UNION NEWS

White Ribbon, Volume 29, Issue 2, 1 June 1957, Page 7

UNION NEWS

Whangarei. April meeting held at 11 a.m. to enable some Maungakarainea members to attend, as their Union is in recess. Such occasional morning meetings to continue. Convention report was given by Mrs. Lane. Two new Maori members enrolled— Mesdames h. R. Pitman, Tamaterau, and A. Marsh, Kamo. Noontide devotions taken, then lunch and a further short meeting till 2 p.m. Sacred solo hv Mrs. \V. Robertson enjoyed, and inspiring duet by two Maori members. Northland District Executive i.irt at Dargaville on 3rd April. President, Mrs. S. S. Green rejiorted Convention business, resolutions, and also gave reports o| Dominion Superintendents as presented at Nelson. Sympathy exj>ressed with Mrs. Lawrence, in her accident and subsequent period iu hospital. WelUford, April. Mrs. Singleton in the chair, and Mrs. I). Browne led devotions. Mrs. I). G. Stubbs of the Parsonage elected Secretary with Mrs. W. Phillips to a-si-t, Resolved not to hold Cradle Roll Party this year. Public Film evening to he organised. Special sjieakcrs to be arranged for meetings. Bring and Buy for funds as usual each month. Auckland District Executive, March. Mrs. Richards presided and devotions taken by Mrs. Ansticc. Invitation from Lcagut of Mothers inviting the President to attend their Annual Church Service at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Mrs. Mountjtiy rejiorted oil the work of the Maori Girls’ Hostel. MayMothers' Day gathering discussed. 23 remits for Dominion Convention considered and approved. Miss H. Grigg nominated for position of Sujit. Dominion Otii* Dej»t. May Sth. Mrs. A. T. Richards jiresidcd and led the devotions. Kejiorts of the N.C.W. and of the Maori Chi Is’ Hostel rejiorted on by Mrs. Mount joy. The rcj*ort of the N.Z. Alliance meeting given by Mrs. Kelsev. During the month two visiting members of the Brisbane W.C.T.U. were entertained b\ some of the District Officers. Period of jiraver lor the H ostel and for sick members ckised the meeting. Auckland Dist. Mothers’ Day Gathering was held on l?th Mav in the Pitt Street Methodist Church Parlour. Mrs. Richards presided over a very representative gathering. The following artists presented the programme: Mesdames M. Sawdrti, (j. Lloyd, E. Moore, D. Whyte, and two little girls, Svlvia and Glcnniss Wood. Mrs. A. Turton and Mrs. A. A. Ilambly, M.8.H.. acted as accompanists. The guest s|>caker wio Mrs. A. J. Hiilme, who gave a very tine Mothers’ Dayaddress.

Remuera, March. Mrs. Robinson presided in absence of Mrs. Kelsey, who was attending Nelson Convention. The Teinjierancr Fact was taken from the White Ribbon. Mr. W est and family of Helensville returned thanks for letter of svmpathv at the death of Mrs. West, a formei member. Mrs. Van of the Dist. Executive gave an interesting and helpful talk, and in thanking her, Mrs. Mackay presented flowers. Otahuhu. April meeting was attended by Papatoetoc members at 11.30 a.m. Lunch followed a friendly chat, and then the meeting, when Mrs. Hughes jiresidcd in absence of Mrs. Jamieson through sickness. Mrs. Sherman and Miss Apjihbv welcomed and given sprays. On behalf of the members. Mrs. Mears presented Mrs. Hughes with a sj>ray and small gift, as she and her husband were leaving to visit their inained daughter in Kentucky, U.S.A. Mrs. Sherman aid Miss Appleby both spoke on the Work! W.C.T.U. Con- • enticn they had attended, and were warmly thanked for most interesting talks.

Kohi - St. Heiiers, Jfttli March, at the home of Mrs. La>per, M.B.K. Mrs. Pearson led devotion.-. Temj-erance Fact was read. C.R. report given by Mrs. Cherniside, who is taking oyer Mrs. Phillips’ duties till her health improves. Mrs. Kasper reported on the iYwmuon Convention in a most interesting adder-.. Takapum, April. Mrs. Prtchrll jiresided in Mrs. Prussing’s absence through illness. Devotions taken by Miss Cullen. Mrs. Prtchrll gave an interesting and comprehensive account of the Dominion Convention at Nelson. District President, Mrs. Richards was present and gave hei impression- of the spiritual side of Convention. She counted it a jirivilege to be associated with such a hand of Christian women. Mrs. Richards thanked and presented with a shoulder spray. Mr-. Petchell presented with 30 years' service badge by Mrs. Richards.

May meeting held at the home of the President. Mrs. E. Prnssing. Devotions taken hv Miss Cullen and Mrs. Parsons. As this is Polling year, s|>ecia! effort was being arranged for June, for forwarding to the Alliance. Tauranga. February. Opening meeting for year was addressed by Miss Daphne Brown of the United Maori Mission, Auckland. An astonishing picture of Maori life in the citv presented. Devotions led bv Mrs. Christian. March meeting with a virv good attendance. Cotvention Rejort given bv Miss Beswick. delegate to Nelson. Various plans for jioll and youth work. Devotions taken bv Mrs. Foxcroft. VV.U. Agent. A social effort plntine • for W.R. Funds. Mrs. Williamson, Acting President, in the chair at N th meetings.

Wanganui Central. The February meeting took the form of a sori a | afternoon, in which Wanganui Fast ioined. The President of Central Union had the jdcasure of initiating two new members, Mr. and Mrs. Russ. In addition eight newnames were added to the Cradle Roll, this again being the

work of Mrs. Mntu of Katana. The social hour passed most t-njoyably, with items, competitions, ond a trading table. T!.e items were presented by Mesdames Crawford, Strachan, and R. Wilson.

Feilding, February. Devotions were taken by President, Mrs. 1. Taylor A reading from Kita Snowden's writings was enjoyed. Rej>ort of Executive meeting given, and remit-- for Convention discussed.

March meeting, the President led devotions with some thoughts from the Methodist Times. Discussion on tickets in small raffles held for worthy causes. A duet sung by Mrs. Gill and Major Arinell, and Mrs. Guy recited “The path the Calf made”.

April meeting oj»ened with the Noontide Hymn, “Beautiful Hour of Noontide . President took the devotions. Thoughts given from the White Ribbon. Most interesting Convention report by Mrs. Hart. A prayer jwriod closed the meeting. Napier, March. Mrs. Ryan presided as our president attending Convention. Mrs. Ford was welcomed on transfer from Feildmg. Mrs. Virtue gave a most inspiring account of her visit to Oberammagau, where he witnessed the Passion Plays. A brief season of pra\er. Next Prayer Meeting at Mrs. Martin’s home. April, Mrs. Bartle presided. All Present were intensely interested and challenged by the splendid re|>ort presented to us by Mrs. Bartle, who had attended the lJoininion Convention in Nelson. Five new members added to our Roll. I.iterature to be purchased for the Election Campaign. Band of Ho|>e is being sustained. Teni|»erance film strip shown by .Mrs. Bartle. Prayer meeting at Mrs. Maynard’s home. Wellington District Executive, 28th February, at Headquarter-. Master ton was the hostess Union. Miss V. Jackson presided and led devotions. Mrs. Melvin especially welcom'd, as she had returned from a trip overseas, having attended the World Convention in Germany. A requtst from the Paraparamnu Methodist Ladies’ Guild fo speakers resulted in the following members being available. Mesdame- T. H. Grigg, F. J. T. Grigg, Miss Jackson, Brigadier Marshall, and Major Fletcher. Miss Jackson was appointed delegate to Nelson. Remit- were fully discussed. In the afternoon, Mrs. Melvin gave a very mterr-tmg talk on the World Convention.

North Canterbury District Executive. March. Mrs. M. Griffiths presided and devotions taken by Miss Gainsford. N.Z Alliance rejiort received. Remits for Dominion Convention discussed. Remits of the N.C.W. also discussed. A Garden Party for the W.C.T.V. being arranged in Christchurch. Riccarton, March. Mrs. A. T. Newth presided and Miss L. Hughes took devotions. Band of Hope Com|>etition paj»ers taken. Di-t. Executive and Mental Hospital visiting rejHiits given. A ino-t interesting talk was given by Mrs. >earle of Bolivian Mission Field, in which was stressed the evil ]>ower of alcohol drinking there. Those who brought gifts for Mental Hospital patients thanked. Mav meeting with Mrs. Newth in the chair and Miss L. Hughes led devotions, the theme being. "Peace”. 122 raised at a Garden Party. Invitations to attend Christchurch Union’s Birthday Party and to hear Sister Rita Snowden accepted. £2.10.0 donations handed in for W.R Funds. A roll of adhesive stickers ordered from N.Z. Alliance for use on envelops. .Mr-. Clarke of Bryudwr Union gave an inspiring spiritual talk on “Peace". Special prayer offered for the sj>cedy restoration to health of our President, Mrs. Griffiths. Spreydon, February. Mrs. H. 1.. Hecc presided in the absence oil holiday of the president, and led the devotions on the thenie “Thou reniamcst”. Mrs. Aucel placed the Dominion Convention remits liefore members, and also reported on the Teui|ierance <«)uiz held at Addington School. Enjoyable time spent at Christmas time at Mental Hospital with patient.-. New Brighton, March. Mrs. Wnghton presided and the -object of Mrs. Edmond’s devotions was, “Jesus, our He!|«er“. Twelve patients had f»een visited at the Mental Hospital byMrs. Eumonds and Mrs. Wnghton. Mrs. 'league, President of Linwo<«d was welcomed, and we were pleased to have Mrs. Mitchell with u- again. Reading- entitled “Lent” and “Harvest Festival” we:e read by the President. April meeting. Collection for District Funds. Mrs. Baker welcomed as new member on transf r from Nelson. A 20 year service badge presented to .Mrs. Gamble. Splendid report of Nelson Convention given by Mrs. Hunt of Christchurch Union.

Christchurch Central. March. Several members absent, as thev were attending the Methodist Guild at Leeston. Mrs. C. H. Lennon gave the ( onvention rei*>rt from Nelson. Mesdames J. Grav, J. McGregor, and H. A. Hunt went to Convention representing Spreydon, Rangiora, and New Brighton respectively. As the-e delegates paid their own extwnses, and Mrs. Ford anil Miss M. M. Thomas went as observers, financing themselve*-, it sfieaks highly for the enthusia-m of the Chri.-trhurch 'Vntral members.

Linwood, February. Mrs. Teague presided over good attendance. Mrs. Thomas spoke of her early day experiences in Baud of Ho[>e and other Temperance work in England. Remits for Convention discussed.

March meeting with Mrs. Teague presiding and Mrs. McMillan taking devotions. Mrs. Lewis gave a splendid report of Convention. A very interesting talk of their duties was given by a i*dice woman, particularly in relation to work among women and children.

Dunedin Central meeting conducted by Mrs. J. Hiett, President. The guest sjteaker was Mrs. Wilson, missionary frofn Japan, who found these j>eople happy, light-hearted, and interesting, but their worst enemy was strong drink. The recent Children's party was voted a great success, with many thanks due to those who arranged programme and games.

March meeting with Mrs. Hiett in the chair. Delegate- from Nelson Convention, Mesdann.- Todd and Clarke, smke in glowing terms of the hospitality and Christian fellowship and enthusiasm shown throughout all proceedings. The Convention hail F-en an inspiration to all and they were grateful to the N» Json Press for the large amount of space allotted to W.C.TU. re|»oits. Balclutlia, March. .Mrs. Gill presided. Two payers on the liquor question given and discussed. Example was given of someone beginning to drink with small quantities, but eventually be became a confirmed drunkard. It was shown ftow only the power of Christ was able to convert the drinker back to the right ways again. April meeting. Following devotions and business. Mrs. Flett, Otago District President, gave an excellent rej»o,-{ ol the Nelson Convention, and members were most interested.

May meeting, Mrs. Gill in th»- chair. Captain Bitudson of the Salvation Army gave a stirring address on the social work ol the Salvation Army, with sjiecial reference to their methods of fighting the liquor traffic. He s|>oke of the evils of 10 o’clock clo-ing. Christchurch Central. 70th Birthday Party was presided over by Mrs. I. Wilson. Visitors came from the North Canttrbury District Executive and fro/n many of the Unions and brought k«xkl wishes and congratulations. Mrs. H. A. Hunt presented floral sprays to Mesdames Wrigfiton, Stokes, Pashby, Reeves, McGregor, and Misses Elton, l»vt!l-Smith, and Kathleen Margels. We were entertained to a feast of music from the North Brighton Women’s Own, comprising Mesdames Voller, Wnghton, and Windsor, and to an item of music by their pianist. There were sketches and also -ongs by Miss K. Margels. and recitations by Mis. Pashby. A letter of thanks received from Miss G. Musgrove and we are also glad to hear that Mrs. Ford is home from hospital.