News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 27, Issue 333, 18 May 1922, Page 10

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise 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 tne paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable.) LEIGH. April. President in the chair. Good attendance; two visitors present. Mi* Wyatt read a very excellent |«iper, entitled. “Work for Small Unions," which was much appreicated, and for which she was accorded a vote of thanks. Correspond* nee was read, arranging a visit of Miss Earns haw. Discussion of ways and means. Resolved to hire the Ihiblic Hall for meetings at the reduced charge. Resolved to send a parcel of children’s clothing next month to Adjutant Gordon for distribution among distressed families in Auckland, also that "Mrs I). Matheson should be Superintendent of the "Leigh Flower Mission." OPOTIKI. April 28. Mrs Thompson in chair. Very good attendance; about 40 ladies present. After a sumptuous afternoon t*a, o'| President gave a most interesting and helpful address on the Convention held at Hamilton. A collection was taken up to defray the expenses of sending our Delegate to Convention. NORTH EAST VALLEY. April 27. President fMrs Peart) piesided. and emphasised the need, of personal effort in temperance and other good work. President gave a brief report of Convention. The report in detail to be given at n xt meeting. NAPIER. May. President (Mrs G. W. Venables) occuphsl the chair, and was heartily congratulated by the members on her re-election, for the third year, on the Napier West School Committee. Members reported very satisfactory efforts being undertaken to make the W.C.T.IT. shop a success. The date of Bale is fixed for Friday. May 26; proceeds to defray expenses in connection with the visit of Dr. Mary Armor. The meeting proposal that the City Council he approached with the view of a ladies' resting room being erected near Clive Square, and asked that the slot system l* Installed in that and the Tram Depot Shelter. WANGANUI CENTRAL. May 4. Good attendance. Mrs Sutton from Hamilton, and Mrs Poroumutt from Rotorua, were welcomed. Union unanimously endorsed the action of I \>nvention re Mrs Judson’s Proclamation. Reports on Cradle Roll, L.T.L., sick visiting, and supper given at Carnival in

aid of the Garrison Band, were received. Decided to assist the loca.l officer of the Salvation Army in relieving several families in need of food and clothing. Congratulations were extended to four members who were elected on the School Committees. ASHBURTON. Mrs Miller presided over a moderate attendance at our meeting on April 4th. Mesdames Ibbotson and J. Thompson were appointed to represent the W.C. TAT. at a banquet in honour of the visit of Mr Lear Caton, High Officer of Reehablte Order, from England. Decided to place a box on the table at the meetings for contributions to the Mission to the Blind. Mrs H. Ihbotson, delegate to Convention, gave a very interestlng and comprehensive report of proceedings, receiving a very hearty vote of thanks. Decided that the Secretary write to Mrs Peryman, drawing attention to an extract from Mr Massey’s speech at Te Puke, suggesting “Economy" proposals, and asking that a protest be forwarded. A very successful drawing-room gntherirg was held at the residence of Mrs W. Oakley, West Belt, on April 2Gth. Mrs W. J. Williams, Sumner, was present, and delivered a very helpful and Inspiring address along temperance lines, and closed with an earnest appeal to each one to lose no opportunity of service during the coming months, that victory may he assured. Vocal and instrumental items were much enjoyed, nnd a dainty afternoon tea served by the Mime* Oakley. Votes of thanks were passed to speaker, performers, and Mrs Oakley for kind hospitality. TIMARTT. A Busy Week. April 26 Mrs Don. Dominion President, arrived In Timaru, nnd was met by members of the local Branch. On Thursday afternoon she was motored to Tomuka. where she gave a stirring and encouraging address to a large gathering of members. The Union in Temuka has been in existence barely three months and has had the unique distinction of having In so short a time opened a rest room In the township. On Thursday evening Mrs Don was entertained at a drawing-room evening in the Y.M. C.A. Hall, which was well filled. The “Y” Branch took in hand the hall nnd programme arrangements. and both were a great success. Mrs Norrie introduced Mrs Don. who spoke on the waste of manhood and money, and the suffering experienced hv women and children through alcohol, anil gave some wi ll authenticated facts about the Working of No-License in America. A hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Don was carried by acclamation. A sumptuous supper was served. On Friday afternoon Mrs I>on was motored to Pleasant Point to meet the members of another "baby" Union. Here she had a new expert * nee, for the meeting was called to-

gether by the ringing of the church bell, which resulted in a large and enthusiastic audience. Mrs Don was very interested to know that the President, Miss Bishop, is a niece of Miss Bishop, of the Christchurch Union. At each of these three meetings several new members were initiated. On Sunday a bountiful tea was provided at Hie Sailors’ Rest for the men of the s.s. Tainui. Between twenty and thirty men accepted the Invitation, and showed in a practical way their appreciation of the good things provided for them. AfU r tea, a si.ort service was held. Singing of favourPe hymns was interspersed with Bible reading and prayer, nnd a talk with the men by Mrs Don. On Monday afternoon, at a very largo meeting, final arrangements were made for Sale of Work on May 11th, ami at night a social was held for the seamen. TAKA PUN A. April 5. A fair attendance. Mrs Penning In the chair, who gave an interesting account of Conv* ntion. Two new* members were initiated. May 4. A good number attended, President in the chair. A solo was rendered hy Miss Cammed. Address by Mrs Penning, urging individual effort in view of the coming campaign. Mrs Veats, a delegate to recent Convention, rend an interesting n port of same. Mrs Lewi as was appointed Corresponding Secrete»y. Several extra numbers of "White Ribbon" sold by Mrs Rugg. our agent. HAWERA. May 4. Mi* Scott presided, and fifteen ladi*s were present. Regret expressed at Mrs MacGregor’s resignation as Vice-President, owing 1o ill-health. Members decided to raise money for Mary Armor Fund during the Winter Show wiek. A deputation, consisting of Mesdamer. Haywanl. Scott. and Miss Ballantine, were appointed to interview Mr Dixon. M.P., with regard to purifying the Electoral Roll, and precinct voting. Mrs Tait gave report of Con vention. Afternoon tea. lower urn. May 2. Nine numbers present and four visitor*, and two new members were initiated. Miss Powell gave them a hearty welcome. Miss Powell also addressed the memlx rs. and gnve helpful advice on how to vote, and instructed as on how r to enroll. OAMARU. April 10. attendance. Mrs Tiffany, the delegate to Convention, read a full and instructive report, which w’.as highly appreciated. It 1m pressed on all members, “B- of good courage, have faith in God." TEMUKA. March 7. Good attendance. President (Nurse Cameron) In the chair. Twelve new members initial* d. Re-

gretted that no delegate could be sent to Convention. Decided that our first work bo the establishing of a Mothers’ Host in Temuka, and a Rest Hoorn Committee, and a Look-Out Committee were appointed. Mesdamee Maclaren and Whitehead were appointed a Cradle Hull Committee. Decided to accept Mrs Maclaren’.s kind offer of the use of her room for the winter months. The day of meeting was changed from second Tuesday to first Tuesday and Thursday alternately. March 23. Special meeting re Mothers’ Rest Room. (Jood attendance. Mrs Tilbrook in the chair. Decided to rent two rooms from Miss Strachan, at 10s per wvek. and to open them for rest room on following Tuesday, 28th, they to be open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Decided also that the Rorough and County Councils be approached for financial assistance. Several members proferred help. April 6. Monthly meeting. Nurse Cameron presided over attendance of 17 members. letter received from C.eraldine County Council stating that £lO had been voted to the Mothers’ Rest Room Fund Donations received amounted to £3 12s 6d, and £1 9s 6d had been collected at Rest Room on the three days it had been open. Votes of thanks passed to monetaty donors, also to those who had given furniture, etc., and to the ladies who had assisted. A committee was appointed to purchase necessary articles for the room, also to have the gas meter installed. April 28. Special meeting, presided over by Mrs Norrie, Timaru. and addressed by Mrs Don. flood attendance. ('ongratulaticns received on the opening up of a Rest Room. Most interesting and helpful address given by Mrs Don on Convention and the work of the Cnion generally. Hearty vote thanks passed. Right members initiated. Visitors afterwards entertained to afternoon tea by the officers, and also given an opportunity to inspect the Rest Room. STRATFORD. April 4. Miss Mayo, who Is visiting this district, gave a very instructive re. port of Convention, which was listened to with great interest. The “Proclamation” (Peace and Arbitration Department) was unanimously ratified by mcml* rs of loear Cnion. One new member initiated. TETONE. April 4. Mrs Asbby presided. Two names were submitted to be nominated for election on the School Commit tee. Mrs McPherson resigned, as she Is leaving Pctone for Dunedin. Votes of condolence passed for members who bad lost relatives, also votes of sympathy for several members who had serious sickness among relatives.

March 15. A very pleasant after noon was sp nt at the residence of Mrs Hhardlow. Mrs Ashby presided over a good attendance. Part of the time waa spent in prayer for the success of Prohibition at the next poll. Songs and readings were given. DCNEDIN DISTRICT. April 4. Mrs Hiett presided. Each member brought a gift for the forthcoming Jumble Sale. Miss Mackenzie appointed acting-Minute Secretary, and Mrs Alexander as Press Correspondent. Mrs Muthewson, delegate to the National Council of Women, gave a very comprehensive and interesting report of the Children’s Charter. Misses Johnson and McQueen spoke very clearly and concisely on their personal observations of the results of Prohibition in Canada. Without overlooking the attendant weaknesses of Prohibition (weaknesses that follow any prohibitive law), they affirmed most convincingly that crime, poverty, and physical degradation wvto vastly decreased, and the social welfare proportionately benefited. The breaches of law’ were rapidly being eliminated, and the speakers felt convinced that, in another generation, these w’ould be overcome. Canada, they said, did not suffer from lass of their revenue, but, on the contrary, their country and their people were much more prosperous. They expressed surprise that we in New’ Zealand hoist* Ted up our revenue by the sale of liquor, and, on the other hand, had to build inebriate homes, gaols, and lunatic asylums. WINCHMORE-GREENSTREET. March 8. President in the chair. Annual Cradle Roll afternoon. Large at. tendance of mothers an.i children. Each child on roll, numbering over 70, received a toy and hag of sweets. A card, with suitable literature, enclosed for parent, is also sent on the birthday of each child. A lett*T was directed to l>e sent to Sergeant of Police complimenting him on his endeavours to sup press the ilieit sale of intoxicants. Mrs W. T. Lill, ex-District Presilient, gave a heart to heart talk, which was much appreciated. The speaker was the recipient of a beautiful bouquet, with white ribbon streamers, presented by r. little girl. Mrs Robinson w’as elected delegate to Convention. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the C.reenstreet ladies. SUMNER. April. Quite a pleasant and profit ahl« meeting. We Invited Branches in and around Christchurch to send some of their members to our meeting, and a fair number responded. New Brighton being very W’ell represented. Rich Brunch gave us an account of their work, some of their difficulties and successes. Interchange like this should strengthen work. Resolved that our Branch offer all possible assistance

tc the* organised Prohibition comiMigii in Sumner. OXFORD, March 1. President in the chair. Decided to cater for local Show. Miss Oainsford .appointed to represent Union at Council meeting at Rangiora. Accepted Miss Baughan’s offer to give a lecture on “Prison Reform’’ on March 1 "»th. Frances Willard Day celebrated. Mrs Lewis read an interesting paper from the Superintendent, who was indisposed. Short farewell was tendered to Mr and Mrs Lewis, who are leaving the district, several members expressing the Pnion’s appreciation of their ready •help and sympathy, and wishing them Cod-speed. Afternoon tea handed round. March 15. Miss Baughan addressed rather a small meeting, at close of which sh« was thanked. Arrangements made for Show catering. KAIAPOI. April 29. Mrs Scott In the chair. Band of Hope was discussed for the coming season, which open.s next month (May). Rev. Scott has kinelly consented to act as chairman. We also said good-bye to Mrs Brighting. who was our President for a number of years, on her departure to the Old Country, and wished her a pleasant journey and a safe return. ONEHPNOA. Feb. 9. Our new' President. Mrs Benfell, in the chair. Mention was made of the long and faithful services of Mrs Logan, our retiring President, and a vote of appreciation of her long service was placed on the minutes. Mrs I ogan elected delegate to Convention. March 9. Address given by Mrs LeeCowie. thoroughly appreciated by all. Questions were asked and answered. Mrs Renf< 11 asked: Was ft allowed to give to young people tinder 21 drink? Discussion on some resulted in our delegate being instructed to bring this question before Convention. CORE. March 28. An enjoyable “At Home” at the residence of Mrs E C. Smith. A large number of ladies were present. Besides musical items and recitations. Sister Maud Coleman, of‘England, gav** a very earnest and Interesting address. She arrived from England in charge of 40 young women coming out to help with domestic work, and when they reached New Zealand all were wearing the white ribbon how. March. Annual meeting. Report read and adopted. The following otfleers were appointed for the year: Pres.. Mrs E C. Smith; Sec., Mrs Dun. lop; Treas., Mrs B. B. Stevenson; Vice. Pres.. Mesdnmes Runr, Finch, and W. D. Stewart; "White Ribbon” Agent. Mrs T. Stevenson; Cradle Roll Sirpt., Mrs Me A skill.

BLUFF. April 7. Successful Harvest Festival conceit and Sale of Work, Produce, etc. Willard Hall crowded. A number of Band of Hope children ably rendered a pretty little op< retta entitled. ‘‘lXime Nature’s F<te.” Eileen Morrison recited Frances Willard’s “The White Ribbon Queen.” Songs were also ren dered. The singing of the National Anthem closed an excolh nt programme, after which business at the stalls was very brisk, the result being a goodly sum. GREY TOWN. March 28. Fair attendance. Mrs Boucher (President) in the chair. Decid«d that the next meeting he held on Easter Thursday, and take the form of asocial afternoon. Mrs Whincop, delegate to Convention, to read her report. Also decided that we have a social and concert on the Bth May, to help raise funds toward the Maori work. April 2ft. Twelve members and five visitors present. Revs. Mackie and Blight led the devotional exercises. Mrs Whincop presented a full and on lightening report of Convention. Miss Rangi and Rev. A. M. Costain rendered solos. A profitable ev» ning. 7 On March 9th the members of the W.O.T.U. Cradle Roll and their mothers were invited to a social afternoon. Songs, recitations, and also two addresses were givin. Three now mem- * h"rs were enrolled, and the handing round of afternoon tea brought a very enjoyable time to a close. 7 April. The chair was tnk« nby Mrs Warwick. Miss Rose’s resignation was accepted with regret, and it was dccided to forward a letter of thanks for work done as sick visitor. Miss Randal will undertake that work. The Garrison Band’s request of W.C.T.IT. help at afternoon tea and supper one day to help Carnival was accepted. An interesting and inspiring report on ('onvent ion work. (Will reporters kindly put name of Union at head of report? This month are two r>po?*ts with no name to indicate where they come from.- Editor “W.R.”) HAMILTON. March 3. Mrs Blarnires (President) in the chair. Aft* rnoon was taken up in detail work in connection with the forthcoming (’onvenuon. which opens on the 22nd inst. OREPUKT. SOUTHLAND. April ft. Mrs Young. President in the chair. A good attendance of members. The funds of tin Branch were consider--bly mgmented by the proceeds of a fumble Sale, held March 1 6th, when the

sum of £25 was realised. The meeting donated £5 5s to Memorial Headquarters Fund; £2 2s to Mary Armor Fund; £1 Is to Organising Fund, and £2 2s to Sailors' Rest, Bluff. The Branch is going aihea/d. WAITARA. April 2t. Mrs Andrews, President in the chair. Fair attendance. Miss Mayo gave an instructive address on the work and aims of the Union. Mrs Hughson was appointed Treasurer; Mrs Murray, White Ribbon Agent; Miss Bicheno, Press Reporter. Decided to procure jussort ed literature for distribution. Suggested that some of the N« w Plymouth delegates be invited out to give us a report of the Hamilton Convention at our next meeting. Five new members were intiated. KAIKORAI. April 28. President in chair. Letter of sympathy to be sent to our Secretary, Mrs Malcolm, in the loss of her eldest daughter. President read part of Convention report. Voted £5 to the “Mary Armor” Fund, and £5 to Memorial Headquarters Fund. Miss Shjirp, member from Geelong. welcomed. Five n°w members enrolkd. CHRISTCHURCH. April 12. Mrs T. E. Taylor presided. Reported that Unions had been formed at Sydenham and Aranui. Arrangements made for staffing our table on Poppy Day. Report of Dominion Convention was read. SYDENHAM. Aug. 11. Mrs Archer presided. Miss Sharp, of the Home Economic Society, gave a mast interesting address on preparing food for growing children, and stressed importance of proper food. Mm McCombs, President of Sumn* r, wished the new Union every success. MOSGIEL. March 21. Our President, Mrs Bedford, absent through illness, and Mrs West in (Vice-President) presided; 36 memoers present. Mrs Westin sang a solo, and gave a most inspiring address on “Some of the varied opportunities of Christian women.” She was mast heartily thanked. Seven new members initiated. April 19. Very large attendance. Mrs Westin, in the chair. Mrs Clark gave an account of her work at the Solomon Islands. Nurse Saunders sang a solo. Miss Ayers, of India, then spoke upon her work with the British troops upon the borders of Afghanistan. Seven new members. ASHBURTON March. A very large attendance of members and friends wius present at a sodal gathering for the purpose of honouring Mrs W. T. Li II, ex Pin sident. Mrs Miller briefly referred to the work

so ably carried out by Mrs Lill jus IT sident for many years, and on behalf of the members, presented ht r with ,i handsome secretaire, suitably inscribed, and fltteJ out with stationery, fountain pen, etc., also ji bouquet. tied with white ribbon streamers. A letter of appreciation from Mrs Don, N.Z. Pres dent, was read, regretting her Inabilit> to be present. Complimentary refer ences to Mrs Lill’s splendid work w;i. also made on b* half of the Ashburton Branch Unions and No-License Co mu i and members. The recipient suitable responded. Vocal and instnunentii! items were rendered, and a social hallhour wjis pleasantly sp< nt over a cup of tea. RA KAIA. March 9. After four months' holi day, on account of the busy harvest time, we opened once more. Meet in :r took the form of a thanksgiving to God, who had restored so many of our sisters who ha*l passed through s, rious ill nesses, our dear President, Mrs Boig. pointing out to as God's great good nos: to them and as nil. April 13. Mrs Roag in the chair. Cradle Roll social, a number of children and visitors present. Tej» and ejike. w’ere handed round to all. also prett> bags of sweets to the little ones. Offi cers elected: Pres., Mrs Bong; VicePres., Mrs Morrison; See., Mrs Field; Treas, Mrs Judkins; Literature, Mrs Hunt; Cradle Roll, Miss E. Oakley. ONE HUNG A. April 13. Good attendance to hear Mrs Logan’s report of Convention, which was of interest, and closely listen ed to. Mrs Benfell then presented Mr; Logan with an illuminated address from the officers and members as a token of our high appreciation of her work as President from 1914 to 1922. The nd dress was beautifully done by Mr Hunter (our Secretary’s husband), free of cast to our Union, and a hearty vote of thanks passed for his splendid work. Uor. Seer* tary, when writing, to thank him, to mention that we highly value our Banner, the gift of Mr and Mrs Hunter. Afternoon tea passed round, during which £1 was donated to Mrs Armor's Fund. Sale of remainder of provisions realised for same fund. Suggested this he done each afternoon for the same caase. SUMNER. May 2. Attendance was good, and Mrs McCombs presided. Miss Henderson a splendid report of Convention. Members were glad to hear of steady progress of the Unions, 11 fresh ones last year. Arrangements made for next meeting, our first annual one. Tn. vitations will be s< nt out locally for a number of ladies to join us in a social afternoon, with a view to widening our work, and securing new members.

NEW PLYMOUTH. April 2t*. Mesdames Valentine and j<:bby, Delegates to Convention, mad I heir report. Suvcn members of this Branch were present at Convention. Miss Mayo, W.C.T.U. Organiser, has l„ »n in this district, and has secured a large number of new members. Five in w members were intiated at the last i,i- cting. The Loyal Temperance Leginn has been formed, and members are now being enrolled. TE KUITI. April 11. Owing to inclemency of weather, attendance was small. Thv President, Mrs Edgar, occupied the [hair, and gave an interesting account ;if Hamilton Convention. Resolved that t deputation wait on the Mayoress (Mrs Line) to ask htr to call a meeting, with Ihr object of forming a I’lunket Society in Te Kuiti. Decided to hold a monthly social afternoon, each member to bring a friend who is interested in the W.C. T l\, also helping to make and renovate clothing for charitable aid. CARTERTON. May 3. Poor attendance. Mrs Peryman presided as Mrs Every was tin avoidably absent through sickness in her home. A discussion took place regarding the Provincial Convention, which is to be h« Id here in September next. Reference was made to I>r. Armor’s visit to this town. TITRAKINA. March. We held our first meeting for the year at Mrs Clark’s residence, there hmg eight present. Mrs Wilson spoke on the necessity of voting and getting others to vote out the drink traffic, quoting Billy Sunday and his ideas of the drink. Death has claimed one of our * nt 1 man members in Mr D. R. Perry, and our hearts go out in sympathy to his widow and family. SAWYER’S BAY. Nov. 22. Attmdanee good. Mrs i’leg horn. President in the chair. Secre tary, Mrs Wallis read the report of the year’s work. Treasurer, Mrs Finlay, read the balance-sheet. Miss Andr ws reported on the Cradle Roll. Mrs Prat--1) > on the Hand of Mercy and L.T.L. Election of officers: Pres., Mrs (’leghorn: Vice-I’ns., Mrs Pratley; Treas., Mrs Pin lay; Rec. Sec., Mrs Wallis; Cor. Sec.. Mrs Hudson; White Rihlion Agent, Mrs .1 Perry; Joint Supts., Cradle Roll. Mrs Cook and Miss Andrews; Joint Supts.. Hand of Mercy and L.T.L.. Mrs Hudson md Mrs Adcock. Final arrangements for Harden Fete, which duly came off tin* splendid sum of £2l 12s being iwbdd. which goes to Headquarters Fund. March 28. Opening meeting of the \Mrs Cleghorn. President, in the • hair. Poor attendance. Derided to nch bring some piece of work to be . old later at Sale to augment Fighting Fund. One new member enrolled.

SOUTH INVERCARGILL. April 11. Mrs Paisley presided over u good attendance of members. Four new rrv mbers were enrolled. Members are active to add to their numbers ami arouse interest in view of the forthcom ing poll. AUCKLAND DISTRICT. April 12. Mrs N\ill presided. Good attendance of members. Mrs Tims (Christchurch), Mrs Field (Nelson), and Miss Taunt (New Plymouth), were welcomed to the meeting. Mrs Williams gave a very interesting n port of the recent Convention at Hamilton. Mrs Don addressed the meeting, speaking of the plan of campaign for the year in regard to Mrs Mary Armor’s visit to our Dominion, and also of the Memorial Headquarters, which we hoped would be an accomplished fact in the future. Mrs Don then gave a graphic recital of her thrilling experiences at the World’s Convention in London. April 26. Mrs Neal presided. Miss Earnshaw sent in a report of a successful meeting in Dargavillc, and a Union formed with 85 members. Mrs Hollis, President of Waihi Union, and her daughter were welcomed to the meeting; also Mrs Shanley, Greytown, and Mrs Nicholsen, Pannevirke. Mi's Hollis gave an interesting short account of the work at Waihi. Votes of sympathy were passed to the relatives of Mesda tries Ward, Ostler, and Vickers in their sorrow. Our Union mourns the lass of these saintly members. Resolved that we h<artily support the movement for the formation of Community Clubs for Senior Cadets. Mrs Cook gave an interesting account of her impressions of Convention, and dealt with the resolutions passed. In connection with the proclamation sent out by Conveation, the following reso lution was passed:—"That the Auckland Branch of the NZ. W.C.T.U. declares its approval of the proclamation sent out by Convention, and will strive to work for the promotion of univ rsal peace along the lines suggested therein. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. April 19. Four new members were received. The resignation of our President. Miss Helyer, was received with very great regret. Miss C E. Kirk was appointed to take her place, Mrs Evans taking the position of Corresponding Secretary, rendered vacant by Miss Kirk’s promotion. Mrs (Ymghley, our Convention delegate, gave a mast interesting r< port of the work done at Conventic n, and made as all w’ish we had been there. We had the pleasure of a brief visit from Mrs LeeCowie, who was just in time to pin the bows on the new members. MANATA. April 11. The President in the chair, 13 present. Two new members

joined, and one baby’s name added to the Cradle Roll. There were two ladies nominated for the School Committee. Mrs Bennett read a very interesting report of the Convention, held in Hamilton, and received a very hearty vote of thanks. RIVERTON. April 28. Heavy and continuoas rain prevented most of the members from attending the meeting. Decided to open the Hand of Hope next week, and to interest the children in the essay competition. After some discussion, the members present agreed that part of the Band of Hope funds in hand might be suitably spent in advertising the competition in the local and Invercargill papers. So far, no notice of the N.Z. Alliance prizes has appeared in any paper except the "White Ribbon" and "Vanguard," and it was thought that advertisements in the daily papers would reach many children who never come into touch with the Band of Hop rt or W.C.T.U. The notices have since been published. SAWYER’S BAY. April 25. President (Mrs Cleghorn) in the- chair, 15 present. Letter read from Mrs Tiffany, of Oamaru, abo a condensed copy of her report of Convention. Our heartiest thanks are duo to her for her kindness in sending these on to us. Mr Faulkener gave an address on "The Temporanee Movement,” and was thanked. The President urged all members to do all they could by prayer and work for our great fight for Prohibition this year. A dainty supper concluded a very pleasant evening.