News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 193, 15 July 1911, Page 2

News of the Unions.

[The Editor cannot promise to insert Anything in the next issue that does not reach her by the Bth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable. J AUCKLAND. June 20th. in the Congregational Church, a public meeting was held. Rev. Steel Craik took the chair The meeting took the form of a welcome to Miss Anderson Hughes back to her native land Welcome speeches were given by Mr Wesley Spragg, President New Zealand Alliance, Mr C H I’oole, M.P., and Mrs Dewar, President W.C.T.U. A beautiful bouquet, with the New Zealand Hag and Union Jack intertwined, was presented to Miss Hughes by the President's two little granddaughters. Miss Anderson Hughes gave a splendid address, introducing the '• Women’s Crusade ” into Auckland A large number signed the pledge, and look the books to secure other pledges. July 2nd, in the Opera House, Mi>s Anderson Hughes gave an address on the “ Magic War Cry.” Mrs Pacey took the chair, and there were musical items rendered during the after* noon. Miss Hughes gave a stirring address and the movement took on heartily. At the close oi her address Miss Hughes asked for a standing vote of all who were willing to join the crusade, and the audience rose en masse Largo numbers signed the crusade pledge, while many volunteers took the books to canvass for pledges. GISBORNE.

A special meeting was held Juue 16th to celebrate White Ribbon Day. Mrs J. Stewart, Superintendent of this Department, read the annual report of the paper given at Convention, and also spoke on the local circulation, which has increased this year. Other members spoke on the usefulness of the paper. An excellent paper on the subject of “ Mental Purity ” was given by the President, and an interesting discussion followed, several members taking part and speaking of the need for intelligent thought on these subjects, and a request was made that Mrs Graham's paper Ik- printed if possible in the White Ribbon. A letter and leaflet from Mrs Webb on the same subject, with practical suggestions for local workers, were also read and discussed.

The business meeting was held on June *2.*>th. Reports from the following Departments of work given Litcrature, Flower Mission, three eases of rescue work ; Peace and Arbitration that, in answer to a request from the Union, excellent sermons had l>een preached in the Anglican Church on this subject on the Sunday following Coronation week. Some beautiful extracts from the ‘ Life of Man,” by Leckv, on character and right thought, were read by Mrs Wilkes.

July iith. Mrs Barton has spent a very useful and busy week amongst us. She is a mo>t able witty, and humorous speaker, with a fine understanding and personal knowledge of the great social reforms on which she speaks. Her meetings and addresses have been delightful and given fresh inspiration and enthusiasm to the workers and roused all her hearers to a more earnest consideration of this question, i/., the drink traffic. We cannot speak too highly of her ability, nor of her self-sacrificing power of

work, of which we certainly have taken full advantage. She has spoken at afternoon ami evening meetings every day in the town and country, her heart being in her work who seems to have absolutely no idea of sparing herself We hope very much that we may have an opportunity of having her again amongst us The Union here heartily approves of the Women's Crusade movement. Five special meetings for women have t>een held, including one at Te Kau College for Maori women. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. A special meeting of the Committee was held June Nth to discuss a letter received from Mr> Driver, Dunedin, re the Women’s Crusade. In the absence of the President, Mrs Maealist r, Vice-President, presided. It was unanimously resolved to take up this work, and signature books were sent for. June 23rd, a meeting was convened to inaugurate a“Y” branch of the W.C.T.C. and introduce the Women’s Crusade. From •">() to 60 young women accepted the invitation to be present. Mrs Atkinson presided, and Mrs Poxall opened with prayer Mrs Barton gave a stirring address, strongly urging those present to join the Branch and tight for Temperance. Thirty members enroll**!, forming a strong and enthusiastic Branch. Meeting* will lx* held on the first Friday of the mouth, at N p m., in the Y.W.C.A. rooms. The following officers were unanimously elected :—President, Mrs Evans ; Secretary, Miss It. Whitcombe; Treasurer, Miss Parton. The meeting was of an enthusiastic character throughout and augurs well for the new' Branch.

June 16th, Mrs Atkinson, President, in the •hair. There was a large attendance of members and friends. Mrs Atkinson spoke on behalf of the Maori boy Tahi Kaha, who had Ikht sentenced to death for the murder of an old man. On account of his youth, and the fact that he had never received any mental, moral, or physical trainiug, and belonged to a trilx* who had not accepted Christianity, and also that as there are several Maori Unions in the Dominion belonging to the W.C.T.U., the members of which would feel that their English sisters sympathised with them, she moved the following resolution—“ That in view of the recommendation jf the jury to mercy, and of the fact that Tahi Kaha has had no mental, moral, or spiritual training, this meeting of the Wellington Women’s Christiau Temperance Unions respectfully begs the Government to consider favourably the petitions already sent in for a commutation of his sentence.’* This was carried unanimously. The Secretary, Miss Kelly, has been obliged to give up this work and sent in her resignation, which was accepted with regret, and Miss llustwick was appointed in her stead Miss Roberta, of Christchurch, gave an interesting account of her experiences in the work of Temperance in Ireland. She spoke of the conditions of life regarding drink, of the many facilities for getting it There are 10,000 more publichouses in Ireland than in Scotland. The priests are now in many districts advocating Temperance, and gladly welcome those who will work among their people. She also attended the two great Conventions of Manchester and Glasgow, helped in some Suffragette meetings, and gave a description of her meeting with Mrs Pankhurst. Mrs Barton, of Glasgow, gave an interesting and inspiring address on her work in Australia, and what might be done in this country if only the women would hand together and work. She pleaded earnestly on liehalf of the children that life might lx* made easier and brighter for them by the putting away the curse of drink. Two

new members were welcomed. Greetings, were received from the Tuakau and Pukekohe l nions and Franklin No-License League. LOWER IIUTT. Held at the hall, Road. Presided over by Mrs McCaw. Decided to inaugurate the Women s Crusade. It is expected that a good result will follow. CHRISTCHURCH. June Nth, a very successful Cradle Roll meeting, in conjunction with the Society for the Health of Women and Children, an address and demonstration being given bv Plunket Nurses. The lecturer dealt with the general care of the infant ; the essentials of clothing—that it be litfht, warm, non-irritating, and loose enough to allow free motion of the extremities; the injury done to young children by taking them from their cots into brightly lighted rooms ; and the evils of rocking and other similar practices, since a quiet, darken'd room, a warm comfortable lx*d, an appetite satisfied, and dry clothing, were all that was mash'd to induce sleep in a healthv infant.

June Uth. greetings and an interesting address were given by Mrs Duxfield, President of the Hawera l nion. The first month’s report of the Union’s Organiser showed ‘bat a Branch of tie* Union bad been started at Sheffield, with an initial membership of alsmt 1>; that home meetings bad been held, and assistance rendered to kindred societies.

Executive meeting 19th June, arrangements were made for the representation of the Uuiou in the Coronation Day procession, and for taking part in the Women’s Crusade. A resolution was passed protesting against the execution of Tahi Kaliu. June ‘zKth, the formation of a new Branch of the Union at New Brighton was reported, aud arrangements were carried on for the inauguration of the crusade. A publication, A Prohfoo of To-lhi;/, was received from the Legal ami Parliamentary Superintendent, and it was resolved to recommend that steps lx* taken to circulate it as widely as possible among Debating Socictits, “ Y ’’ Unions, aud the Young People’s National Prohibition Guild.

ASHBURTON. May, Mrs J. McLeod, Yice-President, occupied the chair. Mrs W. J. Elliott received a cordial welcome into the Union. The sum of £3 .’G was donated towards the funds of the No-License League and ill to the trustees of the Baring Square Church. June, Mrs NY. I’. Lill occupied the chair after an interval of four months through illhealth. Correspondence was received and dealt with. Mrs A. J. P. Driver, Duuediu, also wrote re the formation of a Women’s Crusade for the Dominion. After a lengthy discussion it was resolved to assist the local No License League on the lines suggested by the writer. A paper written by a prominent worker in America, “ Why Women Fear Motherhood, was read by Mrs W. J. Brown, and an interesting discussion followed. Three new members were received into the Union. CAMBRIDGE. Held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms. Mrs Shephead presided. A paper by Miss Powell was read by Mrs Afirfell, and it was decided t<» act upon the suggestions as far as possible. Arrangements were made for providing refreshments at the annual meeting of the No-License

League. Mrs Shepherd kindly provided afternoon tea, after which the meeting adjourned. June hth, Mrs Barton kindly gave us an address, w hich was greatly, enjoyed. We all felt much encouraged, and hope to have the pleasure of hearing Mrs Barton again. On Tuesday Mrs Shepherd presided. Mrs Hogan gave a repost of the Band of Hope and desired more help. We were Very pleased to give a welcome to Mrs Carter, a visitor from Hamilton, who gave a very interesting report of the New Plymouth Convention, fc made all wish we had been there ; Mrs Carter gave it in a very able manner and we should l»e pleased to have her with us again. Six new members were added to our number.

HAMILTON. June Ist, in the Wesley class-room, Mrs Auld presided. She reported the organizing of a new Union at Morrinaville Mrs Brown, President of that Union spoke, she is Very enthusiastic and hopeful about the work, they have already 20 members. We are sure w ith inch a “President” the work must prosper. Report of Convention was read by our Delegate ; owing to pressure of business this report bad been held over. Three new members were enrolled. Our Union is growing rapidly ; the meetings are well attended. MORRINSVILLE. June Nth, MrsC. W. Brown presided. Three new members were enrolled, bringing the number up to 21, with 2 honorary members. After various items had been discussed it was decided to hold a special drawing-room meeting on June 21, at Mrs Pastor Smith’s, for the heuetit of those who could not attend on the Thursday. TUAKAU.

June 30th, a welcome was given to Mi#* McNeish. Business questions were gone into, aud plans were laid for visiting outlying districts.

July 3rd, a letter was read from Miss Dewar re the Women’s Crusade. Resolved that we endeavour to start in Tuakau on August 10th, and that we ask Miss Hughes to be present, also a gentleman speaker, to start a “Catch-iny-Pal” Society for men. Miss Bridge re* signed the Cradle Roll, Miss Hunter was appointed. Miss Scaulen announced having received Band of Hope advertising sheets, and that the new hymn sheets would lie ready. A motion of sympathy was passed with Brother and Sister Holland, who have lately lost a daughter. Report of the Alliauoe Conventitai in Auckland was read by the President. Plans were laid for celebrating the anniversary of the W.C.T.U. and Band of Hope on August 10th. Resolved to ask Mrs Barton to lie present on that occasion.

PALMERSTON NORTH. June 16th, Miss Powell gave a very interesting report of the recent AHiauce Convention held in Wellington. It was an encouragement to go forward. June 18th, Mrs BxTton addressed a large and enthusiastic audience in the Municipal iiaM. Everyone was delighted. She also conducted a meeting on the 20th to women only, when the Women’s Crusade was fairly started, and was responded to very heartily, and we are encouraged to make a big bid for 2000 names.

July (>th, meinliers were invited to meet Mrs Peryinan at the President’s (Mrs Mowlem) house. An informal talk on the woi k follow ed a short address from Mrs Perymati. A profitable afternoon was Spent. July 7th, reporta were given showing a marked increase in work done in the different Departments. Home Meetings are in full swing. On the iiibtion of Miss Powell, an emphatic protest \las entered against the publication of sordid details connected with executions for murder ; a resolution to that effect to be sent to the Minister for Justice. Two new meml>ers joined.

MASTERTON. July 4th. Held an “At Home at the residence of Mrs C. E. Daniell. Mrs Devonport presided and gave an address. 1 lie discussion on the Women’s Crusade was deferred until next meeting. Mrs Anderson, Superintendent Home Meetings, is working up this Department, which promises to bring in new members, three being initiated at this most successful gathering. WINCH MORE. Held at the home of Mrs Hill, Green Street, took the form of a memorial service of the late Mrs Argyle. The report of Annual Convention was also read, and literature freely distributed. At the July meeting a letter was read from Mrs Driver rt Women’s Crusade. Unanimously resolved to send for six crusade books and commence w ork at once. Two Delegates were appointed to attend Provincial Convention. A Question Box was arranged for the afternoon, when a few* questions were brought forward and discussed. FEILDING. At the June meeting Mrs Driver’s suggestions were discussed. It was resolved that a \\ omen's Crusade be organised, books procured, and the town canvassed lor signatures, also that literature lie distributed and Committees formed in the country districts in this electorate where there are no Branches of the W.C.T.U. Decided to hold an Educational Social on July •Jbth. Mrs Snelgrove was appointed Superintendent ef Cradle 8011. Correspondence was read rt Mothers’ Meetings, Evangelistic Work, and the “ Economic Status of Married Women. ”

WANGANUI. June 14th, a very successful gift tea was held at the residence of the President, Mrs Smith, when donations of money ami material were given towards the Crusade Bazaar to be held on September ‘2lst. Hie proceeds of this bazaar will be devoted to the Organizing Funds. A number of crusade books are to lie ordered for the use of the members, who are very enthusiastic over the matter. A paper w as read on “ Mothers Meetings. Mrs Collier, of St. John's Hill, is giving the first of the series of such meetings, when a lady doctor I Dr Dunn) will address the meeting. Mrs Siddells was appointed Delegate to the Convention to beheld at Ngaire. NEW PLYMOUTH 4 ‘ Y’s." June 20th, in Primitive Methodist Schoolroom. Two new members were initiated. Practised campaign songs. GREYMOUTH. June 29th, a well-attended and most interesting meeting was held at Mrs Hansen's residence, Mrs Mason presiding. The correspondence and

business, principally re the coining campaign, was entered into most heartily by every member, each one intending to be a worker. A letter was sent from our Union congratulating our memlier, Sir Arthur K. Guinness, on the high honour conferred upon him hy His Majesty the King.

RANGIORA. Friday, between .’*o and t>o ladies attended an “At Home for the purpose of welcoming Miss Koborts back to New Zealand. She gave an excellent address on “ llie Suffragette Movement in the Old Country, and the Progress of the Temperance Party in Great Britain.” Her address w as highly appreciated, and in response to ail earnest appeal for ftew’ members four ladies joined our ranks. Kaiapoi friends were strongly represented. A letter was received from Mrs Lovell-Smith enclosing an article “Problems of To-Day.” Our local Debating Society has taken it up and the debate on the “ Economic Status of Women is to be next month. DUNEDIN “ Y’s.” Ibid in tlu* Hanover Street Baptist Schoolroom, presided over by our faithful President, Sister Frances We were sorry to receive Miss Rosevear’s resignation as Reporter for the “ V ” Branch, this being occasioned by other work and studies. Miss Maxwell was appointed in her stead Decided to accede to a request from the official visitors of the Industrial School to hold an evening of entertainment with the children during Coronation week. Mrs Don, of the Mother Union, also w rote making several valuable suggestions in reference to work for our Branch. However, the most important business discuss, d was that of tin* proposed monster procession and mass meeting of young women to be held prior to the forthcoming ch-ctiou. Several encouraging reports were received from members who had been delegated to visit the district Bibb* Classes and Sunday Schools, and it is hoped that when the time does come through faithful prayer and individual work, the proposition will become a decided success, and may lx* the means of helping on the great cause for which our Branch exi-ts, that of •* Temperance in all things.” Mrs 11. 11. Driver then delivered an interesting and earnest address dealing with the crusade movement and making suggestions w hereby our Branch would materially help the Mother Union. It was decided to have a special meeting to go fully into the matter. Mrs Driver also emphasised the fact that above all tilings the spirit of prayer must be first and foremost, for “ without /Inn ice can do nothing .”

INVERCARGILL. Jrne6tli, a letter was read from Mrs Driver, Dunedin, re Women s Crusade. Mrs Driver pomted out that New Zealand women, if combined, had it in their power to abolish the sale of liquor throughout the Dominion. Every effort should lie made to arouse public interest before next election, and secure the greatest possible number of converts to total abstinence. S’ « proposed that pledge books should be distributed among workers in the cause, who should induce all whom they could to pledge themselves to vote for Dominion Prohibition. Unanimously carried that the meeting show its appreciation of Mr- Driver’s proposal by immediately setting on foot a Women’s Crusade in Invercargill. Mrs Baird and Mrs McKenzie spoke urging the importance of activity during the next few mouths. It was resolved that as a titting introduction to the crusade a Consecration Prayer Meeting should be held Juue 13th, u mass meeting in

July. The question of the provision of schools for mentally defective girls, and homes for defective women was brought up, and it was resolved that a deputation, consisting of Mesdanies Baird, Harper, and C. W. Brown, interview the member for Invercargill to urge tin* speedy establishment of a home for defective women. It was arranged that a Gift Afterntxm, in preparation for the Sale of Work, should lie held on the 14th at the residence of Mrs Harrison L'*e Co vie. Miss Fitidlayson was appointed Superintendent of the Gambling Department. One new member was initiated.

BLUFF. June, Mrs Moody presided. In response to a letter from Mrs Driver, Dunedin, rt Women’s Crusade, a resolution was passed showing appreciation of Mrs Driver’s proposal hy at once organising a Women's Crusade. Resolved that tin- hall recently erected be called the “ Willard Hall.” A resolution was passed heartily endorsing the Licensing Committee’s remarks and desiring to call the attention of the public to the Press reports of the Magistrate’s warning to the Bluff publicans r< supplying liquor to those who were already intoxicated Nine new members joined the Senior Temperance Society recently organised, making a to*al membership of ‘24. An interesting debate, “ Will National Prohibition Is- Beneficial to New Zealand?” lias lxen arranged. KAIAPOI. June 2Mb, Mrs Harrison, President, in the chair. Final arrangements were made for the Young Women’s National Prohibition League Social to be held the next evening. Invitation to visit Rangiora Union, Friday, was gratefully accepted. A paper by Rev. R. J. Campbell, on “ The Economic Status of Married Women,” was read and discussed. It was felt that in the interests of some of our New Zealand sisters something practical should be done to protect those women who were bringing up dependent families and whose husbands spent the greater part of their wages in alcoholic liquors. One new member was initiated. A very large and enthusiastic gathering of young women was held on Thursday evening. Miss Roberts gave a most interesting address, pleading with her hearers to join the League, She was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks, between 30 and 10 joining. President, pro tern. Mrs Mitchell; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Harrison, Frankland, and Smether; Treasurer, Miss Amy Ellen ; Secretary, Miss bell Martin ; Piauiste, Miss Blanche Ellen A good supper was provided ; to meet fortnightly.

Thirteen members went to Rangiora on the 30th. Miss Roberts gave a very stirring address, for which she was most warmly thanked. Our friends at Rangiora gave us a hearty welcome, Mrs Harrison voicing our thanks WAIMATE. We held our Willard Day, which was a success. A paper was read by Miss Smart, for Mrs Morrison, on “ Prayer,” taking as her subject the Korean Mission. May, Mrs Rule, with Mesdames Howard and Bardslev, paid us a visit. Mrs Rule read a splendid report of the Convention, which was well received, ami a pleasant good discussion ensued. Mrs Leo Couie visited us. A great many besides our usual members came to hear a bright and happy talk r> “ Women, Work, and the Coming Election. Our Vice-President, Mrs Penny, presided.

OTAUTAU. Juno Oth, it whs decided to try and hmm ire a women's social nicetiiitr in the afternoon of one day during the visit of Mrs I>*e Cowie in July. Other matter* of locnl interest in the Temperance cause were d.scussed, and corn*spotidetie«* read. It. was decided to make the organic <1 collection for I)r Banurdo’s homes undertaken by our Union in July. TIMARU. June 27th, in the Arcade Room Mr* Rule presided. Mrs Trott conducted devotional service, having kindly consented to be Superintendent Devotional Services. It was decided to hold our yearly social u.°xt March in conjunction with that of the Young People’s Society. A long discussion t<K»k pluce re the Women’s Crusade, and it was finally decided to open ,t crusade here as soon as possible, and to help us to fully understand the position it was decided to ask Mrs Driver to send some speaker Dunedin. Mr Stead’s report of work done at the Sailors’ Rest shew* d a busy month.. It was reported that for Sacramental purposes fermented wine was still used in some of the Churches, and the Secretary was instructed to write and ask if unfermented could not he substituted Correspondence was received from Miss Maunder, Purity work, also Bibb* Reading in Schools ; nothing was decided on in these two eases. We find it difficult to take up Purity work and as we already have the Bible read in the schools we did not think we could do anything further.

TIMARU “Y’s.” J line sth, being Devotional night, out President (Mrs Bardsley) read a paper on “ Religion is Profitable,” and several menders spoke on their favourite hymns and verses. A number of members gave in their names as collectors in connection with Mr Lee’s movement for Dr Barnardo’s Homes. Monthly meeting 3rd July. A concert has been given to the old men at the Home, which they much appreciated, also the fruit and lollies An invalid lady greatly enjoyed a half-hour's singing from some of our nienibera. The Union decided to form a choir Miss Sturmey reported dozen nightgowns completed and delivered to the Hospital. Old stoekings and socks are l>eing transformed into singlets and Tam-o’-Shanters for the Mukti Mission Box. There is a slight improvement of the attendance at the room during the evenings. It is possible now to get a cup of tea if lequired. Mr Chisholm. No-License League Organizer, addressed the meeting, giving valuable information and urging our support of the Wotnou s Crusade. Resolved that we most heartily support the movement. One new member proposed.

NELSON. June 13th, in Baptist Church, Miss Atkinson presided. Mrs Crump conducted the devotions, i’he President extended a cordial welcome to Mrs Israel, from Napier, whom we feel sure will strengthen our ranks. A committee was set up to arrange for drawing-room meetings to be held fortnightly during the next few months Sympathy was expressed with Mrs Day (Cradle Roll Superintendent) upon the death of her mother. Mrs Field, the Mayoress, read extracts from a lecture given by Dr Findlay on the repeal of the C.D. Acts. A discussion followed, and the members expressed gratitude to Mrs Field for bringing the subject before them. A letter from Miss Wilson, re a“ Y Department, w as read ami discussed.

SOUTH DUNEDIN. June Bth, in the Wesley Church Schoolroom, Mrs Hancock presided. Correspondence from Miss Lovt 11-Smith re ” Economic Independence of .Married Women was read. Mrs Hancock gave a brief address, speaking from Isaiah vi. On the Prophet s realisation of unworthiness, the “ live coal from th , j altar touches his lips and a strength not his own impels him So it w ill Ik? in the forthcoming crusade. We know not to whom we must speak, hut speak and act in Cod's strength we must, as this battle has to he fought, and won Miss McCarthy report'd the inaugural meeting of the crusade, and urged all member* to read and keep for future reference Mr A. S. .Adams pamphlet.. Pro/ii/tition litis was referred to as a “classic’ in Temperance literature. Mrs Cameron spoke briefly of some movements of the U. I R C. in the district. Cradle Roll to Ik? reorganised.