News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 242, 18 August 1915, Page 12

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 conc»>ciy as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable.) CHRISTCHURCH. July. Votes of sympathy passed with Mrs A. \Y. Rain on the loss of her husband, and with Mcsdames Yeomans and Glen on the loss of their sons, killed at the front. Resolved: “ 1 hat in view of the large increase in the amount invested on the totalisator during the last year, and also in view of the urgt nt need for national economy and self-sacrifice, this Union expresses its surprise and regret that the Prime Minister has stated that the Government has no intention of restricting racing or withholding permits, and earnestly urges the Government to reconsider its decision.”

J uly 2«S. Celebrated T K. Taylor Memorial Day. Miss Roberts presided. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mrs K. W. Sheppard on the loss of her husband. Miss Roberts reported on her interview with the Ministers’ Association re Gaming and Lottery Act, and the following resolution was carried: — “This Union desires to draw the attention of the Government to the n urrant manner in which the law relating to raffles and ait unions is being broken in many parts of the Dominion, in connection with effort.

to raise funds for various patriotic purposes. We hold that no object, however worthy or good, justifies gambling, and in view of the alarming increase of thi vice amongst our young people, wo call upon the Government to rigidly enforce the law, and not only to refuse to extend the facilities for r files and art uniens, but also to restrict and limit them to the utmost. As this Dominion has generously and unselfishly responded to the various calls for financial help, we emphatically protest against the manner in which our patriotism Is being disgraced and degraded by the methods which are now being used, and against the slur which is being cast upon oui country by the imputation that to raise patriotic funds it is necessary to resort tc. the encouragement of a mean an 1 despicable vice.”

Miss Roberts and Mrs Day were appointed as delegates to Provincial Convention in September. Miss Roberts reported or. the work done by the committee re venereal diseases, «i)>l>ointcd some months ago. Resolutions framed by this Committee were approved passed by the Union, and power giv£n to the Committee to act promptly if necessary. Miss Henderson then gave a short address on “The Progress of Prohibition in Other Lands.” This was lucid and to the point, and showed tne great progress of Prohibition in nearly every country except Britain, wnich sadly lags behind. Congratulatory letters are to be sent to the women of Denmark on the granting of full political franchise to the women of that country; to the temperance people of Ontario; and also to the four women of South Australia who have been made Justices of the Peace. A collection was made for Red Cross work. PALMERSTON NORTH. Relief work in connection with our Union is flourishing. Clothing has been supplied to many deserving people. Garments have been sold at a very low price. We have also been working for the Hospital Ship. We would be glad if more members would give us their personal help, also help with funds, cast off clothing, or new material to make up. NGAERE. July. Met at Mrs Wickham’.? re sidence. Attendance good. A number of Union pledge cards and K.K. cards were distributed among the members. Decided to go in heartily for the One-Win-One campaign. Several members promised to make sailors’ comfort bags. Resolved to support protest against clauses of the Medical Bill proposed to be introduced into the House, and to ask members for the district to oppose the proposals objected to. A stirring paper by Mrs Jamison on “Drink in Connection with the War.” Resolved : “That in view of the efforts made in Great Britain and in other countries in this time of war and national strain to secure the greater efficiency and physical fitness of the troops also the example set by King Geoige and Lord Kitchener, and the early closing of bars in Melbourne, we urge the early closing of the bars in New Zealand.” Two new members joined the Union, one of whom, a lady of 76, is now our oldest member, an honour hitherto enjoyed by our President.

August. Held at Mrs K. Tarrant’s. A rc ord attendance of members. I connection with circular received from Miss Roberts, copies of resolutions framed by her are to be forwarded to the Premier and other gentlemen mentiored. Two short articles on “Red Work” in July “White Ribbon” were read by Miss Saunders. Some of the suggestions are to be carried out. The petitions for early closing of hotel bars were largely signed. Prizes are being given again this year to local school children for best temperance essays. Three new members for W ine One campaign. NELSON. July. “White Ribbon Day” celebrated, and a collection taken up for the Maori Fund of 15s 6d. Resolved: “That T. E. Taylor Day be celebrated at the August meeting, and a collection made for the Belgian Fund." Resolution of sympathy passed with Mrs Madaren in the loss of her husband. Resolved: “That the Nelson Branch of the W.C.T.U. has much pleasure in congratulating Mrs Nicholls, President of the Adelaide W.C.T.U., on her appointment as Justice of the Peace, and hopes that she and Mrs Rice may not long be the only women J.P.’s in Australasia,” a copv of the resolution to be sent to Mrs Nicholls. Mis: Roberts’s letter re clauses in the Public Health Amendment Act, concerning venereal diseases, was read and discussed, full consideration being deferred pending the obtaining of further information. Successful meeting held at Richmond on July 7th, 17 being present. Five new members joined the Union. Reports of Convention were given, and arrangements made for a series of lectures to girls in connection with the Purity Department, Nurse Field having very kindlv undertaken to give them at her own house. Two Good Citizenship meetings have been held on June 25th and July Qth. At the first the following resolution was passed:—“That th» meeting of women desires to exprtss its sympathy with all those womens organisations who are striving to work for the establishment of a permanent world peace when this war shall be over, and its desire to work in any possible way for the same end.” N.E. VALLEY. lune. Mrs Don gave an address, and remarked on the abnormal amount ot liquor being taken on board the hospital ship. An invitation was re-

ceived from the Kechabites to attend their annual social. Mrs Peter Dn k gave a very helpful address on “Lessons to be drawn from the present war.” Members were urged to obtain signatures for the petition to be presented to Parliament asking that hotel bars be compelled to close at G p.m. daily. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. Reports steady progress. Organised last February with six members, and we now have a membership of 23, all very keen to help in the work. At lune meeting Mrs Lee-Cowie addressed us on the Public Health Amendment Act, making clear to many points they had overlooked or not understood. A resolution was passed strongly protesting against compulsion in any form, and urging the fullest facilities be given to any who voluntarily come forward for treatment of venereal diseases. Mrs Bruce Wallace was appointed our Cradle Roll Superintendent. Decided that members give out temperance literature to country residents going out by afternoon trains each Saturday. Decided that a concert be held in August to raise funds for our work, and that the matter be left in hands of our President and Secretary, Mrs Cooper and Mrs Myers. Mrs Aitken, 110, Earn Street, was elected Secretary. GISBORNE. July. 27 members pres? it. Mrs Walker’s resignation ,was a< epted, the following resolution being passed unanimously:—“That this Union, recognising the valuable work that Mrs Walker has done for it in the past, deeply regrets that she has found it necessary to sever her connection with it, , and w ishes to place on record its appreciation of her services.” Members promised to do their best to obtain signatures to the petitions re closing hotel bars at 6 p.m. Decided to post K.K pledges to each member of our next contingent leaving her *. A vote of sympathy was passed 10 two of our members who have lost sons at the war. Regret expressed at the departure of Dr. Porter, who is leaving for Scotland. Being T. E. Tavlor Day, the article from the “White Ribbon” was read. Afternoon tea provided, and a collection of 17s id taken up. GRKYMOUTH. T. E. Taylor Day commemorated by a social open meeting. Rev. J. Rogers, M.A., gave us a most interesting and thrilling address on “Drink and the War.” Miss Henderson’s letter to the Moderate League was in our local papers yesterday. Decided to hold a rally at the Methodis 1 Church on Sunday, Rev. Mr Patehett to speak of Mr T. F.. Taylor. A member proposed. “That we ask the N Z. Alliance if there are rooms or hall in the towns near camps where the troopers may get refreshment and amusement other than by going to the hotels.

HAWERA. July. Large attendance, including friends from Manaia. T. E. Taylor Day was commemorated. An outline of his life and public work was read aloud from the “White Ribbon” by Mrs Kenrick, who added a few remarks. Mrs Blamires added an appreciation. Afternoon tea follow ed. One new member joined, and one transferred from the Normanby Branch. NGAIO. Good attendance at Mrs Henry Barnes’s residence on July 9th. Decided to circulate the petiticn for early closing of hotel bars throughout the Dominion. Mrs Peryman (President) gave a short address on “Our Union: \yhat it is, and What it is Doing.” MOSGIEL. July. Mrs Bedford in the chair. Mrs Don, N.Z. President, gave an interesting and stimulating address dealing with the resolution forwarded bv Miss Roberts re clause 4 of Public Health Amendment Act, the Shops and Factories Act, and \ .rious 0 her important matters. Mrs Pinfold elected Secretary. Vote of thanks to Mrs Don. OPOTIKI. Successful Sale of Work -ealised over J2O. Miss Bisson, of Manchester, addressed the Union on Thursday, and her talk was greatly enjoyed. 1 hu,sday night a public meeting in one of the big halls. Mr J. P. Murray presided, and the local ministers took seats on the platform. Drawing room social held at Mrs W. B. Gow’s. Mis« Bisson spoke. Six new members joined. Saturday night open-air was planned, but the weather hindered. Mass meeting in Alhambra Theatre on Sunday night. Mr J. B. Gow took the chair. At the close some signatures for K.K. pledge were secured. Miss Bisson was a source of inspiration to the cause. KAIKORAI. July. Attendance small. Resolved: “That this Union e* p r ess its regret and surprise at the statement that the Government of New Zealand do not intend to lestiict racing or withhold permits. This Union also regrets the flagrant manner in which the law is broken in reference to art unions and raffles for patriotic purposes.” One new member was proposed. A district canvass for early closing of hotel bars was done during the week, but owing to short time at our disposal, did not get the number of signatures w'e would have liked. DUNEDIN. August. Mrs H. H. Driver presided. A letter was read from the Secretary of Women’s Political League, Auckland, dealing with the case of Alice Parkinson. It was unanimously agreed by the members to obtain signatures to the petition to be presented to His Excellency the

Governor that the sentence for life be commuted. Resolved to send a K.K. pledge and a copy of Karl Roberts’s prayer for soldiers to each Otago member of the next contingent. Attention was drawn to the “Follow the King” column, which appears in the “Evening Star” (very Saturday. Members were urged to send copies to any likely to be influenced. Mrs Driver reported that a consignment of clothing would be leaving for the West Ham Mission in September, and urged members to assist this needy work. Unanimously resolved: “That the Dunedin Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which has consistently assumed a hostile attitude to all forms of gambling, feels itself compelled to enter a most emphatic protest against the lotteries and raffles which are nowbeing resorted to in connection with the (,)ueen Carnival. We have often denounced the gambling associated with horse-racing, and prepared the largest petition ever presented to Parliament for the abolition of the totalisator. We feel, therefore, that we should be untrue to our principles if we failed to raise our voices against the gambling spirit which is at present rife throughout the I)ommion. We rejoice that the members of our Union are taking an active part in all the patriotic and philanthropic movements which are on foot, but deeply deplore that methods are being employed in connection with these movements of which we cannot but disapprove. We cannot admit that the end justifies the means. We feel that our young people are being made famiiiar with gambling, and fear thev will acquire a vicious habit, which will cling to them long after the Carnival is over. We feel, too, that the moral sense of the community is being perverted so that they fail to see the essential immorality of gambling. We rejoice that some of our ministers have already warned their people against the peril to which they are exposed by these tempting lotteries, and earnestly trust that ill will adopt a similar course. W'e appeal also to all parents to their children against the injury which may come to them through the spirit of gambling which lotteries and raffles art* likely to foster within them. TIN WALD. July 14. Monthly meeting held. Mrs Stevenson presided. Attendance good. Mesdames Tremain and McKay were appointed to attend the Provincial Conference at Timaru. One of the Cradle Roll members was made a presentation on the occasion of her birthday by the President. Meeting closed with prayer. MATAURA. August. Union busy working to get a box of clothing ready to send before winter to Dr. Barnardo’s Home. The local paper refused to print letter to Moderates, saying it was libellous. W’e considered that we did not have sufficient knowledge cf contagious diseases to interfere in anything that

the medic al profession suggested in order to remedy the evil. We believe that the doctors of the Dominion have the interests of the people at heart, and as they have mothers and wives, sisters and daughters, of their own, thev will do what they consider best for the community. WINCHMORE. julv. A good attendance. Rev. W. C. Blair gave an inspiring address on “The Power of Intercessory Prayer.” Two delegates were appointed to attend Provincial Convention. Resolved that in future the Union be known as the W inchmore-Green Street. August. Resolutions were passed strongly protesting against the increased facilities for granting of racing permits during the war; also against gambling for patriotic purposes. SAWYER'S BAY. July. Large attendance of members and friends. The day was observed as Children’s Day. Mrs Don gave a very interesting address to the mothers. Mrs Tiffany, C.R.S., initiated (»8 children. Mrs Kdmonds spoke a few encouraging words to the elder children. Afternoon tea was served. Aug. 4. l ive more children added to ('radio Roll, bringing the total up to 7t, and making the splendid average of 12 children a month. Decided to offer prizes for the best essays by school children on temperance wall sheets. In support of the OncW in-One campiign, each member promised to try and bring a friei 1 to the meetings. ASHBURTON. July. Mrs \\\ T. Lill presided over a large attendam e of members. A cordial welcome was extended to the visiting members from the newlyforined branch at Tinwald, and greetings forwarded. Resolutions in connection with the Public Health Amendment Act were passed, the same to be brought forward at the Provincial Convention, and copies son* to Minister of Justice and Mr W. Nosworthv. M.P. Miss Ci.it* at 1 Miss Butterick were appointed delegates to Timaru Convention, and Mesdames \V. }. Brown and J. D. McArthur sub'.titutes. Members were asked to contribute papers tor dis<ussion at same. The Criminal Code Act was discussed at length, and the following resolution passed unanimously, except the following, which had two dissentients : —“That the Ashburton W C.T l . record their strong dissent from and disapproval of the totally inadequate sentences recently imposed upon transgressors against womanlv rhastitv and honour, as made manifest jn a local case of recent date# and respec tfullv urges the Government to so arr ;nd the law as to grant a larger instalment of justice to women in these important matters, and feel that the crime is in-

creasing alarmingly, nothing short of ‘Hogging’ will stop it, and thus secure safety to our women and girls.” Copies of the above to be sent to Minter of lattice lid Mr Noe worthy, M.P. The necessity of having a body of women appointed to watch over legislation affecting our sex was referred to by Mrs Lill. Resolved: “That letters of sympathy be sent Mr and Mrs W. K. Watson and Mr and lira C Dixoi in their protracted indisposition.” Generous donations to the Union’s funds were made by Mrs C Baker and Mrs Campbell, senr R.'solved that thev be sent letters of thanks. The Treasurer submitted her report, which was discussed and adopted. A cup of tea was handed round, and a pleasant time spent . PONSONBY. Meeting held Thursday, July Bth. In the absence of the President, Miss Caley presided over a good attendance. “White Ribbon” subscriptions were received, and two new members initiated. Dr. Keller gave a very interesting address last month to the mothers and members of the Union, several of the children taking part. NEW BRIGHTON. fuly 6. A well-attended and enthusiastic meeting was held. Miss Powell was present, and organised several departments. Decided to canvas New Brighton with the K K. pledge, and at the same time collect linen for the Red Cross on behalf of our Union. luly 15. Decided to hold two meetings a month, Ist and 3rd Thursdays. Mrs Lopdell and Mrs Smith were elected as delegates for the Prwriscial Convention. Mrs Hall, our President, read an educational paper, which was much appreciated by those present. One new member was initiated. INVERCARGILL. Julv (». Reported that the South Branch wished to leave the temperance essay prize s<heme in our hands entirely. “One-Win-One” campaign discussed and inaugurated. Mrs Cowie introduced Miss Roberts’s letter re the Public Health Amendment \<t. fully explaining the proposed alterations. After free discussion, it was resolved to support thoroughly the* action of Convention. Offer was made to Southland Teachers’ Institute to give prizes for wall sheet essays throughout the province {lB3 schools). Nrrangements for Whitt Ribbon Day and T. E. Taylor Day on the 20th. Jub' 20. A social meeting. Further explanation re public health question by Mrs Cowie. Special mention of the excellent organ the “White Ribbon” was made. (N.B. —The lulv was pronounced as specially good). Appeal for more subscribers. Collection for Maori work. Sister Moodv Bell made reference to the < r r ind work of Mr T. E. Taylor. Mr Tavlor’s portrait displayed, recalled his unique and striking personality. The Convention K K. pleages receiv-

ed with much appreciation for use among the troopers. A good account of Westport W.C.T.U. work was given by Mrs Parkin. Discussion on the spirit of gambling, so prevalent in the present patriotic 1 schemes, was followed by a strong', protest (printed in the three local >apers), with a recommendation to our members to work on as energetically as ever in all helpful service for the Empire. The petition for closing liquor bars at 6 o’clock throughout the Dominion has been very largely signed, being worked with enthusiasm. LOWER HUTT. At the lulv meeting in the Anglican Church, Mrs Routley was elected President, and two new members were initiated. Miss M. S. Powell, Dominion Organiser, was present and gave an address. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Decided that Provincial Convention be held ; n Wellington on September Ist and 2nd. Mesdames Webb and Richards were elected delegates from the District Union. Deep regret was expressed that our President, Mrs Evans, M.A., had been compelled, through circumstances, to resign, and several members said how thev had appreciated the influence which Mrs Evans exercised over all, and her gentle and gracious manner had been a source of inspiration to each one. Decided that Mrs Hoxall, Senior. Vice-President, preside at the next meeting. DKVONPORT. lune. A stirring address by Mrs , Armitage on the “Responsibilities of Those Wearing the White Ribbon.” Paper re regulation of vice was read. Miss Evans reported arrangements well » forward re formation of Union at Stanley Bay. July. An enthusiastic praise meeting was held, as after eleven months of illness our President is restored to us. Members endeavour to “Win One.” We appreciate Mrs Walker’s prompt co-operation re leaflets for 1 «ori Camp. Red Cross work was inaugurated at a home meeting on August sth. While members worked a paper was read by our President, Mrs Mann, on the time when Red Cross was adopted by all nations, as a sign of relief for the woundea. The work of Elizabeth Fry and Florence Nightingale was reviewed, and a portrait shown of Miss Alice Crisp who worked and won honours at the Zulu v.ir

EDENDALE. Julv 1. Good attendance. Two ini- , tiations. W.C.T.U. Convention resolu-,.. tions on the proposals from Medical < Conference held over for further consideration. In re the Essay Competi-w:: tions for school children <on the ToflWtfi perance Wall Sheets, it was decided that two prizes be offered, one senior and one junior. Mrs Finlay gained •

the prize donated by Mrs Niven, Hon. Sec., for securing the largest number of new members. Mrs Frost was appointed W.R. Correspondent and Agent. August 5. Derided that no action be taken against the proposals of the Medical Congress in re syphilis, but rather trust the sincerity of the Doctors in their desire to eradicate the disease. Petition forms for the early c losing of public houses were dstributtd among members. WANGANUI. July. Fair attendance. A lot of correspondence was read. Decided to frend a delegate to Wellington Convention next month. Our members are working hard at “Win One,” and three new members joined oui Union. KAKAIA. August 6. A fair attendance of enthusiastic members, who reported that the K K. pledges had been worked, and that the 6 o’clock closing petitions had been well signed and forwarded. Agreed to join in the “Win One” campaign, and to start a Band of Hope, also to offer prizes for the best essays on the Temperance Wall Sheets. Miss Moodie was appointed White Ribbon and Badge Agent, am’ Mrs Boag reporter to the “White Ribbon” and “Ashburton Guardian.” Mrs Boag was also appointed delegate to the Provincial Convention. FKILDING. A fair attendance at our August meeting. Several of our members took the Kitchener pledge cards to get rigntd. There has been a house to house canvass with the petition to close hotel bars at 6 p.m. ; the result was between 500 and 600 signatu..s. Considering we had '• short time, i; was satisfactcr •oiks were ver\ willing to sign. Decided to h.ve a letter on the driak traffic inse-t d in the local paper. Resolutions were passed against gambling and raffling Secretary to enquire the number of Temperance Wall Sheets in different schools. WHANGAREI. lulv 20. Resolutions of Convention against the proposals of the Medical Conference were read and passed. Petition for the 6 o’clock closing of hotel bars was read and approved, and members undertook to get as many signatures as possible. August. F.ight members present. Correspondence was dealt with. In connection with “Win One” campaign, a social afternoon was arranged for the first Thursday in September. OTAMATEA. I tu ano he mitini mate roopu karab tuna wahine Otamatea i te 27 o nga ra 0 Hune karakia te Pirihitim, kapu : arc te wharf mo nga take (1) koohi marama. (2) He mihi ki tetaki o nga mema i runga i tona nga ronga

alu mo te marama ara 1 runga ano 1 tona wrhenga alu 1a matou huihuitanga. Pirihitini me nga mema haere mai. h hoa hacre mai nui atu te aroha 1 runga 1 tou nei ngaronga atu 1a matou kei te nui te hari o te ngakau kia koe kua hoki inai nei kite kainga. hei hoa ano mo matou kite whakatakoto tikang.' matatou mote koohi moni manga hoia ewhawhai mai nei Kaati kia ora tonu koe kei te nui ano hoki te aroha kito tatou tumuaki engaro atu nei i runga i tona mate a mate matua ano 1 te rangi e whaatu tetahi, marama tanga kia la. (3) Kaati whakahaere ana te take mote koohi moni ki kohia 1 te ra e tuai te football a nga Tamanki tane Otamatea rana kotejeam ote Railways ite \ o nga ra. O. Hurue Kaati Rawhiriwhiri te kai koohi tuana ko Taukura noda metahi ano o nga mema he koohi ite whira~. Ite 3 o nga ra katu tana takaro Kahaere a Taukura noda rana ko Miss M. Hill. Koohi erana te mom 1 te whira £5 18s gd. Ate tunga 0 te ngahau i te po iroto i te Horo Aotearoa Kakaere ano to matou Hekeretari a Taukuro Noda. Kite koohi heoi te huihuinga onga moni katoa i tangohia i te awatea tae atu kito tepo £iy kotana mom he mea tuku kite weekly news hospital ship and wounded soldiers’ Relief Fund. Kaati ite 4 o nga ra o Hurae. Ka huihui ano te karaitiana wahine Otamatea i roto i te whare o te Pirihitini anno te karakia a wakapuaretia eia te whare mo nga take. (1) Koohi Marama moni awhina winika Paenganui 2s fid; (2) take nate Pirihitini Makereta Mu (kia whaka hokia ia hei mema ite mea kua nui rawa ona tau etuana hei Pirilutini a kia pootitia he he Pirihitini hou he tunga ara hei riwhi mona i runga ona ite whiriwhiri *anga a te Karatiana wahine Mete Toot! uoki anga mena a tuana ko Kute’ . Karena. Te T 'tin: hou h* oi kapahitia e te Pjrih'yini katukiim* tc inoi ma Kutcre Karena ko ... »a inoi tenei kia awhina mai te matua i te rangi kite tohutohu iaia. Kia au anake king a mea tika kitawctitiroiho ai ko i hu i hu karaiti nei hoki to matou ariki ament*. Kaati kia inoi tonu katoa nga karatiana mo nga hoia ewhawhai mai. nei mo totatou kingi mo te motu hoki. Kia whatu ete matua ite rangi te ngakau tapu kinga mea he erangi kite mahara kite inoi kite, matua he wa o te pouri. Akuhata. 2nd, 1915. I tu ano he Huihuinga. Mate Roopu Karaitiana wahine Otarnatea. Ite i onga ra Oakuhata, Kakarakia te Pirihitini. Ka puare te whare monga take. 1. Take Tuau hi Koohi Marama. 2. Take tuarua kite moni awhina a tangata owaho. Nui atu te mihi mete whakapai atu hoki *inga wahine karab tiana kia ratou konga ingoa tenei onga Tangata I. Koohi. 1, Tauhia Pomare, 2s; 2, Kauamo Taaka. fid; 3. Taaka, is; 4. George Connely, is; 5. Edith Connely, is; 6. T. Noda, is; 7, Wira Grey, fid; 8, Karewini Paenganui, 6d.