SPECIALS.

White Ribbon, Volume 40, Issue 467, 18 August 1934, Page 4

SPECIALS.

MT. A LBERT'S 7tli BIRTHDAY. A most delightful afternoon was spent or Thursday, 12th July, the seventh .1 uni versa ry of the Brunch. Splendid attendance. Mrs. laiird presided. Miss Cunningham led the devotions. The organisers of this branch were Mesdarnes B nfel. Kasper, and Williams. These laiies carried the Union successfully through the first year. Mesdarnes Kasper and Williams were* among those present, also Mrs. Bruce, who was the first elected President. Mrs. Kiff, the first elected Secretary, sent an apology it l>eing too far out of town for her to come. Kev. Iv S. Kmmitt. M.(\, gave an inspiring address on the emancipation of women, following history through the Old and New Testaments to the present da> finally leaving to the inemliers the Toe It slogan of “Think Fairly,” “Build Bravely." **lx>ve Widely," “Witness Humbly." Mrs. Kasper gave a brief outline of the first year’s work, and urged members to continue “Building bravely” as Mr. Kmmitt had said. An enjoyable programme of music* was given by Mesdaines Walton and Sims and Mr. W Astlev. Bouquets presented to MesdameKasper, Williams and Bruce. ONKHI NT.A IIO.MK MKKTINI!. July 12th. A very large gathering of mothers and little ones; over ion invitations sent out by our Cradle 801 l Supei intendent, who has gained over I.*>() in*w names on the (’.R. since Marc*h. President occupied the chair. Miss Fountain told of the little girl-mothers in India, whose babies on an average* weighed only I lbs., and of whom 280 nut of every 1000 died in their first >ear. She spoke of the girl-wives and <»f the 27 million widows, many of them under 1 t years of age, saying there was only two objects in most Indian women's lives —child-hearing and preparing food for their husbands. Many deeds of .self-sacrifice* and torture* were told us, and she said: "If we want to win India we must win it through their womanhood and by improving their life.” The speaker spoke of the* wonderful benefit resulting from taking the* Gospel to them, and said it was "wonderfully worth while doing so." In reply to questions some information regarding the customs and food of the people was given and dresses and curios shown. Songs were given by Mesdarnes Montgomerie and Penny; a recitation bv Mrs. Sibbin. Afternoon tea. One niem--I>er re-joined. PUBLIC MKKTINCt UPPER HI TT Inclement weather rather spoiled the* success of a nv«*ll arranged meeting in connection with the W.C.T F. hut the audience, though small, very much appreciated the* fine programme that was provided. Mrs. Spencer (President) occupied the chair and gave a brief talk on “Why 1

Iwlorg," mentioning, as reasons, the many reforms of the Union. Miss Phyllis Martin rendered two solos, accompanied by Miss ('onion (piano), and Mr. V. H. Brown (flute). Bev. .1. B. Blanchard gave a tine address that had many interesting statistics. It also held much encouragement for those engaged in the can * of Temperance. He closed the address with extracts from the American papers that explained the true position in F.S.A.

Miss Martin sang, two items by Mr A. Pock null (elocution). Mr. W. .1. Mason conducted a happy “sing” which everyone enjoyed. Mr. V. B. Brown gave two flute solos. Mr. Buff. J.P.. then passed a vote of thanks to all those who assisted, also to Mr. Meuld who allowed the Hall to be used. Buiquets (made by Mrs. Jarvie) were presented to the ladies. National Anthem brought the programme to a close. NAIM KB. Recently, under the auspices of the W.r.T.!’., n Band of Hope has lieen started in Napier, and meetings are being held in Willard Hall each month Attemlances at the first two meeting were not large on account of experimenting for the most suitable evening but at the last meeting, held on Monday, July 23rd, there was a good attendance and more enthusiasm. AI read > 2 I children have responded to the challenge and have signed pledge cards. Mr. Donnelly was the chairman and speaker at this last gathering and gave an informative address on “CVlIs.” Hymns were sung and a programme of items consisting of recitations, songs, duet and trio was supplied by children. Under the direction of Mrs. la*wis a group of girls and Ihivs enacted splendidly a sketch depicting the harmful effects of alcohol on the vital parts of the human body. A big "Thank you” to the Walpukurnu W.C.T.U. for a package of Campaign song hooks, of which we hope to make good use at future meet ings. MEMORIAL DAY. On July 2.'>th a number of members and friends gathered in the Anglican Hall, Blenheim, to commemorate T. K Taylor Day. Mrs. W. M. Smith was in the chair. After a short musical programme an address was given by the Rev. F. W. Marshall on “But the mountain shall la* thine, for it is a wood and thou shalt cut it down." The speaker likened the evils of this world to a forest which must he .lest roved, a blow at a time. The drink trade is a mighty forest of evil, which cannot be smothered, hut must )»e destroyed, a tree at a time. The speaker concluded his address with tlie hope “that we might take the axe of Faith, sharpen it with Prayer, and set it to the roots of the evils around us.” Mr. Marshall was heartily thanked for his inspiring address.

ISLAND BAYS 3rd BIRTHDAY. July 18. A pie*.. tant afternoon was spent in the Methodist Sunday School to celebrate our thi’d birthday. Miss C. K. Kirk, J.l\, District President, nave a helpful talk, which was much appreciated. After wishing the brain ;i "Many happy returns” Miss Kirk concluded her remarks with this messug* "Consider the way the Lord thy God has led thee." Solos by Mesdann - Ayrton and Tait, a piano solo by Mis, Grace Hendrickson, recitations, solo , and a dialogue by the Band of Hope and Cradle Roll members formed a delightful programme. Visitors were pre sent from the Johnsonville and Brook lyn branches, also Revs. Wainwright and Prosser. Greetings received from the Central and Petone branches. Tinbirthday cake, which had been presented by the Secretary, was cut bv Miss Kirk, and a dainty afternoon tea was served ASHBURTON’S “SEAMEN'S DAY." Vug. 7. A very successful gathering, held in connection with Seamen's l>a\ when Mis. Robinson presided over a large attendance and conducted the de votionnl exercises. Minutes read and received. \ motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Mrs. S. Thomas, Mrs. fj. Dailey, Mrs Lovell-Smith, Mr. H. K Bonnington and Mrs. V. Kllen Stavely. letters to b»* sent to sick members. Correspondence received and dealt with. Mrs. H Graham. New South Wales, wrote, for warding a booklet on "Cocktail Parties,' w Inch was received, and a numl>er of orders taken. Invitations were received to nttend meetings at Salvation Army Hall and Tinwald on August 15th accepted. Brief reports of Ith anniversary of the 1.0.G.T Lodge was given b> representatives appointed. The appointment of delegates to N.C. District (’on vent ion in September w as held over until next month, the Secretary, in meantime, to write and arrange hospitality for two. Sum of £5 voted to N.Z Organising Fund, and £l/1/- to Ash hurton A. and P. Prize Fund. Reference was made to Seamen’s Day b> President, and Captain N. K Bickwell spoke on the work of the Salvation Army, among the inen of the fishing fleets around the coast of Great Britain, when* 33 Homes are controlled and supported by the Army, and thousands of men are provided with homes away from home, and evei y man a Temperance enthusiast. An enjoyable programme was contributed to by Mrs P. Frew, and the Misses L. Ford, L. Robinson, and K. Jackson. Collections, 18Two members w ere enrolled. Tea was served an*i Mr. 0. \V. Andrews briefly addressed those present. With a hearty vote of thanks to speaker, performers, and hostesses, the meeting closed with the Benediction. CHRISTCHURCH "MEMORIAL DAY." Christchurch held Memorial Day on July 2a tii. Miss Henderson presided The room had l**en tastefully arranged with Iceland poppies and Christmas

roses by Mrs. Whetter. Visiting memhers were welcomed from Sydenham and Lin wood, also Mrs. Aikenhead from Vshburton. Mrs. Israelson was con grn tula ted on attaining her 93rd birthday and present - ed with a posey of flowers on l*ehalf of our Union. \ vote of sympathy was passed with the friends of Mrs. K \V. T<ovell-Smith, President referring to her great work in organising and carrying on the camI iign for the women’s franchise. A vote of sympathy was also passed with Miss Blackwell on Ihe death of her brother. Members were asked to assist at the vire**t collect ions for the combined orphanages' appeal on August lbth, a nunilter volunteered. Members were requested to write to their local Members of Parliament protesting against th** extension of the term of Parliament. The President introduced the Rex \V. K'ngs. who gave a splendid address, i (erring to the memorial work of the Union’s pioneers, and stressed the need for continued action and the great importance of the Band of Hope work, which he found to his sorrow was much neglected in these days. Mrs. Woodward sang a solo and Mrs. Adkins rendered the Memorial Hymn from the White Hihhon Hymnal. MVKI.AND FAREWELLS MBS. HUTCHINSON. 'l'lle members of the Executive of the Auckland Union entertained Mrs. Hutchinson, who is returning to Melbourne by the "Monterey" on Friday, t<» afternoon tea in the New Savoy Tea Rooms on Wednesday, August Nth. On behalf of the Union Mrs. Cook wished Mrs. Hutchinson Bon Voyage <1 expressed the pleasure it had b»*en to meet her again after her six years’ bsence in Australia. In thanking the members for their good wishes Mrs Hutchinson said how much she had *'iijoyed her visit to New /.euland and *he meeting with so many White Ribbon friends. It had he* n a privilege for her to be present at the Dominion Convention. She was returning home much improved in health and expressed the hope that some of tlie ladles would visit Melbourne during the Centenary (• lebrations. She was present*-*! with a !■ uquet of sweet peas.