News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 245, 18 November 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.)

NAPIER. No meeting held on third I hursday of October, owing to Agricultural Show being held on that d«»ie, all W.C.T.I . sympathisers helping with catering on that occasion. October Decided to send letter to “White Ribbon’’ to suggest not holding Convention this coming Mareh, unless the war should be at an end. Announced that Hand of Hope social to be held November 1.2. Members asked to help with Dr. Barnardo’s collecting on November 13. President stated she had written to waipukurau congratulating them on their attitude towards the medical proposals. Reported on hospital work, and gave difficulties arising from being the only woman on Board. Mrs Manindale, Hastings President, visited Union. One new member mined. CHRISTCHURCH. October. Special meeting October fith to make arrangements for the luncheon and tea rooms at the A. and P. Show and the River Bank Carnival. Mrs |. McCombs presided, and several committees were appointed to look after and take charge of the different departments of work in connection with Show. Resolved that owing to the spirit of gambling which is abroad in connection with River Bank Carnival, our Union rescind its former resolution to take part in the proceedings. Protest was made re indecent haste in which the (Naming and Lotterv Amendment Bill had been passed. Resolved to send a telegram to Mr L. M. Isitt asking him to ask a ouestion in the House as to the quantity of liquor supplied on second hospital ship. Decided to hold a Jumble Sale on October 23rd, proceeds to get material for the Hospital Ship. November j. Miss Roberts presided over a good attendance- Several donations were made towards the luncheon and tea room, and a lot of detail work in connection with this department was arranged. Decided to accede to the request of the Secretary of St. lohn Ambulance Association to provide* afternon tea free of charge to the nursing sisters on Thursday and Friday at the Show Grounds. Reference was made* to the sad disaster of the* Marquetta, and the following resolution was passed:—“This Union desires to express its profound sympathy with the relatives of the nurses who perished on board the Marquetta

while in discharge of their duty, and records its appreciation of the devotion and self-sacrifice which they and so many noble women are displaying in mis lime of national stress.” Red Cross Report. During ttit* month a Jumble S.tle has been held to get funds to buy material to make up for the* Hospital 2*.np, and the following articles nave been forwarded to the Red Cross Department:— 10 pairs socks, q flannel vests, 5 pairs pants, 3 sets pyjamas, t bottle covers, 2 dozen manitail bandages, 32 operation cloths, 25 tray and a large quantity of medicine cloths; also two parcels have been forwarded to the Lady Liverpool Fund, consisting of 7 mghtsnins, 5 pairs mittens, 5 pairs socks, 7 scarves, 2 sets pyjamas, and 2 Balaclava caps. WT N C H M O R K - G R K F N S T R E E T. A home meeting was held at Greenstreet in September, when Rev. Mr Burgin gave an address. One new member initiated. Ihe temperance essays have been written by the children attending the* two local schools. 1 hree prizes were given from the Union’s funds, and one special (donated). A delegate was sent 10 1 imaru Convention. 1 he annual meeting held in November, when the* election of officers resulted in a fair share being chosen from the Greenstreet side of the river. NGAERE. Annual meeting held .it Mrs Morison’s. 1 hirteen members present, and three initiated. Reports of the year’s work read and discussed. Mrs Kcnnington was re-elected President, Mrs M. Phillips Cor. Sec., and Mrs 11. Tarrant Rec. Sec. During the year 25 parcels of literature have been sent to backblock camps. Parcels of clothing made up and sent to Victoria Home, Invercargill, and Door of Hope, Auckland. Two large parcels of clothing sent to the Belgians, and to Lady Liverpool’s Red Cross Fund has been sent 12 flannel shirts, 5 suits pyjamas, 2 shirts, 60 roller bandages, 12 triangular bandages, 4 doz. operation cloths, 3 doz. diet cloths, 266 medicine cloths, q tray cloths, q face cloths, 26 fomentation cloths, 14 wringers, and 1 pair bed socks given by a non-member. Over 100 sand bags were sent, and £3 has been spent to buy flannel for shirts. OXFORD. Oct. q. Junior Band of Hope meeting, a good attendance. Miss Gainsford gave a very interesting address on “How to take care of our bodies, which are Temples of the Holy Spirit.” Oct. 28. Senior Hand >f Hope, attendance very good. Miis Bisson gave a splendid address. Saturday night an open-air meeting. Mr Duncombe, Mr Cumming, and Miss Bisson spoke.

Nov. 2. Usual meeting held. A moiion of sympathy was passed to Mrs Fenwick on the death of her brother. Decided to tender for the refreshments at the Sports. Several members took K.K. pledge cards to try and get people to sign them. One baby enrolled on Cradle Roll, l he N Branch were thanked tor help given during the Hand of Hope season. Decided to have a Garden Party. Election of officers next meeting. Members please t.ike notice of this, and try and attend. DEVON PORT. Sept. 2. Letters were received from Southern members encouraging us in continuing the work of the old l nion. 1 w o members were appointed to visit tin* headmaster of District School and offer prizes for essays on the Temperance wall sheets. A motion was pissed protesting against the severe sentence passed on Alice Parkinson. Decided a letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs Clarke, an old member of our Hi«iik h, whose son was killed in action on August Bth; also to Mrs Johnston, who is having a time of illness in her home. Sept. 23. In consequence of report of deputation to headmaster, it was decided not to press the matter of essays, but to request that Temperance wall sheets be placed in more conspicuous places in the classrooms. Answers received from our M.l*. were read, he being strongly in favour of 0 p.m. closing of hotel bars. Mrs Mann read from “White Ribbon’’ “Strong Drink Germany’s Greatest Ally.” Two new members were enrolled. Oct. 28. Mrs Mann reported on camp work. The Islanders from *ie speak various dialects; then there are some Rarotongans and some Maoris, all in cam pat Narrow Net k. Decided to continue our Red Cross work through the holiday season, meeting whenever possible. Our Red Cross result* are: 2 doz. fomentation cloths, 2 doz. binders, 2 doz. triangular bandages, 2 doz. diet cloths, 4 doz. operation cloths, qo medicine cloths, 2 draw sheets, q bottle covers, 1 cholera belt (knitted), 1 pair hospital socks (knitted), 1000 yards bandages (250 rolls). These goods have been divided, the first cast* going to St. John Ambulance Association for the Hospital Ship, the next to Mrs \V. H. Parkes for hospitals under her husband’s care at the base. One member handed in a parcel of copies of the “Vanguard,” to be posted to our sons at Gallipoli. MASTERTON. October 2. The annual meeting, Mrs Ross presiding. Mrs Flanagan read her report, which showed a steady advance had been made. Vote of sympathy was passed to the relatives of the late Mrs Reeves. Mrs Sutherland’s report showed the finances to be in a position. The reports of Superintendents of Flower Mission (Mrs Walker) and Home

Meetings (Mrs N. Millar) were also read and adopted. Mrs Devonpon, in a short speech, presented a banner to the Union, bearing our motto, “For God, for Home, and for Humanity.” The Revs. Thomas, Brown, and Serpell gave short addresses, and also Mrs Whincop, of Urey town. Votes of thanks were passed to the managers of Knox t hurt h for the use of the hall, the press, and all who had assisted during the year. OI'OTIKI. October meeting was visited by the Rev. Harrison, from Auckland. He spoke beautifully on the touches of lesus. Everyone present was helped. There were 12 present. Our President, Mrs Murray, was away, and Mrs Goodall took the chair. \\e are hoping to work up a special meeting in connection with the essay prizes. HAM ERA. Oct. Annual meeting. Deep regret expressed that Mrs E. O. Blamires declined re-election as President. Mrs Bone elected President; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Best, Dixon, Kenrick, Maunder, Mills, Squire, Sellar, and Young; Cor. Sec., Mrs Brown; Rec. Sec., Miss Bischoff; Areas., Mrs Best. Superintendents of Departments: Cradle Roll, Mrs Bischoff; Literature, Mrs Tonks; Press, Mrs Kenrick; Maori Work, Mrs Tait; Junior Membership Roll, Mrs R. Tait; Ba< kbloc ks,Mrs White; Scientific Temperance, Mrs Best. Decided to have a rest tent at the A. and I*. Show at the end of November, and take* up a collection in aid of the Red Cross. Decided to have the* monthly hieeting on November iSth, so as not to clash with the Show. POXSONBY. Meeting held September 14th. In the absence of Dr. Keller, Mrs Harris presided. Reports were received from delegation on the Provincial Convention held in Auckland. Meeting closed with Benediction. KAIKORAI. Meeting on Friday, jcjth October, President presiding. Ihe Win One Campaign was put to members again, urging them to make a special attempt for next meeting, and begin New Year with a doubled membership. The following resolution was put: “This Union enters its strong protest against the indiscriminate treating of liquor to our young soldiers on leave, thereby undermining and weakening them morally as defenders of oui Empire at a time when highest purpose and courage is required of them, and trust that some means mav be used to do away with this habit, as has beep done elsewhere.”

WHANGAREI. October 5. Present, X. Decided to invite Miss Evans, of Auckland, to visit our Union and address a meeting to be held at the end of the present month. A picnic in connection with the Cradle Roll was arranged for October 16th, 101 5. A letter wa* read from Miss Griffon, one of our members, who is at present visiting Seattle, in the United States of America, and who hopes to attend the great Convention to be held there this month. NORMANBY. Oct. iv Usual meeting held, 14 members present, 7 new members mining. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr and Mrs Mercer for their splendid donation of books to our young people’s library. Decided to open a fund for Red Cross work, Mrs Saunders as treasurer, all donations to be voluntary; 27s (id was handed in, and has since* been paid to Red Cross Fund. The members of this Union have sent in several hundred slag bags, and a splendid lot of old linen. ASHBURTON. Oct. 12. Well-attended meeting, Mr> W. K. Watson in the chair. Sympathetic reference was made to the members suffering bereavement and sickness. Decided to invite Miss Bisson (Manchester) to address a public meeting when passing through Ashburton. The President made reference to the editorial published in the “Guardian” on October 4th, “A Protest that Failed,” referring to the deputations that waited on the Minister of Justice re criminal acts against women and children. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Editor, thanking him for his timely article, also to Rev. W. C. Blair for judging High School Temperance essay competition. Two new member.-, were initiated. Mrs W. I. Brown, delegate to Timaru Convention, gave a very interesting report of proceedings. Vote of thanks was accorded her. Mrs Wavson spoke briefly on the menace to national efficiency—drink and gambling—and the great need for more concentrated effort. Oct. iX. Annual visit to the “Y” Branch. Miss Kershaw, President, presided over a fair attendance, representative of both Branches. A request from the Grey mouth Union for contributions to the Sailors’ Rest Sale of Work was received. The suhiect set down for discussion was “A Girls’ Influence on Public Life” and “A Girl's Influence on the Opposite Sex,” and was taken by Miss Trevurza and Miss Kennedy (for Mrs W. K. Watson) respectively. An interesting discussion followed the reading of the papers. The suggestion that the papers be type written and circulated among the “Y”

Branches of the Dominion was readily endorsed. A vote of thanks to the writers;

TIMARU. October. After the business, Mr and Mrs Good, the* new caretakers of the Rest, were introduced, and goodbves said to Mr and Mrs Stead. Tea was handed round, and a pleasant hour spent. Mrs Rule and other members spoke of the faithful services of Mr and Mrs Stead for so manv years, wishing them health and prosperity in their new home. Mr Stead gave a brief account of work amon» r the sailors visiting the Rest. Mr Good, in a few well-chosen words, showed that the work would be taken ud in the right spirit. NELSON. Oct. 12. Franchise Day observed. Mrs Watson in the chair. Three new members initiate d. Mrs ( laade Graham gave an interesting and instructive address, pointing out some of the reforms political, economic, and social —which women possessing the Franchise should endeavour to bring about. Collection of £1 for the N.Z. Fund. Arrangements were made for the annual Sab* of Work to be held on November 3rd. RICHMOND. Oct. 6. Mrs Gunn presided. One new member mined, and two others were welcomed to the Nelson Union. Miss Weymouth gave* an interesting account of some of her experiences in sbeial work. The meeting was very well attended, and a collection was taken, amounting to 15s 3d. '1 wo very successful home meetings have been held in cornier,in wiui Miss Weymouth’s visit, which gained several new members. GISIIORNK. Oct. Usual meeting held. Attendance small, as it was the* Show week. Miss Powell, the Dominion Organiser, gave us m ny ideas for future work. Miss 1 owell nis already obtained us six new members, and w e hope for several more. I decided to have a social afternoon next Tuesday, November 2nd, to welcome new members and hear more from our Organiser, whom it is a great pleasure to have with us. MOSGIEL. Oct. 12. Mrs Bedford presided. Mrs Don and Mrs Lee-Cowie were present. Mrs Cow ie gave a fine address on “Small Things,” at the close of which on the motion of Mrs Pinfold, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. Mrs Don, as unU.il, gave the meeting .1 c heer> tone with words of encouragement. A sincere vote of sympathy was passed with Mr and Mrs Findlay in their sorrow at the death of a second son on the battlefield. Meeting closed with the Benediction

SOUTH DUNEDIN. Oct. 14. Mrs Don presided, and iv<* an instructive Bible reading from Kuth. Literature re training children in the habit of kindness to animals was distributed amongst memb rs. Arrangements made for closing meeting in November. Member from Greymouth Union was heartily welcomed. President urged upon members need of constant effort, so many wait for the spur of an election campaign. Members cannot but note our acting-President’s faithfulness. Notwithstanding continuous rains, which deter many living quite close, Mrs Don comes from a distance to help on a small Union. KAIAPOI. Oct. 27. The Secretary reported th.it £() 17s had been cleared at the Red C ross social. Decided t osend .1 resolution to the N.Z. Executive urging them to consider the advisability of postponing Convention till March, up 7, in view of the continuous efforts needed, financially and otherwise, for Patriotic and Red Cross work. The President read an extract entitled, “Parliament and Public Morals,” after which the following resolution was carried unanimously : “The members of the Kaiapoi W.C.T.U. protest against the attitude of the present Parliament in legard to liquor and gambling laws." It believes that from ihe moral standpoint the N.Z. Parliament has ingloriously distinguished itself as being the one legislative body in the whole of Australasia that has left the liquor traffic severely alone. With four millions a year invested in gambling through the totalisator a* me, to say nothing of the large ->u:ns gambled with in other directions, it can only be regarded as a sign of appalling decadence th.it legalised facilities for gambling should be multiplied as they have been b ythe recent action of Parliament. All this is an evidence of the materialistic, as opposed to the moral ideals that have influenced the Government in so much of its action this session. PAHIATUA. Oct. 14. Franchise meeting, fair attendance. Mrs Neal (President) eave a short sketch of the Women’s Franchise movement 111 New Zealand. Mrs Paterson followed with a paper showing the various disabilities under whir h women are at present labouring. Nov. 4. Monthly meeting, Mrs Neal (President) in the (hair. Letters read from the Premier, the Minister for Public Health, and J. H. hscott, M.P., in reply to resolutions with regard to the* Public Health Amendment Bill. EDENDALE. Oct. 7. Annual report for k> 14 was read, also the report for 1915 was read and adopted. I He election of officers for the ensuing year was then

proceeded with, and the following were re-elected: —Pres., Mrs J. Pringle; Sec., Mrs H. Niven; Treas., Mrs Wm. McDonald: “W.R. M Agent and Corns., Mrs F. 1.. Frost; Cradle Roll Supt., Mrs J. Findlay. 1 he Secretary reported having written to the local press re Mrs Lee-Cowie’s letter to the Moderate League, also to the schoolmaster (Mr Hiddlcstone) concerning prizes to be given for essays on the Temperance wall sheets. LYTTELTON. Nov. 3. We met with sad hearts, as news had just come to hand that .\urse liildyard was amongst the missing from the Marquette, which had been torpedoed. Mrs Hildyard is one of our oldest members, and her dearly loved daughter has grown up amongst us. It came home to us, as many of our members have their dear ones at the front, or in hospital, or training. A vote of loving sympathy was passed in silence, members standing, and we pray that our dear sister may be supported through this heavy ber *avement. W e had the privilege of listening to a very faithful and stir ring address from Miss Bissell, who did not spare us, and made us all feel we ought to be doing more for the cause we have so much at heart. Four members have promised to assise at the Christchurch Agricultural Show. NEW BRIGHTON. Oct. 4. Our l 111011 held a handker chief and soc k afternoon for the Hospital Ship. Over 100 invitations were issued, and the attendance was very good. Our President, Mrs Hall, received the guests. The hall was tastefully decorated by Mrs and Miss Hooker. There was a very enjoyable musical programme, and afternoon tea was provided by our members. 33 dozen handkerchiefs, *«S pairs of sock>, and £ 1 18s Cd in ca>h received. Nov. 4. Attendance good. Miss Henderson spoke on the great need and importance of keeping on and enlarging the work of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The meeting closed with the Doxology and prayer. WANGANUI. Nov. Mrs Blamires (President) in the chair. Convention business was gone into and freely discussed by those present. We had with us Mrs Whine op, of Greytown, who gave us a very good address on “Women Workers for Women,” showing how she started the W.C.T.U. in Greyvown, and of the* success attending her efforts. Truly her efforts ought to st'r us all up for greater and personal efforts in the future. On the 15th October our Union held a tinned afternoon for the* “Boys at the Front.” We had a good attendance, and secured over 100 tins of fruit, jam, coffee, cocoa, biscuits, etc., etc. A local firm very kindly offered to pack and

forward all goods to the Front. We had a nice musical programme, and afternoon tea was served. ARA PAOA. Tutu te mitini a te roopu wahine Karaitiana ana Karakanui takiwa o Aropaoa itenei ra ite 4 ongara Hepetema. Katu te Perehitini kite whakamih; atuku na atu ana toona tunga kia wen te Tuhi Mana ewhakapuare te mitini Himene 66 kinga weteriana. Ka mutu Kalu Ae*ru kapaiai kite ahua tanga penei he raruraru kawhakautu kei tatari tonu matou kia koe kia tae mai rana koe irunga ito hiahia kia uru koe kia matou mitini eru ae he raruraru ano noKu te tae mai ai ahua take tuatahi mote kohi atua konga nema ikohi itana mitini kon a mema enei 14 mema ikohi motena tau hou koetani keite tae ano. Painaporo P. llcmana he ripoata taku mota tatou moni me waiho mai tene tench hei whakaaro moetahi raruraru o tatou mata hollond kanui takumataku ite raruraru kote take tena imana ai tatatou moni kite* peeke takoto ai kua oti tena. Mote kohikohi Marama Napainapora P. llemana te ripoata Miraka whemana hore kau ahue ewhakaae rarangi heta tau toko mote hore ekchi Marama Rev. Te Tuhi he* taki p;ii ano tena mokoutou hei awhina ia koutou tatana llemana tau toko he toko maha nga mema hore kau i whakaae mote hoiho oremana whakahaera ana tena take ot i ana me makete ara mehoko ki hoki mai ai te moni ate roopu. Hoi ano ngatake i whakahaerea itana imuri ote koata mitini konga kaikara kia itar mai kitana mitini toko whiti menira wahine na eru whakakahi te mitini menga tamariki hoki hoi mi kia ora mai ano tatou enga mema honore. Katoa enoho nei tatou iraro ite tau marumaru tanga ototatou matua ite rangi. Take 11a hono Paikea mong.i pern* mote roopu tau tokona ana tahi. Carry. Konga moni katoa enei itakoto kiwaenga nui ite hoopu, £2 2 s.