News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 232, 19 October 1914, Page 4

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.) ASHBURTON. August meeting postponed, that members might assist in fitting out the South Canterbury section of the Expeditionary Force. Sept. Meeting took the form of a “pay-up” social. An excellent programme of vocal, musical and elocutionary items was contributed. Ashburton No-License Council and the W.C.T.U. combined to give a welcome to Dr. C. M. Sheldon on September 24th. At t S p.m. the Doctor’s lecture on “Kansas” was listened to with deepest interest by the large audience present. Oct. 4. After-church rally held b~ the No License Council and W.C.T.U., attendance good, Rev. \\. Grigg, Lee- ton, presiding. Speeches were delivered by Mrs Mowlem (Dominion Organiser), Mr A. Toombes (NoLiccnse Organiser), and Rev. \\. Grigg. A solo, ‘When Wilt Thou Save Thy People?” was beautifully icndered by Mrs Mowlem. A vigor ous branch of the- ' YV has been formed. Meetings are held regularly. NGAERE. Oct. Meeting held, Mrs Morison in chair; attendance fair. Vote of thanks to be sent to Mr McCombs re Legislature Amendment Bill. Box for Belgian Relief Fund to be placed on tabic each meeting for contributions. Article in August “White Ribbon,” “How the Vote was Won in New Zealand,” read and much enjoyed. Afternoon tea handled round. MANAIA. September meeting, 12 members present. President read letters from Mrs Don and Miss Henderson, in reply to a request for further services from Mrs Mowiem, saying that she might be able to come for a few weeks before the election if not required elsewhere. Decided that credit balance of £ 1 6s be sent as subscription to funds of Union. Miss Craig appointed to assist Mrs Ricketts with Cradle Roll work. Several interesting items were read bv the President, and literature distributed. NAPIER. Sept. Meeting held. Mrs Venables in chair. Decided to hold Franchise Day on 16th, Rev. Richards to be asked to speak. Decided to send for copy of C.D. Act. Sept j 5. Mrs Venab’»s appealed * to to show their appreciation

of the 21 years of franchise by voting each time, and getting their friends to vote, especially for No-License. Mrs Neal (late President for Napier) spoke, asking each member to do her share 111 buying and distributing pamphlets on sue h subjcctsas “Alcohol and Nuising Mothers,” “Save the Babies,” “Alcohol in Patent Medicines.” etc. Rev. Richards congratulated the women on the 21st anniversary of their civic liberty, and said it was no favour, hut only woman’s birthright. In England three classes arc not allowed to vote —(1) Criminals, (2) Lunatics, (3) Women. During the afternoon tea was served, and musical and vocal items were given. OXFORD. Sept. Social held on the evening of September 23rd to celebrate the coming of age of the Women’s Franchise, also the third birthday of the Oxford W.C.T.U. Mrs Gainsford in the chair. Attendance good. The President read a repoit on the year’s work. Mrs Mowlem, the Organiser, gave a stirring address on the Franchise, and what women can do if they only use their advantages rightly. Solos given by Mesdamcs Mowlem and Comyns. Three new members enrolled, and three hon. members. Collection for Maori worker. Decided to hold a special meeting of the W.C.T.U. on October 15th. Supper was handed round. The Senior Band of Hope held the monthly meeting on August 31st, Mrs Gainsford in the chair; attendance good. The Rev. Mr Martin addressed meeting, and Mrs Martin sang. GREYMOUTH. Meeting was held in the Sailors’ Rest, attendance good. Sorrow was expressed at the sad loss of the Kair.iki and all her crew, most of the latter being regular visitors and wellknown at our Sailors’ Rest. We tender our most sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives and fiicnds of the lost ones. We had a very interesting afternoon meeting to celebrate Franchise Day. The President (Mrs Gaskin) opened the meeting, and introduced the speakers. Revs. Trotter, Lee, and the Army Captain. Singing, music, and afternoon tea made a very pleasuit and profitable afternoon. TIMARU. Meeting held on September 29th, Mrs Rule presiding over a large attendance. It was decided not to have a refreshment tent at the Show this year. Mr Stead’s report was then read, showing a quiet month at the Rest. Mesdames Kills and Stead were appointed Hospital Visitors for the ensuing month. Mesdames Fraser and Trott, who represented us at the CFri tehurrh Convention, then gave their reports. It being Franchise Day. Mrs Rule read Mrs Sheppard’s letter on “How the Vote Was Won in New Zealand." The meeting then closed with the Benediction,

DUNEDIN. October. Meeting held, the President in the chair. Reported ten cases of garments ready to sent to the Rev. Rowntrce Clifford’s mission at West Ham, London. Thanks given to the friends who sent cakes and literature to the Sailors’ Rest. A letter of thanks had been sent to the Editor of the “Evening Star” for the splendid symposium dealing with the Women’s Franchise question. The articles have been published in pamphlet form, and 100 donated by Mr Mark Cohen to the Union. Resolved: “That in view of the success that has attended the appointment of women police in other countries, this meeting strongly urges the Government, in the interests of young people, to give the system a trial in this country. ’ Two new members were received at close* of meeting. MASTERTON. On Friday, September 11th, Mrs Don, X.Z. President, delivered a very interesting address to a large audience of ladies and gentlemen, who frequently applauded. Mrs Devonport (President) occupied the c hair. Oct. 6. Meeting held in Knox Hall. Mrs Dcvonport (President) presided over a good attendance. Correspondence received re nominating two women on Advisorv Board of the National Council of Education ; from Mr Sykes, M.P., al-o Mr Gibbs, See retary. The resignation of our President (Mrs Devonport), who has occupied the* office for five years, was received, and accepted with regret. Mrs Devonport, delegate to Provincial Convention, read her report, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. I\ • e ide*d to hold out annual soe lal next month, and invite the ministers and Mr J. 1. M. Hornsbv to give short addresses. Ensign Newton gave a short address, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The Ensign promised to give an address on “The Wh'te* Slave Traffic” at a future date. FEILDING. October meeting well attended, Miss Moore presiding. Resolved that the Union help to support a delicate child in a Eeilding benevolent home. The Dorcas Society reported that cases had been helped. Resolved that all moneys in the* treasury should be used for No-License work this year. Miss Moore read a splendid report of the celebrations of Franchise Day in Wellington. A discussion took place on the unsatisfactory way votes were taken in the expeditionary camps. Many of our members attended the Palmerston North Provincial Convention. and Mesdames Budd and Trott gave reports of the «ame at our meeting. The coming of age ..1 women’s franchise in New Zealand was celebrated by a very successful social, at which Miss Moore presided. New members were added to the Society’s roll. The Rev. Nichol gave a splendid address, which was

listened to with great pleasure. Miss James sang, and Miss Watson recited. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Meeting held October ist, when there were thirteen present. Mrs hvans, M.A., presided. Letters were lead from Mt.-3d.lmes Raker and Freeman, thanking the members for letters of sympathy, also from Mrs Walker, acknowledging £2 received for Maori 1‘ und. T ht* Secretary w.is instiucted to order 1000 copies of (iisborne pamphlet, to be distiibuted by members. £5 was passed for the Organiser s Fund, ,£i for eight copies of ‘‘White Ribbon,” ,£1 for advertisement in “White Ribbon,” and 7s to Mrs Dearlove for Constitutions, etc. The report of the Provincial Convention wa-. read by the Secretary, Sister Alice being unable to attend thiough illness. Mesdames Boxall and Wright reported on the deputation to the Hon Mr llerdman, which also included Lady Stout and Mrs Evans. Mrs Evans asked that official lady visiters be appointed for the Wellington Gaol. The deputation also wished to know if anything could be doin' to prevent the soldiers in the <itv getting >0 nun h drink. Sunday trading was also enquired into, and the Minister for lustice said that milk could be -old, but it was not legal to sell sweets, etc. Mrs Evans then spoke re the Criminal Amendment Bill, and said that the W.c.T.l . strongly protested that provision had been made in the Bill for the Lttor-ney-General to give a written order before a man could be proceeded against for criminal assault on \oung c hildren or upon girls under the age of conscn*. A committee was set up to prepare for work in connection with the coming election. PAHIATUA. Sept. 3. Meeting held, Mrs Neal in the chair. Replies read from member- of the Cabinet, to whom resolutions were sent. Mrs J. J. Boagly appointed Back-blocks Supt. Mrs Me C ardie, Supt. of Thrift, lead a paper explaining the Provident Fund, instituted by the N.Z. Government in 1910. Sept. 7. Franchise Day commemorated by a meeting at the home of Mr> A. Ross. Mrs Peryman spoke on “Women’s responsibility in regard to the liquor traffic,” and mentioned mary of the good results which have followed the enfranchisement of the New Zealand women. One new member was initiated. C ollec tion For New Zealand Fund, £1 3s 3d. Sept. /. A public meeting held in the Methodist Church. The Mayor < Mr J. D. C. Crewe) presided. Mrs Peryman spoke on “A White Ribboncr’s Ideal of Patriotism.” At the close, literature was distributed. Oct. 1. Usual meeting held, Mrs 11. Godfrey in the chair. Mrs W’ilson gave a report of the Provincial Convention. Resolved: “That we sene* reply to Minister of Fublic Health a> suggested by Miss Roberts,

also that we send message of appreciation and thanks to Mr McCombs, M.P., for bringing his Bill before the House.'’ NGARI AM AH I A. Oct. 1. A very successful “Gift Auction’’ held in the Town Hall, to raise funds for the No-License League. The “YV’ completely furnished and took charge of one stall. A concert was held in the evening, presided over by Mr Fosten (Raglan) and Mr Morris (Ngaruawahia), which was well attended. ,£24 was cleared. Oct. 3 (Sunday). Under the auspices of the* No-License League, Mrs Philip Snowden addressed a large gathering in the down Hall. 1 he members of the W.C.T.L’. provided afternoon tea lor all visitors, which was greatly appreciated. Oct. 7 (Thursday). Usual monthly meeting held in the Presbyterian Church, Mrs Bycroft (President) in the chair. Mesdames Porter, Kendall, and French were appointed delegates to the Convention to be held at Hamilton. £!i was voted for the Huntly Disaster Fund. WARKWORTH. Sept. 24. Meeting in the Methodist Church. Barely sufficient membeis to foim a quorum. A conditional donation was bestowed of £'3 to be equally divided between the Belgian Distress Fund and the Huntly Mining Accident Fund. An enjoyable day was spent previous to the meeting, sewing for Mrs Alfred Nathcn’s project, viz., clothes for the London poor, whose trial- are accentuated by the war. TAURANGA. Our anniversary of Franchise Day was marked by holding an “At Home’’ on September itfth. A good number of members and friends were present. Miss Richards and Mrs Christian each sang a solo, and addresses were given by the Rev. A. F. VYedderspoon, the Rev. Richards, and Mr Chappell, an old Temperance veteran. Refreshments were then handed round. WANGANUI. Meeting held on Friday, October 2nd Mrs J. Smith presiding. Mr.- U Smith, our dearly loved President, 1leaving Wanganui to take up her residence in Auckland. Decided not to elect a President until the annual meeting, Mrs Upton, senr., VicePre ident, to preside in meantime. Mr- McKenzie read a report of the Palmerston North District Convention. Two n.*w members joined the Union. Resolved that we purchase 1000 copies of a circular entitled, Women Voters of New Zealand,” to be distributed between the two Unions. Letter read from Miss Weymouth, and all were glad to hear of her recovery from her recent serious illness. Mrs Spurdle wrote thanking members for their letter of sympathy with her on the death of her husband.

Sept. 19. Franchise Day celebrated by a pleasant social afternoon held in the Scottish Hall. A musical programme and suitable readings given, also short addresses on ‘Some Aspects of the Woman’s Movement.” Afternoon tea provided by members of the Union, and collection taken up. Sept. 29. Usual monthly meeting. Reports and correspondence read. Ordinary routine business. WOODVILLF. Meeting held on September 22nd, and took the form of a >o<ial to celebrate Franchise 21st birthday. Rev. C. Abernethy took the chair, and we had a good meeting. Our President lead an iccount of the struggle for the vote. Songs and recitationwere given, also addresses by the Chairman and Mr Fennel. Five new members were initiated. At the close sunner was served. PALMERSTON NORTH. Meeting held on Friday, 2nd October. Mrs Crabb was in the chair. Arrangements were made for the celebration of Women’s Franchise. A committee was formed to make necessary arrangements for public meetirgs in connection with Mrs Snowden’- visit to Palmerston North. All members present were formed into a committee to deal with the management of the tea rooms at the forthcoming Spring Show. More active distribution of moral instructive literature was urged, and the formation of a lending library of the same advised by Miss Powell. A number of members present offered to assist in the re making of gifts of c lothing under the management of Mrs Carter, to relieve distress caused by the war. The Treasurer was authorised to forward the amount clue to the Dominion Organising Fund. OPOTIKI. Sept. 10. Usual meeting held, Mrs Murray presiding. Correspondence was read from Mrs Peryman, Airs Dearlove, and Mrs Neal. Resolved to send for half-dozen copies of Franchise number of “White Ribbon” for sale, also one dozen White Ribbon Hymnals. Decided to get the set of Temperance charts for u*e at Band of Hope meetings, etc. Miss Goodall reported that a successful Band of Hope meeting had been held on September 4th. D<cided to commemorate Franchise Day by holding a mothers’ meeting on September 24th. Resolved to send 10s each to the Organising Fund and to the* Maori department.

October 1. Mothers’ meeting held to celebrate Franchise Day. This meeting had been postponed on account of bad weather, consequently attendance was only fair. Mrs Murray presided. Short instructive papers were read by several of the members, song and recitation, and afternoon tea was handed rounc . A collection in aid of No l icence catr-

paign was taken up. Half-dozen copies of ‘'White Ribbon*’ Franc use number sold. One or two subscribers to “Purity Advocate” obtained. KAIAPOI. A *oc ial held on joth September to celebrate the 2 ist anniversary of the Women’s Franchise; attendance good. Seven new members were initiated. Mrs Brighting (President) mentioned a great many of the humanitarian measures that have been entered on the* Statute Book during the last 21 years. Miss Roberts, of Christchurch, gave an interesting address dealing with the women’s movement. Several young ladies, under Mrs Laishley’s tuition, gave an educational dialogue, which introduced and answered some stock arguments of the Liquor Party. A resolution of sympathy was passed with the directors of the Kaiapoi Shipping Company in the los s of the s.s. “Kairaki” with all the crew. Decided to offer the services of •members of the- Union to the Cycling Club in connection with the refreshment booth at the Patriotic Sports on Labour Day. Several members spoke about the' Bill to increase racing permits, recently passed bv our Parliament, n spite of protests from churches, temperance societies, etc. The following K-soJu tion was carried unanimously:—“The* this Union protests against the action of members of Parliament who recently voted in favour of an increase of facilities for gambling. It views with special indignation the attitude of the member for Kaiapoi, whose vote went in favour of this disgraceful measure. This Union holds that the interests of our you.ig people should be the first consideration of our legislators, and we pledge our selves to work and vote at the coming election, irrespective of party, ; gainst the men who supported and passed this Bill in the 1 interests of the eambling fraternity.” NELSON. Monthly meeting on September Stli. Mi ss Atkmson presided, and there was a fair attendance of members. Resolved to celebrate Franchise Day by a public: meeting in the* Temperance Hall on September 23rd. An interesting address was given by Miss F R. Kershaw, M.A., from Ashburton, C/!i “The Life* and Work of Fran CCS Willard.” Good Cill zc*n>ll ip meetings held on August 2«Sth and September nth, the subject on the hr*t occasion bein'g “Should there be any differentiation in education between girls and boys?” and on the* second, “Woman’s Attitude towards War.” There was an interesting discussion on be ch subjects. The 21st anniversary of Franchise Day was celebrated by a special public meeting on September 23rd; attendance 50. Mrs Lambert presided. the President being invalided. Mr* Claude Graham gave a brief retrospect of the suffrage* movement in New Zealand, callings to mind some of

the pioneers of that movement Sir John Hall, Sir Robert Stout, Mrs Sheppard, and earlier still, Mrs Muller, who sowed the first seed in Nelson fifty years or more ago. Miss Sutherland also spoke of the rc.-ponsi bilities of women with regard to the liquor traffic. Two or three musical items were given, and afternoon te i handed round. £1 5s qd collected for the Maori Fund. KAIKORAI. Meeting hv*ld on Friday, 25th September. President (Mrs Pinfold) presided. A discussion on . the coining election took place. Members urged to be up and doing, as the time* was getting short. President announced that the* box of clothing tor Wot Ham Mission was ready to be sent under auspices of Local Guilds and W.C.T.I . A motion was pa*s c*d reaffirming resolution of Dunedin Union on Hockey Association hoLi.ng a Sunday excursion for visiting team, expressing disapproval, and lit pe it will not be repeated. WANGANUI K. Meeting held last Friday of month. Nine member* were present. Mr* Andrew occupied the chair. Letter received from Mrs Walker, N.Z. Maori SupL, drawing attention to circular entitled “To the Women Worker* of New Zealand.” Decided to procure a number for distribution. Mrs James was appointed Supt. of Home Meet mg*. Reported that all are busy preparing for Lift Sale in connection with the Wanganui Union. Interesting report wa* given of the Palmerston North Convention. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. Sept. iS. Mr* A. R. Atkinson presided. The meeting was well attended. Mrs Palk led in prayer. Mrs Griffin gave a very interesting and vivid account of the Palmerston North Convention. Mrs Palk drew the attention of the members to the whisky advertisement on the back of the* Kelburn tram ti< kets. Mrs Palk and Mrs Atkinson we e* requested to wait on the Secretary of the Tramway Company in regard to same, and to ask that some other advertisement be* substituted therefor. Mesdamcs Palk, Griffin, and McGowan were ap pointed to confer with three members of the Wellington District Union to 111.ike* arrangements for the meeting to be held on the jSth September in celebration c»f Franchise Day. Mrs McGowan was appointed to report the ireetings to “White Ribbon.” NGAIO. Aug. 14. Monthly meeting held in the evening at Mrs Chatwin’s residence, President in the chair. Mrs Mowlcm, Dominion Organiser, \\a< l>r. ent, and delivered an inspiring address, pointing out women’s re-ponsi bility, and the power which lay in their hands to lu*lp sweep away the

liquor traffic. Decided to donate 123 to Organising Fund. Sept. 15. Meeting held in Methodist Church to celebrate Franchise Day. Mrs Penman presided. The Rev. J. Dawson addressed the meeting, dealing with the Temperance question and the unfairness of the* three-fifths majority. Mrs Walter Barnes contributed a solo, inti afternoon tea brought a pleasant meeting 11 a close. WELLINGTON. A combined meeting of the two Wellington Unions was held to celebrate the 21 *t annivtrsaiy of Women’s Franchise. Mrs Evans, M.A., presided. Lady Stout spoke on what the women had gained, and urged them to unite to secure laws giving co guardianship of children, and the be tei protection o 1 girls. Dr. N a man expressed disappointment that women had not done more with the vote. He urged women to combine, and said that politic* was a matter of counting heads. The cause having greater number of *upporters ultimately won. He urged women who wanted a great reform to sink all difference, and work with might and main for that cause*. A resolution was passed: “That thi* meeting emphatically protests against the proposal that permission in writing irom the Attorney-General was necessary before proceedings could be taken in cases of criminal assault on girl* who have not reached the age of consent, and urges that the Criminal Code Amendment Bill be proceeded with this session. TUATAUPKRE. (Forwarded by Miss Powell.) Dear Editor,- The following letter was received from Tuatauperc some weeks ago, and I have ever since been looking for the promised report in your paper. A* it has not yet ap peared, I send extracts from mine, a* which, I am sure*, your readers will rejoice. Tuatauperc is a little settlement du*tered around a sawmill, right in the* bush, away to the north-west of Invercargill, and the Union is presided over by Mrs Harri*on, late of Kaiapoi. I he* Band of Hope* to which she refers was organised at the same time as the- Union in August, ic} 13. Mrs Harrison write**: I regret that we have transgressed 111 keeping the paper. When it wa* read we had a very interesting cli*cu**ion, and got <>ur lion. Secretary, Miss McCalluin, to interview a chemist and enquire if anything could be put with home-made medicines (herbal) to keep them from fermenting except alcohol, such‘as vitadatio, etc. (These recipes get handed on from one to another, and contain gir>.) Wed, the* chemist said some of the advertised win*** had a high percentage of alcohol, and must do much harm; also, he could give harmless tinctures that would preserve, and

glycerine was an ideal substitute. Let me tell you our membership is up to 37 paid, and 15 hon. members, though 1 don’t have nearly that number attending our monthly meetings. The cold weather, rough roads, distances, etc., all tell against us, but still the work is growing beyond my expectations. I can’t work just in the same way as with ny old Union. Jhe women seem afraid yet of any responsibility, but as time goes on we hope to overcome that. Now, 1 must you about our sc'ials. We heard that some would join 1 s as hon. members, so we gave a sot i 1, took .1 hall, decorated it with tree fevns, etc., and had a concert, in the midst of which I gave an address, explaining the aim" and objects of our W.C.T.L. work. Then games and supper. It went off beuatifullv, and we got a nice number of young men to join. So many asked for another, that two months .ifter we gave another on the same lines; about f>o there, and when 1 asked if any would like to join as him. members, among others two young men came ' up. They are keeping true. The young men asked for another, but they wanted to pay, so last week we arranged another, and had it catered for, and charged admission. It was a dark, wet night, but they turned up late. When I asked any to join us, or sign the “pledge,” up came two, one a young man whose father would be in that famous “March on Parliament” last Friday, delegate from Wallace; and another lad from Tapanui who had come here to work. 1 know you will rejoice with us that our work is reaching the young men, and we /eel we must have a social from time to time to keep our hon. members and win more, for 1 do think the Union has been received most kindly, and Mr Dennis, the Home Missionary, savs it is helping his church. So much for Union. Now for Hand of Hope. That grows too, meets in the large hall now, and changed its name to “Waiau Temperance Reform League,” and now Tea Tua has branched off and is having its own meeting, but they have supper, and at their last meeting over 70 were there. I hope to go to their meeting with Mr Harrison to-morrow night, when he is to give the address. I really think it is important for our Union to be organised as much as possible in these new settlements while the places are in the making. So I hope, my dear friend, you will take courage from this little bit of a chat about one of your youngest children.