NORTH AUCKLAND UNION.

White Ribbon, Volume 37, Issue 437, 18 December 1931, Page 5

NORTH AUCKLAND UNION.

Report of Annual Convention, held in Whangarei, Saturday, September 12th. The Convention was introduced by an ' vening public meeting as a "Temperance Hally.” This was held in the Army Hall, and the attendance was excellent. The Mayor of Whangaret, Mr K. Jones, was in the chair. The chief speaker was to have been our Ikiroinion President, Mrs T. E. Taylor, hut she was taken ill and had to receive medical attention immediately on arriving in Whangarei. The meeting expressed their si nee rest sympathy. Several speakers gave temperance addresses, :<nd these, with musical items, made an interesting and instructive evening.

The Convention opened the following morning at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Sum lay School. There were present twent> -seven officers and delegates, and a total attendance of 88. Five of the delegates represented Y branches. The President, Mrs T. K. Taylor, occupied the chair. delegates came from: Aratafui-Te Kopuru, I >arga\ die, Hikurangi, Mauniraturoto, Maungakaramea, Pukehula. Taheki. Lower Walma, tapper Waima, and Whang&rei. The representatives from Taheki, Power an<l I’pper Waima. were our Maori sisters, these three being Maori branches. They were Mrs Tito, Mrs King, and Mrs Pehi respectively. They u*-re most especially and heartily welcomed by the President as coming from the far North as delegates from the Maori branches. Their reports showed that these branches, thanks to the guidance and direction of Sister Eleanor bobby, had i**en very active in all Christian work among the Maori brethren of the North, and the report was received with much enthusiasm by the Convention.

'l'he gathering opened by devotions I***l by Mrs W. Vyle. A motion of since rest sympathy with Mrs T. E. Taylor in her illness was uirried. and during tb* day earnest prayers were rendered for her speedy recovery. The President delivered greetings, and a special message from Mrs Taylor to the Convention. The report of the District Executive was received and adopted. It showed i membership In the District of about 200 adults and 80 juniors in the three Maori, nine Pakeha. and four Y branches The District was fortunate in having a visit from an Organiser, Miss C. M. McLay, whose work renewed enthusiasm in the workers, as well as created interest in new’ circles.

The report from Te Kopuru showed especial work In educating the young. This branch, which itself is an active and progressive adult branch, has an I T T,, and a Y branch attached to it. Dargavllle reported a thriving Pand of Hope, as well as a Y section. Maungakaramea, too. have a Band of Hope, as w’dl as a Y branch.

The local branch, Whangarei, kindly dispensed refreshments during the day. At noon a slight break was made for pray er and meditation. 'l'he Convention sent greetings to Mrs Ilirch, of Taheki, a veteran member of 25 years, and the one who was largely responsible tor the origin of the Maori brunches in the North.

The afternoon session was occupied by the continuation of the reports and the election of officers. Votes of thanks and Benediction.