News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 240, 18 June 1915, Page 4

News of the Unions.

(The Kditor cannot promise to insert anything in the next issue that does not reach her by the Bth of the month. Correspondents aie requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper Cuttings aie unsuitable ) CAMBRIDGE. Feb. .. President presiding. Olfi ccrs vtore elected for the Band of Hope work: Mrs Moore, Superintendent; Miss O. Bycroft, Secretary; Miss Klla Bv< roft, I n asurc r. Air> W. Hogan w .1 s elected Purity Superintendent. One new member joined. March 9. Monthly meeting held, 12 members present, Mrs Hogan presiding. Mrs Hogan ek“*cd delegate to Convention. Airs Pay son Smith wa> elected Superintendent for Sabbath Observance. One new member joined. We have started the “Win One Campaign.’’ May 4. Meeting held, Mrs Hogan presiding; attendance fair. 1 cn W .C.T.L. members attended Sc hool Committee meeting. Resolved that we hold prayer meeting on May 24th to pray for peace and tor all the suffering and bereaved ones. Mrs Hogan gave Us an account of Convention, both instructive and interesting. One case of about 100 garments, mostly new, has been sent to the \ ic - toria League Secretary in London. A picture benefit was given by Messrs Morrin and O’Toole, of C ambridge, for Belgian and London relief work, and brought ,£7, whuh was spent for blankets and rugs and new materials. F KILIM NT#. Monthly meeting held on May 7th. Mesdames Crahbe and Young, from Palmerston North, addressed us. Attendance good, and addresses mui h appreciated. Young all members to individual effort to get k k. pledges signed, and pressed the claims of the work amongst our young people. Mr> Crabbe, too, was keen on work among young people, and urged us to have a children’s league. She spoke of our falling back in the Prohibition vote* last year, and said the words of the N X President (Mrs Don) kept ringing 111 her ears, “If woman would she could." If we put forth our utmost endeavour, each and every one of us. we could carry Prohibition. OPOTIKI. Mrs Thompson, our delegate, give hear third address at last meeting, dealing with different Convention business each address. Decided to advertise in lor.il papers as suggested by Convention. Sale of Work ar range d to be held in June. Band of Hope in a prosperous condition. Cradle Roll receives good attention. Intend holding a mothers’ meeting.

Our President (Mrs Murray), and Set icuri Mrs Sun lair), and Treasurer (Mrs Holman) take a keen interest in the Union. PUKEKOHE. United service held in the Wesleyan Church on Wednesday, May 2<)th. to pray for peace and guidance. The Rev. C arr conducted the meeting. Ihe National Anthem was sung. The Rev. Carr gave* an address from the words, “For the Lord your Gcxi is He that goeth forth with you, to fight for you against your enemies." “Eternal Father, Strong to Save," was sung. Then followed intercessions for the Allies, for those wounded and ching, for the bereaved mothers and friends, for the sad and sorrowing in the clear Homeland, for the < rnse of temperance, and spread of the l nion in the Dominion, for the cause of temperance in all lands GISBORNE. Meeting held May 25th. Special prayers for peace. Three new departments of work were taken up, namely, Peace, Sabbath Obscrvanc e, and Notable Days. De< ided to keep White Ribbon Day by social afternoon, with report of Maori work from Mrs Walker, also report from local “White Ribbon" Agent. A visit to Old Men’s Home arranged. Secretary was instructed to write to persons in four country districts as to the feasibility of starting branc hes of the* Union, as Miss Powell is to pay us a visit in a few months’ time. Mrs Graham reported 121 papers posted to ha« khlocks. Two encouraging postcards had been received from recipione of them asking for a Bible to b * given him. NELSON. Monthly meeting held May nth. about 30 present, Miss Atkinson presiding. Resolution passed sympathising with the family of Mrs Lucas, one of the oldest members of the Union, who passed away at the age of 91. Welcome given to Mrs Dickson. member of the* Adelaide Union, now on a visit to Nelson. The President referred to the* recent elections, and congratulated the women candidates who were returned on the School Committee and Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Miss Atkinson also spoke of the “Record Convention’’ held in Christchurch In March, and presented the* Union with a large framed photo, of the delegates. Report of the* Convention was then given by Mt> Judsrin. Dec ided that in future Union meet in Temperance Hall. XOKMANRY. May 12. Usual meeting was held in Social Hall, 17 members present. One new member joined. Dec ided to hold mothers’ meeting on May 26. Resolved to have Mrs Don’s letter, “Moderate League,’ printed in local paper. A paper on “Tobacco" was

read and discussed. Mrs Dickson was appointed “White Ribbon’’ Superintendent. Mrs Hayward gave a teport re Convention work. A splendid meeting closed with Benediction. Afternoon tc*a was provided. INVERCARGILL. June 1. Monthly meeting, Mrs Baird presiding-, in absence of President. Scheme for State Sc hool Essay Competition was discussed, the Fifth Standard only to compete this year. “One Win One" campaign to be further considered next meeting. Reported bv Mrs Cowie 1000 leaflets of the -k. k. Pledge ’’ appeal di»tributed at \ inter Show, also that after protect in the interests of purity, several objectionable pictures had been removed from Show tents. Excellent and practical paper, “Diet or Dentistry," read by Mrs Cooper. Report of R<*v. J. Dawson’s meeting by .Mrs Cowie, urging that the* “k. and K ’’ campaign h* taken up on patriotic lines by municipal authorities. Decided that we heartily co-operate in movement to sec ure the c losing of all liquor bars throughout colony at (1 p. m. and one o’c lock on Saturdays. SAW YER’S BAY. Monthly meeting held, good attendance, Mrs Allen (President) in the chair. Mrs Driver, from Dunedin, took place of our Dominion President, who was incapacitated by influenza, and gave a very earnest address. She was vtrv keen on the K.K. pledge. Our enthusiastic Mrs Tiffany reported iP more babies for enrolment. Decided to hold occasional evening meetings for the* benefit of a number of the young members who cannot attend during the day. Two more members were initiated. N.E. VALLEY. Evangelistic meeting held on 27th May; attendance good. Mrs H. B. Grav presided. Special prayer was made for peace and guidance in the present war. Rev. Griffiths gave a very helpful and practical address. Decided to hold a mothers’ meeting and secure a Plunket nurse to demonstrate. Vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs Manson on the death of her husband. A very interesting letter was read from Mrs Hislop, descriptive of the Adelaide Convention. Miss Begg sang a solo. MOSGIEL. Meeting held on May nth, Mrs Bedford (President) presiding over a fair attendance of members. Mrs Bedford read an interesting paper, “On Earth Peace,” also circular from •our Dominion Peace Superintendent. Mrs H. Cowie. Both papers were educational. Several numbers of Convention copy of ‘White Ribbon” were sold, and one* new subscriber was obtained. Resignation of our energetic Secretary (Mrs Moir) was received with regret. The Union has placed on record the valuable work

that has been done by Mrs Moir, and prays for the safe return of her bus band, Major Moir, who is serving in Egypt with our forces. WOODVILLK. A'' urged by Convention, a prayer meeting was held on May -:sth. Earn est pravcrs were offered up to God for peace and goodwill to be on the earth again. Mrs Cole resigned as Secretary, and Miss It. Galbraith, of (Gladstone Road, Woodville, was appointed Secretary. Decided to get to work at once with the K.k. Hedge cards. ASHBURTON. Our ordinary meeting was held on May nth, attendance good, Mrs k. Watson in the chair. Circular letters were received from Mrs LeeCow ie on ‘‘Peace and Arbitration,” and Mrs Jones re mothers’ meetings. 1 he President requested each member willing to contribute to the maternity fund for wives and widows of the fallen to purchase and make one or more garments monthly. Mrs T. E. Taylor, of Christc hurc h, addressed the meeting on Cradle Roll work. The aims and the object of the work was dwelt upon, and mothers urged to study the question fully, that they may teach the childrv*n the effec ts of drink and impurity upon the human system. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker for her helpful address. OXFORD. May 25. Meeting held in the Coronation Hall, Mrs Rydc presiding. Attendance good. Earnest prayer was made on behalf of all who are suffering through the war. A mo tion of sympathy was passed to Mrs Lyons in her sad bereavement. De- < ided to hold our next monthly meet ing in the evening, and ask Miss Powell to be present. The Treasurer presented tho < ompleted Show bal-ance-sheet, whi.h was adopted. The Secretary to write to the* Rev. Holloway for having the intercessory service printed, to Rev. S. Lawry for his excellent address, anu to Mrs Gainsford, senr., for lending her organ. Our Union wishes to protest against the granting of a totalisator permit to the Oxford Racing Club, the Union maintaining such a thing is to the detriment of the morals of the* c trict. Mesdames Gainsford, Hawke, Thompson, Gillespie, Gundry, and Clark elected sick visitors. Miss Caverhill gave report of the recent No-License Council. Decided to hold a gift afternoon on behalf of the Red Cross fund. Mesdames Anderson, Hawke, and Thompson to arrange same. The Senior B»nd of Hope* was held in th • Coronation Hall, Mrs Coning presiding, attendance good. The Rev. Main addressed the* Hand of Hope, which was much enjoyed by all. Mav 18 A C radle Roll meeting was held. Mrs Gainsford presiding.

Dr. Haglcy addressed the mothers on nursing sick children and nursing babies. Three new and first babies were* initiated. RAKAIA. This district was vi>iteel by Mrs Mowlem in October last, but the attendance at the meeting was very small. onl> four joining, Mrs Hoag being elected President. Latterly Mi*>s Powell has spent several days in visiting, raising the* membership to fifteen. At a meeting held in the C hurch of England Sc hoolroom on I line 4th Miss Pow ell further organised the Union, and Mrs W. Lee was elected Secretary. Mrs Breach was appointed Cradle Roll Superintendent, sh • having, in connection with her nurs'ng home, exceptional opportunities of enrolling the* babies. All the* members present undertook to circulate the kitchener pledge, and arrangement" were made for inaugurating a Band of Hope* on 25th inst. CHRISTCHURCH.

Mav 1 2. Meeting held. Mrs J. McCombs 1 resided. A statement of accounts in connection with the Belgium Harvest Festival Tea Booth was received. The takings were ,£279. The profits, amounting to £275, have been handed over to the- Belgium Harvest Festival Committee. Mrs J. McCombs was a| pointed Superintend ent of Prison Work. Decided to give a tea and concert to the inmates of the* lubilee Home on June 3rd. Delegates attending Dominion Convention -cad interesting reports. Mrs Stewart also gave a rc*i ort of Canterbury Prohibition Council Convention. The Cnion met on May 26th, in accordance with the resolution passed at Convention, as a day of prayer for peace and guidance. Mrs 1). McKee gave a sympathetic address, and a large number of members joined in prayers for sympathy and guidance for all those suffering through and by the war. A resolution of sympathy was pissed with Mrs Sapsford, whose son was killed in action at the Dardanelles. Decided to form a working party to make* comforts for our soldiers. In connection with this a social will be held at the W.C.T.U. Room" on Saturday. PALMERSTON NORTH. The usual monthly meeting held on Mav 7th. the President in the chair; attendance good. Committees were formed to work the kitchener PledgeCampaign, aDo io organise Miss lesson’s meetings. Miss Sorley elected Vice-President. Mav 21. Special prayer service for our soldiers at the* front, was largely attended. Rev. M. Aspland gave the address. Mav 14. Miss Bisson and Mrs Crabbe visited Territorial Camp. The Kitchener pledges were given out, and talks given to groups of men. In the evening Miss Bisson spoke at Terrace End, and 18 signed

the pledge. Three new L T.L. Lehave been formed, at Terrace End, Fit/herbcrt, and West End. On Saturday, Cuba Street Legion met. Miss Bisson spoke on ‘How children can help the Empire,” and taught them a new kitchener pledge chorus • tune “Tipperary”). At 7.30 about 400 were present at the open-air meeting in the Square, when Miss Bisson challenged the Trade as unpatriotic. We marched, headed by the* Salvation Armv Band, to the Barracks, where the Ma\or (Mr J. Nash) presided over a good audience, and a resolution in favc ur of the campaign was carried unanimously. Many pledges signed. Mr E. < rabbe presided over the openair meeting in the Esplanade Gardens on Sunday afternoon. Miss Bisson speaking from the band-stand. As .i result, a letter, signed by nearly 40 business and professional men. was sent to the Mayor, asking the Patriotic Committee to give* effect to the resolution. So far nothing has been done, and we await developments. WINCHMORK. April. Sister Moody-Bell paid us a short visit. Besides attending the monthly meeting. Sister Mooch Hell gave her popular lecture in the* hall, also an address to the school children on “Thrift.” In May Miss Powell visited Greenstrcet and Winchmore, and h« Id meetings at both places. At Green street five new members were gained. Winchmore members have now decided to hold their meetings alternately, at Greenstrect and Winchmore. A Band of Hope and Bible ( lass arc* being successfully carried on bv the* efforts of our W.C.T.U. workers. NEW BRIGHTON. Mav 25. Prayer meeting was held. Prayers offered up for peace and guidance* in regard to the present war. luih* 2. Our annual meeting was be Id. Th re was a good attendanc e of members and friends. Decided to work the “One Win One*” campaign thoroughly. Mrs McCombs gave an interesting and instructive address on different works of our Unions. Songs and a recitation were contributed. Afternoon tea was dispensed. One new member was initiated. WANGANUI EAST. Meeting held on Friday, May 28th. Mrs Andrew oeeupied the chair. Correspondence* w.is received from Mrs X. |ones (Sui t. Mothers’ Meetings), also lrom Mrs Lee-Cow ie (Supt. Peace). Three new* member" were initiated. An intercessory service was held. The Revs. Blair and Amburv addre sed tlie meeting. Members of the Cnion led in earnest praver for peace and guidance in this greit European struggle for liberty. Attendanc c* was good. Meeting c los 'd with “Abide With Me” and the Pencdic tion.

AUCKLAND. May 12. Meeting held, over 6<> members present, Mrs Cook presiding. Mrs Savage, of Onehunga, gave an address on “Prophesy/' and afterwards answered many questions. Resolved: (1) The members of the Auckland W.C.T.U. sympathise very deeply with the relatives of the brave New’ Zealand boys who have fallen or were wounded at the Dardanelles, and are proud of the heroism and sp«-ndid fortitude displayed by our noble New Zealanders in their first baptism ot fire, which proves they are worthy sons of the great Umpire whose honour they have gone forth to uphold. (2) The members of the Auckland W.C.T.U. view with indignation and horror the cruel murder perpetrated by the Germans upon 13c*) innocent men, women, and children in connection with the sinking of the “Lusitania,” and extend their heartiest sympathv to the bereaved relatives, especially those of our own city. (t) Now that the large centres of population have declared for the closing of business premises at 6 p.m. daily and 1 p.m. on Saturdays (or one other day of the week), it is the opinion of this meeting of the Auckland W.C.T.U. that the hotel bars should close at the same hour as other places of business, and we urge the Government to grant this request in the best interests of the people. May 26. Mrs Thorpe presided. Decided letters of sympathy be sent to Mrs Ogilvie and Mrs Rowe, of Gre> Lynn. Resolved th.it a special meeting be held on Monday, June 14t in aid of the Auckland Women’s Navy Relief Fund. Mr \V. Richardson ; tended meeting, and offered a few suggestions re political work. '1 tie meeting was then thrown open fbr prayer for peaie and guidance in the present struggle. OTAUTAU. April 23. A pay-up social was held in the Town Hall, Otautau. Good attendance. Lour new members in itiated. Mrs Brown, our President, gave a splendid address on the recent Convention. Mrs J. T. Brooker sang a solo, and Mrs Bailey read a paper on “W.C.T.U." Supper and singing of hymn brought a pleasant evening to a close. May I*. The monthly meeting b»*ld. Correspondence re wall sheets was received. Decided to hold next Bind of Hope meeting on 7th June, also to hold a prayer meeting in conjunction with the Methodist Church on May 25th, when pravers that the Allies might be strengthened and a righteous peace soon prevail. President read the “Win One Campaign” in “White Ribbon.” WANGANUI. lune. Meeting in Trinity Parlour. Good attendance, presided over by Mrs Blamires. On Empire Day a

splendid meeting for prayer. Lour local ministers present. Revs. McKenzie and Williams gave stirring and helpful addresses. Decided to work hard in gaining signatures for the K. K. pledge. We have also heartily taken up the. “Win One” campaign, and hope thereby to get many more new members. Our Union nominated two members for School Committee and one for Hospital and C haritable Aid Board, our Treasurer (Mrs Siddell) being re-elected on both Committees. Most of our members are very busy knitting for the soldiers. WELLINGTON. A very successful “pay-up” social held on May 20th. A good attend ante of members and friends. Rev. |. Dawson (chairman) introduced Dr. Platts-Mills, who gave a most interesting lecturette on the “Ancient and modern conceptions of the child and its relation to the State." i:r. Platts-Mills traced the infant life problem from the very early days to the present time, and emongst other items of interest said that, •‘unfortunately, side by side with high deathrate amongst infants, we have now a low birth-rate. In several European countries, as in Australasia, the greatest argument for tin protection of infant life is found in the steadily decreasing birth-rate. It is interesting to note that amongst recent statistics, the only European State to show an increase is Bulgaria. This very fact of the low' birth-rate* has proved a blessing, because it has led to a determined campaign on behalf of child welfare throughout the whole civilised world, so that countries, States, even municipalities, are now vieii.g with each other in the grand work of reducing the death-rate amongst infants, or, as it is c.dic'd, infantile morality." Dr PlattsMills was listened to attentively, and frequently applauded, and received a hearty vote of thanks. The following iadies helped to make the evening very enjoyable by singing and reciting:—Mrs Richardson and Mrs Castle, and the Misses Cummings and Warburton. WAI KAURI TAKUYA AROPAOO. I tu te rritini a te roopu wahine karaitia 0 Aropaoa na te perehitini i whakapuare himene 39 ki nga weteriana na te koea himene ka mutu Ka wha haerea nga take tuatahi he patai na te perehitini ki nga mema kei te pehea nga mema honore whaka utu kei pai matou ki o matou nei noho a nga take tuarua mo nga ripoata whakautauaete hekeretari ho rc kau itu kua heraruraru te take tuatoru ko nga kohikohi atau kua oti tenei h< whaka paunga tenei mo nga kohi tau o nga mema Pai Paratine, is 6d; Mata Paratcne, 2s 6d; Heti Tatana, 2s 6d; Rupe P. Meinata, 2s; Moni takoha ngaro Reihana is, Parateen Hcmana is, Ata Hone 2s, Mini 2s 6d me tuku takoha tatou mo a tatou hoia whakaaetia ana etc roopu ki nga

takiwa seven parcels me tu kite patrioti work in raising funds me tu ano ta tatou roopu ate paunga o nga ra o hurae whakaaetia, ete roopu ng mema o te roopu 1 noho 12 nga t.imariki 16 nga k.ll karakia 4 nga taitana ariki 13 ka mutu nga take o te nei mitini whaka kapia ano n.i Paratcne Humana 1 whakamutu himene 25 nga weteriana na te koea o arapaoa i waiata.