MASTERTON BRANCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 December 1938, Page 10

MASTERTON BRANCH

PAST YEAR’S OPERATION b.

The annual report of the Masterton branch of the W.C.T.U. states inter alia:—lt is our pleasure to present herewith the 45th annual report of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union of Masterton. Meetings have been held regularly each month, and although not strong in numbers, have been of a high spiritual order, thus maintaining the standard of the true W.C.T.U. principle. During the year our Union has sustained losses through transfers and bereavements. In particular we would mention th'e passing of one of our most loved and respected pioneer members, Mrs Ross. The high example of Christian character and unselfish service lived by Mrs Ross will always stand as a glowing tribute in the memories of those with whom she came in contact. In March, the district executive meeting held at Lower Hutt was attended by our president, who gave a detailed report of the business transacted there. Owing to the transfer of Mr J. Cahill, president of the “Y” branch, a new leader, in the person of Mr Sims, who recently arrived in Masterton from Levin, was appointed, and duly initiated into the work of the “Y’s.” A committee of several W.C.T.U. members was appointed to assist Mr Sims in the running of this part of temperance work. The Paddy’s Market held in March realised the sum of £6, thus augmenting the funds considerably. The April meeting was addressed by Miss McGregor, who gave a most thoughtful talk on the value of Prayer. Owing to the disastrous fire which destroyed Knox Hall in which the W.C.T.U. cupboards and effects were stored, various members generously offered to purchase new White Ribbon hymnals, and thus help to replace some of the lost property. Permission was granted by the Methodist Church trustees for the use of the Methodist Hall for meetings in future. In May, Miss Tankersley, who represented our Union at the Convention held in Napier, gave an interesting survey of the activities and progress made. A pleasing feature was the increase of 411 new members on the “White Ribbon” list for the year. On June 14 a “Y” rally was held in the Methodist Hall, when a pleasant evening was spent by all. Instead of the address to be given by the Rev F. Parker, a round table conference took place when ways and means of reaching young people outside the Bible classes and churches were discussed. Mrs Speight reported on the conference held in Wellington when representatives of all Women's organisations met to discuss the problem of criminal abortion and the growing evil of drinking at dances. “White Ribbon” Day was held on July 7, when appropriate excerpts relating to the “White Ribbon” were read. Miss Tankersley reported on Pan-Pacific activities and was duly elected to represent the W.C.T.U. oh the local committee. In August we were honoured to' receive a visit from Mrs Paterson, of Pahiatua, vice-president of the N.Z.W.C.T.U., whose address on “Prayer” will be long remembered by all who were privileged to hear her. Campaign work undertaken by the members was well carried out in the hope of keeping Masterton dry. The result on polling day was indeed gratifying and encouraging. Reports on district executive meetings have been received regularly, keeping us in touch with activities in connection with W.C.T.U. work. To the trustees of the Methodist Church and to all who have assisted in any way during the year we record our thanks, and to the Press for their unfailing courtesy in publishing reports. Three new members were initiated during the year, making the total membership 55.—President, E. M. Speight; secretary, A. Barns.,