PRESS.

White Ribbon, Volume 26, Issue 310, 18 April 1921, Page 14

PRESS.

(Supt.: Miss Jessie Mackay.) As in previous years, a regrettable number of Unions have failed to report for 1920, but on the other hand there has been no falling oft in Press activity since last Convention. Feilding. Invercargill, Manaia. Oxford, and Wellington have reported meetings regularly in local papers, and the “White Ribbon." Pahiatua has sent at intervals. Wanganui District pays a tribute to generous treatment of the local Press regarding the Union’s regular reports. Palmerston North last two Superintendents during the year, since which Mrs Crabb hat kindly furnished reports for the local Press and “White Rib-

bon,” when able. Names of donors to the street stalls have been regularly published. A circular leaflet of information regarding Willard Home was sent down the line, and its contents noted in the local papers. From the Ashburton District Union comes the gratifying record of a busy year. Winchmore, Greenstreet, and the head Union itself have reported meetings regularly in the local paoers, and “White Ribbon.“ Kakaia and Tinwald reporting occasionally. Under a new Editor the “Mail” and “Guardian' have rendered excellent service, supporting by able and timely articles the request of the District Union to the Hospital Hoard for a St. Helen’s Home or Maternity Ward in Ashburton, also that trained nurses should )>e appointed to the country districts. As a result, an additional nurse has l>een sent. Miss Trevurza adds: "It is with pleasure that we can report a Press in entire sympathy with our efforts for the betterment of mankind, more up-to-date hygienic laws, and a higher moral and social purity.” Auckland District Union states that all meeting are advertised, and reported in the local Press and “White Ribbon,” with locals when necessary. The lady reporter of one of the papers has attended special meetings, and Miss Dewar notes the good effect of the prominence thereby accorded in the Women’s Uolumn. The Christchurch Union has reported all meetings in the city daily papers. The main work of the year was the part taken by the Union in conjunction with other women’s societies, touching the inauguration of the Fight the Famine Campaign in Canterbury. The Press Superintendent sent a number of letters of information and appeal to the morning papers. Mrs Sheppard and Miss L. M. Smith supplied Canterbury country newspapers with information. Appeals were also sent to the “Methodist Times,” “Outlook,” and “Church News.” Letters on Prohibition, indentured labcur in Samoa, and the Gaming Bill were sent to Christchurch newspapers. The Nelson Union has advertised all meetings, and secured good reports in the lecal Press, as well as sending to the “White Ribbon.” Miss Atkinson wrote an appeal to help the “Save the Children Fund,” to which there was a splendid response. The Richmond Union pays for the weekly insertion in the local paper of a short telling advertisement against alcohol. Wanganui East has all meetings in the “White Ribbon.” also fully reported in both daily papers. The “Chronicle" is most sympathetic, and gives prominence to papers read at meetings. A lady visitor from abroad, being interviewed in Wanganui, rashly stated that Franchise had done neither good or harm in New Zealand. This evoked letters of protest, tne Press Superlnton-

dent (Mrs Duxfleld) showing how many reforms have l>een placed on the Statute Book since 1893. It is to be hoped, in conclusion, that Press Superintendents wall lose no opportunity this year of making the voice of their Unions heard when great principles are at stake.