News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 224, 18 February 1914, Page 5

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anythin# 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.) KAIKOURA. First meet in# for 1914 held on Tuesday, February 3rd, in St. Paul’s Schoolroom, Mrs McAra in he (hair, and eleven members and two visitors present. A discussion ensued regarding erecting a rest tent at the local Show for the convenience of mothers with young children. Literature was distributed to members. A new branch of work was taken up in Social Purity. GREYMOUTH. Our first regular mteting for this year was held on Wednesday in the Sailors’ Rest Hall. There was a record attendance, and a lively interest taken in all the business. Our retiring Secretary, Mrs Hansen, was heartily thanked for the many years of faithful work she has given the Union. An ou door afternoon was given lo the mothers and children of the Cradle Roll, and all enjoyed the time thoroughly. Mrs Gaskin (President) took the opportunity of giving a word of advice to all. GISBORNE. Special meeting to consider Con vention business called January 6th, and Management Commi tee appointed. Jan. 27. Monthly meeting. Correspondence and routine business. Further arrangements for Convention considered, and plan and time-table drawn up and forwarded to N.Z. Executive. Offers of hospitalit) called for. NEW PLYMOUTH. Oct. 29. Two new members initiated. £1 passed to N.Z. Fund, also £\ to Organising f und. Four members took three cards each to enrol babies in heir neighbourhood. Members co-operated with othei Temperance societies, and .1 Good Temperance Sunday rally was held the following Sunday. Nov. 26. Correspondence was read from Superin endents of Unfermented Wine, Mental Defectives, Domestic Science, Military Training, Home Meetings, and Work Among Seamen; also a testimonial to late Nlr G. B. Nicholls. The home meeting held at Mrs Joil’s was reported. Dec. 3. Annual meeting, attendance small. Tea was handed round. The preamble was included in the opening devotions and repeated by

all the members, standing. Music and songs were rendered. After all reports of year’s work were given, the' officers of last year were re-elected. Miss Balgarnie, of London, a visitor to New Plymouth, gave an address a> to future work. She laid special stress <jn the privilege we enjoy in being able to vote out the drink traffic, and emphasised the fact that no woman who is true to herself and to her family will ever neglect to go to the poll and record her vote against that evil. She much admired the work amongst the young children in the Dominion, and strongly urged that Young People’s Unions be formed. In America both sexes are admi. ted, and it seemed to work admirably. Jan. 28. (iood atttendance of members. One new member joined. Telegram from the Premier, in answer to resolution forwarded re licensing legislation, was read. Willard Day to be honoured on February 17th by holding a picnic at Mrs Skitrop’s grounds, Mill Road. It was resolved ;o t.ike up the* usual collection towards World’s Missionary Fund. WAIMATE. Nov. Annual meeting, Mrs Graham in the chair. 1 he Secretary read the annual icport. A vote of thanks was passed to the officers of he Knox Church Sunday School for the use of hall. Mrs Roberts was elected President. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs (iraham for her faithful services as President for »he last six years. OXFORD. Jan. 28. At the Corona.ion Hall, Mrs Gainsford presiding. The Secretary read a letter from Mrs Barton. 1 he Treasurer read sports balanccshec , showing credit £H. President elected delegate to Convention. Decided to give a social to say farewell .0 Pastor Duncombe, our faithful helper, and to invite our hu>bands and friends. Decided that our President and Mrs Fawcett wait on Hie Secretary of A. and P. Show to obtain .particulars in answer to a request that 1 nion c ater at Show. Scm retary gave White Ribbon hymn books as birthda> present to Union. Decided to still distribute eight copies of the “White Ribbon” in memory of our la*c sister who paid for eight for last year. Instructed Cradle Roll Supt. to ask Dr. Forrest to address the mothers, and Secretary to thank all who helped at the sports. Miss Gainsford gave an address on the life of the women of India, and was heartily thanked. Afternoon tea handed round. Decided to donate £\ to the Mac n Organising Fund, and £\ to the General Organising Fund. RANGIORA. Mee ing held on Friday, December sth. Attendance good. The following officers were elected: —Pres., Mrs Cobden Cox; Sec., Miss Wadeyj

Treas., Mrs H. Taylor; Vicc-Prcs., Mcsdames Miller, Wills, and Robin son. Reports of the year’s work were read and confirmed, members remarking that the President’s report showed more new work taken up than ever before. Feb. Special business meeting held on Friday, February 6 h, at the Institute Hall. Decided to send a delegate to Convention. Mrs Rowse, of Petonc, first President of .lie Rangiora Union, was present, and we were pleased to hear her speak a few words of cheer. WANGANUI. !• ir-t meeting for 1914 was held in Trinity Chur<h Parlour on February 6th, Mrs J. Smith presiding. At tendance good. Smith, in a short address, urged he members to make a spec ial effort this year, in view of tfic coming election. Miss Fucker elected delegate to Convention. Resolved to hold a Bazaar some time this year in aid of the* Temperance Funds, members promising .0 assist. A vote in favour of the Bible in Schools movement was carried almost unanimously. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. The first meeting of tlie year he I in the Constable Street Rooms on I ebruary sth, i«> 14. when Mrs John ston Wright presided. The minutes of he previous meeting were read and confirmed. A tribute was paid to Mrs Boxall for the excellent manner in which she had carried out her duties as President, and for her continuous and faithful service during the -.even or eight years she held office. It was decided tha. the Sup*, of Sabbath Observance >hould write to the Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) commending his attitude in connection with making a charge at the Royal Ar.illery Band Sunday performance. A vote on the Bible in Schools question was t.iken, resulting in a majority for the Bible in StateSchools League. Mrs Bates was appointed delegate to Convention, and Mrs Johns.on-\Yright as a sub>titute in the event of the delegate being un able to attend- Mrs Wright >poke of the important work to be accomplish ed during the coming month-, in view of he* Local Option Poll. Afternoon tea dispensed. MASTER TON. Annual election of officers on Dr cemlcr 16th, 1913, Mrs Devonport presiding. The election resulted as follows: —Pre>., Mrs Devonport; Sec.* Mrs Flanagan, 4, Cole Street; Treas., M 1 - Sutheiland I*he fol lowing Superintendents were elec.ed: Flower Missions, Mrs J. Walker; Home Meetings, Mrs Ross; White Ribbon, Mrs Russell, Bannister S rrct. 'Tuesday, Feb. 4. Meeting held in Knox Hail, Mrs Devonport presiding. Attendance fair. Letter received from Miss Anna Gordon, World’s Scc-

rotary, conveying gree.ings. Mrs Uevonport read a letter from Canon (iarland requesting that a vote be taken by the members on the question of Bible Reading in Schools, as advocated by the Bible in Schools League, which, on being pu to the meeting, was carried. Alr> James Miller was appointed delega e to Convention. Proposed that the next meeting be a home meeting, and that the Secretary read a paper of an educa ional character. HAW ERA. Mee.ing held on Thursday, January 29th, in the parsonage garden, at the invitation of the President, Mrs Blanures, who hoped thereby to get a large gathering. Five new names were proposed. Mrs Blamires and Messrs Halliwell and l)ix< n gave addresses urging each member to renewed effort in Prohibition work, and speaking hopefully of our prospects. Mrs Patterson, of Manaia, again asked for the co-operation of Hawera in engaging an Organiser. No discussion followed, but at a meeting some months ago it was resolved that we could not see our way to accede to the request, as we felt all our help should be given to .he local No-License League, who at h.it time were talking of trying to get a lady organiser for our own electorate. BLKXHKIM. The annual meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held in Wesley Hall on December Nth, 1913. Mrs (irate presided. The Secretary’s annual report was read by Mrs Grace, who also gave an excellent encouraging address. The balance-sheet was read by Mrs Hay (Treasurer), and it is gratifying to know th.it the l nion is in a healthy state financially. It was resolved that a letter ot sympathy be sent to Mrs I). Sinclair, our retiring Secretary, who has been bereft of her father. After a good deal of business had been gone through, the election of officers .00k place. Pres., Mrs Grace; Vice-Pres., Mesdames A. J. Litchfield, J. Rose, A. Jackson, Brewer, Law , and Hancock; Sec ~ Mrs Gordon Litchfield, ‘ olenalvon,” Rose Street; Assis.-Sec., Mrs 1). Sinclair; Mothers’ Meetings, Mesdames Brewer and Hancock; Drawing Room Meetings, Mesdames Fisher and T. Pike; Agent for “White Ribbon,” Mrs W . Parker: Good Citizenship, Mesdames Me Nab and K. H. Penny; Literature and Medical, Temperance’, Mesdames Meade, Martin, and Miss Davies; Agricultural. Mesdames A. Jackson and W. Parker; Reporter to “Kxpress” and “White Ribbon,” Mrs Fisher. Afternoon tea wa§ served at the close of the meeting, and the President pronounced the* Benediction. OPOTIKI. Dec. 11. Annual meeting held, fair attendance. Flection of officers resulted as follows:- Pres., Mrs J. G. Murray; Vice-Pres., Mrs Goodall and

Mrs T. Thompson, and Mrs W. Morice; Sec., Mrs Sinclair ; Treas., Mrs Holman; Supt. Cradle Roll, Mrs Pearson; Supt. Electoral Roll, Mrs J. B. Gow. Votes of thanks were parsed to the retirmg President and Secretary. Jan. 8. Usual monthly meeting, Mrs Murray presiding. After general Miss Smith, from Christchurch, gave a short instructive address on some of the branches of W.C.T.U. work, which was very much appreciated by the members. PICTON. The postponed annual meeting was held on Friday, December iXth, Mrs Arthur (President) occupying the chair. Several apologies for absence were received. The attendance of member'- was good. The report of the year’s work was read, and a very interesting discussion followed, when many suggestions for useful work in the coining year were considered. The Treasurer read her report, and the balance-sheet was considered very satisfactory. The officers for the coming year were elected as follows: —Pres., Mrs Arthur; V ice-Pres., Miss jennings; Sec., Mrs Millen; Treas., Mrs Burrough; Mrs Jennings was elected Supt. of Cradle Roll. Decided to meet again the second week in March, when the Union will hold a public meeting in the evening. Decided to resume Band of Hope meetings in March. The thanks of the W.C.T.U. were extended to all those who have helped to make the Band of Hope meetings >o interesting and profitable, and especially to those ministers, Revs. Dickson, Adams, Smith, and Cooke, who have each given such excellent addresses through the session. INVERCARGILL. Meeting on the 3rd, Mrs MacKenzie presiding, attendance good. Liquor advertisements in tram cars was discussed. Last month a large depu.ation of representative citizens interviewed the Town Council to protest against these, but the Council dcr ided to continue the advertisements. Fhe meeting placed on record its disappointment at this decision. Mrs Hunter and Mrs Hamilton reported on the success of I he rest and tea tents at the recent Summer Show. Sister Moody Bell and Mrs Lee-Cowie were appointed delegates to the coming Convention. Two new members were admitted. During the meeting Mrs Baird made f eference to the jubilee of the local Band of Hope. It was founded in 1X64 by Mrs Bonthorn, who still resides in Invercargill wi.h her daughter, Mrs Walker. Many of its early members are active Temperance workers amongst us. DUNEDIN. Opening meeting for the year held on Tuesday afternoon. The President was in the chair, and spoke in terms of appreciation of the earnest

and faithful work of the rearing President (Mrs Peter Dick). Satisfactory report from the Sailors’ Rest was received from Mr K. Robertson, 1111ssioncr. A hearty welcome was extended to Miss Weymouth, Financial Secretary to the l nited Temperance Reform Council, who gave a report of her work on behalf of the W.C.T.U. in the Wanganui district, and asked for *he continued assistance of the members in distributing and collecting Democratic Vote caids. It was reported that two thousand pledges had already been received. Mrs Don reported visiting Mosgiel Union. Mrs Driver spoke impressively on “Ezekiel,” who in Babylon was a “sign” unto the people of obedience and resignation to God’s will. Earn est prayers were offered for strength and guidance through the present year. KAIAPOI. The twenty-fourth anniversary o. this Union was celebrated on 28th January, when there was a large attendance of members and friends. Miss Roberts, from Christchurch, gave an address, racing the history of the Temperance movement. The Secretary’s annual report showed that good work had been clone during the year in the following departments:— Educational, Relief, Band of Hope, Scientific Temperance, Press, Cradle Roll, Literature, and Refreshment Boo:h. Good reports were also read from the auxiliaries, Kangiora, Oxford, Kaikoura. and Belfast. It was decided to hold a business meeting in a fortnight’s time, when a deputation would be received from the NoLicense League with regard to the Democratic Vote Campaign. Musical items were given by Mrs Wylee and Miss Wadey. ASHBURTON. At our meeting, held on December 9th, Mrs \\. K. W atson presided over a large attendance. Superintendents were urged to forwaid reports to heads of departments wr.hout delay. The President referred at length to the protest made by the Editor of the local paper, in that a license was granted for a publican’s booth to be held on Boxing Day, and the following resolution was carried unanimously: —“Recognising the unique value of the newspaper press, and its singular opportunities for educating and influencing public opinion, this meeting desires to express its appreciation of the leading article in last Friday’s issue of the ‘Ashburton Guardian’ commenting on the action of the Selwyn Licensing Committee in granting a license for a publican’s booth at the Trotting Club mec ing to be held on Boxing Day. This Branch of the W.C.T.U. is thankful that the blunder of the Licensing Bench was not allowed to pass without a protest from the local journal. The trust is expressed that ‘The Guardian’ will ever be what its name implies—a sentinel ever alert to safeguard the people’s

rights, privileges, and liberties.” It was also moved and seconded: “That the members of the Ashburton Brain h of the W.C.I.U. have noted with grave concern the manner in which the adverse report of Sergeant Emerson was ignored by the Selwyn Licensing Bench at its recent meeting at Kakaia, when a license was applied for and granted tor a publican's booth at the forthcoming fronting Club meeting. Members of this Union have frequently observed the admirable efforts made by Sergeant Emerson to maintain law and order in the Ashburton and Selwyn districts, and recognise that the Dominion is to be congratulat'd on having >uch a capable and faithful officer. The Union deplores the action of the Licensing Committee in granting an application to sell liquor in face of strong evidence given by the Sergeant.” Pastor limes was present, and delivered a forceful and instructive address on “Influence.” hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. NGAIRE. Jan. 2g. Cradle Roll and Sunday School picnic was held in Ngaire Cardens. A ni<c number attended, and a pleasant day was spent. Feb. 3. Meeting at Mrs Morison’s home, Mrs Morison (President) presiding. At the (lose of meeting five new members were enrolled. SEDDON. All White Ribboners will be interested in the following report, furnished by Mr K. Adams, Superintendent of the Band of Hope, which, although not under Union auspices, is the outcome of our organising efforts having been commenced by Miss Powell during her visit to Seddon, Marlborouhg, where she was unable to organise a branch of the Union: — Our local Band of Hope started in May last, has had a continuous if not a prosperous career, and held its first “break-up” function last Friday, when we had just a splendid time. Permission was obtained to hold a picnic in the grounds of “The Nursery,” which is simply an ideal spot for such an event. The ladies provided an abundance of tea and cakes. Forty-three children sat down on the grass to tea. It was a beautiful sight to see the happy little company. Several were only visitors, of course. The various sports and pastimes continued up till 7.30 pm., when we repaired to the church for an hour or more, and there spent a very happy time, each juvenile member receiving a neat little Christmas card before leaving for home. We have issued 33 membership pledge cards since the opening. The meetings are to be resumed on the first Friday in March, 1914.

\\ AIOTEMARAMA. i noho .e roopu karaitiana o Waimamaku Ite 12th o Hanuere, kj 14, c whitu nga mema tae mai. He mihi ki nga roopu 1 laro 1 tenei Karang 1tanga ara:—E nga hoa 1 roto i te whakapono karaitia Lena koutou 1 te ra whanua o te tatou ariki o ihu karaiti 1 roto lioki 1 te tau-hou tena koutou 1 roto Ite ariki. Hoi ano, Na te iiekerctari, Painaaporo 11. Tuoro. ORUARIKI. Ka hui te Roopu Karaitiana, Oruariki and Oturei ka whakawhetai tia e te Tumuaki ka himene tia te 47 o nga himene ki nga pukapuka Weteriana. Ka mutu kapuare te whare mo nga take (1) Ko te Tumuaki, he Mihi W. Werihi liekerctari, Hinerangi S. Haimona, Peeke, Ema P. Mohi mo tenei tau. (2) He whakamihi kia Makerita D. Parore kua uru mai ki tenei karangatanga i te nei ra 1 te 11 ui ano ote koa o lona nga kau ki tenei taonca. E ngari te uru wawe ai ia 1 te vvhakaaroaro ano ia tena pea tetahi mo tona kai nga roopu c tu kati i te kore-kore rawa o nga tangala o tona kai nga kawhai mai ia ki te roopu tata kia ia. (3) £1 te moni awhina a tenei roopu Ite hui a te roopu ki Ahikiwi. {4) i te awhina i te whakapainga o te Parikarauna Maori 1 Oturei. (5) 10s Ite awhina i tc.ahi mema pakcha o te roopu pakcha o te Aratapu he ponaru Mrs Stephens—Kawhakamutua e to Tumuaki—Amene. Tena koutou katoa e nga teina o nga tuaakna i roto i tenei karankatanga 1 te a tawhai ato tatou matua nui Ite Rangi. Kia ora katoa i tenei tau hou. Feb. 1 st. Ka hui te roopu Karaitiana, Oruarike and Oturei kawhakawhetai tia c te Tumuaki ka himene ti.i te 52 o nga himene ki nga pukapuka Weteriana. Kajtukua nga inoi mo nga mema. Ka mutu ka puare te whare mo nga take (1) He inoi ki nga naea o tatou i te hui ki Ahikiwi mia korero i nga korero o te hui ka korerotia ete kai korero. (2) lie kohi kohi i te 2s 6d mo .enei tau hou ko mutu katukua kite hekerctari te moni hei tuku nga kite Tumuaki o to motu mete moni mo te pepa o tenei 12s 1 id. —Kawhakamutua e te Tumuaki. Amcne. AHIKIWI. Rjpoata o te hui huinga whakakot.ihi—tanga o nga roopu i tu ki Ahikiwi i te 3rd of Hanuere, 1914. Koia enei nga roopu i eke mai kite nei hui. (1) Pouto, (2) Oruariki and Oturei, (3) Waimamuku, (4) Ko to Ahikiwi. Ko te Kauma.ua o te nei hui (Ko Rev. W. Te Paa). Ko nga take i whakakaupatia i tenei hui. (1) He whakakaha 1 enei roopu ki te ago 1 nga tikanga o te whakapono i raro i tona haaki i tona haaki. (2) He whakakotahi ia ratou hei teina hei tuakana i runga i te wha-

kaaro tahi kei waiho to ra.ou wchewehenga hei take e taututetute ai te tahi 1 te tahi. (3) He tautoko na enei roopu 1 te paero ckn ana kia akona-ng a l ama nka ki nga tikanga o te whakaj no kia akona hoki kite katikihaina. (4) lie kupu tautoko i puta 1 tenei hui kea awhina nga roopu ka.oa 1 te kupu whakahau e mau 1 te pepa a Rev. 11. W. W illiams. Te kau Gisborne na taw a w iremu 1 Perehi ko te ingoa o taua pepa (Te Paipera ako 1 nga tamariki) kei roto 1 taua pepa, c whakaatu ana. He huihui nga nui. Kei lngaraugi Na te ilaahi lngarangi. Haahi Weteriana. Ilaahi Perehiteria. E whakahau ana ki nga iw 1 karaitiana o ia haahi oia haahi. Kia kaha ic Pooti i te mema Maori e whakaae ana. Ki te tautoko kia akona te paipera ki rote o nga kura Pakcha Maori hoki. (a.) Kia riro ano ma ia haahi e ako nga tamariks 1 raro i tena haahi i tena haahi, e hara ia Ite mca. Ko te Mahita hei akc 1 te paipera e rangi kea. W hakapuaretia he haora c rite ana hei ako 1 te paipera. (b.) No reira ko enei roopu katoa kua tautoko i tenei whakahau. Mo te Paipera kia akona ki roto o nga kura. Ilai ano nga mea e tuku atu 1 tenei watna te atua te Etita o te White Ribbon. E manaaki e tiaki. Na o hoa pono nga. Na nga roopu (1) Pouto, (2) Oruariki, etc., (3) Waimamaku, (4) Ahiiwik. 1 raro i to matoa matua. Rev. W. To Paa. Ripia, N.W. KAI WHAKAHAERK. Te Awanui, Jan. 31st, 1914. Tena ra koutou, e aku tuahine iroto i.e Ariki. lie mihi kia koutou. he nui nate koa ote ngakau kia koutau e whwkahacrc ana ito tatou take pan Kaiahi ano ahau ka hoki lho ite lliku ote Ika, ite kawe itenei taonga hi Waenganui ite Aopouri. Nui atu ta ratou koa ki tenei mea. Kua tu a ratou Roopu nui. E tupono hoki maua ko Kaa Tiu, kite hui, ara kite uhunga mo te rangatira o Pamopuria, mo llimiona Popata. Nui I ’u te tangata i reira ki.e poroporo aki ki ta ratou matua. Nui atu te manaaki o enei iwi i ahau, ite taonga hoki. I haere atu tetehi oratau hcamana me ana kotcro kite kawe la maua ki Parengarenga raano, na ratou hoki nga hoiho mo tena haerenga roa. E kore mutu te whakamihi kinga iwi o te Nota moto ratou atawhai meta ratou pai kita tatou taonga. E haere ana ahau kinga Roopu ote Wairoa atenei marama c haere ake nei. Kati, e hoa ma, mate Matua ite rangi koutau katoa c manaaki iroto 10 koutau mahi katoa. Aroha nui kia koutau na. MAARI WOODHEAD.