News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 203, 18 May 1912, Page 2

News of the Unions.

[ r n le 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. : AUCKLAND. March 13. Mrs Thorpe presided. Telegrams of congratulation and greetings sent to Mrs A. K. Atkinson on her election to the Licensing Committed, and to Convention at Dunedin. Resolution protesting against the proposed extension of tram services, life-saving demonstrations in the public park, and collections on the beaches, on Sundays, sent to the City Council.

27. A very earnest address, given by Miss Rurridgo, recently arrived from England. The ipeaker urged workers to live nearer to Go*l, to pray more constantly to be tilled with Mis love, so that our work he more successful.

April 10. Mrs Dewar presided. Memliers deeply interested in reports of Convention given by the delegates. Mrs Hughes reported that 44 Maori Unions are at work north of Auckland There are 111 European Unions, an increase of 24 on the year. The North Island has 70 branches anil the South Island numbers 55.

April 17, several members went to the meeting at Devonport and gave reports of Convention meetings.

24th. Miss Dewar presided. Letters of sympathy sent to in sorrow, ami one of congratulation to another on her marriage. A request from Papakura for help to form a branch was responded to. Mrs Hughes and Miss Evans to assist in organising at Northcote. Miss Evans gave an earnest address on importance of organising for the next poll. A committee was formed to arrange a scheme. The fact was emphasised ‘hut although our opponents have money on tneir side, we have a far stronger weapon in prayer which they have not ; ami a helpful thought was expressed that “Cod’s delay is not ‘denial. Great thankfulness is felt at our large increase in numburs throughout the Dominion.

HAMILTON. March 7, in Wesley classroom. Mrs Auld presided. Correspondence which lud been dealt with by the Executive was endorsed hy tha Union A par er was read by the Secretary, Mrs Jones, on “ W hy 1 voted No-license. An address on “ Work ami Prayer was given by Mrs Snow lately from Palmerston North April 14, in Wesley Hall. Mrs Auld pre sided. Pith, a Cradle Roll Rirtliday Party was held in the Frauktou Presbyteran Church, Mrs Auld presiding. The Church was well filled with mothers and their little ones. Musical items were rendered, inteispersed with short addresses. Afternoon tea was provided, ami several new names were added to the Cradle Roll.

May 2, in Wesley classroom, Dr Regers gave & most helpful and instructive address on * * Tiltcare of an ordinary healthy child 1 he doctor was given a most attentive hearing, and lie promised to give another address at some future daty.

CAMBRIDGE. March 21, a large number of ladies gathered at the Secretary’s Mrs Watson to bid farewell ami (lod-.speed to the President Mrs Shepherd) who is leaving for a trip to the Old Country. She was presented with an autograph album and a gold-mounted fountain pen is a token of appreciation of her gootl work in the Union. Afternoon tea was served. April 2. in Victoria Hall. Mrs Auld (Pres, ami Mrs Jones Sec. of Hamilton were present Each gave a very helpful talk bearing specially on the Cradle Roll. It was resolved to take up this hraneh of work. Mrs Gow will preside during the absence of the President.

GISBORNE. March 20th Mrs Oakley appointed Superintendent of work amongst seamen. Mrs Stewart read short articles on “ Prayer," and “ Parents’ duty towards teachers," April 18th. Celebration of Francis Willard Day by a garden party held at the residence of Mrs A. Graham, Kaiti. Mrs Graham spoke tin the great work done by Frances Willard Mr Jones, No-license Organiser, ami Revs Chatterton and Loehore also addressed the gathering, referring to the noble life and work of the founder, and the high ideals that the Union stands for. Mrs Gotfe, delegate, gave a most inteiesting and comprehensive report of Convention. A beautiful hymn was sung by the students of the Native l olh-ge of l’e Kan, and a humourous recitation was given by Mrs N. Hooper. 30th. Old Men’s Home and Hospital had been visited, and literature distributed. Five of our members were elected on the School Committees. Mesdames Walker, East, ami Church on the Central School, and Mesdames McLeod ami Scott oil the M&ngapapa suburban

MASTERTON. April 2nd. in Knox Hall, Mrs Rurton presided. Miss MoNeish, Organiser, gave a very interesting address stating that she had visited 28 Unions 111 the North Island ami organised eleven, initiating 143 members. Miss McXeish was on her way to Greytown. A vote ot sympathy was passed to the Rev. Serpell ami family in their sad bereavement in the death ».f Mrs .Serpell, who was a Vice-President of the Union. 1 lie members sent a beautiful wreath to l»« placet! on her grave. May 7th, Home Meeting at the residence of Mrs Marley. Mrs Anderson presided. An excellent programme was given. During the afternoon Mrs D’Ews the late Secretary was presented with a gold initial brooch as a small token tif appreciation of her work during th* past three years. A vote of sympathy wa.accorded to Mrs Exell on account of her recent bereavement. A dainty tea was provided by the hostess. Six new members were initiated

LEVIN. At tbe Methodist Parsonage. Mrs Remington presided One new ineinlwr was welcomed and a happy meeting was brought to a close. RAETIHI. March 2(ith, Mrs Gibbs presided Mrs Underwood read a very interesting paper entitled, “ Are the lives of our boys worth saving ? April 30th, Mrs Gibbs presided. Mrs Herd read paper written hy Mrs Ritchie, Palmerston Morth, whim was very much appreciated. The Rami of rope is doing splendid work, all tbe meetings being well attended.

WANGANUI. April 12th, at St. Paul’s Hall, Mrs Upton, Vice-President, in the chair. Miss 'Pucker, the Secretary for many years, tendered her resignation owing to ill-health. The Union expressed deep sympathy with Miss Tucker in her illness. The report of tin- delegate to tin* Dunedin Convention was read. May 3rd. Mrs Small in the chair. Mrs Upton was appointed Secretary and Miss McAneny Recording Secretary. Mrs Riddells, Treasurer, was elected a meinlier of the School Committee. Mrs Field, a visitor from Nelson, was welcomed. HAWERA. Visitors from other Unions present : Mrs Cumming, Christchurch, Mrs Thomas, Eltham, and Miss Christiansen, Okaiawa. Mrs Martin waa appointed to represent us at the Palmerston North Convention. Decided that in future the Union should meet in electric picture theatre (Oddfellows Hall . Mr Lee, Organiser for Dr. Rarnardo’s Homes, addressed the meeting. At the close a numlier volunteered their services as collectors for this worthy object. Held in Oddfellows Hall, Mrs Roase presided. A paper was read on “ Home Meetings ; How to conduct and organise them. Mrs Rest aim Mrs Rrowne were nominated for the School Committee The members decided to present the sum of 10 - to the managers of the Wesley Church for use of their Hall during the year Mrs Martin gave an interesting report at the Palmerston North Convention. Two new' members w ere initiated.

CHRISTCHURCH. April 10th, an address on “ Women as Citizens” was given hy Mrs S. S. Page. The speaker opened by saying that mothers were coining to the conclusion that for the sake of their children they must take their share in public work, that a man-made world would never do to send their children into. Women did not regard a finance-ridden country as an ideal environment for human lieings. The ideal Government would lie one composed equally of men and women. When a scheme for improving school grounds, teacher s residences, etc., was brought forward, the cry had lieen that it would be disastrous to the finances of the country, ami yet the State had recently spent an amount equal to that voted for education on the defence scheme. Regarding the School Committee elections, Mrs Page urged the returning of suitable women as well as men. She also advocated the appointment of a playtime teacher, who would engage the children in play, thus helping to make ami keep the atmosphere of the playground clean and wholesome. During the discussion which !< Rowed two nieiidiers spoke ot the courtesy they ha*l received during their term of service on the School Committees.

OXFORD. Held in the Coronation Hall, Mrs Gainsford presided. An address was given by the Rev. II ('ouch on “ The Duties of Mothers and Members of Unions," urging all to work together in unity and sisterly love. The address was greatly appreciated. Decided to start a Matinee Loyal l'empciaiice Legion for children who are tooyoui g to attend meetings at night. Mrs Kipjienlierger appointed Cradle Roll Superintendent. Mrs T. Gainaford to assist. Two new members were enrolled.

INVERCAKCiILL.

March *>th, social lichl in \ ictoria Hall. Inspiring addresses given l»y Mrs Lee t ow-ie and others April 2nd, Mesdaiues McKen/ie and Hunter gave a nsunx of the work done, and the public functions held at the Dominion Convention Decided to form a “Y ” branch. Reference waa made to the recent death of Mrs Leavitt, and some of the older members paid feeling tribute to her work for Tem|irraiiee and for the enfranchisement of women at a time when the championship of these causes required great courage and steadfastness. It was resolved to send a letter of condolence to the friends of Mrs Leavitt. Iwo new meinU*rs were received, WAIUKIi. March 13th, in the temperance Hall, the Vice-President presided. Members are busy collecting for Dr Haruardo's Home April Nth. Decided to hold a children's instruction meeting monthly, to be called •* I lie Children's Happy Hour The Cradle Roll to lie carried on. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. March JNth, Mrs Klliot presided. Mrs ( 'ole. New Zealand President, gave a very interesting address on “Scientific Icmpcranoe leaching, pointing out that we should begin with the children in the home, also carry our influence as women into whatever sphere our daily life takes us. Mrs Cole suggested that our l i o*ll should take for study flic book by Sir Victor Horsley. Three new members were initiated. April ’Jotli, in the Voting Mens Institute, Mrs Klliot presided. 1 lie President referred to the loss of the Titanic. All present stood while one of the memliers prayed for those who had l>een bereaved by the great disaster. Iwo of the members were congratulated on being elected to the School Committee Mrs Begg. Delegate to Convention, read a short report of the proceedings. Discussion followed on the Defence Act and on tin Domestic Science Course. Decided that Sir Victor Horsley s book on “ Alcohol as it Affects tin* Human Rod),' shoulu he studied during the coming winter, and several members volunteered to write papers oil the subject. WARKWORTH. April Jsth, in the ante-room, Town Hall, much useful business was transacted. Papers were read by Mrs French, on “ Fashion, and Mrs Hamilton, on “Our Meetings, showing the many ways useful work could he done by all members. The papers were much appreciated. NELSON. March 1 Jth, Mrs H leld presided and read a pai*er on “What is Kugeuics ?” reminding uh that many other social reforms liesid .« that of Temperance have a place in the work of the Union. The paper aroused great interest, and the question may Ik* again discussed later on. Mrs Frank Isitt spoke a tew words of encouragement. We were unable to get more than one of the Temperance candidates on the Licensing Committee, in spi(se of the canvassing that was done. We hope the temporary defeat will be an incentive to greater activityin the future.

April i>th, in the Methodist Hall. Miss Atkinson presided, and gave a most interesting account of the Dunedin Convention ; she also made an appeal to the members for help in the

work amongst the Maoris, and for increased support to the Wiiitb Ribbon. At the close of the meeting the banner presented at the Dunedin Convention was displayed. The aceptance of the invitation of the Nelson Union to the Convention of 11)13 has given universal satisfaction, A 5H BURTON. April -3rd, a large attendance, Mrs W. L Li 11 presided. The Delegate to Convention presented her report. By request, Mrs Lill explained the working of the equalization scheme passed at Convention by 34 votes to 11, to come into operation next year. The Delegate donated her expenses to the Union funds. A strong representation from the Winchmore Union was present, and the question of Ashburton Branch becoming a District Union was discussed at length, several members and visitors speaking strongly in favour of it ihe following resolution was carried unanimously : “ That we respectfully ask leave to be separated from Christchurch, and to be made a District Union, w ith \\ inchincre as an Auxiliary. We believe we could then organize other Unions within a few miles of Ashburton. It was resolved that the Executive draw up a syllabus for consideration at next meeting.

NORSEWOOD. A pul 2Uli. a number of ladies met in the Library to consider the advisability of in augurating a Branch of the W.CT.U. Miss McNeish presided, and explained the objects of the Union, the result being that all the local ladies present donned the \\ hite Ribbon. Officers elected:—President, Miss Campbell; Secretary, Mrs Bridgman ; Treasurer, Mrs Fredericksen ; Agent for White Ribbon, Miss M. Alison It was decided to hold meetings on the third Friday of each month. » TUAkAU. April 3rd, the President, Mrs Hunter, presided. It was agreed to form 1 uakau into a Distinct Union. The President read the address given by Mrs Cole at the Convention Decided to appoint Mrs Roberts Superintendent of Crusade \\ ork, subject to her consent. OKAIAYVA. February loth, held at the residence of Mrs Christiansen. Mrs L<*es elected Delegate to tin* Dunedin Convention Mrs Waladorf and Miss Hicks were appointed to take charge and make the arrangements for a Band of Hope. Sister Lilia, a meinU-r of the Matapu Union who is at present in New Luinea as a Missionary. was transferred to the Okaiawa Union, as M ttapn is resting for a time there not being sufficient members to carry on the work. March “Ist, at the residence of Mrs Wright A very interesting and helpful essay was read by the President, Miss Christiansen. Afternoon tea w as provided by Mrs Wright. WELLINGTON SOUTH. April 4th, Mrs Box all in the chair. Visitors were present from Masterton, Nelson, ami Napier. Mrs Moulder, Delegate, gave a report of the work done at the Convention. Mrs Johnston Wright attended to say “Goodin e to the inemlier-k as she was leaving the same evening lor Kngland. Mrs Cummin', another of our workers, and Mrs Wright s sister also left by the same boat. We ire

looking forward to a good year's work. Ihe No License light is over for the present but we hope to do some practical W.C.T.U. work. PUkEkOHE. In the Salvation Army Hall. After the reports from different Departments, Mrs Nixon read a paper on “ Medical Temperance.” Decided to purchase Mrs Allen's booklets for distribution by the Cradle Roll Superintendent to mothers of Cradle Roll babies. STRATFORD. April 4th, in the Primitive Methodist School* room, the question of Bible reading in schools was discussed. Our President, M.s S. White, spoke very earnestly on matters relating to children during their school period, and urged the meml»ers present to do all in their power towards electing a School Committee who would study the highest interests of the children. “ Willard Day held in Wesley Church. Our Presi< ent gave a short account of the life of one of the noblest women the world has seen. Other ladies spoke of the grand work done by her. TIMARU. Murcli ‘Jotli The annual social of this Branch combined with the “ \ Union, and was held in Trinity Hall, lea was served at half past six, after which a meeting wa* In Id to hear the report of the Delegates from the Dunedin Convention. Mesdamcs Hunt and Wallace gave a very interesting report of the work done. The “ Y Delegates also gave their report, especially mentioning the Maori work. It was decided to invite the Maori Organiser to spend a few days in this district on her way North. April 30th, in the Arcade Room During the month the Maori Organiser has been in Titiinru, Lut owing to not sufficient notie* of her visit Is ing given no meeting was able to 1•* held. It is hopisl that Mr* l'nraumati will Ik* here again in June or July, and w dl then Is* able to give an address on her work among the Maoris. A busy month was reported at the Bailors R«st. Mr K. Hold gate read a rnmuu of a before entitled “Women in Civic and Political Life ’ givt-n by Hon J. T. Paul at Convention. This was a most interesting subject handled iu a masterly manner. PONMJNBY

April llth, Mrs Vickers, President, in the chtir. The principal item of interest was the report of our Delegate to Convention, who rhhly enjoyed her association with such able and devoted women. The many questions discussed day after day showed what a > erv comprehensive outlook White Ribbom.s have of the needs of th • present time, and of their responsibility while doing their part in life to uplift humanit) lie kind and gracious hospitality of the entertaining l ni mi was very nnoh appreciated. Th** unity of “we all ls*)ong" was very apparent. Did friends vv<r» missed but not forgotten. Lev uthan Hotel cards distributed and recommended BLUFF. March 29th, our anniversary, a social afternoon was arranged, Mrs Moody presiding We wu re honoured by a visit from Mrs and Mi*.* Dewar, Auckland, Mrs Poraumati, Mr* Mason, Grevniouth, and Mr* Lee Covvie, Invercargill, who had been invited to address the meeting. We are greatly indebted to Mr* Cowie, who h*s helped us in various ways on many lecasioua. Mr* Dewar spoke a few \v< rd* of che. r and «*i,.

couragement, Mr?* Poruuin.it i sHDg a solo and gave a ah ■ »rt address. \Ve should have hern pleased to have had Mrs Poramnati stay some time hut moot of the Maoris ere away at the mutton bird islands so it was inopportune. Mrs Lee Cowie addressed the meeting and spoke of the various ways and means of making our work more effective, and also gave us a few suggestions which we hope to discuss at our next meeting NUAERE. Held at Mrs (.toodw in’s, Mrs Morison presided. Letters were read from Delegates attending annual Convention at Dunedin, acknowledging greetings. Temperance literature was received jor distribution. NORMANBY. February 21st, Mrs Patterson, President of the Manaia Branch, gave a g<snl and helpful address on the work. This was much appreciated, especially as this Branch is yet only in its childhood. March 20th, in the Club Rooms, Mrs A. Thompson presided. Miss ('inly read a paper »n “ Temperance and the Children,” written by Mrs Spence, to whom our Branch is much indebted. Decided to get some enrolment and birthday cards for the use of the Cradle Roll. We are glad to report that our Branch promises to be a success.

WELLINGTON “Y’s.” April 29th, held an “ At Home ” in the moms of the Y.W.C A. Mrs Evans, President, welcomed the visitors. Miss Birch, Secretary of the Y.W.C.A., extended a welcome on behalf of the Society. A good programme was provided by Mr Pill man’s Glee Party, and a competition, arranged bv Miss Whibomb, was won by Miss Duff, who was presented with a small book of poems. Among those present were Mesdames Boxall and Moulder, representing the District 1 nion, and Mesdames Helyer and Griffon, from the Central Cnion. Three new members for the "Y ” Union were initiated. Supper was served by the “ Y ” members. TAG RANG A. April 4th, Miss Sorley, our new President, in the chair. The Rev Ayrton gave a farewell address on “ Work while it is To-Day.” It was very helpful aud gave our Union fresh inspiration to go on and try to do more. He *»hhl the greatest works were begun in a very small way, without many results being seen at first. Miss Sorlev suggested that members should write papers on different subjects suitabl* for discussion at our meetings, aud try to get others to come.