News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 268, 18 October 1917, Page 11

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anythng 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.) GREYMOUTH DISTRICT. Oct. Mrs Gaskin presided. Important discussion re Sailors’ Rest. Decided to order q copies of “American Motherhood.” Resolution of thanks to Almighty God for the 6 o'clock closing success. \rrangements made for parking garments for mine sweepers. Resolution re cinematograph shows for children; resolution to make enquiries as to securing a much-needed Plunkett nurse for the district. SAWYERS BAY. October. Mrs Allen in the chair. A very fine educational meeting. The Social Hygiene Bill was explained and discussed. The Union congratulated the Minister upon the proposal to appoint women patrols, but protested strongly against the compulsory clauses in the Bill. PORT CHALMERS. October. Mrs Johnson presiding. A discussion on Social Hygiene Bill. Resolution passed expressing regret at the compulsory clauses, and urging that treatment be free and voluntary. WANGANUI EAST. Sept. 28. Good attendance, Mrs Duxfield presiding. Additional gifts, valued at 255, for the mine-sweepers received. Decided to assist with “Doll Stall” at Wanganui Agricultural Show in aid of Red Cross work; also to help “Our Day” efforts by contributing to Wanganui East Day at Patriotic Red Cross Shop. Reported that during September, 11 suits of pyjamas, 2 pairs hand-knitted sox. 2 pairs mitts, made for Red Cross room hv White Ribbon Guild. Miss Powell gave very helpful address on “Work of W.C.T.U.” Hearty vote of thanks accorded Miss Powell. Three new members initiated, and one proposed. Several new subscribers were reported to “White Ribbon.” Miss Cruickshank, M.A.. M.Sc., will address meeting October 26th.

Oct. 2. iiouit* meeting held Mrs Andrew's residence. Ten present. One new member initiated. One new subscriber “White Ribbon.” Miss Poweil gave an interesting address on work of W.C.T T. among the Maori sisters, all thorough l )- enjoying Miss Powell’s reminiscences of personal experience. Solo by Miss K. Andrew. Afternoon tea and a social hour brought a pleasant afternoon to a close. INVERCARGILL CENTRAL. Sept. 4. Mrs Baird presided. Good attendance. Mrs Cowie gave an interesting address on her trip •through the Dominion in the interests of the Strength of the Nation Movement. On the following Sunday Mrs Cowie gave an address in the Victoria Hall on “The Impending Battle.” There was a very large attendance. Seventeen gave in their names as willing to join the Union. Oct. 2. Mrs Baird presided. Very good attendance. Twelve new members initiated. £-<*' 6s has b en sent in for tho mila-swoepers in answer to an appeal inserted in the papers. \ large amount of knitting has also been done. Mrs Baird gave an address on our work. We thank God for answering pra* or in that Parliament has irr mted six o’clock closing. Mrs Baird concluded by saying that our work is to glorify God by helping others. MAT A UR A. Aug. 31. Mrs Louden presided. Mrs Beaumont elected “White Ribbon” Agent. One new member. Miss Stenning read a paper on “NoLicense.” Mrs Cowie’s poem read, also letter asking Union to purchase copies of it. All present pur< based some. Sept. 28. Vice-President presided. Decided to order 50 copies of “The Woman’s Hour,” ;>lso 50 copies of Manifesto. Reported that the Union had forwarded to I)r. Barnardo’s Home a case containing 221 new and second-hand articles of clothing, and thanks were given to all who had assisted to fill the case. EDEN. Sept. 19. First meeting. Miss Wilson 1 Pres cient) in the (hair. Seventeen present. Mrs Dick and Mrs Hudson were appointed delegates' to the Provincial Convention to be held jn Auckland October 10th. Arrangements were made to assist Sale of Gifts in the streets on 19th October, Our Dav. Three new members were initiated. Rev. A. Millar gave an r hddress on the work of the W.C.T.I . and the value of the Franchise. Miss Millar spoke of !>cr work ainone th 1 ' ‘young, and our noble example, Frances Willard. _____ NAPIER. ji -Aug. 25. President in the chair. Attendance fair. Decided to order <>oo of Mrs Lee-Cowie’s latest poem. Mrs Fawcett elected Vice-President.

Sept. 5. Attendance, »8. Mrs Walker reported having packed and forward *d, through the Mayoress, a second box of children’s clothing, containing twelve dozen articles, to the mine-sweepers’ dependents. Votes of sympathy passed to two members of Union in loss of sons at the Front. Sept. 19. Drawing-room meeting he'd at Mrs Murphy’s residence, if) present. The Rev. Richards gave a very sympathetic and telling address on “Women and Their Work in the Cause of Home and Humanity.” Five 11. w members made. Sept. 24. Thanksgiving prayer meeting for six o’clock closing measure by W.C.T.U. in Baptist Church. Attendance good. Union encouraged and determined to pray on for total prohibition. Oct. 3. Arrangements made for holding social afternoon, when the goods given for mine-sweepers will he on view prior to being forwarded to Mrs Nimmo. Decided that the annual meeting take place first Wednesday in December. Members undertook to have Dr. Platts-Mills' pamphlet on “Social Diseases” widelyread. BLUFF. Sept* iy. Franchise Day meeting in Willard Hall. Mrs Garrett, of Invercargill, gave an cxeelhnt address on her experiences at the first election when women used the franchise. and urged all women present to use and value their great privilege. Gifts for the mine-sweepers were asked for, and met with a splendid response. A very large collection of woollen comforts were handed in, besides about £5 in cash. Solo was sung by Mrs Crcagh, and afternoon tea served. Oct. 5. Large attendance, and one new member. Decided to purchase and distribute 300 copies of Mrs LeeCow ie’s third manifesto. Arrangements made for the presentation of the Band of I lope prizes. PETONK. Sept. 19. A pleasant afternoon at the residence of our President, Mrs R. Rowse. Afternoon tea was dispensed, a musical programme given, and a collection taken up for the Union funds. Oct. 2. Delegates gave report of Provincial Convention. Reported that members had had the Red Cross shop on the third Friday in September. PALMERSTON NORTH. Oct. 5. Mrs Crabb picsidcd. A series of resolutions in connection with the cinema shows were adopted. Mesdames Hodder, Godfrey, and Kendrick were appointed to wait on picture show managers. A letter of thanks and a donation were passed to be sent to Mrs Lee-Cow ie for her interesting and instructive lectures. Mrs Carter gave notice chat the time was close at hand for the annual collection in aid of Dr. Barnardo’s

work. The stall at the Show yvas mentioned, also arrangements for the opening of the “Willard House.” The meeting on Thursday by invitation; on Friday the Home to be open for the public. LOWER HUTT. ’Cc.t, 2. Ihe President (Mrs Ballantyne) in the chair. Derided to buy literature and prepare to form junior branches next year. Mrs Shearer reported a good response to the appeal ior warm clothing for the minesweepers. The delega f e (Mrs Heyes) read her report of Convention, whidi was much appreciated. The three* suggestions sent by the Hutt Union were approved by the* Convention, and the members were all in favour of the suggestion of a District Organiser. Decided that the annual meeting be held the first Tuesday in November. MOSGIEL. Oct. A good attendance of members. Mrs P'nfold presided. Resolved to have 1 meeting of Praise and Thanksgiving in connection with the tine re sult of the early closing of hotels campaign. The 113th Psalm was read, and the Doxology sung. A good collection for Mine-sweepers Warm Clothing Fund was taken. A minute of appreciation of the- work done by Mrs Eccersall was recorded, also regret expressed at her early departure from Mosgiel. Literature was taken by the members for distribution. Afternoon tea and the Benediction closed a fine meeting. WANGANUI CENTRAL. Oct. Gift afternoon for minesweepers. We received 1 scarf, 3 chest protectors, 3 Balaclavas, 1 belt, 9 pairs underpants, 5 singlets, 1 guernsey, 16 pairs mittens, 22 pairs socks. “White Ribbon" day once .1 week has resulted in the following being made for Red Cross: 65 pyjama suits, 97 pillowslips, ios # sheets, 6 shirts, 22 face cloths, 8 dozen towels, 8 pairs blankets, 50 shirts. Mrs Upton gave a good re port of Provincial Convention. Decided to donate £2 10s to Maori work and to order literature for distribution among them. Since August we have* gained 23 new members, and have welcomed four from othe r Unions. Miss Powell held an “At Home” meeting at Mrs Henry Collier’s residence, and spoke on W.C.T.U. work. Six new members and five subscribers to “White Ribbon.” Mrs Matthews’ resignation accepted with regret, as she is leaving Wanganui. SOUTH DUNEDIN. Oct. Franchise Day celebrated. A paper was read showing how much has been gained since women gained the vote*, hut also how much is still to be done before woman has gained full citizenship. A collection for N.Z. Fund. Our membership is slowly but steadily increasing.

PAIIIATUA. Sept. 13. Half-hour praytr meeting. The President (Mrs Neal) gave a report of the Provin ial C onvention, held at Feilding. Following resolution passed: “The numbers of tlie Pahiatua W.1'.T.1. d.-iiv to st ixl an dnphath prott quate sentence, passed in Dunedin, on the man Kbzery, described as a ‘brothel keeper of the worst type.' Further, the Union considers him to be a menace to the young people of the Dominion, th.it he should have had a life sentence, and not allowed ftie honour of serving his country as a soldier. Sept. 24. Afternoon drawing-room meeting. Mrs Neal presided. Ihe Mayoress (Mrs J. 1). C Crewe) gave Mrs Lee-Cowie a charming welcome. Apologies received from the Presi dents of the Mothers’ Union and th P.W.M.I. Mrs Lee-Cowie's address enjoyed by all. Two new members. Collection for Maori Fund, ifis fid. Sept. 24. Kveiling meeting. Mr J. D. C. Crew (Mayor) presided. Very wet night, so country friends not represented. Representatives from the various churches warmly welcomed. Mrs Lee-Cow ie, who gave a fine address on “The Strength of the Nation Movement.’’ One honorary member gained. Oct. 4. Mrs Neal presided. Mrs Godfrey conducted the prayer meeting. Resolved to again make Christmas comfort bags for sailors. R**plv received from Minister of Justice re resolution passed last month. The ’ Pres dent read a paper on “What New Zealand Has Gained Since 1893.” WKLLINGTON DISTRICT. Oct. 4. Mrs Houlder pn sided over a good attendance. Mrs Cummins gave an interesting ar.d comprehensive account of the Provincial Convention lately held at Feilding, for which she was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mrs l.ee-Cowic’s lecture on the “Brides of Different Nations’ was reported, which resulted in benefiting the I nion to the ixtent of ,£5 Kjs 3d. The following ladies, Mesdames Moulder, Boxall, Wright, Cummins, Mount* r, Dennett, and Bott, who worked so hard to make the produce stall at “Paddy s Market a success, were pleased that the sum of ,£2B 10s was realised by their efforts. Mrs judson’s letter was read explaining (Hood Citizenship for those younger members who are not so familiar with the work of the Union. ASHBURTON. Oct. Mrs J. Millar, V P., presided, and referred to the victory won in securing six o’clock closing, and the claims upon a'l to manifest a spirit of thankfu’ness therewith. Mrs (». Bowman was appointed Superintendent Work Among Seamen, and it was deeded to hold a “gift’’ afternoon on October 16th in aid of same. Votes of thanks and appreciation were pass-

ed to those who had helped to mr.k< Convention a success, letters to be sent- as follows : —His Worship the Mayor, in according a civic reception; Mrs H. G. Chapman, in assisting with reception programme; Mis W. 1. Fill, in generously providing luncheon to delegates; and Trustees, for use of Baring Square Church. A paper, showing the evil effects o* alcohol on mothers, was read, and briefly di--eus-ed, and the meeting terminated. FITZROY. Aug. 24. Mrs Haywood presided. Good attendance. Reports of work given. Social evening arranged for September 19th. Two new members joined. Sept. 19. Successful social evening in hall Interesting address by Mrs Blundell; also attractive musical programme. Sept. 2S. Meeting poorly atttendcd, owing to difficulty in obtaining place for meeting. L.T.L. to stand over. TIMARU. Oct. 2. Mrs Rule presided, 21 members present. Thanksgiving for o o’clock closing. We sang Doxologv Votes of condolence to Mrs Kavannagh on the Heath of her son. to Mr Sibbv on the death of his wife, •one of our members. Mr Moreton l epoi t<d .1 [uict month .it the Stiloi s’ Rest. Our delegates gave a report of the Provincial Convention. Mrs Rule urged members to work hard for prohibition, and not to be satisfied w th early closing. CHRISTCHURCH. Sept. 26. Franchise Day celebrated. Mrs Taylor presided. Attendance large. Thanksgiving *or 6 o’clock dosing. Vote of sympathy to Mrs I). Sykes upon the death of her -on in France. Rev. J. Patterson gave a very interesting and educational address on woman’s vote and the many ways in which it might be us d to promote better conditions in municipal and political life. Miss Roberts also spoke of the difficulties experienced bv women in their busy lives being ab'e to use their vote intePigently, particularly country women. Afternoon tea and a collection brought tin meeting to a close. HAMILTON. Sept. 6. Fifteen members present. Mr* Jones presided. The following resolution was passed, and to be forwarded to the Premier, Sir J. G. Ward, and Mr Young, M.P. • —“The Hamilton W’.C.T.U. respectfully uiges the Government to introduce legislation to effect the curtailment of the hours for the sale of alcoholic liquor by requiring thai hotel bars be closed between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.in.” Decided to hoM the District Convention in Hamilton on the third Tuesday in October.

MOSGIEL. S pi. 12. Attendance good. Mrs 1 i.iio.u piesided, .»nd gave an address on “trusting.’ Decided 10 advertise for donations for the minei|>«i>. ivooiUl.oii 01 appreciation lor me iaitluui worn 1 our bicrciaiy. Mis race.s.ui, was passed, also a vote or sympathy to Mrs Findlay. Afterno ‘ii N.E. VALLEY. Sept. Mrs Peart presided. Rev. Kvans gave a splendid address on 1-aian *4:B. lie congratulated all temperance work rs on the recent victor) ior 0 o'clock closing. Attendance good. Collection of ,£3 for mine-sweepers, also parcel of warm clothing. MANAIA. Sept. 11. Mrs Fait presided, and 21 members were present. Three new members and six honorary members were initiated. A report was made on the L.T.L., which has reached a membership of nearly 70. Copies of “Defeat or Victory ’ were given to members for distribution. MATAKANA. Aug. 21. Cottage meeting at Mrs A. Roke’s. Mrs Witten presided, and gave a snort addr s.s. Rev. Young, from Auckland, gave a stirring aduress on “T he Ffleet of Alcohol 0.1 the Nation.’’ Mrs Roper gave .1 musical item. Mesdames A. and F. Roke provided refreshments. Two new members were initiated, and two hon. members joined. A collection of 14s was forwarded to the Strength of the Nation Movement. GISBORNE. Sept. 25. Celebration oi Franchise Day. Good attendance. Short pap rs read on women’s work and influence in the present crisis of the world's history. Appreciative words were spoken of Mrs Sievwright’s good and faithful work in tin- interests of women, and a record of the same was moved. Mrs Fast reported a successful collection of ,£SO in aid of the mine-sweepers. A letter of thanks to Mrs Lee-Cowie for th • good work she was maintaining in the Temperance cause. Mrs Walker moved the following resolution: “That this meeting considers that in view of th* present conditions which are forcing so many women and girls into tie labour market in competition with men, it is more than ever necessary for all women’s soi icties to unite in the demand that equal work should receive equal pay.” Oil the mrtion of the President, a vote of deepest sympathy was accorded to the R(v. Mr Wills on the severe loss he had sustained in the death of his wife. MARTON. Meetings have been held re* ularly, and work don<* Money and gifts were sent to Mrs Niinmo for mine-

•weepers. Mrs Lee-Cow ie gave u * an evening on “ I'hc Strength of th«* Nation Movement.” Some new members were gained. ONEHUNGA. Sept. 13. Delegates elected for the District Convention. Several parcels and £5 us were collected for mine-sweepers. One parcel of warm clothing was donated by the elder girls from the Public School, Onehunga. Miss Weymouth gave an address. Our membership now stands at 43. HAW ERA. Sept. 27. Franchise Day celebrated. Miss Maunder presided; *22 present. Mrs Hone reported a total of £(*> for mine-sweepers. Mrs Curtis reported the success of the first meeting of the L T.L. Fine address In K> \ II It ( 1 1 ,I\ A tolo tty M Simpsoti. Afternoon tea, and a colle< tion of i(>s yd. NELSON. Sept. 11. Franchise Day celebrate ed, .Mrs Watson presiding. One new member. Resolved to invite Mrs Cowie to vi .v from October 6th to Bth. Mrs Claude (iraham was heartily thanked for her address on “The Initiative and Referendum.” Mrs Fmrnett teported £7 13s and a number of garments collected for mine-sweepers. Mrs Brown reported £2l i)s id collected for the Y.M.C.A. Decided to hold Sale of Work on Oc - tober 17. Following resolutions were passed and forwarded to Hon. A. L. Herdman : (1) “The nu mbers of the Nelson Branch of the W.C.T.U. have read with grave concern the report of the trial of the man Ebrerjr in Dunedin, and feel strongly the inadequacy of the sentence mi|>osed. which is hardly likely to act as a deterrent to others. They are also indignant that any New Zealand Judge should for a moment consider it desirable to send such a man amongst our young boys m tbe Forces.” t) I h.o the Si retarv be directed to forward to the Minister for Police an article* from an Knglish paper, showing the recog nition which women |>olice have received in Britain, and the work thr> are doing there; and to express the hope *hat he will ere long see his way to appoint women polite in the chief cities of the Dominion.” AUCKLAND. Aug 22. Mrs Cook presided. Union joined with Auckland City Prohibition and Temperance League in sending circular to the Premier and members of Parliament of the elc'torate. Resolution : “That the members of the Auckland W.C.T.U. heartily endorse the recommendation of the Efficiency Roard with regard to the liquor traffic, and earnestly request the Government to bring into immediate effect.” Action of Executive

endorsed re forming branch union at Kdcndale, also retaining the services of Miss Weymouth till the end of the year. Miss Weymouth reported on the work of the- Y’s, which w*s very satisfactory. Decided that the young people take the Soldiers’ Club, January, iqiß. Decided that Miss Powell be asked to speak at the afternoon session of the District Convention. Sept. 12. Good attendance, Mrs Garraway (Vice-President) in the chair. l he unveiling of the “French memorial” to take place at Erin Park September 29th. Miss Powell addressed the meeting on “Our Work in the Country,” and a hearty vote of thanks was passed. Five new members from Grey Lynn were welcomed, also Mrs Austin of Morrinsville, and Mrs Sweetman, from Grey mouth. Sept. 26. Mrs Cook presided. F inal arrangements made for District Convention, Wednesday, October 10th. 1917. Morning and afternoon srssion and evening meeting St. David's Hall. Loyal Temperance Legion demonstration, under the leadership of Miss Weymouth. Miss Dewar reported meeting of Joint Committee British Red Cross and Ord«r of St. John, an appeal for funds. Union to have a stall at the Ferry Buildings, Friday, October iqth, members to kindly help h> sending donations of saleable articles. Mrs W. Taylor reported that donations and comforts for brave mine sweepers were coming in satisfactorily. Mr McDermott gave a full and interesting account of the business deputation and monster procession to Parliament in Wellington re six o’clock < losing. Mrs Cook congratulated Mr McDermott on the success of the movement, and members united in singing “Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow.’* KAKAIA. Sept. 13. Mrs Boag presided. Mrs Ross was appointed to collect clothing, <*tc., for the minesweepers. Mrs Ford is getting a box put in the station waiting room, which Mrs Liddington will keep filled with leaflets, etc. Mrs Lee-Cowie’s poem, “The Cry of the Mothers,” was distributed at all the churches on September 2nd. Mrs Ross and Mrs Hopwood were.accorded a vote of thanks for representing the Branch at the Provincial Convention and for their report. Two <r White Ribbon” new sub.uiUrs weie re|>ortcd for the month. GREYTOWN. Sept. 18. Special meeting at Mrs Whim op’s. President in the chair. Mr Hornsby, M.P., wrote promising to vote for 6 o’clock closing of hotel bars. Four subscribers for “White Ribbon.” President gave an interesting account of Feilding Convention.

Sept. 28. President in the (hair. Mrs Whim op wrote resigning her position as President, on account of ill-health. Resignation accepted with regret and sympathy. Mcmbe* from England heartily welcomed. Decided to hold a social on November 6th. WAIPUKURAU. Sept. 10. Good attendance. Reported that a cheque of ,£SO had been given to the Union for mine-sweepers. Members agreed to make garments for mine-sweepers. Mrs Harris was appointed organist. Afternoon tea. PETONE. Aug. Meeting took the form of a birthday social to our esteemed President 011 her 84th birthday. All the ministers of the town were either pro sent or -.cnt congratulations, and member* *> / the District Union were present. A good programme of music. Afternoon tea, at which the President cut the rake. Sept. 4. Decided to take a turn at the Red Cross shop in two weeks’ time. PAKIRI. Sept. 6. Fine day, attendance good, Mrs Rennie in the chair. Mr Mander, M.P.. wrote promising to support 6 o’clock closing Decided to send for copies of “Defeat or Victory” for distribution; also to make a special collection for mine-sweepers. PALMERSTON NORTH. Sept. 20. Mrs Crabb presided. Mrs Lee-Cowie gave an address. She •'poke of the victory secured for early closing A hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Cowie. Mrs Crabb moved that a letter of congratulation he sent to Rev. Dawson on the victory he had worked so hard to secure. Decided to call our hostel “Willard House.” We hope to have the opening ceremony on October 11. Patriotic Societv donated £IOO to furnishing the hostel. Sept. Usual meeting. Mrs Crabb presided. Decid dto give the leaders of our five L.T.L.’s representation on the Senior ExecuFvr. Mrs Houlder sooke of the Fe’ld ng Convention. The Convention expressed indignation at the very inadequate sentence passed in the recent white slave case in Dunedin. DUNEDIN. Sept. Public meeting to protest against the inadequate sentence passed upon Ebiery and Parker in the White Slave cases. The need of education was strongly stressed. Oct. Reported that as an outcome of public meeting, a combined deputation from W.C.T.U. and Y.W.C.A. waited upon the Education Board, asking them to co-oj>erate in getting sex hygiene taught n schools. The Board resolved to ask the Department to appoint teachers to give instruction in sex hygiene in the public schools.