News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 251, 18 May 1916, Page 11

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot premise 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 ) PETONE. March 7. Mrs Rouse presided. Attendance good. It was passed that .Mrs Burd (as delegate of Petone Branch) vote as she thought best foi the benefit of all members at the Conference. March 22. At Home. 26 present, amongst whom were ladies from Lower Hutt, Mrs Rouse (President) in the chair. Speeches were given by Rev. Todd, Mr (irinstead, and Mr and Mrs Collins. Songs were sung by Mesdames Franklin and F.wen, and Misses Rogers and Cotton. Recitations by Mrs Cole and M*s> Gladys Ashby. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Mrs McPherson, who was given a very hearty vote of thanks. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. March 14. Meeting held in Amethyst Hall, Mrs Pasley presiding. Attendance good. The coupon >< heme was explained, and it was agreed to take up this work, and Mrs Smith w 1* appointed coupon collector. Decided to adopt the One W in One campaign tor this year. Three new members were initiated and welcomed, making our roll number 44. A most helpful and interesting article on “Individual Influence,” written by one of our boys in Egypt, was read by one of the members, and was followed by an earnest address bearing on the same subject by the President. April 11. Mrs Pasley presided, 2<) members present. Mrs Morrison was appointed Sick Visitor for the month. Mrs Hunter gave her report of Convention, which was exceedingly interesting, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to her. Four mertibers were nominated as candidates at the forthcoming School Committee election. One new member was welcomed. The President reported having secured suitable space in tram cars for Union advertisements at a reduced rate, satisfaction being expressed at the result of her efforts. WANGANUI Y’s. Miss Powell and Mrs Don organised .1 Y. biamh <»t the W.C.T.U at Wan. ganui on March 20th. The officers elected were: Mrs Matthews, P^s.; Miss T. Chisholm., C. or> Sc . ; Miss I). Campion, Record. Set . ; and Miss I). Twembo, Treas. Thirty-nine members were enrolled. Decided to hold meetings at Trinity Parlour Ist Monday in each month; 3rd Monday to be given to foj

the purpose of sewing for the children. A “Flower” superintendent was elected to distribute at the hospital. Several members offered to help c. nvass the town for 6 o’clock closing of hotel bars. A very bright lutu'e is anticipatetd for our Y branch. WARKWORTH. Thursday. 30th March. Mrs Hamilton presided over a large attend.*:!* e. Mrs E. Morrison, as delegate, gave her report of tha Wanganui Con*‘ntion. She was able to urge the necessity of nominating capable women to stand for election on school committees. Also Mrs Cowie’s Dominion Patriotic S heme was greatly approved of. Mrs Southern pronounced the Benediction, and the meeting closed. MATAURA. March 31 st; the Preside nt in the chair. Correspondence from Dr Barnardo’s home re receipt of box. Our Union forwarded £.<) collected for Patriotic Fund, and Y.M.C.A. work. Word was received from Minister for Defence that our telegram, re shoutnir intoxicants to returned soldiers would be considered. Dec ided to start working up material for a box for mission work. STRATFORD.

At our usual monthly meeting on Thursday last we had the pleasure of a visit from Miss Powell. After our President (delegate Jo Convention) had given a short outline of some of the business done there, she* called upon Miss Powell to address us, promising to give more* Convention news at next meeting. Miss Powell arranged for social afternoon, suggesting that friends who were not numbers of Unions be* the* guests. Two new members were enrolled. W’HAXGARKI. April 4th. Mrs Whalley (Vice-Presi-dent) in chair. Arranged that secretary >hould write* Uni »n. re Miss Evan’s visit. Also arranged that Exec utive meet To*; day, nth, to arrange for entertainment of Miss Evans. The* secretary to write letter of condolence to Mrs Mc Leod, in her recent bereavement. Miss Griffon, who has lately returned from U.S.A., kindly gave* a short and interesting address on “The Great National Convention,” held at Seattle, showing the power* of the Women’s Temperance Work there. FHILDING. February meeting rather small. Telegram sent to Hon. Allen re resolution against shouting for soldiers. Letter of lhanks from Palmerston Uniou for donations from our members to the Patriotic stall at the* Palmerston A. and P. Show. March meeting well attended. Miss Powell, Dominion Organiser, gave a splendid and helpful address. She told th origin, and many branches

of wo;k. home* for friendless girls, oH neonle, etc., where needy cases w* re relieved. Tea was handed round. Many were added to our members. Miss Powell was accorded a hearty vote cf thanks. Durine Miss Powell’* visit, several drawing room, and missionary meetings were held. She visited many homes, and we hope to do better in the future. March 30th. Mrs Lee-Cowic addressed a large* and appreciative audience on the influence of mothers on their children, and the progress of the temperance movement. She* refe*rre*d to manv of those who had gone to the front who were ru ned for life by immorality and strong drink. New members were adde d to our l nion. At a public me*efing held in the < vening, Mrs Lee-Cowie spoke on “The War and the* Liquor Traffic. ’’ Reference was made to prohibition in Russia. Canada and America; also the* (1 o’clock closing of hotels in Australia. GRF.YMOI TH. April 27. Attendance good. Report of Convention was received from our proxy, Mrs Brown, and most heartv thanks were tendered to he r. Rev. E. D. Patchett gave us valuable assistance and encouragement. Congratulations to be sent to our Borough Council for the work of inspection, etc., now being carried on. Cards were given out for our Patriotic Fund, and also paper for signature re early closing of hote*] bars. NGAKRK. Mrs M. T. Phil Ups, delegate, gave a very interesting report of Convention. She also explained the greet patriotic effort being made by the W.C.T.U. to raise funds for work amongst our soldiers, and distributed collecting cards. May 3. “All Round the World” sung. Our President ab*ent, uwing to her husband being ill. Mrs Morrison (V.P.) took the* chair Miss Powell spoke* in he*r usual happy manner on the work to be done during the* coming year. Mrs Phillips re ported having received many signatures to () o’clock closing petition. WANGANUI DISTRICT. April 7. Sister Moody-Bell kindly took the (hair in the unavoidable absence of President and Vice-Presi-dents. The accounts and balanceshe*et of Convention, resulting very satisfactorily for the local Union, were presented by the Treasurer. Various letters of thanks to be written, including one to Mrs Morrison, acknowledging kind gifts. Mrs Heatlev was appointed Superintendent Good Citizenship, also empowered to work the petition (we are expecting) for 6 o’clock closing. One me*mbe*r (Mrs Siddells) is standing for re-election on Sc hool Committee. The question of electing a Maori Superintendent was held over till not meeting. There is a large field for work here,

as besides the number of Maoris living in and around the town, there is a “pah’ on the other side of the river within easy walking distance. Two new members joined. May. Delegate gave her report of Convention. Mrs Upton was elected Superintendent of Maori Work, and Mrs W. Grant for Notable Days. Decided to accept Mrs McKenzie’s (Queenstown) offer to come to Wanganui for a sale of her Indian work. Part of the proceeds to go to our V.M.C.A. funds. Okaiawa Union sent their proxy (Yiss Tucker) a vel-vet-bound copy ot Mrs Heiman’s work. Blocking out the town to work for the petition is well in hand. A vote of sympathy was passed to our Secretary on the death of her father. Two new members joined. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. March 8. The Red Cross tea organised by the W.C.T.U. was most successful. Several stalls, arranged for flowers, cakes, sweets, etc. Mrs Moulder (District President) received the guests, and during the afternoon Mr> |. P. Luke gave a short address, emphasising the necessity of New Ze dand women continuing their good work. Songs were contributed b> Mrs Richardson. Misses Bouttell and Peryman; Mrs Castles recited, and Miss D. Richardson gave a piettv fain y dance. Collection of £(j. April 7. Sixty members and friends met in the Constable Stnet Rooms to say good-bye to Mrs Peryman, who was leaving for Port Chalmers. Mrs Moulder referred to the work done by Mrs Peryman and her knowledge of the W.C.T.L . movement throughout New Zealand. MrsI\a Is, M\ . McDonald. Wright, Atkinson, Boxall, and l.il! cordially endorsed all that had been said. Mrs Moulder presented the guest of honour with a leather bag on behalf of the members. Mrs rety man feelingly replied, and said ''he would miss the friends left behind. Mrs W right spoke c ( the united effort to be made for the Patriotic Fund for providing comforts for the- men in the trenches. The Y.M.C.A. officers would be asked to administer ’.he money. April 13. Mesdames Brierley and Wright presented reports on the- work done at the Wanganui Convention, Mav 14. Mrs Moulder (President) presided. Mrs Boxall (Evangelistic •superintendent) opened the meeting. Th 1 '•' 'ms of tne central union were present, and the afternoon was spent in making arrangements for the 6 o'clock petition. Two members, Mrs. dam' s W l ight and Webb, wore* * <>in elected on the* school committee. Mesdames Brown and Boxall wa re elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively for the* Patriotic Fund. BLUFF. May. There was a large attendance of members. Arrangements wer< made for canvassing the town in fav

our of early closing of liquor bars. A resolution of sympathy was passed and sent to Mrs Maclaren, on the death of her husband. Rev Maclaren, of Partick, Glasgow, at one time minister of Bluff Presbyterian Church. Mrs Maclaren was the first President of the Bluff branch of the I’nion. EDENDALE. Usual monthly meetings, except last month, have been held here. This branch of the Union has actively protested against shouting for soldiers locally, and also forwarded a resolu tion to the Defence Minister. The Temperance Patriotic effort realised /ji 2s. fourteen members having cards. An interesting report of the Convention recently held was sent by Sister Moody Bell, for which we are indebted to her. GREYTOWN. May 3rd. Mrs Whincop was in the chair, and as delegate to the annual Convention, give a very interesting address. The ('or. Secretary’s report showed an increase of 128 in membership over last year. Twenty-seven delegates were attending their first Convention. The banner was won by Patea Union with an increase in membership of 166 per cent., next Winchmore, Green Street, 143 per cent; Normanbv and Danncvirke, each 125 tier cent. ; I ower Mutt, 120 per cent, rhe Organising Treasurer’s balancesheet showed credit balance of j£qq 3s 3d. May 4th. Half-hour devotional meeting. Miss Henderson wrote re 6 o’clock closing petitions, the work of getting them signed being taken uu eagerly by our members. Our President urged all members to work hard with the “Dominion Fund” collecting cards. Our members collected £1 10s for the Lady Liverpool Fund; decided to spend it on chocolate. Decided to hold our anuual pay-up social on June Ist. Afternoon tea was enjoyed by those present. KAIAPOI. April 26. Mrs Laishlev (Vice-Pre-sident) presided. Collecting cards for Patr otic Fund were distributed amongst members. Arrangements were made for rrocur ng signatures to the petitions for six o’clock closing of liquor bars. Secretary reported that the en*ire control of the Band of Mope for a year was given to the W.C.T.U. Mrs Laishlev was elected Superintendent, and three members were appointed to arrange the programme for the first meeting of the Bind of Mope. One new number of the W.C.T.U. was iaitLUd. April 28. In response to an invitation, several members ot the Kaiapoi l)istri(t Union visited Rangiora. Mrs fameson read her report of L'onvention, and a reading was given bv Miss Blackwell. A discussion took place on the b< st methods of working in < tion w ith the Red Cross

Society. Musical items were given by Mesdames Withers and Ayers, after which refreshments were partaken of. N.E. VALLEY. March 2t. A good attendance of members, Mrs H. B Gray presiding I'he Treasurer and Secretary read their reports for last year, which were very satisfactory. A letter was sent to the Hon. J. Allen asking if he would do his best to prohibit the practice of shouting for soldiers. The following officers were elected for present year:—Pres., Mrs Hislop; Vice-Pres., Mrs Begg; Treas., Mrs Sanders; Sec., Miss Begg; Cor. Sec., Mrs Peart. Mrs Hislop, who was very warmly welcomed home from her long holiday in Australia, gave a verv inspiring talk on the Australasian Convention, also the six o’clock closing in South Australia, which was won by the magnificent majority of 20,000 votes. April 27. Mrs Hislop spoke very feelingly on “Let not your hearts hr troubled,” and urged those present in the rush of life to look well after their souls. We were delighted to have Mrs Don and Mrs Peryman with us, who both gave us interesting talks, also Miss Macarthv, who gave an account of the recent Convention. During the afternoon Miss Monagan sang a solo. One new* member was received. Mrs Gray moved a resolution of sympathy with Mrs Ogg (a member) in the death of her husband. SAWYER’S BAY. May 3. L T nion met in the Presbyterian Church. A fair attendance of members, who were pleased to welcome a new member to the I'nion. Mrs Allen presided, and after a few opening remarks, introduced Mrs Peryman, who gave a stirring address on the work of the W.C.T.U. at the Front, and also the effort of the Union to have passed the Six O’Clock Clos ing Bill. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. March 17. Mrs A. R. Atkinson presided. The following resolution was passed : —“That this Branch of the W.C.T.U. protests against any attempts to intioduce the C D. Acts in any form, on the ground that they have been proved to increase, rather than to check, venereal diseases, by creating a false sense of security. The l T nion urges the Government to provide, without delay, free hospital dispensary treatment for all patients voluntarily presenting themselves for treatment, this being the course advised by Sir Jonathan Hutchison and other eminent authorities The Union further urges that a vigorous campaign of educational teaching by suitable lectures, be inaugurated by the Government, giving plain warning as to the lasting effects of transgression, and indicating the tru h that personal chastity provides the only safeguard against these diseases, and the serious task not only of

grave injury to the men and women themselves, but almost certainly to their future children, and providing further, that these lectures shall explain clearly that the highest European medical authorities argue that no remedial measures or palliatiyes can ever effect a cure, and that while they may relieve the suffering of the patient thev can never ensure safety for the wife and future children, and further point out the harm that these remedies do by creating a false sense of security.” One of the members of the Union read an original paper, written by a returned member of a medical corps, dealing with the temptations that visit the Expeditionary force on its arrival at Cairo. April 14. Mrs A. R. Atkinson presided. Mrs McDonald gave an interesting account of the doings the Convention, and explained fully Mrs Lee-Cowie’s by which it is expected that the W.C.T.U. will raise a large sum of money for our soldiers at the Front. At the conclusion of her report, Mrs McDonald was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her excellent report VVAIMATE. The monthly meeting was held on May 12th, Mrs Stewart (President) in the (hair. Miss McCarthy gave report of Convention. Afternoon tea was provided. Reports sent to both local newspapers, very fully reported in “\\ annate Times.” NORMANBY. Feb. 2. Material was purchased, and members are making sand bags for the Front. We held a picnic at Ngaere on 17th February (Willard Dav), friends from Hawera, Okaiaiya. Matapu. and Ngaere and Stratford joining us. A very enjoyable day was spent. 15s was voluntarily given to our Red Cross Fund. A paper was read by Mrs Patterson on Russia and her drink trade. March 8. At home held at Mrs Barkla’s, 22 present. President gave a short address, and Mrs Saunders read a report of Convention. Six new’ members joined, and seven for the. Cradle Roll. Afternoon tea was handed round. March 22. Special meeting to deal with the papers sent out for 6 o’clock closing, members taking up the work with good heart; also to get Mrs Cowie’s card:; handed to members, aH agreeing that it was a and good work for our W.C.T.U. to take up.

HENDERSON. April 19. Meeting held in Presbyterian Church, and was well attended. One new member joined. Report received from members who had catered for the Soldiers’ Club on the 7th of April. Mrs Little, from Devonport, gave us a delightful account of the Wanganui Convention. Mrs Little has a happy knack of giving a concise but vivid word picture of each speaker, so presenting the s( ene at the Convention to us, that every member caught the spirit of enthusiasm and earnest devotion to our aims. Mrs Lee-Cowie’s patriotic proposition was at once acted on, and plans sketched out to raise at least our quota towards the scheme. Mrs LeeCowie has a special place in our regard, as she attended nere wjth Miss Evans to start our Union. KAIKORAI March ,ist. Mrs Martin presided. Decided to collec t for the W C.T.t . Patriotic Fund. Decided to nominate a lady candidate for school committee. April 29th. Mrs Martin presided. Mrs Don was present. Arranged to start work at once with Patriotic Fund Cards and 0 o’clock closing petitions. ASHBURTON. March 28th. Special meeting to say farewell to Mrs W. J. Elliott. A short, but excellent programme, which was much enjoyed. Mrs W. k. Watson referred to the good work done by M rs Elliott during the past five years, and expressed regret at her departure, and on behalf of the Union presented her with a leather hand-bag. The recipient briefly responded. A cup of tea was handed round, and a pleasant half-hour spent. April 11th. Attendance good. Mrs W. K. Watson ii. the chair. Resolved. “That the Union endorse the action of the President in sending a protest to tne .Ashburton A. and I*. Association regarding the facilities for procuring liquor through a so-called side show, at the recent Patriotic Show.” After discussion, it was decided that the balance of the money collected by Miss Butterick and others towards the cost ot the Rest Tent be handed over to the Secretary of the A. and P. Vssot ution as a donation to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. Mrs Lill submitted her report of Convention, and was thanked by the Union for her excellent effort. Cards were distributed among the members to collect money for the

patriotic effort. Decided to take an active part in obtaining signature s to the petition forms for closing hotel bars at 6 o’clock. LOWER HI TT. May 2. Pleased to say Lower llutt is progressing quietly but surely. Most of the members .ire taking the petition forms for the (> o’cloc k c losing of hotel bars, hoping to get them all filled with names, so that the Bill may be passed at the next session ; also taking collecting cards for Mrs Lee-Cowie’s scheme for patriotic effort for Y.M.C.A. work at the Front. Our attendances are still small,, but those who do attend arc; very enthusiastic in the work. Names of officers are these: —Pres., Mrs Routly ; VP., Mrs Franklin; Treas., Mrs Erethy; Sec., Mrs T. Collins. NEW PLYMOUTH. Feb. 24. Willard Day celebrated by a soc ial afternoon, w hen Rev. Y . Hales gave an address on the words “Now, Barabbas was a robber,' showing how alcohol robbed church, school, and home* too often of their best and most promising boys and girls and men and women. One new member was initiated, and one received from another Union. A good collection was taken up. March 15. Four of our chief officers were present at the Wanganui Annual Convention, whic ii instilled into them the necessai> energy to carry out the work planned. April 26. A combined meeting of the Union and the No-Liense League to enthusiastically launc h the six o’clock petition. Miss Powell was present. Petition form? are being ii'ie H like magic, and no one need be afraid of a refusal. Planned for Provincial Convention on May 31st at New Plymouth. May 1. Sent off £s to Mrs LeeCowie for Patriotic Fund. INVERCARGILL. April 4. Mr> Macalister presided. The reported progress of collections for the W.C.T.U. Patriotic Fund for our soldiers at the P ront is most satisfactory, our auxiliary l nions having responded generously, and the loc il members are in most cases sending in filled-up cards. Special efforts arc* to be made at once to endeavour to influence public opinion upon the desirability of having hotel bars < los» d when the soldiers .ire allowed leave from the training camps, also that (1 o’clock closing and the prohibition of

shouting for soldiers is most desirable. Mrs Hunter read her most excellent report of Convention, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mrs McKenzie informed the meeting that Mrs Bonthron, the pioneer of I emperance reform in Invert irgill, s at present staying in town, and would be pleased to meet any members of the Union. Although Mrs Bonthron is over Si years of age, she still takes a deep interest in our work, especially in the Band of Hope or Loyal Temperance Legion work. In conjunction with the South Invercargill t nion we are taking a space in the trim tars for advertising our t’nion meetings.

May 3. The petition forms re 6 o’clock closing of liquor bars were distributed and streets allotted to each canvasser. Arrangements were also made to obtain signatures in the vestibules of the different churches, as the people enter. Reported that three members of the South Union had been elected for the South School Committee, i.e., Mr* Morrison, Mrs Parkin, and Mrs Garrett. Noticing by our local papers that information upon the political status of women overseas was invited by the* British Women’s Dominion Suffrage Society for their triennial Conference, which is to be held in London in July, Mrs Baird and Miss Birss were apointed to send a report ty care* of Mis* Agnes C. Slack. Convention number “W. R.” and other literature were on the table for sale. DUNEDIN. Mav 2. Mrs Don presiding. Resolved to have a Sale at the Winter Show, profits to go to patriotic effort. Arrangements were made for thorough canvass for signatures to petition tor early closing. The Trades and Labour Council, Salvat'on Army, and churches were all asked to assist. An invitation was received for all members to attend prayer meeting held weekly in Hanover Street Baptist th urch, and to join in supplication for “our boys at the Front.” OPOTIKI. April i p Social afternoon to welcome Mr* Wm. (ioodall back from the Convention, Mrs Jas. Thompson presiding. There were 40 ladies present. A motion of sympathy was , tssed witu .\i r *> KcH"vrs in the dea«h of her son. Decided to hav a stall on the street on Saturday in aid of the* field kitchen for New Zealand soldiers at the front. Mrs (ioodall gave a splendid report of the* work and business that passed at Convention. Vote of thanks to Mrs (ioodall Afternoon tea was handed round. GISBORNE. Usual meeting held March jStn, !i present. Decided we take up the proposal for Patriotic Fund, and collect for same. Mis Coleman, “W hite Ribbon” Agent, resigned. The following telegraphic reply was

deceived from the Hon. Allen: “I have to thank you for >our kind telegram of congratulation on my opinions regarding shouting. I also hope that we may end the* practice.” Mrs Malcolm read an account of a deputation whic h waited upon the Hon. Russell while he was here re “shouting and fi o’clock closing. They did not consider they got much satisfaction from him. Dec ided to have a social and receive delegate’s report at April meet ng. 1 oilec tion taken up to help defray legal expenses re Mrs Walker and the Hospital Board seat. Carried that a case of warm clothing be collected and sent to Dr. Barnardo’s Home at the* end of the year. TIMARU. Annual social held at the* Sailors' Rest on jNth. Mrs Rule presided. Attendance good. Hon. J. Allen re plied, re “snouting,” that the question would not b<* neglected. Report of Sailors’ Rest showed a very quiet month. Mrs Rule gave an account of Convention, and all were mue h interested. Decided once more to canvas* cor signatures for closing hotel bars at 6 o’c loc k. Decided to seno a special contribution to the War Fund. Mrs Brooker gave account Oi her visit to the Hospital. The patients are very grateful to our members who visit them and take a few comforts and speak a few word* of cheer. Mr Grant and Mrs Clay ap pointed visitors for April. One new subscriber for “White Ribbon.” MATAKANA. Last November our President gave an address to the school children on the Temperance Wall Sheet. After the address the children were asked to write essays on the subject, prizes to be given for the best essay, and Rev Southern to act as judge. March 2. Four prizes were awarded for temperance essays, which rerice ted great credit on the writers. Union invited school children and parents to the prize-giving. The* President read out the* selected essays. Miss Lily Roke sang “Is There Room for Mary There?” and the prizes were distribute d. Members of the* Union provided afternoon tea under the trees. NELSON. Special meeting held on February 28th for the passing of a resolution against the practic e of “shouting" !•.* soldiers, and asking that it should he immediately prohibited. The resolution was forwarded to the Minister of Defence. Secretary wis directed to write a lettei of sympathy to Mr Hammond, Sydney, in his efforts to obtain 6 o’clock closing of hotel bars. A hearty vote of thanks v. • vr i Miss Wevmouth for her valuable help in the work of the L'niop. The Ric hmond Union aas formed a* a meeting held for the purpose on

March Bth, Miss At .insou presiding. The Union consists of 22 members, two being initiated on the occasion, with Nurse Field President, Mrs Woods Secretary, Mrs Burrogh Treasurer, and five Vice-Presidents: Me*, dames O. Sutton, Hunt, Cropp, Ashcroft, and Price. Meetings will be held on the* second Wednesday. The first business of the new Union was the passing of the anti-shouting resolution. The members are intending to take* up Band of Hope work. April 11. Convention report postponed to next meeting. Mrs W. Hill appointed Local Treasurer for Patriotic Fund. Many members took cards, and Miss Weymouth undertook to distribute* more cards. Arrangements made for canvassing for 6 o’clock closing petition. April i». Richmond Union met, and decided to assist with Patriotic Fund and early closing petition. The Usual monthly intercessory service was held on last Monday in the month; attendance was small. MANAIA. Feb. 8. Pen members present, one visitor. Mrs Hunt elected as delegate to Convention. The sum of 6s 6d was collected for Red Cross Fund. One new member initiated ; eight new members for Cradle Roll. March 14. Eleven members present, four visitors. The Treasurer having resigned owing to illness, .vii* jiti.u was elected tor the position. One new member initiated, one new member for Cradle Roll. The sum of 11s fid, also one Balaklava, was collected for the Red Cross Fund. Several interesting item* from the “Vanguard' were read and discussed. AUCKLAND. Feb. <>. Delegates were appointed to confer with the Executive of the. No-License League in regard to the printing of suitable literature for house to house distribution in connection with .literature* campaign. Superintendents were* appointed for the various departments of work as follows: —“White* Ribbon’’ Agent, Miss Pudney; Moral Education, Miss Evans; Bible* in Schools, Miss NV Dewar; Peace and Arbitration, Mrs Pudney; Cradle Roll, Miss Cato; Visiting Sisters, Mrs Taylor ynd Mrs Wright; Home Meetings, Mrs Darby; Maori Work, Miss Wilson; Back Blocks and Camp Literature, Mrjj Thorpe*; Sabbath Observance, Mrs Stainton ; Notable Days, Mrs Dick; Evangelistic Work, Mrs Jamison. Resolved: ‘That in view of the serious crisis through which we are passing, and the urgent need for the highest natioyal efficiency, this meeting of the Auckland W.C.T.U. is of opinion that immediate steps should be* taken by the Government to reduce the consumption of liquor by taking effective steps to put down the practice commonly known as ‘shouting.’ ” Arrangements were m.ute to supply refreshments, etc., to the Soldiers’

Club for two weeks, and a number of ladies present offered their services for the work. Miss N. Dewar was appointed delegate to represent us at Convention. NAPIER. April 4th. President in chair; fair attendance. No members present were willing to be nominated tor school committees. Mrs Mens was appointed “White Ribbon” agent. Mrs Ball Supt. for Home meetings. April igth. Special meeting, good attendance. Mrs Neal presided. Musical items were given. Mrs Yeneables gave her report of Convention, which was interesting and instructive, and for tfhich she was heartily thanked. Collecting cards for the Patriotic Fund, and petitions for six o’clock closing were taken by a number of members. Supper and collection for the Organsing Fund closed the meeting. May 2nd. President in the chair; good attendance. Resolved that a meeting of business men of the town be called by circular for the purpose of furthering our efforts in connection with the 6 o’clock closing petition. Mrs Venables was appointed President of the District Convention. Mrs Ingram resigned as Corresponding Secretary, owing to sickness at home. Decided to send a letter to Mrs Ingram expressing sympathy and appreciation of her work, and deep regret at her resignation. Mrs Chet lew was then appointed Corresponding Secretary. Resolved that in view of the strong resolutions unanimously passed at Convention against the medical proposals, anffd also of the investigations made by the British Royal Commission, which show that “notification” is impracticable, with wh cji decision the Minister of Public Health, Hon. (». W. Russell, fully agrees, “1 propose that we, the Napier Branch of the W.C.T.U., desire to rescind the resolution passed on August 4th, 1915, in favour of the medical proposals, and now vote against them.” May v Meeting for business men was held; a fair attendance, and good work done. Petitions were given out and districts allotted. A combined committee of ladies and gentlemen was formed. DEVONPORT. eFb. 17. Frances Willard Day celebrated by an addition of four members. Delegate to Convention was elected, and directions for voting decided on. March 28. An “At Home” to farewell our President. Reply received from Hon. J. Allen re treating of soldiers. Report of Dominion Convention was read. Members took collecting cards for our patriotic effort. Mrs Mann was the recipient of a handbag and purse, given by members as a small token of our esteem and appreciation of her work for our

Union. Mrs Mann came to a weak Union, and has left a strong one. Miss Pillow all was appointed Cradle Roll Superintendent. April 27. Message read from Ash burton, introducing Mrs Elliot, our Methodist minister’s wife, who has been an active member of Ashburton Union for five years. Mrs Elliot was heartily welcomed. Letter received from Mrs Budd, who could not be present, on account of illness; vou* of sympathy passed. Message from our late President, Mrs Mann, encouraging us to go forward with our “Win One” campaign. Mrs ( ranch was unanimously elected President for remainder of year. Six o’< lot k < losing petitions taken by members to canvass for signatures. PORT CHALMERS. May 11th. Mrs Johnson presided, and gave a report of Wanganui Convention. In connection with No License League, very full arrangements made for giving every adult at the Port a chance to sign the six o’clock closing petition. Members took cards to collect for Patriotic effort.