News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 260, 19 February 1917, Page 13

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anythng in the mxt issue that does not reach her by the Bth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cutt-ngs are unsuitable.) GREYTGWN. Jan. 31. President in the chair. Attendance fair. Mrs Cox appointed Treasurer and “White Ribbon” Agent, and Mrs Ouinn Vice-President. Arrangements were made to hold two “At Homes” to enable a delegate to be sent t\> Convention. Decided to start the petition for () o’clock closing at once. PAHIATUA. Feb. 1. Mrs Neal presided. Cor respondence dealt with, and Convention business discussed. Resolution passed urging Minister of Justice to appoint women police. Letter of thanks from Dominion Superintendent for our gitt of 50 comforts and 50s and 40 needle hooks for the Sailors’ Christmas Fund. FEILDING. Feb. 1. Miss Moore presiding. Resolved that a delegate be sent to Convention. Resoived that the L.T.L. hold its first meeting on Monday, Febiuary x. Decided to approach the members of the Prohibition League re 6 o’clock closing pet ; ‘ion, and also to bring the matter of Sabbath Observance under the notice of the League. OXFORD. Jan. 31. President in the chair. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs Fenwick in the death of her father, with Mrs F. Baxter in her illness, and with Mrs Bain and Mrs Long. Letter from Miss Henderson dealing with anti-shouting and liquor at sales. Resolved to knit socks and to hold a “Gift Afternoon” later on for the Lady Liverpool Fund. Letters of thanks received for socks and scarves sent to mine-sweepers, and for box sent to Belgium and British poor. Resolved to cater for the A. and P. Show in April. Mrs Comyns elected delegate to Convention.

Christchurch Union wrote asking for contributions for their Red Cross sale, Mrs Comyns undertaking to pae k and forward donations left at her home. CAMBRIDGE. Dec. 5. Annual meeting, Mrs Shepherd presiding; 18 pr<*sciu. /.10 sent to Red Cross and Children’s Hospital Fund. Officers w\re elected; Pres., Mrs K. James; Sec., Mrs A. Wallace, Weld Street, ireas., Mrs Bryce; C 1 adle KcJl, Mrs R. Reeves . Purity, Mrs Cook; “White Ribbon,” Mrs Watson. Vote of thanks to retiring President carried by acclamation. MATAURA. Feb. Special meeting Miss Powell spoke. Resolved “That it is important that women protectors should be appointed without delay to attend all Courts in the interests of women and children, and that they have the authority of J.P.’s,” Resolved: “That this meeting urges upon the Department of Justice the necessity of appointing women police, thus profiting by the experience of other countries where the experiment has proved a great success.” Mrs Poole was elected President, and all other officers were re-elected. Mrs Big w ood appointed visitor for absentees. Letter of thanks for past services to be sent to Mrs Reid. Members agreed to meet 15 minutes earlier for a short prayer meeting. WARKWORTH. Dec. Annual meeting held at Mrs Hamilton’s residence. Superintendent’s circular re Moral Kducat on was read and discussed, especially in regard to girls in and about training camps. It was thought that tactful women police could do a great deal of good. Mrs Hamilton appointed delegate to Co-.vcntP'n. Otficeis were elected: Pres., Mrs Attwood; VicePres., Mesdames Morrison, Southern, and Boyle; Sec., Mrs Hamilton; Treas, Mrs Cox; “W.R.” Agent, Mrs Jones; Reporter. Mrs Tipladv. PONSONBY. Dec. 14. Annual meeting. Reported that Mothers’ Day, though arranged hurriedly, was very successful, for which thanks are due to the Secretary of Band of Hope Union. Miss Dewar visited us with literature, and asked each one to do their best to np'kc the coming Convention

a success. We are looking forward to meet them with much pleasure, and trust it will be a memorable Convention. All officers were re-elected. A member of long standing, and over 80 years of age, brought a pair of sox knitted by herself, to be sent to some friendless soldier. DUNEDIN. Feb. 6. Splendid attendance, despite rough weather. President (Mrs lliett) in the chair. Six o’c lock closing petitions were discussed. Letters were read from Hons. Herd man, McNab, and Hannan, in reply to letters sent re the appointment of women police. Treasurer reported having paid in 13s (>d to Patriotic Soc.ety, balance (after paying expenses) of collection taken up at recent conference re appointment of W.P. HENDERSON. Jan. 17. First meeting for 1917, Mrs Gilbert presiding; t.iirly good attendance. During the past year ,£4O has been raised, chiefly for patriotic purposes. The membership roll has increased considerably. Mrs Fenny is doing good work in connection with Cradle Roll. Discussion on State Control of Liquor Trade. Prayer and Benediction closed meeting. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Meeting held in Constable Street rooms. Mrs Moulder presided over a fair attendance of members. The notices of motion to be brought before Convention were all discussed. Mr Dawson was present to bring the 6 o’clock closing petition before the members, and urged all to do their best to complete the work done during the last two years, and mala* this third petition outnumber all others. Arrangements were made for Willard Day, when Mrs Bannatyne is to address the meeting. KAIAPOI. Jan. 31. Social to celebrate th* 27th anniversary of the Union. Attendance large. Secretary reported that six prizes had been given to school children for essays on “Temperance in Regard to the War.” That the W’.C.T.U. had entire charge of the Band of Hope, of which Mrs Laishley is president; 13c) children have signed the pledge; the attendance has averaged 315. Twelve* prizes have been given the children for attendance, punctuality, recitation, and singing. The Union’s rooms arc still the bcad-

quarters of the Red Cross work. The suk have been visited, and the needy relieved. Comfort bags for sailors sent to Sailors’ Rest. Subscriptions have been sent to Patriotic Fund, N.Z. Fund, Organising Fund, Maori Fund, Prohibition League, Band of Hope Union, Red Cross Society. Miss Roberts gave an able address on ‘‘The Advance of Prohibition Since the War Began.” BLUFF. The usual monthly meeting was held on Friday afternoon. Resolutions passed and sent to Parliament calling for the appointment of women police officers, and also the more stringent enforcement of the antishouting law. Arrangements made for the reopening of the Band of Hope in March. PALMERSTON NORTH. I* eb. 2. Attendance good, Mrs Crabb in the chair. One new member received. M iss Ijorna Hodder elected Treasurer. Mrs Crabb addressed the members. She said drinking and gambling had not lessened in New Zealand. A good membership was one thing to be thankful for, and if they did not tire, with the blessing of God much might be accomplished. She also thanked the nu mbers for their Christmas present, a gold-mounted fountain pen; the thought was kindly, and the* gift welcome. £2O was voted to the funds of the No-License League. PETONE. Jan. Mrs Rouse in the chair. A splendid paper was read on giving up luxuries and drink to help win the war. Two new members were received. Mrs Corner promised to give t 1 afternoon tea at her residence on the .list. TAURANGA. Jan. 31. Mrs Christian in the chair. A hearty welcome was accorded to the new officers of the Salvation Army. Captain Midland was initiated, and elected a VicePresident. Decided to hand over a parcel of knitted goods each quarter to the W. P. League. Feb. 17. Frances Willard Day. Dec ided to erect a stall for sale of * flowers, sweets, preserves, and cakes, ; ds to go to the World’s Mis* sionaiv Fund. Convention delegate, Mrs Chappell. WANGANUI. Feb. 2. Mrs Upton presided; attendance good. New officers are: Pres., Mrs H. Smith; Sec., Mrs Upton: Rec. Sec., Mrs Bott. Letters of condolence sent to several members in trouble. Reported that many members were working hard with six o’clock closing petitions. Parcel of knitted comforts handed to Y.M.C.A. Mrs Smith appointed delegate to Convention. Our new President then addressed the meeting, urging all to great diligence this year.

SOUTH DUNK DIN. Feb.. 8. In regard to six o’clock closing, it was urged thaf a deputation meet the members locally, anid a strong deputation, representing the various temperance societies in the Dominion, meet the House in Wellington, with a view to legislation during the coming session. Miss Austin will give a talk to parents in March. Members were urged to bestir themselves in connection with the forthcoming Municipal and School Committee elections. One new member initiated. NGAERE. Feb. 6. Mrs X. Jones in the chair, 15 members and one visitor present. Miss Fills appointed delegate to Convention. Two young members each brought a parcel of Red Cross work. I. ■ DEVONPORT. Sept. i'. Visitors invited to see a display ot our Red Cross work. Reported that Maori contingents have been supplied with a leaflet in their own language. Oct. 11. Decided to provide for one day at Soldiers’ Club. Urgent need for police women was emphasised. Nov. 23. Annual meeting. Mrs Cook, .District President, gave an address. Joint Committee of Patriotic League and Union earned by their effort on Mothers’ Day. WANGANUI Y’s. Jan. 29. A very successful opening meeting, 28 present. Mrs Smith, the President, and Mrs Duxfield addressed the meeting, encouraging the members in their work.