News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 212, 18 February 1913, Page 2

News of the Unions.

(The Kditor cannot promise to insert anything in the next is me that does not reach her by tne 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.) NELSON. Jan. 14, Miss Atkinson presiding. A vote of sympathy was accorded Mrs. Thompson, one of our oldest members, on the death of her daughter. Mrs. Hansen, of Invercargill. Two new members were initiated. A letter was read from the Rev. Mr. Baumber, who kindly ucteu as judge in the competition for prizes offered by the Union to the pupils of the public schools for the best essays on “The KlTect ol Alcohol on the Human Rodv. ’’ Mr. Baumber stated in his letter that the essays written bv the girls were in every way letter than those of the boys. He also recommended that a similar competition be held next year, as he considered thai tne knowledge thus gained would be of great help in keeping young people from the formation of a habit which so often proves disast rows. A pa(»er was then read by Mrs. (\ V. Fell, member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Hoard, who has recently returned from Kurope. giving an account of the Forced Labour Colonx at Witzwell, Swit/erland, “for the regeneration of loafers and sturdy vagabonds by means of hard work in the open air. The paper was a most ' interesting one, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs. Fell. The following resolution was passed at its conclusion : “ This meeting resjiectfulß lays the Goverament to found some State Farm or Colony on Swiss lines, where wastrels, confirmed drunkards, ami other ‘ work shy ’ individuals could tie sent ; and to legislate empowering Magistrates to commit these loafers to such an institution, where they would cease to spread the contagion of idleness, ami possible learn to be useful citizens." The members of the Fnion are working hard in arranging tor the coining Convention, which they hope will prove a great success. ASHBURTON. yiec. Our President presided over a good attendance. Mrs. W. T. L» 11 and Mrs W. K. Watson were aopointed delegates to the Convention to In* held in March. During the afternoon Mrs. T. Young, "ho is leaving Vshburton for the North Islam • " as presented with a handsome silvermounted fruit bowl. In making the

presentation, tne President referred to the many good qualities of the recipient, and wished her health and happiness in her new home in the North. Mrs. Young very feelingly responded. Opportunity was also taken to present little Miss Merle Harrison, a life member, with a W.U.T.U. bow*. Refreshments were handed round, and the meeting terminated. LYTTELTON. I>cc. 19. The anoual Christmas Tret* and Fntert a inmerit given by the members of the Lyttelton W.C.T.T. was held at the Maori Pah, Hapok'i. Musical items were given by the children and by musical friends from Lyttelton. The children ami young people received gifts from the Tree with great enthusiasm. Before separating, the children were reminded of their pledge, and urged to keep it. KAIAPOI. Jan. 29. The twenty-third Anniversary social was held on the above date. There was a large attendance of members and friends. Miss Roberts, of Christchurch, gave a resume of Olive Schriener's Iniok, “Women and Labour." Musical items were given by Mesdames Withers ami (1. Oram ami Misses A.Court and Blakeley. Three new memtiers were initiated. Jan. 24. Mrs. (1. Kllen was elected manager of the Coffee Rooms, relieving Mrs. Harrison. Mrs. Rrighting was elected delegate to Convention. Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Rrighting were elected Absentee ami Sick Visitors. Several inemliers volunteered to help the No-License league in canvassing and distributing their new paper. It was decided to invite Mrs. Cunnimrton to give her lecture on “Gambling” at an early date. TIMARU “ Y’s.” Jun •!, in Arcade Room, Mrs. Butcher presiding, Decided not to semi delegate to Convention this year. Our President read Mrs. Mitchell's and Mrs. Tills letters from January “White Ribbon ” Pleased to welcome new mendier. Decided to have a * * Pay-up Social” in May. MASTERTON. Feb. 4. in Knox Hull. Mrs. Pevonport (President) presiding over a very good attendance. The following Vice-presidents* were api>ointed : Mesdames Iloskings. Falla. Redman, Swinerd, and Miss Roberts. Mrs. G. Morris was elected as Sunt, of the Cradle Roll, and Mrs. Russell as “White Ribbon” Supt. The Sec. was asked to write a letter of symparhy to M*ss Powell, who has Ihhmi laid aside through an accident ; am! also to M**s. Reale. our Supt. of Home Meetings, or) account of her

husband's continued illness. The meeting was closed by the President pronouncing the Benediction. TIMARU. Feb. 6, monthly meeting held in the Arcude Room. Mrs. l(ule presiding. A good deal of business was got through.. It was decided to hold the members’ annual social at the Sailors' Rest, the Cradle Roll picnic to la* held at the Park. Mesdames Rule, Frott, and Howard will address tin* mothers. Mrs. Gardsley will represent us at the coming Convention at Nelson. Mr. Iliad's report was read, showing a quiet month, 72 sailors making 152 visits. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. I*lll is, Cambridge, for comfort bags, also to the Winchmore l nion for same. NCiAIRE. Feb. 4, in the Church. Mrs. Moiston (President) presiding. Rood numlier present. Decided to celebrate Frances Willard IHi\ by holding a picnic. Three new meinliers were initiated. WANGANUI. The first meeting of the year, held in St. Paul's Hall, Mrs. Smith presiding. It was agreed to hold a Garden Party - in honour of Frances Willard Day, at the residence of Mr. Forties. Two new memliers from Dunedin were welcomed. The SujH*rintendentfi of departments were elected. Mrs. Siddells was elected to represent the Union at \e son. OXFORD. Pec. lU, in Town Hall. The Congress of Nations was repeated to good audience, and substantial sum realised. Pec. 28. Undertook the refreshment booths at the sports. Jan. 29, in Coronation Hall. Mrs. Gainsford preside*l, and ga\<e a short address on “Living Fp to Our Profession.*' Treasurer presented the balance-sheet of Sports Refreshment Booths, which showed a credit balance of LIB. It was decided to give Cl to the Organising Fund ami Cl to the Maori Organising Fund. Also decided that our President represent us at Convention, and that a letter of protest be sent to the Oxford V. and p. Association anent the grunting of a publicans’ booth at the coming Show. The Treasurer announced receipt of a donation of Cl for the supply of literature for distribution, by a member who l>elieved in this method of helping on the work. The “White Ribbon” was recommended, but it was left to the donor to decide the choice of literature. Three new members were enrolled. Secretary wished now to report the donation of half a guinea

to Hu* Salvation \riny, decided ut a previous meeting. WELMNGTON DISTKICT. P *c. 11!. adjourned annual meeting in the W.r.T.t . rooms, ('unstable sireet, Mrs i’erjn.an in the chair. The following omcer.s were reelected :—Pres., Mrs. Doxall ; Sec., Mrs. Neal ; ireas., \ns. Moulder ; “White Ribbon” Supt., Mrs. Webb. In accordance with the will of the late Mr. I raser, our Union receive*! the sum of too for Temperance work, and alter a long discussion at an Executive meeting it was almost unanimously decided to donate to ihe branch I nion (Wellington Central) t2. r ). It was decided to hand £lB to the Treasurer of the Building Fund, and he was also authorised to pav otT Cion, and to renew the mortgage for the balance owing on the building. Feb. <», monthly meeting in the Constable street rooms, Mrs. lio.xall in the chair. Mr. Hoare, on iH-half of the N./.. Alliance, was present, ami brought before the members the Pledge Signing Campaign, which is now lieing started in Wellington in connection with the three-fifths majority. Ml were asked to take books and get signatures to the following pledge : —"I herein give my pledge that, regardless of party, 1 will not, at the election, vote for am e indidate for Parliament who will no undertake, if elected, to do his utmost to remo\e or at least very substantially reduce the present unfair handicap on both issues of No - License and National Prohibition.” There would l»e a Harden Party at Mrs. .1. P. Lukes on March Ist. when probably some of the members passing through to Convention would be present. It was decided to hold a mce'ing always on the third 'Thursday of the month, one hour to Ik* devoted to business and one hour to Bible study and pray er. DUNEDIN DISTRICT. Feb. 4. Mrs. Pick presided. The following were elected as Superintendents :—Drawing Booms, Mesdames Chisholm and Sundstrum ; Sailors Heat, Mrs. Pearson ; Cnfermented Wine and Cradle 8011. Mrs. Edmonds ; Maori Work. Mrs. Homer ill ; Writing Pads and “White Ribbon. .Mrs. Anderson ; Band of Ilojie and .lu\enile Work. Mrs. P. (rain. Mesdames Pick and Pearson were elected delegates to Convention. Mrs. pearson reported the renovation and repairing of Sailors' Best. Mrs. Booth (Nelson) was warmly welcomed. After a lengthy discussion on the Bible in Schools question, it was unanimously decided to use all our influence to get the New South Wales system adopt<»d in the schools. One new member was received.

CUKISTCHURCII. •lan. 1 1'2. Mrs. McCombs presided. The follow ing memlieis vu re appointed Super.ntenuents of the various departments : —Evangelistic, M<s David McKee ; Cradle Boil, Mesdames Blyth, IK* Hen/. 1 Newton, Stewart, and Roberts ; “ White Ribbon ’ \gent, Mrs. F. Williams ; la?gai ami Parliamentary, Miss Henderson and Miss Rotieris : Domestic science, Mrs. T. E. Taylor; Scientific T<*inperance anil Non-Alcohoiic Medication, Mrs. Wicks; Jubilee Home and Uniermented Wine, Mesoames Pedlar, Marks, iNraelson, and , i ates ; Educational Meetings, Miss W, LovellSmith ; Peace and Arbitration. Mrs. .1. Wilson ; Press, Miss Roberts ; Work Among Young People, Miss C. Henderson ; Hygiene and Narcotics, Mrs. Wicks; visiting Committee. .Mesdames ILoddinott, Crowe, Sykes, Napier, Edvards, and llarioe-1 hom|>3on ; Librarian, Mrs. 11. Thompson. Begaming correspondence received in reference to certain clauses of the IX fence Act, the following resolution was passed:—“l hat this meeting of the W.C.T.C. desires to record an emphatic protest against the disentranchisement of those who conscientiously refuse to bear arms. We consider that making military training a qualification for the franchise for men, is a retrograde step, which strikes at the root of our Ikunocratic institutions. It abrogates tne greater law which grants to all adults the right of the franchise, and is an invasion of citizens' rights by military law. 'This Union therefore demands the immediate repeal of all clauses in the Defence Act which override the electoral law.” INVERCARGILL. Feb. 4. There was a very large muster at the first meeting of this year. The matter of liquor advertisements in the tram cars was brought up. Last year the Union petitioned the Council against this, and a letter in reply was read at the meeting stating that the Council could not refuse applications from ratepayers for advertising space. Mrs. Lee-Cow ie moved. ” That this Union protest against this decision, and point out that the majority of the citizens are opposed to the liquor truffle atid every thing encouraging it ” Carried. Various business was discussed in connection with the forthcoming National Conference. Mrs. R. Mackay was unanimouslychosen delegate. .Mrs. Laycock referred to the loss the Union had sustained by the recent death of Mrs. John Taylor, an old and valued member and an active worker for the Victoria Home and other charitable and religious undertakings. Members stood for a brief space in silence as a tribute to her memory.

Mrs. Ijee-Cowie spoke of the Sunday afternoon gatherings held at Amethyst Hall on the first-Sunday of the month. 'Jhese are well attended.

and it is contemplated also to have short evening after-service meetings. It was resolved to hold the “paying social” on the evening of the last Tuesday in February. Mr. Ilanan. M.P., will Ik* asked to preside, and Mr. Lay cock and others will give addresses.