News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 26, Issue 302, 18 August 1920, Page 12

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anythin# 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.) ARAMOHO. July. Members visited tne Jubilee Home and entertained inmates with music and song, which waa much appreciated by them. Tea was provided by the visitors, and heartily enjoyed by the old folk, who asked the singers to come again. Singing of “Auld Syne" ended a pleasant afternoon. CAMBRIDGE. June 8. Mrs K. Watson presided over a good attendance. The report of Dominion Convention was read by the President. Four ladies were initiated as members. July 13. Mrs Watson in the chair. Increased attendance. In the unavo.dable absence of Rev. J. D. McArthur (through illness), who was to speak to us on the late T. E. Taylor, Mrs Cocks (late of Dargaville) read a story on practical Christianity. Mrs Martin extended greetings from the Cnion at Avondale. £3 was raised for the Save the Children Fund. TAKA PUNA. Aug. 5. After a short devotional meeting, led by Mrs Bayes, Mrs Fulljames presided; 13 present. Favourite hymns recited by members. Our President spoke on "Following in His steps.” Mrs Burnett gave a recitation. "Inasmuch." which was much appreciated. A letter was read referring to work amongst seamen, which we were requested to help. Collection taken up for Maori Fund. Members asked to celebrate their birthdays by giving to Girls' Hostel. HASTINGS. June 17. White Ribbon Day. Mrs Moore (Vice-President) presided. Fourteen members present, and seven visitors. Mrs Moore reported on the annual meeting of Prohibition Cnion, and open discussion of various questions followed. Re high cost of living it was unanimously rsolved: "That this meeting of women expresses its deep interest with the remarks made by the President of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce on the high cost of living, and consider the Government should adopt drastic measures to check profiteering in those articles that are essential to the health and well-being of the children." July 17. T. E. Taylor Day. Mrs Mcßean presided over small attendance of members. Rest Room Committee reported on progress of bust month. A

number of articles written by personal friends on the character and last scenes in T. E. Taylor’s life were read by Mrs Spurdle, and a most enjoyable meeting was brought to an end by the pro nouncing of the Benediction. MASTERTON. July 22. A very successful "At Home" was held at the residence of Mrs Coradine. There was a large attendance of members and friends. Mrs Peryman gave a most interesting and helpful adddress on "The White Ribbon Army." Three new members were initiated, and five new subscribers were obtained for the "White Ribbon." Votes of thanks we re passed to Mrs Peryman, the hostess, and Miss Jackson. Aug. 3. The monthly meeting was held in Knox Hall. Mrs Rutter presided. Letters were received from Miss Henderson, asking that a resolution be passed against indentured labour in Samoa. Mix Ross was appointed delegate to the Provincial Convention. which is to be held in Palmerston North. Mrs Nimmo wrote asking for help for her work among the sailors. FEILDING. August sth. Mrs Barton presided. Committee for Dorcas Work reported not being able to secure room to receive clothing. Further efforts to be made. The Secretary read several letters from Superintendents of Departments of W.CT.U. work; one from Miss Henderson, Dominion Secretary, drawing attention to certain matters before the House, viz., indentured labour for Samoa, and Mr Hunter’s Bill for 38 extra racing permits. A letter from Captain Inglis, of the Feilding Salvation Army, with (hr suggestion that they give their S.A. Primary Rooms for a Woman’s Rest Room, and asking for the opinion of the W.C.T.U. on the subject. The meeting welcomed the suggestion most heartily, and decided to help in any way possible if the idea were carried out. Arrangements made for sending reading matter to back blocks. Decided to hold afternoon meeting in aid of Work Among Seamen. DANNEVIRKE. July. T. E. Taylor Day celebrated by an At Home at the residence of the President; 25 present. Mrs Knight read an appreciation of T. E. Taylor, a pioneer in the Prohibition movement. Mrs Ensign Huston gave an interesting address on Fanny Ciosbie. the blind hymn writer. Musical items were rendered and arrangements made for the forthcoming District Convention. Afternoon tea was served by the hostess, and a hearty vote of thanks to her brought a pleasant afternoon to a close. GISBORNE. July 27. There were 15 members present, and the President, Mrs Goffe, occupied the chair. The third annual re-

port of the Social Hygiene Society wa<. read and commented on. The No License League will join us in holding a social on the last Monday in Septem her. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mrs Bishop in the loss of her daughter. Reference was made to it being T. E. Taylor Day. N.E. VALLEY. July 26. Quarterly evening meetinp held in Young Men’s Institute. The President, Mrs Peart, presided and welcorned or. behalf of the Union the Rev. S. Morris and Mrs Morris, and afterwards welcomed Mrs Morris as a member of the Union. The Rev. S. Morris gave an interesting account of his experience and work during his recent v.sit to England and Scotland. Mrs p.vut spoke on "The First Woman M.P. —Her Courage in taking a Stand Against Drink." Mrs Medlin and Miss Moss rendered solos. Four new members were initiated. MORRINSVILLE. Ju<> 3. Small attendance. Decided to accept offer of Hamilton’s President to give report of Convention at next meeting, and to endeavour to secure good audience for it. July 17. Mrs Richards presided over a fair attendance. Collection of 12s for Maori work. Declaration of "Our Principles” was read by President and discussed by members. Secretary was instructed to write for price list for Purity literature. PAHIATUA. July 23. We are still going forward. Our now President, Mrs Hansen, is stirring things up. T. E. Taylor flay commemorated by an "At Homo" at Mrs Wilson’s. Good attendance. Rev. Welsh gave a fine address. Musical items were rendered. Afternoon tea' handed round, and a collection taken up for local work. The same evening the Union took charge of Band of Hope. There was a good attendance, and a fine programme. AVONDALE. July 27. Members from District Union took charge, by invitation. There was a tine gathering, Mrs Cook presiding. A paper on "The White Ribbon was read. Songs and a recitation were given, afternoon tea handed round, and three new members initiated. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. July. Miss Finlayson (infant mistress of the Newtown School) read a paper on “School environment and its relation to the child,” and mentioned that better play grounds would help the social side of the child, and also the buildings themselves could be improved. Reference was made to the thousands of children who spend the best part of their child life in dingy buildings, which should be spent in pleasant surrouundings. The need of women on School

Committees was also stressed, and hope was expressed that a better time was coming for the children. The deputation to the Hon. Parr was referred to, rnd pleasure was expressed that the Minister was so sympathetic in connection with scientific temperance bene: taught in the schools. A special meeting was held on .Italy loth, when Mrs Evans, M.A., presided, owing to Mrs Wright’s illness. Mrs Peryman was welcomed at this “At Home," and spoke on the two notable “White Ribbon" end “T. E. Tay or,’’ emphasising the benefit of holding these days on certain dates, as all the I'nions could concentrate on a particular subject. Mrs Peryman gave an inspiring address on the nte T. E. Taylor's work, saying how he had given every ounce of his strength to the Temperance cause. Several illustrations were given showing how Mr Taylor feared no human being in the discharge of his duty. Mention was also made of the “White Ribbon,” and all present were asked circulate it. and thereby make the platform and work of our MT.C.T.U, more widely known. Mrs Moody also spoke on her visit to England during the war, and stressed the point of all wearing our White Ribbon bow. A hearty vote of thanks was mven to Mrs Peryman, after which ’hree new members were initiated. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. July 13. Mrs Easley presided over a food attendance. Two members appointed to make arrangements re child*n’B kindergarten street day. Committee appointed to visit sick and ab?nt members. President suggested bolding Home Meetings to increase membership. L.T.L. Superintendent reported good opening social. Economic bints filled in the afternoon. Three new members reported. MANAIA. July 13. Hood attendance. Mrs itterson presided. Report of Convenon rejid, and all accounts passed for Payment Decided to send letters of h&Pks to friends who entertained dele:ates - One member, eleven Cradle Piol] tufrtaa, and six new "White Kill ”°u subscribers gained. Two. ladies ay*. fI V( , m inute speeches, and Mrs Patread an item from “Vanguard."

ORMONDVILLE. June 10. Public meeting in aid of the Sailors' Mission. Mrs Nimmo sent letters she had received from sailors, and these were read by members, to show the good work that was being done by Mrs Nimmo and her helpers among seamen. Afternoon tea was partaken of, and a collection of £2 8s was taken up. HAMILTON. July 1. Mrs Jones presided. Resolved that the Union support the Hamilton branch of the Women’s National Council in that the* Department of Public* Health be urged to establish in all centres of population public fumigations. where infected clothing and bedding may be fumigated; that in view of the frequency of criminal offences against young children, flogging should be added to the punishment. After the business part, Mrs Jones read one of Mrs Freeman's papers on “Faith, Hope, and Charity.” Evangelistic meeting held at Mrs Tuibott’s on Thursday, July Bth, fifteen members being present. GREYTOWN. July 21. Successful evening social to raise funds for the blind soldiers and sailors, that they may be taught trades whereby they may earn their own living. Vocal and elocutionary items were given, and competitions were indulged in. Su f er was passed round, and an enjoyable evening brought to a close. Collection and donations, £4 15s 6d. LEIGH. (iood attendance, Mrs R. Matheson in the chair. Several visitors present. Mr Poole, the Presbyterion minister, led the devotions, and gave an extremely interesting address on the Temperance question. Afternoon tea concluded a very pleasant afternoon. INVERCARGILL. August 3. Miss Birss presided. Resolution passed protesting against indentured labour in Samoa, to be sent to Prime Minister. M.P. for Invercargill, Awarua, Mataua and Wallace. A letter received from Railway Department, Wellington, stating that it is the intention of the Department to frame a by-law to combat the practise of men consuming liquor on trains between RlufT and Invercargill, and that in the

meantime the staff are directed to give the matter special attention. Two members were elected to attend Children's House Committee meeting to make final arrangements for Violet Day. One* new member was initiated. Mr J. S. Baxter gave a report on the recent convention, held by the N.Z. Alliance* in Wellington. He stated suggested plans for the coming campaign, and outlined the reforms asked for, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Sympathy and regret expressed at the loss of Mrs Wright, one of our Hospital visitors. NEW PLYMOUTH. July 7. Successful White Ribbon Day. Address by Mrs O. Blundell on early missionaries to the Maoris. Good collection. Afternoon tea. July 14. Home meeting at the* President's house in Massey Street. Dartmoor. Sister Nellie gave an address on her work amongst the Maoris, and suggested that some leaflet in tho Maori language be obtained, and distributed. One new member joined. July 28. Monthly meeting. President (Mrs Auld) in the chair. One new member welcomed. Pay-up social arranged for August 2. r >th. BLENHEIM. August 3. Mrs Richards presided over well-attended meeting. Resolution was passed asking Parliament to prohibit the employment of indentured labour in Samoa. Secretary reported having received to date £l7 for Save the Children Fund. Decided to keep list open in meantime*. A letter was received from Miss Fraser, asking Union's sympathy and support for the Education Department’s system of providing homes for Industrial School children. Union will render any .assistance in its power. Mrs Low, Timaru, formerly of Blenheim, wrote a most interesting letter on the work of the Union In Timaru. ASHBURTON. July. Pay-up social. A large gathering of members and friends present. Mrs G. Miller. Vice-President, occupied the chair. A vote of sympathy was passed with the relations of our late sister, Mrs J, McLauchlin. Mrs Kippenberger wrote re arrangements for Canterbury Convention. Decision postponed. A very enjoyable programme was submitted, and ;i cup of lea handed

round. Five new numbers were enrolled. Votes of thanks to performers was earned by acclamation. August. A good attendance, Mrs G. Miller presiding. Votes of sympathy were passed with six members bereaved during the month. N.Z. Superintendents of Work Among Seamen, and Literature wrote in reference to departmental work. Miss Blee was appointed to assist in Literature Department. Mesdames I,ill and J. Moore were appointed delegates to Canterbury Convention. Mrs Hansen, of I’ahiatua, was present, and conveyed greetings from the sister Cnion, and briefly addressed the gathering. Rev. T. W. Vealie gave personal reminiscences of life of Frances Willard, and was heartily thanked. OXFORD. July 28. Mrs Gainsford, senr., presided. and asked all present to stand and express sympathy for our I’resident, Mrs Ryde, in her great sorrow at the sudden death of her son. Votes of sympathy with Mrs Corny ns in the death of her mother: Mrs Fenwick, in her illness; and Mrs Mashlan. in the loss of her daughter, a Cradle Roll member. After prayer for the sick and bereaved, the meeting adjourned for a week. Aug. 4. T. E. Taylor Day. Mi's Gainsford presided. Rev. Duncan gave an account of life and work of Mr Taylor. Secretary instructed to thank the Oxford I’atriotic Picture Company for £l7 (proceeds of entertainment) towards Fight the Famine Fund. Resolved: "That the Oxford Branch of the W.C. T.U. protest most strongly against the proposal to employ indentured labour in Samoa.” Collection taken up. RICHMOND. June 9. President in chair. Mrs A. Hunter gave address on her rescue W’ork in Australia. Much of the misery was caused through strong drink. All were urged to work for National Prohibition. Meeting well attended. Collection realised 15s. July 11. President in chair. A very interesting meeting. A number of temperance extracts were read by President. Resolved to insert one extract once a week each month for six months in "Evening Mail.* Collection for Children’s Relief Fund realised 11s. Lady sent in 10s towards "Mail” Fund. SAWYER S BAY. July. A very good attendance. Mrs Cleghorn presided, and Mrs A. Pratt ley read us a very interesting address on the life of T. E. Taylor. Decided to have a paper read at each meeting on some helpful subject. One new member. HENDERSON. July 21. Owing to much sickness among our meml>ers. the attendance was small. Much sympathy was felt, and the Secretary asked to express the same by letter to the suffering friends.

Our President (Mrs Attwood) offered up a very earnest prayer for all to be restored to health again. ACCK LAND DISTRICT. July 14. Meeting in Headquarters. Mrs Cook presided. Good attendance. Adjutant Gordon, of Salvation Army, spoke on Sabbath Observance, deploring the fact that the tendency in these days was to desecrate God’s Day and use it as a day for pleasure and work. She urged the need to teach the rising generation the sac red ness of the day, and the importance to keep it apart for the worship of God. Mrs Hewett and Miss Bagnall (Superintendent of this department) also spoke on the subject. The ladies present were asked to join the Lord’s Day Alliance. Decided to send a remit to Ihe National Council of Women on this matter. July 28. Pay-up social in Headquarters. Mrs Cook presided. A letter was read from Mrs Nimmo bringing the work among sailors before the Union. A message was received from Mrs Reuben Bailey telling of her safe arrival in Australia. Songs were rendered, and a very tine recitation by a Wellington member. A paper was read by Mrs Anstice on the White Ribbon work. The members were urged to continue in their collecting for Hostel Fund. Afternoon tea was dispensed, and a very pleasant social time spent. Two new members were initiated. NELSON. July 13. Miss Atkinson presided. A good attendance of memt>ors and friends. Miss Atkinson spoke of the work being done by members of the Union and others in the Hall on Thursday afternoons, and also in their own homes, in connection with the Save the Children Fund. An appeal was made for more workers and more contributions. A number of finished garments were on view in one of the class rooms. Mi's Rowlands delivered a very interesting address on the women of Japan, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for same. A collection in aid of mission work was taken up. DUNEDIN DISTRICT. July 6. Mrs Hiett presided. Small attendance. Vote of sympathy with Mi's McDonald on the death of her husband, and with Mrs Gain for fire in her house. Congratulations to Mr Cohen on his appointment to the Legislative Council. Mrs Broad recalled the many services rendered by Mr Cohen to the W.C.T.U. and on behalf of women and children generally. Invitation from Kaikorai Union to attend meeting on 20th ult. Resolved to write to different churches asking them to appoint, delegates to attend meetings of W.C.T.U. Resolved to send a copy of the following resolution to Minister of Railways:—"Whereas women and children are constantly put to great inconvenience when travelling on trains, through lack of separate lavatory ne-

commodattion, this Union urges that separate lavatories be provided for men and women.” Mrs Starnes, missionary, gave an interesting account of work and experiences among the In dians in Bolivia, pointing out that in temperance was the greatest obstacle to success in the w’ork. and stressing the fact that the carrying of Prohibition in New Zealand would help. President reported that District Organiser has reorganised South Dunedin Union, and is hopeful of forming a Union in Oamaru. IN VERCARGILI DISTRICT. June. White Ribbon Day. Attendance fair. Decided to help Children’s House Committee with selling flowers on Violet Day. An article on Maori work was read by Miss Birss. Decid ed that our Convention delegate and Secretary visit Edendale in September. Various churches to lie written to and asked to appoint two delegates to att< ml W.C.T.U. meetings and report at church meetings once a year. A letter of sympathy was sent to Mrs Baird on the loss of her daughter. Dr. Agnes Baird. The sum of £2 was raised for Maori work. EDEN. June 16. Miss Wilson presided; 15 present. Mrs Miller was unable to give her address owing to an accident; let ter of sympathy to be sent. Mrs Ram sey elected Cradle Roll Superintendent. Reported that a city jeweller had pro mised to stock white enamel badge.*. Mrs Leask, a visitor from Napier, welcomed, and Mrs Roering received on transfer from Waihi. July 21. Miss Wilson presided; 9 present. Vote of sympathy to Mrs Chappell in lass of her brother. Mrs Chappell transferred from Tauranga. Decided to ask churches to send representatives to our meetings. Resolved to celebrate our 3rd birhday by holding a pay-up social. Very full and interesting report of Alliance Conference was given by Miss Caley. PAPATOETOE. May 25. Mrs Fulljames gave report of Convention. June 29. Mrs Leonard presided, aril spoke strongly in favour of starting a Cradle Roll. Mrs Porter urged members to secure new subscribers for the “White Ribbon,” and to carefully study the paper, and so keep abreast of the w'ork of the Union. July 27. Mi's Leonard presided. Mis> Aitkin gave an interesting account of her temperance work in Scotland. Afternoon tea and a solo follow’ed. also collection. Resolved: "That this meet ing desires to express its appreciation and thanks to Hon. Mr Parr for hi* attitude on Selenitic Temperance teach ing in schools ” CHRISTCHURCH. July 11 Mrs T. E. Taylor preside* l over a good attendance. Decided to donate £2 2s towards the Band of Hoi"

Competition Prize Fund. A letter from Mrs Don was read, and much appreciated. Decided to ask Rev. Ready to give an address on T. K. Taylor Day. July 28. T. E. Taylor l>uy. Miss Huberts presided over a pood attendance. Rev. and Mrs Ready were heartily welcomed, and Rev. Ready gave a very interesting and appreciative address on our late lecdcr. T. E. Taylor, of the inspiration his life had been, anti of the growth of the Prohibition movement in all lands. Resolved: "That the Government be urged to prohibit the employment of indentured labour in Samoa.” "That this Union thanks Mr Isitt and his supporters for their effort to secure the abolition of the toalisator.” "That this Union congratulates and thanks the Minister for Public Health on his intention to establish a Child Welfare Deparment.” Afternoon tea was dispensed. Miss Roberts and Mrs Napier were appointed delegates to the Provincial Convention. MAWERA. July 29. Mrs Scott presided, 16 present. One new member initiated. Mrs Scott appointed delegate to Provincial Convention. Decided to hold tirst L.T.L. meeting on Friday, August 6th. Agreed that Union take charge of Red Cross shop, to raise funds for starving children in Europe. Mrs Hill appealed for more subscribers to tnc "White RibiKin." greytown. Aug. A pleasant social afternoon was held at the residence of Mrs Aukers. Owing to the absence of President. through illness, Mrs Whincop presided. There was a good attendance. Letters from Miss Henderson and Mrs Peal w’ere read and discussed: also from Mrs Nimmo, who kindly sent along a few very interesting letters which she had received from the sailors at sea. These were much appreciated. Ihe resignation of Miss Gibbs as Secretarj was received with much regret. We initiated two new members. A collection was taken up in aid of the Sailors’ Fund, which amounted to 16s 9d.