News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 247, 18 January 1916, 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 ) WELLINGTON CENTRAL. December. Annual meeting. Report of the year’s work was read and adopted. Work was still being done for the Railway Boxes, Cradle Roll, Home Meetings, and Back Blocks. The Cnion sent a delegate to the conference of local bodies, convened oy the Catholic Federation, in regard to the censorship of cinematographic films, and joined with the deputation that waited on the Minister for Internal Affairs for same. During the year a deputation waited on the Minister for Education with regard to the instruction of scientilic temperance in schools, and had met with a favourable reception. Balance-sheet was highly satisfactory. By aid of two “Jumble Sales” we were able to show a credit balance of ,£l9 6s nd. l'he sum of £8 5s was past ;d foi payment. The following resolution was passed:—“That this annual meeting of the Wellington Central W.C.T.U. earnestly protests against the extravagant provision of alcoholic liquor for the hospital ship M.irama. as advertised. In view of the published declaration of Sir Victor Horsley and other leading physicians and surgeons, that in the vast majority, both of surgical and medical cases, the use of alcohol is a hindrance ratht r than an aid to recovery, the Union urges that the money should be spent on comforts and appliances that may ameliorate the sufferings of our men rather than wasted on liquor.” The election of officers resulted in the following being elected Pres., Mrs A. R. Atkinson; Cor Sec . Mi \\. Evans; Rec. Sec., Mrs R. Port; 1 reas., Mrs J. llelyer; Vice-Pres., Mesdames Peryman. Beggs, Hunt, W. Evans, I )aw son, M 1 Departments, Mesdames J. C. Port (“\\kite Ribbon”L Nimrao Li erature), Poutawera (Cradle Roll), Stevenson (Back Blocks), Remmington (Railway Boxes), Miss Austin (Purity). NORMANBY. Nov. Good attendance, 2 new members. Election of officers resulted as follows:- Pres.. Mrs Scott; Vice-Pres., Mrs Butler and Mrs Clement: Treas., Mrs Linn; Sec., Mrs Saunders; Cradle Roll, Miss Clement; Literary Supt., Mrs Hayward; “White Ribbon/* Mrs Dickson. £\ 4s voluntarily handed in for Red Cross work.

Dec. 13 members present. This meeting thinks that the Annual Convention should be held. A great quantity of old linen and gun rags have been forwarded. This Union purchased material for sand bags; already between 500 and 600 slag bags have been sent away. An essay was read on advertising, written by Mrs Mercer. ;£i was handed in to Red Cross Fund. TOKOMARU BAY. Dec. 9. First monthly meeting held at the Mission House, Miss Davis presiding. The meeting was pu. off in the hope that the Gisborne President, who was expected, might be able to be present, but this she was unable to do. About 14 members were present, and several new members en<l. The Red Cross Superintendent has already collected quantities of old linen, and has received donations from outside sources for the Red Cross Fund. It was resolved to edit c t sugar bags to send to the front as sand bags. WARKWORTH. Annual meeting held on Thursday, December 9th. The following officers were elected:- Pres., Mrs Hamilton; Sec., Miss F. Miller; Treas., Mrs Cox; “White Ribbon” Agent, Mrs S. Morrison; Cradle Roll Supt., Mrs ( adman. One member reminded the meeting about the time spent by all in working in connection with the war, and hoped that members would not be discouraged by the small attendance at the past few meetings. STRATFORD. Dec. Annual meeting was not well attended. Report of the year’s work read and adopted. The Treasurer’s report showed a satisfactory balance in hand. Several new members have joined during the year. Boxes of clothing have been sent for British and Belgian relief, and patriotic work in connection with local patriotic committees has been undertaken. Our Union worked well in getting signafor 6 o’cloc k closing. Our Secretary’s resignation was received with much regret. President and Treasurer re-elected. HASTINGS. Special meeting held November abth to welcome Miss Powell, also members and friends of W.C.T.U. Miss Powell gave a much appreciated address on the world-w ide work of the Union. 8 members were initiated. Much thanks is due to our Dominion Organiser, who put in suc h hard work while amongst us, and got many new members. Dec. 9. Annual meeting, Mrs Martind.de* presiding. Regret expressed Miss Powell could not attend on account of sickness. Flection of officers: —Pres., Mrs Harrison; Hon. Sec., Mrs Griffiths; Treas. f Mrs Col-

linge. Superintendents of ments: Evangelistic, Mrs Stewart Purity, Mrs Martindale; “W.R.’ Agent, Mrs Gray; Maori Work, Mis McKeown. Social Convenor, Mr Cameron. Organist, Mrs Bletchford MANAIA. Our beloved President welcome! back after her long illness. Election of officers resulted as follows:—Pres. Mrs J. j. Patterson; Vice-Pres., Mesdames Hunt and Parkinson; Treas. Mrs Robt. Patterson; Sec., Miss Craig; Supt. of Cradle Roll, Mrs Ricketts; “W.R.” Agent, Mrs Hum (all re-elected). Mrs Barnett report ed having collected a quantity of old linen. Resolved that each member of W.C.T.U. give either money or an article for the Red Cross box forwarded to St. John Ambulance every month. Referring to a letter in the local paper asking what the W.C.T.U had done, the President said that all articles donated by Union members should be marked as such, for some people were under the impression that they had done nothing, whereas the Union was the very first to respond to Lady Liverpool’s appeal for shirts, belts, socks, housewives, etc., and had consistently done all they could since, and must continue to do so while the necessity lasts. An Otakeho member reported having presented all soldierleaving the district with a pocket Testament. NELSON Y’s. Annual meeting held in December. The report showed a membership of 25, an increase of six during the year. During the winter months the meetings were held at Miss Atkinson’s residence, and the knitting class working there sent a parcel of garments to the Belgium babies. We had a stall at the Sale of Work in connection with the mother union, so we were able to give a small donation to the Ked Cross Fund. RANGIORA. Nov. Annual meeting. Fair attendance. Mrs May (President) in the chair. Annual report read and adopted. All members have worked well for patriotic cause. We have a good balance in hand. The election of officers resulted in Mrs Cobden-Cox President, Mrs Patchett Secretary and Treasurer. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mrs May, our late President, for her good work for the year. Votes of sympathy were passed to several members who were ill. PFTONE. Dec. Annual meeting held in the Church of Christ. Reports of various departments read, also the annual report, which was adopted. All were satisfactory. The following officers were elected : —Pres., Mrs Row se (reelected) ; Sec., Mrs Burd (re-elected); Ass. Sec., Mrs Cole; Treas., Mrs Donoghue (re-elected); “W’-B.”

Agent, Mrs R. H. Wilson (re-elected); Cradle Roll, Mrs Hope: Home Meetings, Mrs Ashby (re-elected); Sick Visitors, Mrs McPherson (re-elected) and Mrs Murgatroyd; Literature, Mesdames Corner and Harrow; Vice-Pre-sidents, Mesdames Corner, McPherson, and Miss Kirk. Mrs Spearman and Mrs Hriarly, from Wellington, \%ere present, and at the close all partook of afternoon tea in the schoolroom.

Nov. 17. Large “At Home” was held at Mrs \V. C. Burd’s residence, k;, Cuba Street, Petone, 36 present. Vocal and instrumental items were rendered. Mrs Wright read a paper on “Woman’s Mission,” and Mrs Moulder (Wellington) and Mr Burd expressed their views on women and their work. A splendid address on [‘National Registration,” spiritually applied, was delivered by Mr Burd, kenr. Dainty afternoon tea was [served on the lawn by the Misses Burd. CHRISTCHURCH. Dec. 8. Annual meeting. Mrs J. McCombs presided over a large attendance. Annual report was read suid adopted. l'his report showed work accomplished in the departments of Anti-Gambling, Legal and Parliamentary, Scientific 1 rnperance Instruction, Good Citizenship, Relief Work for Sick and Wounded Soldiers, and many others. Resolutions have been forwarded to Parliament on the Crimes Amendment Bill, Gaming and Lottery Act, against the facilities for gambling being increased. Great intt rest was taken in the election of S'hoo’ Committees and Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Light schools competed for the essays on the tern Iterance wall sheets, nineteen (hildren gaining prizes. Our “White Ribbon” Superintendent reported 15 new subscribers. Members have met every week and worked for the sick and wounded soldiers. Others have made garments and knitted socks, scarves, and mittens, and large parcels sent in every month to the Red Cross and lady Liverpool Depots. Officers were elected Pres., Mrs J. McCombs; Cor. Sec., Mrs R- Day , Rec. Sec.. Mrs Barton; Treas., Mrs Patterson ; Ass. Treas., Miss Gordon; \ iee-Pres., Mrs T. L. Taylor, Mrs l-Ovell-Smith, Mrs Blythe, Mrs Williams, and Miss Roberts. Mrs Seed s resignation was accepted with great regret. Resolved : “That this L nion tenders to Mrs Seed its heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation of the long and valuable services she has tendered to it for so many years as $ reasurer. The Union earnestly and affectionately asks her to reconsider ■er decision with regard to her resigtution as a member of the Union.’ ■ he following articles have been forwarded to the Red Cross and Lady Liverpool Depots in December: —-12 finder shirts, 14 pairs pants, 8 pairs lotks, 2 pairs mittens, 1 nightshirt,

i bottle cover, 2 scarves, 4 suits of flannel pyjamas were sent to the Hospital Sh.p in November.

OXFORD.

Nov. 25. Annual meeting, I’resident being in the chair. Letter «*f sympathy to be sent to Mrs C arson. Report of the District Convention read, and a letter of thanks sent to Mrs Day, who had furnished the report. Decided to send £i to the Maori work. Letter of thanks be sent to Rev. J. Holloway for help given to the Union. 28 names are on the roll. About 150 visits were paid to the sick and aged. Balancesheet showed a small credit balance. The President thanked the members for help given in the p; st year. Ihe Secretary’s resignation was accepted with regret. The following were elected; —l’res., Mrs Rjdc ; Sec.. Mrs T. (iainsford; Treas., Miss Caverhill; Evangelistic Supt., Mrs Hawke; Cradle Roll Supt., Mrs Gainsford, senr. ; “White Ribbon” Agent, Mrs Hawke. A presentation was made to Mrs Corny ns as a slight token of the 1 nion’s appreciation of her work as Secretary. Decided to cater for the sports on Boxing Day, the profits to go to the local Red Cross. Nov. A Band of Hope picnic held, 50 children and their mothers present. The Rev. Mr Duncum very kindly helped to amuse the children with games. Mrs Rycc addressed the children on temperance.

PICTON. This Union has had a busy year, the war has made its demands upon the members, and they have done “What they could.” They met two afternoons a week, and made up gaiments for the wounded soldiers. I hey made suthcient clothing to fill several large cases for the hospital ships, and for the base hospitals. These were all handed over to the Ladies Patriotic Guild. The President, Mrs Arthur, made an appeal for socks for the Lady Liverpool Fund in June, and was able to send away over 200 pairs. They are steadily knitting all the time making up articles needed by our boys at the Front, and will continue as long as required. Indeed they feel their efforts must be redoubled this year. £so has been expended upon flannel and wool. Annual meeting held in December. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs Arthur; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Armstrong and Jackson; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs Milieu; Superintendent of Cradle Roll, Mrs Jennings. The Rev A. A. Armstrong and Mr Field have been very good in addressing meetings from time to time, and the Band of Hope has been held eat h month. Mr Armstrong and Mrs Arthur have kept the flag flying by presiding and having addresses read} for the children. For next year Mr Armstrong has been appointed President, and Messrs Burrough and Philpot Vice-Presidents.

NAPIER. Dec. 14. Annual meeting 1 . Reports read from Waipukurau, Waipawa, 1 lastings, and Dannevirke; also of all the work accomplished during the year by the Napier Union. Report given of th.- live years’ catering at the Hawke s B.i\ Agrit ultural Snow. Resolved that tin- Union would cater for tea kiosk alone if that was allowed. Resolved to meet monthly on the ist Tuesday. The following officers were elected: Mrs Venables, President; Mrs Ingram, Corresponding Secretar> ; Mis Freeman, Recording Secretary; Mis Clare, Treasurer. Superintendents: Mi>s Harding, Evangelistic; Mrs Walker, Cradle Roll and T lower Mission; Purity, Mrs Oldham; Press, Mrs Fossey; Drawingroom, Mrs Ball ; Vi< e Presidents, Mcsdames Oldham' Freeman, and Dodds. The following list was added to year s work. 1000 sand-bags ; eye bandages, the Pr mary and Technical College (iirls helping to make them; 76 fomentation cloths; 54 diet cloths; 114 operation cloths; 2 body belts; 8 hot water bottle covers; o face cloths; 2 pillow cases; 5 bundles medicine cloths; 63 bandages; 22 pairs of socks; . 6 si arves ; 3 Balaclava caps ; 20 pairs mittens; 4 walking sticks.

ASHBURTON. Dec. i - Annual meeting, Mrs W at* presiding. Heart) welcome accorded the visiting members from Tinwald Letter r« eived from the Secretary of the Borough Council thanking the Union for providing the farewell tea to the boys of the ioth_ Reinforcements on November ibth. \ear\y report r< ad and adopted. The President expressed the hope that even more and better work might be accomplished in 191 b. Ihe 1 reasuror's report was adopted; small credit balance. An auditor appointed, and Mrs Lill warmly thanked. Reports from the W inchmore-Greenstreet, linw aid, and Rakaia branches were read, and mut h appreciation expressed. repot * read and Our 1 ship now stands at 50, and “White Ribbon” subscribers number 71. The election of ofh ers resulted as follows: President, Mrs W. K. Watson (re-elected); Secretary, Miss Trevurza; Asst. Secretary, Miss Wise; Treasurer, Mrs VV. L. bill (re-elected); Vice-Presidents, Mesdame* Elliott, Miller. McArthur, and Oldrieve. Superintendents of Depaitments w<re i>- appointed, with the exception of Legal and Parliamentary. Mrs Lill. Resolved that a letter of thanks and appreciation be forwarded Mrs J. W'. Dent for faithful work done as Secretary. NGAERE. Meeting held at Mrs Kllis’, 10 pr sent. A letter of thanks from Lady 1 ivrpool was received and read. It was resolved that a vote of thanks be given to non numbers who have helped Tie Union with money and materi-

*»I. A unanimous resolution was parsed that Dominion Convention he held as usual next year. Resolved to send a box of Cniistmas cheer next year. A sum of money was voted for prizes for best temperance essay written in Ngaere S< hool.

PALMERSTON NORTH. Dec. Annual meeting. The President, Mrs Crabb, in the chair. I h«* reports presented showed advance in every department of the work. Ihe membersnip had been increased by 70, the total now being 102. Two meetings had been held regularly every month, besides a sewing meeting weekly for relief work. Patriotic appeals had not been neglected. Over i(K> sand bags had been made and contributed. Agi od deal of help had been given to St. John Ambulant e and the hospital ships. At the “All Nations’ hair” at the Show £74 had been handed over to the Patriotic Society, the proceeds of a Cooked hood Stall, run by W.C.T.U. Teilding helped in this. L.T.L. meetings have been < arried on in three different centres, and scientific temperance instruction has not been forgotten. rhe tea room run at the Show augmented our finances in good fashion, and we end the year with a substantial balance. In fact, in everything we spell success, and thank (iod for it, and also for g.ving us a live President. Officers lor coming year: —Pres., Mrs Crabb; V.P .. M 1 - Allman, M 1 - Carter, M 1 - Ritchie, Miss Sorley; Cor Sec., Mrs Hills; Rec. Sec., Mrs Hodder; educational Meetings, Mrs Horn;, Evangelistic, Mrs Raintorth; “White Ribbon” and Notable Days, Mis Holbrook; Relief Work, Mrs Allman; Home Meetings, Mrs Young ; Moral Instruction, Mrs Crabb; L. i .L., Mrs Carter; Literature, Mrs llulbert and Miss Thomson; Cradle Roll, Miss ParkerSmith ; Rest Room, Mrs 11.1 Is ; Sc ientific 'temperance, Mrs Ritchie; Hospital Visiting, Mrs Sanson; Press Correspondence, Miss Sorley.

NGAERE. Jan. 4. Meeting at Mrs K. Tarrant’s; attendance good. Convention matters were discussed, and Mrs M. T. Phillips appointed delegate. Letters on Convention read from “White Ribbon.” Decided to hold the Cradle Roll picnic on January 1 St h at Mrs K. Tarrant’s. Proposed that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mr and Mrs J. Robertson, of Stu.irt Road.