SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 4, 1 May 1949, Page 5

SPECIAL REPORTS

CRADLE ROLL PARTIES Mount Albert and Warkworth About 00 children, mothers and friends attended Mount Albert’s Cradie Roll party held on March 24th. Mrs. E. Brown had decorated the room. Songs were rendered by Mesdanies Anstice, Beamish and Sussex; and recitations by Mrs. Clark Penman; and competitions also were held. The President, Mrs. Anstice, spoke on the work of the Union. Tea was served by Mrs. Davidson and her workers, and the children were further regaled with ice-cream and toffee apples, a pleasant afternoon thus coming to a close. * Mrs. Moore presided over a large gathering of mothers and children at the Warkworth party held on March 31st. The Devotional talk given by Mrs. Nelson, the hymns and prayers ah stressed the privilege and responsibility of parenthood. Mrs. Moore briefly outlined the aims of the departments of the W.C.T.U., and conducted the “Little White Ribboners" Service of Consecration. Solos were rendered by Mesdames Rowe and Thompson. The party then adjourned to the vestry and became informal, Mrs. Battle entertaining with competitions while Ihc children did full justice to the party tea provided. Afternoon tea for the adults brought a happy afternoon to a close. PUKEHUIA’S TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY \ Pukehuia held its twenty-first birthday celebration the evening before the Referendum Poll. Though their numbers were few, they decided to make a very special effort, which might help to influence the voting next day. In-

vitations were sent to every household in the neighbourhood, written on the hack of our "Atom Bomb and Bottie leaflet from H.Q. The Dargavillc Salvation Army Band kindly came over twenty miles to give the programme. We had also announced the usual “ Bring and Buy.” and it was wonderful to see people coming from far and near, laden with goods to sell. About ninety were present. The President opened the meeting with a few words of >v.elcome and appreciation, a Devotional period following. The meeting was then handed over to Captain Sta.k, and a very varied and most enjoyable programme was presented, the Captain giving a fine Temperance address. At the sale which followed, the people bought just as freely av they had brought, besides giving a collection for the band of il l()s. The women of the district helped splendidly in every way. The Union members we e made to feel that the work during the years, of the few who are members, had by no means been held in contempt, although semetimes the enemy of souls would have tried to make them believe this,T The gathering closed on a note of great thankfulness to God, Who had given His orders, and the promise, “ Fear not, I will help thee," for it came to pass. WORK AT TIMARU Two meetings have been held since Convention. Interest in the work has been stimulated through having the Convention here. Five new members have been enrolled and a “Y" Branch lias been formed with four members and Mrs. Walker as Superintendent. There are also enquiries about a Band of Hope. | It ha? been decided to study “The Constitution ” more this year, taking an article each meeting. Mesdames Walker and Dellow gave comprehensive reports on Convention, with suggestions for plans of work for the coming year. One member has donated the cost of .100 “Y.P. Supplements" for three months for distribution among Sunday School scholars. The Alliance representative reported that several W.C.T.U. members had helped to collect funds for the cost of the Referendum Campaign. Mrs. Woodward has had a busy month at the Sailors’ Rest, with several overseas boats in poit, and seamen had made good use of the " Rest." SPECIAL HOME MEETING ONEHUNGA UNION On March 24th, a Home meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Ashton, H M. Superintendent, who gave a short, hut very interesting talk on her experiences during years of living in Australia, vividly describing towns, churches, colleges, residences, so pleasingly that she was pressed to continue the story on some future

occasion, which she willingly agreed to do. Mrs. Mount joy, as arranged, gave more of her Convention report, reading and explaining the remits and most important matters which had been considcred. The speaker concluded with a bright description of the trip from Auckland to Timaru, and a vivid description of that city, its attractions, activities, and different interests. She mentions its pretty well-kept gardens, and told of places she had visited, especially the "Sailors’ Rest." Afternoon tea closed a very pleasant afternoon, for which the hos.ess was heartily thanked. TARANAKI DISTRICT CONVENTION Taranaki District Convention was held on March iVth, at Hawera, in the W esley Church Bible Class Room. After morning tea and Opening Devotions led by Mrs. Holly, of Elthain, a welcome to the delegates was given by the Hawera and the District Presidents, and the gathering then adjourned to Wesley Church, where the Rev. A. G. Irvin, Presbyterian Minister, conducted a very tine Communion Service, in the absence of the Rev. L. G. Hanna, who was absent at Synod. Mrs. Hanna was the organist. On returning to the Bible Class Room, the routine business of Convention was carried out. Mrs. Arthur, of Inglewood, was again appointed letter-writer. Local Union reports on their work showed much good work done. District Superintendents also reported. The luncheon adjournment was at 1 o’clock, when the President expressed her joy in the mornings gathering, so many delegates and Union members being present. All Unions were represented. On resuming after luncheon, Mrs. Stewart, of New Plymouth, led Devotions, and also refereed to the wonderful life of Mrs. Lee Cowie and her great Temperance work, which in spite of her very advanced age is still going on. Two vocal solos by Mrs. Tozer were much enjoyed. Impressions of the Timaru Dominion Convention were given by Mrs. Barron, who outlined the principal events, gave the “ findings ’’ on Departmental Reports, and the results of the remits sent in from Taranaki District Executive. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. F. T. Hurrell; Recording Seen - tary, Mis. Stewart; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Hobbs. All District Superintendents were appointed. The morning and afternoon teas were in the capable hands of the Hawera Union. Stratford decided upon for the next Executive meeting, and Eltham's invitation for next District Convention was accepted. Votes of thanks to the Hawera Union, Prayer and Benediction brought a very good meeting io a close.