News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 243, 18 September 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 concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable ) NEW PLYMOUTH. Aug. 25. Attendance was poor. Regret expressed at saying good-bye to Sirs Skitrop, our Secretary, who is leaving New Plymouth. Decided to hold .1 pay qp soe iul on September aqth. The Hand of Hope to be held Friday in September. A resolution was passed protesting against the heavy sentence passed oi\ Alice Parkinson after the jury brought 111 guilty of manslaughter, with strong recommendation to mer< y on account of the provocation whi<h she had received. OfOTIKI Interesting meeting on August 18th. Resolutions concerning Syphilis, (L ining Laws, Raffles and Art I'nions carried. Mrs Cummings gave a beautiful Gospel address, 33 ladies present, the Missionary I’nion joining with us. Mrs Murray, our President, also Mrs Cummings, spoke on K K pledges, and quite a number present signed the pledge. A colic*. tion was nude, and afternoon tea served. INVERCARGILL DISTRICT. Aug 3, in afternoon. Reported that circulars re prize esf»a>s on wallsheet competition-, had been sent to iSt schools in Southland Province. Mrs Moody (late President of the Bluff) present at meeting on her way North, welcomed with sisterly sympathy on account of recent bereavement. Additional resolutions rc Public Health Act, sent by Mis* Roberts. discussed and passed unanimously; also those against gambling Mrs Cowie presented petition on behalf of Alice May Parkinson, whose rase was mentioned in “White Ribbon’’: this was signed by members present. The quarterly open letter to Moderate League was thoroughly endorsed. to be printed in three local papers at our cost. The Secretary asked for a report of Red Cross work done bv our members, to be forwarded to National Cor. Sec.

Aug 17, evening meeting. Letter of sympathy to be sent to Mrs C. W Brown in indisposition. Mrs Garrett read a paper on “What the War His Done for Women. ’’ Decided to ask for it again at Southland Convention on Labour Day. Resolved to send the Secretary to visit the Bluff W .C.T.U. if desired, to visit and meet the members there. A new member initiated. NELSON. Aug. 10 A fair attendance. Letters read from Miss Maunder re prizes for essays on the Temperance Wall Sheets; decided to leave it to the* Executive; and from Miss Dewar, advocating home meetings, and three members offered their rooms. Letter from V iss Roberts re increase of gambling for patriotic fund-' was read and enclosed resolutions ware passed. Re solved to send copies to the* secretaries of the various Funds and other organisations. The Convention reso Intl .n protesting against conipulscnv detention in cases of venereal disease - passed, a letter from Miss Roberts on the subject having been read. Letter to the* Moderate I eague, signe d bv Mrs Lee-Cowie for the \ y W.C.T.I ~ was read. This was afterwards published in both papers In celebration of T. E. Taylor Day, a collection was made for the Belgian Fund, amounting to £\ 10s qd. A number of garments were also given f**r the same purpose. Meeting at Ri< hmond on \ugust 4th was well attended. Extracts were read from Mrs Don’s Convention address, and four new members were initiated. Two Good Citizenship meetings have been held, at which some ac counts were given of the relief work carried on bv women in some of the European countries.

The monthly prayer meeting on luly ’bth was well attended. Members worked hard for the petition f-.r the : i\ o’c loc k closing of the hotel btrs, and secured many signatures Monthly prayer meeting on August V)th was conducted by Mrs Commissioner Hod h r. of the- Salvation Army.; A good attendance, and the meeting was full of life and earnestness. The monthly meeting at Richmond on September Ist was interfered with bv the rain. Extracts were read with regard to women patrols and the early’ closing petition. Miss Roberts's letter re gambling was read, and a resolution passed in favour of restrictive

legislation. Suggested that members make sandbag-, for the soldiers. The Good Citizenship meeting on August 27th. Resolved: “That this meeting sympathises with, and as opportunity occurs, will assist in all efforts to secure in the future the settlement of national disputes by peaceful means ” PALMERSTON NORTH. Meeting on Friday afternoon, a good attendance. Reported that nearly 2000 signatures had beam obtained for the* closing of the publichouse bars at 6 o’clock. The mem hers agreed to take* over the Thursday nights supper for the soldiers at the* Show Ground. The District Nurse made an appeal for homes for two children during the sickness of their mother. Mrs \\hite*he*id and Mrs Smith volunteereel the*ir homes. Resolved; “That this meeting most strongly deprecates the* ac tion of Parliament in its continuation of Bellamy’s. It considers its selfishness and self-indulgence most unpardonable. unpatriotic, and quite against the best traditions of the* nation, and out of keeping with the* self-sacrificing spirit of the times.” TAKAPUNA. Drawing-room meeting held at Mrs Carter's, “S. aforth,” Lake Ton a Road, June 30th, 20 ladies and two gentlemen present. Miss Bisson spoke of her work in the* bai rooms, concert halls, and lodging-houses of Manchester. The collection amounted to 17s hd, which was given to Miss Bisson for her expense's, a portion to he* given to the Navy Relief Eund. August meeting. It was brought before the notice of the I’nion that the* men of the* National Reserve, after attending drill, were marched to the hotel, and dismissed from there. Some among them very strongly objected to it. It was proposed that our President write to Mr Harris, member of Parliament for the* district, calling his attention to it. XGARUAWAHIA. Aug. 3. 18 members present. Mrs P »Wer chosen delegate for the Auckland Convention. Decided to offer prizes for temperance essays. Mrs McEarlane gave a paper on Temperance, which was afterwards discussed. \ “Y” meeting held at Mrs Patterson’s. Mrs Dr. Tait gave a paper on “Nursing,” and read some interesting letters from nurses engaged at the front. A pianoforte duet was also

given. We hav? commenced knitung for our soldiers. Dec ided that our next meeting should take the form ot a Ked Cross evening. April 2 5, 8 p.m. An after-church rally tield in the Town Hall in connection with the K K. campaign. In spite of Kid weather, there was a good attendance, over 50 pledges being taken. Both the Methodist and Presbyterian ministers co-operated. RANGIQRA. Aug. Mrs May in the chair. Attendam e small on account of sickness. Mrs 11. Taylor's resignation as Treasurer accepted with regret Mrs Putchett was appointed delegate to Convention at 1 imaru. Decided to purchase one dozen k K. badges, to get our Temperance young men to wear them, and to sign the k.k. pledge. A successful house to house canvass for old linen for our wounded soldiers. The petition for closing liquor b.irs at 0 o’clock throughout the Dominion was largely signed. N.E. VALLEY. Aug. Attendance good. Mrs 11. B. Gray presided. Miss Cliff sang a solo. Miss Jean Begg, of the London Missionary Society, gave a short talk on her 4I years among the girls of Samoa. The girls come to the missionary school from ten to thirteen years of age, and we re taught, among other things, the care of their bodies and homes. Some of them had become very successful missionaries at New Guinea. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Miss Begg. A collection was taken on behalf of ouMaori work. KAIKORAI. Aug. 27. Mrs Somerville presided. A letter was read re temperance essays for the young Decided to assist with same if taken up. A vote of sympathy was passed to a member whose son has died for King and country. Signatures for Alice Parkinson petition were put down, and meeting closed with the Benediction WANGANUI FAST. July to. Resolutions forwarded by Miss were put to the inerting and carried unanimously. Mrs l pton gave? a very excellent paper on “The Glorified Life,” which was much appreciated. Aug. ic>. Special meeting. Miss Weymouth g<>ve an address on “Soc ial Questions, or Dangers to Women and Girls as th** Result of the Drink Traffic ” AUCKLAND Aug. 11. Mrs Cook gave an an dress on “Thought and its Influence Upon Our Lives.” Decided to make the first meeting of the year the day for paying the members’ fees. Miss F.v.ins reported on the petition for 6 o’clock closing. 880 signatures secured. Further arrangements were

made for the Provincial Convention, to be held next month. Resolved to on to the* Premier resolutions passed .ct our meeting on July 28th, express.ng regret and surprise that the Government do not intend to introduce legislation to restrict racing nor to withhold ra ing permits; also to draw the attention of the Government to the flagrant manner in which the law relating to raffles and art unions is being broken tn many parts of the Dominion to raise funds for various patriotic purposes. Miss Robi rts’s resolutions on venereal diseases were passed. Aug. 24. Welcome to Mrs Moody. Mrs Von Sturmer gave a shoit address on “Navy Relief Work,” and asked lor helpers. Resolved: “That this meeting learns with mu h regret that the National Cabinet has declined to legislate for the curtailment of the hours for the sale of intoxicating liquors. \\e wi>h to emphasise that the legislation we desire is strictly non partisan and entirely national «»thl patriotic, and is much needed in the best interests of .til matt* assoc i u#*d with the present national war ensis. We therefore trus* that ♦’te National Cabinet will reconsider its decision and at once place greater restrictions imon a commodity which so materially assisting our nation’s foes PF.TONE. At Home was held at the President’s house. Mrs Wright, senr., gave a vep' good paper on “Women’s Work,” which caused discussion a’ i a challenge of a debate on a f u:ure occasion. Afternoon tea fo»,owed a recitation by Mrs Usmar. Monthly meeting held; g-> H attendance. Address given by Ensign Seamen (Salvation Army), showing that if we keep Christ’s commandments we may expect answer to prayer. \ug. Birthday reception in honour of our President, who celebrated her eighty-second birthday. Mrs Johnson Wright gave a stirring address. Mrs Adjutant Green, whose husband is Chaplain of the* Fours in Egypt, gave a most interesting address on her husband’s work amongst our brave boys, and showed us some beautiful specimens of work done by the l gvr tian women. Mrs McPherson offe red congratulations, and musical items were rendered. A beautiful birthday cak«* was made 1 and presented bv Mrs Hurd. Mrs Rowse, in a happy speech, returned thanks for all tnc good wishes. NAPIER. |uly 15. A paper was read bv Mrs Freeman, written by the Rev. J. K Archer, on “White* Slave Traffic.’’ It was a very instructive paper, and highly appreciated. Julv 27. T. E. Taylor and White Ribbon Davs were celebrated, when Rev. Fric Evan spoke on Temperance work and the great impetus it was given by the life of Mr T. K. Taylor.

Mrs Dearlove spoke of the birth of the “White* Ribbon,” and read a portion out of the first number. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the members. August 4. Discussion on the medical proposals was resumed, and the following resolution was passed, with tfo dissenkciiti: “That the Napier Branch of the W.C.T.U. resolves that the proposals from the Medical Conference, if enforced, would be for the* lessening of the* evil effects of wrongdoing-, as it would enforce all syphilis diseases being treated as other infectious diseases, and so protec t innocent victims from the contagion.” The Union also passed the following resolutions sent from the Christchurch Union re ra< ing and gambling, and the resolutions sent: —(1) “ l hat free treatment should be provided for all Iversons suffering from venereal diseases who shall present themselves for such treatment.” (2) As it stands. Not (3) on the ground that it might be a loophole for men who wish to get a separation. (4) As it stands. (5) “That amendments to the Criminal Law should be passed g’ving greater protection to women and girls, excepting the one of raising the age of consent to 21 years” (on the ground that it is very hard to get a jury to convict now, and would be impossible if raised to ' years, as most girls are practically women at 18 years). August iq. Mrs Dearlove read the booklet entitled “Talks on Purity,” price id, and pointed out the* great advantage this and similar books are to mothers ill teaching the subject of purity to their children, and urged that they be widely read. Sept. 1. Samples were shown of Red Cross requisites, and canvassers reported progress in getting material. Decided to purchase a bolt of jute hessian for sandbags. Decided not to publish letter to Moderate League at cost of .£l. Dec ided that no ac - tion be taken re Miss Parkinson’s cas* LOW ER HUTT. The August meeting was held in the Church of Christ, Mrs Routley (President) in the* chair. Mrs Knight reported that the sandbags for the* soldiers had been well taken up, almost all the number purchased bv the Union (120) being ic*ady for shipment. Arrangements were* made for a can vass for soft calico for the wounded soldiers, Mrs Routley being superintendent. Two new members were initiated. Mrs Baumber was elected “White Ribbon’’ correspondent. Mes dames Frethey and Collins were at> pointed delegates to the Provincial ConventionNGAIO. Monthlv meeting held in Methodist Church. Mrs Peryman presided, and introduced Miss Powell, Dominion Organiser, who then gave a short address. One new member gained.

MOSGIEL. August. Mrs Bedford in the ( hair. Mrs Don was also present. Attendance good. Three new ones initiated. The Secretary reported Rood work done re early closing of hotels. Mrs Moir was deputed to interview headmaster re temperance essays. A systematic effort to obtain clean old linen and sterilise same for wounded was decided upon; also to offer our united services to make sandbags for the front. Mrs Don spoke upon “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” PAHIATUA. Aug. 5. T. K. Taylor Day. A drawing-room meeting. Miss Powell gave an address on the origin of the W.C.T.U., its aims and objects, and what it has accomplished in New Zealand. Mrs Fenn gave a recitation. Afternoon tea was served. Two members were initiated. For Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.—One member is trimming and shampooing ladies’ hair, there being no, ladies’ hairdresser in the town. During July £1 $s f)d was sent in to the abov* fund Aug. 12. Special meeting held. Resolutions forwarded by Miss Roberts with regard to the totalisator and racing permits, art unions, and raffles, and the four additional ones with reference to venereal disease, were all fully discussed and passed unanimously, the President to forward them to the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet. Sept. 2. Greeting sent to Provincial Convention; regret that we were unable to send delegates this year. Letters read from Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs, and J. 11. Fscott, Esq., M.P., in reply to resolutions passed at last meeting. Decided to protest against the sentence passed upon Alice Parkinson, and to urge the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the jury. PONSONBY. Aug. Dr. Keller presided. Resolutions from Miss Roberts were discussed. One and two were passed unanimously. It was suggested that t be amended as follows: “That the marriage law should be amended by making venereal disease a cause ot legal separation (if self-aCquircd through immoral contact).” Re resolution 4, Dr. Keller suggests this clause be deleted, as in her opinion it mav cause a breach between husband and wife, and mar their future happiness. One new member initiated. SOUTH DUNFDIN. Mrs Don presided at Tuesday’s special meeting re petition for early closing. Signatures readily gained ; public sympathy with movement. Mi**s R,.jd reported progress of Cradle Roll; new members enrottrr*. Regret expressed at her resignation, owing to removal from Dunedin. Mrs Reid carries on the work, Mrs

Driver reported success in gathering signatures for early closing petition. Access gained to workshops. Members resolved to put their “feelings” in their pockets, and go out with tables, petitions, and ink-pencils into main thoroughfares. Mrs Don called for old linen and for members to sew at sandbags, which prove an excellent cover for men under fire. GREYMOUTH. Aug. Our President, in a touching speech, voiced our sympathy with Mesdames Cottle and Mills, who have lost their sons at the Front. We sent to the Minister of Justice praying for leniency towards Alice Parkinson. Decided to hold a Sale of Work and useful articles for our Sailors’ Rest to be held 16th or 18th of October. Will some readers of this, perhaps old members, remember our needs, and send us some small gifts? We should be thankful indeed, and will acknowledge the kindness through this paper. We welcomed the new caretaker to the Sailors' Rest, and both husband and wife became members of our Union. WANGANUI. Sept. The Union passed a resolution to the effect that it was prepared to support the medical profession re C.D. Act. Mrs Upton (Vice-Presi-dent) attended Wellington Convention as the delegate from our Union. Dr. Dunn addressed the Union, and read a paper entitled “War Babies,” which caused a good deal of discussion among the members present. The meeting then closed in the usual way. CHRISTCHURCH. Aug. 11. Correspondence re Provincial Convention dealt with. Mrs Howell drew attention to false cables published on the proceedings of International Women’s Congress at the Hague. Mrs J. McCombs reported re protests sent to Sir Francis Bell on open defiance of Gaming and Lotteries Act, that the Minister said it was quite open to the police to prosecute whenever the law had been broken or violated.

Aug. 25. Correspondence was read from Miss Newcomb re the Women’s International Congress meeting at the H.igue in April. A large committee was appointed to work with the local superintendent to arrange for competitions on Temperance in the city and suburban schools as soon as possible. Several members spoke protesting against the short and inadequate sentences passed on men for criminal assaults on children of tender years, and suggestions dealing with this sublect were forwarded for consideration at the Provincial Convention. Miss Roberts was asked to write a paper on “Venereal Diseases,” and Miss Henderson on “Women in the Administration of the Law,” for the Timaru Convention on September Bth. Comfort bags were promised by several members for our sailors on the warships,

OXFORD. July q. Miss Powell, Dominion Organiser, was present. A resolution of sympathy was carried with Mrs C. W. Anderson on the death of her brother. Bishop Julius wrote regretting his inability to speak at the K.K. meeting, owing to absence from Christchurch. Decided to secure two speakers from Christchurch. Decided to ask Miss Waterman to act as assistant-secretary. Mrs Gainsford, senr., was appointed delegate to the District Convention. Miss Powell gave an address on the Win One Campaign, and urged the need of selfsacrifice and the necessity of members getting into touch with the many women opposed to our work, so as to win their sympathy and interest. Two new members were enrolled. July 26. T. F. Taylor Day. The Revs. Paterson and Lawry addressed a public meeting held to start the K.K. pledge campaign. Mr Hawke, chairman of County Cbuncil, presided, and told the meeting that the members of the County Council had taken the pledge. Miss Powell gave an address to the “Y” Branch on “Girls and Their Lovers.” Collection on behalf of the Maori work. July 17. Junior Band of Hope. Mrs Rvde gave the children a lesson from one of the charts, “Fverything needs water.” July 2Q. Senior Band of Hop*. Rev. Cumming gave an address, and a good programme was given. Two new members enrolled. Aug. v A letter from Mrs Lill re Provincial Convention. Decided not to send a delegate this year. Decided to hold a public social in the evening next month, as it is the W.C.T.U. birthday. Mrs Kippenberger read an interesting and instructive paper on “Christian Citizenship During the War.” and was accorded a most hearty vote of thanks. BLUFF. July 2. Decided to offer prizes for the best essays by school children on the Temperance Wall Sheets. Decided to ask Mrs Cowie, of Invercargill. if she would address a meeting on Public Health Amendment Act. July 14. Mrs Cowie addressed the meeting on the Public Health Amendment Act, and fully explained the proposed alterations. A resolution was passed strongly protesting against compuNorv treatment, but supporting voluntary treatment. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Cowie. Aug. Signatures obtained to the petitions re closing hotel bars at () p.m. Sept. 3. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Moody for her handsome gift of an iron fence and gate in front of our building. A petition dealing with the rase of Alice Parkinson was signed by the members present. Deep regret was expressed at the loss of our Mrs Moody, after 8 years’ service, through removal from the district. Mrs W. Johnston, on behalf of the

members, presented Mrs Moody with a small token of their love and esteem in the shape of our badge in gold, set with pearls, with the hope that she may be long spared to wear it, and that at no very distant date she may see her way to come bark again and take up her work amongst us. GISBORNE. Meeting held August 31st, 20 present. Resolved to send a letter of sympathy to Mrs Walker in regard to the opposition she is getting about her appointment to the Hospital Board. Our members, to the number of thirteen, attended the Council meeting the same night, but the casting vote of the Mayor again and again hindered anything being gained. Five want a woman on, and five do « not. Resolved to send a letted to each of our local School Committees, asking permission to approach the teachers with a view to getting essays written on the Temperance Wall Sheets. Six prizes to be offered by the Union. Decided to celebrate Franchise Day on September 21st. Resolved a resolution be forwarded to Minister of Justice on lines suggested by ‘‘White Ribbon” correspondent. GREYTOYYN. At a meeting held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday, August 27th, at which Mrs Whincop presided, Miss M. S. Powell g ive an addres-. describing the origin and work of the organisation. At the close of the address a strong branch was organised of 22 members. Mrs Whincop was elected President, Mrs Banks Secretary,, and Mrs W. A. Tate T reasurer. Arrangements were made for starting a Band of Hope, Mrs Steel being appointed Superintendent, Miss McWhinny “White Ribbon” Agent. OTUREI, AOROA, AND DARGAVILLE. A meeting of the Oturei, Aoroa, and. Uargaville W'.C.T.U, was held at the fupfiper place on August 22, 11> 1 5 - The meeting was well represented, all the members being present. It may by explained that the above W’.C.T.U. has been very much in confusion for some time past, and as a result several of the members retired from active work. It is to be clearly understood, however, that the trouble did not originate itself from the W.C.T.U., nor had the scheme of the l nion anything to do with it. The sole trouble was due to private affairs of members allowed to interfere with one another, apart from the aim and work of the W'.C.T.U. Owing to the above disarrangement, it was found necessary“to reorganise the Union in every way. ' The present President, Hinerangi T.” H. Pirika, retired, and Makereta P. Barore was unanimously selected to tjje position of Presidentship. And on Ihe retirement of the Secretary, R|ft|opai E. Campbell, it was unani-

mouslv selected that Wharangi \V. Walsh to take the Secretaryship. Makereta P. Parore was also made Treasurer for the Union. Hinerangi T. H. Pirika, Rongopai E. Campbell, and Kaa H. Himene, who retired from active work in the Union, were made honorary members. Several minor questions were dealt with, after which the meeting was closed with the singing of a hymn and the Benediction. The meeting throughout was very enthusiastic, and we hope for a more prosperous and brighter future.