News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 249, 18 March 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 6th 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 ) NELSON. Monthly meeting February Bth. A good attendance of members, Miss Atkinson presiding. A letter was read from Misses Anna Cordon and Agnes Slack (m the “White Ribbon’’) with regard to the postponement of the Triennial World Convention. The appeal for increased support of the “White Ribbon’’ in the January number was also read, and it was resolved to order four dozen copies of the* Convention number. Mrs W. Hockey was appointed Superintendent of the Cradle Roll, and a vote of thanks passed to Mrs Day, who has been doing the work of the* department since the death of the* List Superintendent. Mesdames Watson and Kidd were appointed delegates to the c oining Convention, and Mrs Scanlon s motion and the* election of N.Z Officers voted upon. A resolution of sympathy was passed with M's Watson who had lost one of her ons at the Front. Greetings to the Vnion were received from Mrs Crump, late President. A meeting was held it Richmond on the following day, February <>th ; there were nine present, Miss Weymouth presiding. A resolution of deep sympathy widi Mrs Watson n the loss of her son was pa-sed by the members present. On the suggestion of Miss Weymouth, it was resolved that the 1 Richmond members a- a l nion should take up Hand of Hop work, the question to be considered at the next meeting. One new member joined. The monthly Int# rcessoiy Service has been continued through the holidays, though the attendance has been small. PKTONK. February i. Meeting held. A fair number present, Miss Kirk presiding. A vote of sympathy was passed to the family of the late Mrs Kirk who was a very ardent worker for the Society in past years. Mrs Hurd was appointed delegate for the forthcoming Convention to be held at Wanganui in March. February 16. A very pleasant At Home was held at the residence of Mrs Hope; Mrs Rouse, President, was in the chair. There were twenty present, including Mrs Peryman (Editor of the “White Ribbon”). Mrs Peryman.and Mrs Battersb} gave very investing speeches. Recitations were given by Mrs Cole and Macter I). Hope, which were very well received. There were also gramophone

selections, after which afternoon tea was handed round. A vote of thanks was accorded the hostesses (Mesdames Hope and Cole) for the pleasant afternoon provided.

GRKYTOWN. Feb. 23. I he President (Mrs Whincop) in the* chair, 8 members and i visitor being pre*sent. The* “W.R.” Agent receive 1 order> foi one dozen extra Convention numbers. The follow resolution sent to Hon. James Allen and local paper: “In view of the fact that the* physical and moral fitness of the soldiers are seriously impaired by the us#- of alcohol, the Women’s Christian temperance Union of Greytown urges the Minister of Defence to take steps to restrict the opportulitit 3 affonled to soldiers of obtaining intoxicating liquor, and in th s connection n earnestly begs the Minister to prohibit the practice of ‘ Treating. ’ ” PONSONBY. Union reassembled Febiuary 10th; a good attendance. W ith very great pleasure we welcomed our President, Dr. Florence K.dler, who has just returned from a visit to America, where she has been very busy gaining information r<* children’s hospitals. Her home-c oming is very s.ul. Dr. P. M. Ki ller, her husband, having developed pneumonia on the homeward route. We sincerely hope he may soon be restored to health. Miss Henderson’s circular received and adopted. The Hon. Minister of Defence, in reply to a previous resolution on the subject of “shouting,” hoped the Union would use their personal influence to urga* the men to abstain from the use of intoxicants. (While our Government license the sale thereof, strange anomaly!) Flu* present N.Z. officers were nominated for another year. Postponed election of Union’s officers then took place: Pres., Mrs J. H. Fountain; Sec., Mrs (ieo. Plummer; Treas., Mrs M. A. Hailey. TOKOMARU BAY. Meeting took place on 1 uesday, 15th February. For the greater convenience of members, it was arranged to meet the second Friday of each month. Resolved to send a tele gram, in accordance with the New Zealand Secretary’s suggestion, heartily endorsing pro; osed measures with regard to “treating. Resolved that this Hr.mi h do all possible to further the signing of the petition against treating sent out by the No-Liccnse League. A resolution of sympathy with Miss Wood head, who has been seriously ill, was also passed. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. At the monthly meeting on Friday, ’Sth February, the following resolutions were passed That this meetin*' desires to express its sincere sympathy with the family of the late Sirs dui: in the recent loss of their mother,

who for many years took an active part in the work of the W.C.T.U” “That the Minister of Defence be earnestly request# •! to follow the example of the Home authorities and make it a penal offence for any person to pay for or give liquor to a soldier in uniform.” Surprise and regret were expressed by members that so muc h evidence of excessive drinking among soldiers on leave was stdl apparent. Remits for the forthcoming Convention at Wanganui were disc ussed, Mrs McDonald being elected delegate. KAIAPOI. At a meeting of the above Union, held on 23rd February, the following resolution was carried unanimously:— “ The members of the Kaiapoi Distric t Women’s Christian Temperance Union having .he interests of our returned soldiers at heart, and realising that although the peril to our soldiers through drink was grave enough before they went away, it is now aggravated under the conditions in which they find themeslves when they come back, we earnestly and urgently request the Minister of Defence to (1) immediately prohibit the practice of ‘shouting’ for soldiers by making it illegal, (2) to make it a penal offence for anyone to furnish liquor to soldiers in uniform, (3) to plc.ce all hotels near soldiers’ convalescent camps out of bounds. WANGANUI EAST. Usual monthly meeting held February 25th. the President occupying the chair. Business in connection with forthcoming Convention was discussed. Mrs James was appointed delegate to represent Union at Convention. Arrangements in connection with essay for school children were left in the hands of Mrs Andrew. A discussion took place re “tieating” soldiers, and in accordance with the wishes of our N.Z. Cor. Sec., Miss Henderson, the following resolution was passed unanimously : —“That this Wanganui East Branch of the W.C.T.U. views with deep concern the deplorable practice of ‘shouting’ for our wounded soldiers, as their recovery is greatly retarded; at the same time the foundation of much after-evil is laid, therefore we respectfully ask the Hon. J. Allen, Minister for Defence*, to introduce legislation that will make the practice of ‘shotting ’ or ‘treating’ soldiers illega'..” The resolution was at once forwarded to the Hon. J. Allen. We are sorry to report our Secretary and Treasurer (Mrs Andrew) is laid aside through illness. CHRISTCHURCH. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Christchurch W.C.T.U. was held on Wednesday, February 23rd, Mrs J. McCombs in the chair. It was unanimously resolved: “That in view of the fact that the physical and

moral efficiency of the soldiers are seriously impaired by the u>e of alcohol, the Minister of Defence should be urged to restrict the opportunities afforded to soldiers of obtaining intoxicating liquor, and that he should be especially urged to prohibit the practice of shouting.” In this connection, it was decided that a deputation from the Union should wait upon the Hon. Jas. AHen, Minister of Defence. Mrs 1). McKee and Miss Roberts were appointed delegates to the National Convention, and it was resolved th.it the delegates should be instructed to support the proposal that the N.Z. Women’s Christian Temperance l nions should present a motor held kitchen or some similar gift to the Defence authorities for the use of our soldiers at the Front. Mrs Pedler reported that arrangements had been made to give a tea and concert to the inmates of the Jubilee Home. Members were asked to bring “baskets,” as usual. Miss Henderson was appointed (General Superintendent for Red Cross work. TIN WALD. Feb q. The monthly meeting of the Tinwald ■ Branch was held in the Presbyterian Church. The President (Mrs Stevenson) presided over a good attendance. The members were strongly in favour of Mrs Scanlon’s motion re proxies having the same privileges as delegates at Convention. A letter from Miss Henderson was read, and after discussion, the following resolution was carried:“That this meeting of W.C.T.U. heartily supports any measure brought forward to prevent ‘shouting’ for soldiers.” Miss Hickman was elected Kvangelistic Superintendent, with Mrs Smith to assist. Two new members were initiated. It was decided to order a dozen copies of “White Ribbon” with Convention report in, and distribute among the members, with a view to getting more subscribers. The meeting closed with prayer. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. On Thursday, 2nd March, Mrs Huffam, of Oriental Bay, gave an “At Home’’ on, behalf of the Wellington Central W .C.T.l’. After a song by Miss Chapman, Mrs Adjutant Green, wife of the Salvation Army chaplain in Egypt, gave an interesting address, touching on various phases of social questions. Mrs Green spoke of effect of home training and the need of more pravrr in the family. 'The good effect of this training had been seen among our soldiers .when called upon to face the last foe — death. In their extremity men had repeated texts of Scripture and verses of hymns learnt years before. In respect to the drink question, Mrs Green urged women to adopt the motto, “New Zealand, Christian and sober.” The war had shown that the motto should be applied to the world, which ought to be Christian and sober. It

was wrong to blame God for the* awful war that was deluging Europe in blood. The nations had been plunged into war, not by God, but by the ambition of the War-Lord. When Mrs Green had been thanked for her address, afternoon tea was handed round. Tl MARI’. Feb. 2<>. Mrs Rule* (President) pret Aed, attendanc e fair. Annual Ciaie Roll picnic held at Caroline Bay oil the 24th, about 40 mothers and their little* ones present. The members provided refreshments and fruit. Plunket nurse gave a most interesting talk to the mothers. Mrs Howard, Mrs Trott, and Mrs Rule also spoke .1 few words of advice. Mrs Wallace sent in her report re visits to the hospital. Mrs Jennings and Mrs Brooker apj ointed hospital visitors for March. Mrs Rule read some extracts on the work of Miss Willard. Mrs Brooker read a paper on the* twofold nature of C hrist. Mr and Mrs Good sent in a good report on the work of the Rest for the* month. A resolution was passed and >ent to Mr Allen, Minister of Defence, urging him to bring in a measure immediately prohibiting the practice of “shouting” for soldiers. WANGANUI. There was a good attendance at tin* monthly meeting. Business was all in connection with coming Convention. Conveners of different committees have their work well in hand. Sixty names of visiting delegates are in to date, hut others coming in each dav. The* intention is to have the* public welcome on Wednesday, 15th, at 7.A0 p.rn., and a picnic up the river on the* Saturday. One visitor from Napier was welcomed. Three new members joined. OXFORD. Feb. 2(). President in the chair. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs Osborne in the* death of h<*r mother, and with Mrs Lyons in the death of he*r son at Gallipoli. Decided to send a delegate to Convention. A letter was received from the A. and i\ Association asking the Union to cater for the Show on April 6th. It was agreed to do so on the u>ual terms. Decided to accept Mrs Caverhill’s offer of .1 juvenile concert party in aid of the proposed field kitchen for New Zealand soldiers at the Front. The Secretary to telegraph to the Minister of Defence drawing his attention to the resolution lately forwarded to him condemning the “shouting” of alcoholic drinks to soldiers. The President, op behalf of the Union, welcomed Mrs Long, the newly-appointed Vice-President. It being Willard Day, Mrs Gainsford read an interesting account of the life of Frances W illard. A meeting of willing workers to be held at Mrs T. Gainsford’s, March 7th, to make ar-

rangements for the Show. Miss Caverhill (Treasurer) handed in £so to the: .local Red Cross, profits from the* afternoon tea on Boxing Day. MAT AURA. Attendance good .it Tcbniar) meet ing. Mrs Reid opene*d the* meeting. Plunket Nurse* Every delivered an address cm the* care of the little* one-, which was mueh appreciated. A hearty ve>te* of thanks was accorded he*r. A telegram was sent to the* Minister for Defence calling upon him to use* his power to prohibit shouting” for intuxi oils tor men wearing the* King's uniform. One new membe r joined at e lose if me*eting. BLUFF. Meeting on Friday alternoon, when there was a good attendance* of members. Several matters of business were discussed, including petitioning Parliament for the* early closing of liejuor bars. NGAERE. Meeting held at Mrs Me Milloms’s residence. The*re* was a large* attendance of members ;.nd several visitors from other Unions were pre*sent. Mrs Morison, Flower Mission Superintendent, reported that during a recent visit to Wellington slu* had interviewed Mrs Luke*, Mayoress, with the* idea of gaining a he*tte*r i<le*a of Keel Cross woik. The members of our Union have for many months past been constantly at work tor th s cause. Convention bu>inis> w*> discussed, and instiuctions given t* our delegate. It is regrettable that so tew of our member*, are* able to attend Convention. MATAKAXA. Jan. 6. Cradle Roll and Band of Hope picnic held in a small bay on the* Matakana River. 'The picnickers we*re* taken over in launches, and the* children played upon the* x mds and paddled in the* x,dt w iter. Rac es were* he*lel till each one had won a prize*. After tea, the* laune he*s took their passengers home*, afte*r spending a pleasant afternoon. Jan. 27. We* welcomed Mrs E. Morrison, a member of the* Warkworth W.C.T.U., who kindly came to read he*r paper on “Woman; He*r Power,” which wax followed by a short address, and both were* thoroughly appreciated by all present. Our President returne*d thanks to our v’xitor, and afternoon te*a was handed round. GISBORNE. First meeting of the year held February 2e)th, 18 pre-ent. Vice-Presi-dents appointed, also several heads of departments. Mrs Goffe appointed delegate to Convention Deeide*d to hold a “Treasurer’s Day” in conjunc*

tion with our May meeting, so that members will find it easier to remember their subscriptions. Annual balance-sheet read and adopted, showing a balance of over £s, with a membership of 66, In regard to Miss Henderson’s letter, asking Unions to pass resolutions at February meeting, finding we were too late to help in that way, wc arranged to send the following wire to Mr Allen at once: — “Gisborne and Tokomaru W.C.T.U. congratulate you on opinions expressed re ‘shouting,' and hope you will be able to entirely end the practice.” STRATFORD. Feb. 10. Attendance fair. Sent following letter to Hon. J. Allen, Minister for Defence: -‘‘We the members of the W.CT.U., Stratford, most earnestly appeal to you to prohibit the practice of ‘shouting’ for our soldiers by the public. This mistaken kindness is the cause of mu< h trouble and disgrace to those whom we should hold in honour for the sacrifices they are making. Me also respectfully urge that the sale of intoxicating drink to men wearing the King’s uniform be prohibited, and the order strictly enforced.” Also inserted in local paper. Letter of thanks from War Refugees Committee for box of clothing sent by Stratford Union. Mrs Lee-Cow ie’s scheme re ambulance work heartily taken up. All N.Z. officers were nominated for reelection. Mrs Reeve was chosen as delegate at Convention in March. An additional ios was voted to Organising Fund. Arrangements made for Harden Party to be held on February 24th to commemorate Frances Willard Day. Two new members joined. Decided to order one dozen “White Ribbon” Convention numbers for distribution. On February 24th a Garden Party was held at the residence of Mrs Cameron, Kegan Street, to comme.norate Frances Willard Day. Owing to various counter-attractions, the attendance was not as large as was anticipated. Ihe President read Mrs Lee-Cow ie’s letter re matter of raising funds for ambulance work, and Miss Maunder, of Haw era, gave a short addres- on this subject, suggesting that a regimental kitchen would be a very useful gift to the men in the trenches. One member enrolled. Good collection in aid of the World’s Missionary Fund, 16s. KAIKORAI. Monthly meeting on Friday, :sth February, the President (Mrs Martin) presiding. A visit was paid by Mrs Don, the Dominion President, who spoke on W.C.T.U. work as at preset, also business in connection with coming Convention to be held during March at Wanganui. WARKWORTH. Feb. 24. Ten members present. Mrs Hamilton presided, and began by reading 1 Corinthians, chap. 13, fol-

lowing it with a short reading from the beginning of James Drummond’s book, “The Greatest Thing in the World.” The meeting decided to forward a letter of sympathy to Mrs McKinney, who, three weeks previous, met with an unpleasant accident while waiting to meet her soldier son returning from the Front. The following is a copy of a telegram sent that day to the Minister for Defence: — “The W ark worth Branch of the W.C.T.U. passed a strong resolution that the Minister for Defence be urged to pass a stringent measure absolutely preventing the practice of ‘shouting’ for soldiers.” It was also decided to try to find suitable people to take up Flower Mission and Cradle Roll work. The meeting closed with the Benediction. WAIPUKURAU. Dec. Annual meeting. Election of officers. Reports from the different officers and a review of our year’s work. A resolution dealing with “shouting” for soldiers was forwarded to the Minister for Defence. Ip our town>mp, at the present time, temperamt* workers aie much concerned over the moving of the local hotel from its present rather secluded position into the very centre of the town, and directly opposite what all consider a very dangerous crossing. A strong appeal was made against this, and was sent to the local paper. The result was a newspaper correspondence, in which we came in for a little abuse; we were even called “names.” Mrs White was appointed delegate to Convention. Mrs Nicholson is also going as a visitor to gain knowledge for us from the “shining lights” of our Union. GREYMOUTH. February. Willard Day. A specially good attendance. Our President (Mrs Gaskin) gave a good opening address, and introduced our speakers. The Vcn. Archdeacon York (who with Mrs York has just returned from Kngland) gave us good information on women’s work at present in the Home Land. Ensign Calcolt gave a temperance address. Miss Parkinson gave us the training of children. Miss G. White and Miss C. Hopkins sang solos. Afternoon tea was served. We have the promise of several new members as the result of our afternoon. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. Feb. 8. Annual meeting field in Amethyst Hall, attendance good. The President (Mrs Paisley) spoke very encouragingly to the members of the good work done during the year, also thanked all those who had helped at the rest tent and tea rooms on Show Day. Judging by the financial success, the public must have appreciated the W.C.T.IVs effort to provide a good cup of tea. The folk wing officers were ejected Pres., Mrs Paisley; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Mor-

rison, Myers and Stobo * Sec., Mrs Parkins; Treas., Miss Pyle; “W.R.,” Mrs Sullivan; Press, Mrs James Smart. Decided to celebrate Frances Willard Day by a picnic. Mrs Hunter and Mrs McAlister spoke on the effort to help our boys at the Front by providing a motor ambulance, Mrs Cowie starting the list by giving a house in Mary street valued at ,£SOO. Mr Todd, auctioneer, offered to auc - tion same free of charge. STRATFORD. March. The following suggestions were submitted for the coming Convention:—(lst) That all Branches in the Dominion send a deputation to the A. and P. Committee requesting the abolition of the drinking booth at the Shows, and that the Convention recommend a substitute for this hideous evil; (2nd) that very drastic means be employed by Government to do away with the shouting system; (3rd) that the laws made for women and children be more just. PAHIATUA. March 2. Frances Willard Day. Drawing-room meeting held, Mrs Neal (President) in the chair. Miss Powell gave an interesting address on the work of Frances Willard, and the progress of the W.C.T.U. in many lands, and made an earnest appeal for new members. Two members were initiated, and it was announced that two others had joined du r ing Miss Powell’s house to house visitation. The following resolution was carried, with one dissentient: —“That in view of the* fact that the repeated appeals of the Minister for Defence have been utterly disregarded by a section of the public, who still persist in treating soldiers, to the injury of their health and the disgrace of their uniforms, this meeting, held under the auspices of the W.C.T.U., Pahiatua, urgently requests the Minister for Defence to immediately take steps to render the practice of ‘shouting’ for soldiers a penal offence.” Collection for World’s W.C.T.U. Missionary Fund, 265. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. 'Willard l).i>” was celebrated on February 17 in the Constable Street Rooms, w hen the Rev. Know le>- Smith was in the chair. The address was given by Rev. Mr Pooh- (Fiji), and was much appreciated. The following resolution was unanimously passed at this meeting : —“That the Minister for Defence be asked that legislation be introduced immediately forbidding, under heavy penalties, the practice of ‘shouting’ for soldiers, vlany parts of the Empire have passed ‘anti-shouting’ legislation, and have found, as a consequence, that the evil of drunkenness is much lessened.” The monthlv meeting was held on Thursday, March 2nd, when Mrs Houlder (President) was in the chair. There was a good attendance of members and friends. Mrs Boxall pro-

posed: “That this meeting urges that all hotels in Wellington district be closed at 6 p.m. during war time, and enters a strong protest against the wet canteen.’’ Our delegates were asked to take particular notice of the L.T.L. at Convention, and if possible to get one started here on their return. It was reported that all ar rangements for the “Red Cross Tea" were arranged satisfactorily. HAMILTON. Dec. 2. Annual meeting. The President (Mrs J. M. Jones) in the chair. There was a good attendance. Report of the year’s work mas read and adopted. Ten business, two public, and seven home, evangelistic, and missionary meetings a H been held. The Hospital Committee had visited the patients in the Public Hospital every week, and distributed flowers, magazines, etc. Most of the members had assisted in sewing for our wounded soldiers and Belgians. In her address, the President urged those present to a more united effort against the liquor trattn and all forms of betting and gambling. The Treasurer’s report showed credit balance —adopted. A motion of appreciation of Archdeacon Cowie’s letter, in recent issue of local paper, re censorship of picture films, was adopted, the members feeling that a good many of the moving pictures contributed a grave menace to the moral well-being of the rising generation, and strongly urged a strict Government censorship of pictures. Follow ing officers elected Pres., Mrs J. M. Jones (re-elected); Sec., Mrs Auld; Treas., Mrs Jenkins. Mrs Snow was re-elected Superintendent of Home, Evangelistic, and Missionary Meetings. Hospital Committee re-elected. Mrs Henderson r e-elected “White Ribbon” Agent. Afternoon tea was served before the meeting closed. March 2. First meeting of year. Mrs Jones presided over good attendance. In a brief address, the Presi dent made sonv* suggestions as to work the members could take up this year. She emphasised the importance of and great need for more prayer. Mrs Cumming gave a most earnest Gospel address, and sang a sat red song, which were much appreciated by the ladies present. Afternoon tea was served, and two new members were initiated. PETONE. The following officers were elected for the year at Petone : —Pres., Mrs Rowse; Vice-Pres., Mesdames Corner, McPherson, and Miss Kirk; Set., Mrs Burd; assist-Sec., Mrs A. Cole; Treas., Mrs Donoghue; “W.R.” Agent, Mrs Wilson; Cradle Roll. Mrs Hope; Sick Visitors, Mesdames McPherson and Murgatroyd,