Guy; Treasurer. Mi>s K Nicholls. Superintendents: Flower Mission, Miss Gandv; Evangelistic, Mrs Clapham; Purity, Mrs Stewart; White Ribbon, Mrs Fear; Maori Work, Miss MeKoewn. Band of Hope officers President, Mrs Fear; Secretary, Miss Rumhall; Treasurer. Miss Ford. Mrs Oldham kindly took the chair and helped and encJtiraged us with a few tactfully spoken remarks.

HAMILTON. Annual meeting held in the Baptist Churen December 6th. Annual report from Secretary read, and Treasurer’s balance-sheet adopted. We had the pleasure of a visit from Mrs Oldham, Editor White Ribbon, who gave a very interesting account of the work done in Napier, also many helpful suggestions. We ought to be proud t<> he members of such a great movement, and to wear our White Rihlmn badge everywhere. If women only realised their responsibilities, what an enormous inHuenee for good they could wield Flection of officers took pla ■♦*, Mrs Henderson’s retirement was received with regret, Mrs Auld was elected President HAWERA. At a public meeting held December 6th, Mrs Henry gave a short address on the origin of the W.T.C.U. Miss Hcnrv recited and Mr Potts sang. Ten ladies decided to join our Union.

On December 15th, a special meeting was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall Mrs Duxfield presided. Six new members were initiated. Mrs Duxfteld read an article called “ A warning to New Zealanders." It was resolved that literature Ih> purchased for the use of the Union, lhe balance-sheet showed a credit balance of t’7 7s 7d. We have now 53 memliers ami 15 honorary members. If was resolved to send 11 to help organisers for New Plymouth Convention and tl l>e sent to New Zealand Organizing Fund.