News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 25, Issue 293, 18 November 1919, Page 13

News of the Unions.

n he Editor cannot promise to insert anythng in tne 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.) HLUfF. I tic annual social gathering and presentation of prizes in connection with the IFand of Hope was held in Willard Hall on October ioth, when there was a very large gathering of members and friends. Rev. R. Francis presided, and gave an ap propriate address. Mrs H. Johnson, Band of Hope Superintendent, presented the prizes, 30 first prizes (full attendance), 17 -seconds (once absent), and four special prizes for bringing the most new members. An •iccTlent programme was rendered by the children. Supper was then served, and a most successful session of the Rand of Hope was brought to 2 close by the singing of the Dox■jtogv and the National Anthem. LEIGH. o< t. jo. Mts Wyatt in the chair. Decided unanimously to send in a resolution recommending that the widows’ pension should be on the same scale as that of the epidemic widows. Mr If. B. Moore, the Organising Secretary of the South Maisden Prohibition League, gave much valuable information on the licensing position in the United States of America, and answered questions on the subject. Resolved that all donations paid by members to the Prohibition Campaign Fund should be sent through the Leigh I'nion. The meeting closed by binging the W.C.T.U. Doxology. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. Oct. 17. In the absence of the President, Mrs Beckingham took the chair. A Committee was set up to ict with the District Union to make preparatory arrangements for the Antual Convention, to be held in 11)40. \n interesting account of the work done at the District Convention recently held at Petone, was given by Mrs Pennington, one of this Union’s delegates. It was decided to hold the annual Executive meeting at Mrs Caughley*s on November i-Rh, and the annual meeting on the jist November. OXFORD. Oct 1 Rn Ryde presided. Re solutions of sympathy passed. Dona _ tion of j£i reported bv Secretary. Miss Jessie Gainsford was thanked lot her efficient help in all Union "ork, and best wishes of the t nion "ere hers for her future happiness. Resolution passed, to be forwarded to Minister of Defence and M.P., protesting against the compulsory train-

nig of youths in camp for four months. Mrs F. Tritt appointed delegate to Provincial Convention. Mrs Hawke was thanked for her in teresting account of the Town-Plan-ning Conference in Wellington. Oct. 22. The Union celebrated its eighth birthday. Decided to for ward a resolution to Provincial Convention suggesting that the Government amend the law that in the case of habitual drunkards the police be empowered to apply for a prohibition order, and thus obviate the necessitv of the relatives appearing in Court. A paper was read bv Mrs Ancall. Afternoon tea and a beautiful birth day cake, the; gift of Mrs lint Clarke. Votes of thanks were accorded to all who helped. HAW ERA. Oct. jo. Mrs Hone presided. Sll fames Allen and Mr Pearce acknow (edged receipt of resolutions. 8s voted for prizes for L.T.L. Mem bres assisted in sending out literature. NORM AMD. We have held three Home Meetings, and our monthly meetings air well attended. Good work done for Red Cross, and for the coming campaign. The Y Branch is assisting in the work, and have held several largely attended socials. We have a good library of suitable literature. WANGANUI EAST. Oct. President occupied the chair. Decided to hold a “pay up’ social on November ijth, evening, hon. members and soldier friends t<> be invited. Afternoon tea was served. INVERCARGILL DISTRICT. Nov. a. A pay-up social at 7.30 p.m. A blight evening, with songs and solos. Mrs Baird spoke- on the purity question. Mrs Lillie rap spoke on the coming i>oll, and Miss Birss on the very encouraging progress ot the Y Branch. Supper was handed round. MASTERTON. Nov. 4. Annual social, Mrs Devonport presiding. Weather inclement. but attendance good. Ad dresses bv Re v. Cocker and Ensign Sawyer. Several musical items and a reading. Votes of thanks to the Press and to the Trusts for use of Knox Hall. GREY MOUTH DISTRICT. Oct. 14. Prayer meeting. Mrs Gaskin presiding. Address bv Lieut. Doris Langdon. S V Final arrangements made f*»v Sale of Work. Oct. 48. Replies from Mr Holland, M.P., and othe-rs, re compulsory military training for youths. Dee id ed to make application for visits from Nurse Chappell and Mis Wheeler. Reported that Sailors' Rest Sale of Work realised /4b One ne-w mem her.

DUNEDIN DISTRICT. Oct. 7. Pay-up social held in the evening. Mrs Hielt presided Rev. Randerson gave an address on “Opti mism,” and Mrs Peryman made a strong appeal for new subscribers foi the “White Riblxm.’ Decided to send a telegram of thanks to the Premiet for the interest he ha** taken in the passing of the Women’s ParliamentariRights Bill. Musical items, recitations, and supper filled in a pleasant evening. Nov. 4. Fail attendance, Mrs I Lett presiding. Three new members. Telegram to Premier expressing ap prcciatton of the action of the- New Zealand Government in prohibiting themanufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors in Samoa. Mrs Lee Comic gave- an intrre-sting r address, and urged all to strike out the two top lim-s. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Nov. 7. “Franchise iDay,” when Mrs Evans, MA., presided. Mrs Moody traced the franchise movement from 1850, w hen a lady, who was afterwards Mrs (Dr) Muller, sailed into Nelson. Mrs Sheppard, ten), was mentioned as one who was ideally fitted fen the post of Franchise Superintendent, and to her, of all women, was victory tinallv due*. The petition, which Sir John Hall presented, of 31,000 names, represe-nting a third of the women in New Zealand, was referred to as being the- most numerously-signed petition ever presented before any Australasian Parliament. In closing, Mrs Moody aske-d all present to realise their responsibility to the State, to have high ideals, and to work and vote till all evils are abolished. Rl\ KR I ON. Sept. 10. Mrs Gray presided. Fair attendance. A resolution protesting against the proposed military training sc heme was passed unanimously. Report given by Mr J. Stevens, Electoral Organiser, of Mr Dawson's address in Invercargill, was appreciated. Oct. 1. Mrs Wheeler gave a most interesting address on woik in Anieri ca. also a recitation, which was much enjoyed. She fullv explained the dif ferencc between “dry” and “bone dry, M and gave us much useful in formation. Chair taken by His Wor ship the- Mayor. Note of thanks to Mrs Wheeler for her able* address closed the meeting. W Allll. Oct. ib. The Cradle Roll Superintendent, Mrs Burt, held a very successfull Rally at her home. A number of mothers, with the- little ones, were pre sent, also member of W.C. 1.l . Mrs Snow gave a short address to mothers, after which afternoon tea was handed lounei Several new names were added to the Cradle Roll, and a good de-al of interest aroused. NELSON. 00. 7. Mrs Watson presided; fair attendance. Letter received stating City Council had set aside- a shop feu a rest room for women, and in addi-

tion to paying the cost of making the necessary alterations, would expend the sum of ;£2O in furnishing the room. Mr Field reported on Chappell's meetings, which were ell attended, and the lectures listened to with interest. Final arrangements were made for Sale of Work on October 15. ASHBI’RTON. Oct. Mrs Fill presided. Large attendance of members and No License workers were present to consider plans for uoik in connection with the coming poll. In conjunction with the No-License Council, a welcome to Mrs K. Wheeler, U.S.A., was arranged. Resolved that the Union support the Council in requesting the General Secretary of New Zealand Alliance to send the two best organisers available to Ashburton immediately, for work in opposition to the strenuous effort now being made to re-open the bars in this electorate. Mcsdames Miller and Baker were appointed delegates to Convention. An appeal was made on behalf of the B and F. Sailors’ Fund, and a ready response was received. A donation of ios was voted to the Band of Hope Prize Fund. Oct. 21. Hearty welcome to Mrs F. V heeler, Mrs Fill in the chair. In responding, the visitor delighted her hcircrs with several elocutionary items. Over 60 names were handed in as members of the Women’s Etficicncv League. In the evening St. Andrew’s Church was packed, when Mrs Wheeler gave a recital, closing with an account of the Prohibition movement in America. More names were handed in. His Worship the Mavor moved a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker. AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Sept. 24. Votes of sympathy with Mesdames Donald and Page. Letter >f thanks from the Women’s Help Committee for the Union's help in street collection for the poor of the city. Union collected £-0 15s. Resolved that this Union earnestly urge upon the Government the great necessity for the ap|>ointment of women police in the interests of women and children, copies of this resolution to he sent to the local papers and to the Premier. Mrs Reuben Bailey spoke on individual responsibility. One new member. Oct. 8. Premier wrote saying the matter of appointment of women police would receive due consideration. Wire sent to Sir Francis Bell re granting full Parliamentary rights to women. Mr French addressed the meeting, and was thanked. Oct. 22 Short devotional address bv Mrs Anstice. Pleasure expressed at the Returned Soldiers’ Association voting against the selling of drink at their clubs. Letters of thanks from the Women'.* Patriotic League for help giver, at the Soldiers’ Club, and from Rev. Knowle Kempton for Union’s letter wishing him God speed in his

new sphere of work. Congratulatory telegram sent to the Premier rc passing of Women’s Parliamentary Bill. Resolved: “That this Union earnestly urge the Government to deal with ordinary widows' pensions this session. They would further urge that they be placed upon the same basis as epidemic widows’ pensions in order that there be no necessity for a mother either to leave her young children to go out to work or resort to charitable aid for assistance. An address by Mrs Hewett was much enjoyed. Decided to hold Distric t Convention on November 12th. One new member. RICHMOND (NELSON). Sept. 10. Good meeting. Letter of sympathy to the friends of Sistei Say well. Protest sent to Minister of Defence re the proposal to retain youths for four months’ continuous military training in camps. Oct. 8. President in the chair. L.T.L. reported to be doing well. Mental School, Richmond, to be visited and articles collected. Night meeting and social next month. Valuable discussion followed. Initiatory Service and Temperance Doxology closed the meeting. TIMARU. Oct. 28. Tne President opened the meeting with hymn, Scripture reading, and special prayer from members. Hospital visitors appointed, also Committee to arrange for socials at the Sailors’ Rest for the visiting seamen. Correspondence from the Premier, Sir Francis Bell, Sir J. Allen, and Mr J. Craigie, in answer to resolutions forwarded last month. List* of donations received for funds of Sailors’ Rest presented, and votes of thanks passed.