News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 261, 19 March 1917, Page 12

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anytnng in the next issue that does not reach her by the Bth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write tncir Reports ab concisely is possible, on one sid ■ of the paper only. Newspaper cutt ngs are unsuitable.) WANG A NT 1 HAST. Feb. 23. 23 members present. Mrs Duxfield presided. Mrs Ambury’s resignat on .is Recording Secretary, owing' to removal from the district, was accepted with regret. Correspondence was received from Mrs Peryman, Mr> Bende'y, Mrs Suisted, Mrs Chesswass, Mrs Judson, Rev. Dawson, and Mr Devonport, and the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were adopted. The present Dominion officers were nominated, and Mrs Andrew was appointed delegate to the Annual Convention. After votinp upon the different propositions to be presented to Convention, and noting m tructions to the delegate, the mi mb i s entered w ith zest into the arrangements for canvassing for 0 o’clock 1 losing, and forms and literature were distributed. One honorary member was received. Mrs Clinkard gave a pianoforte solo, and tea was dispensed. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Meeting held Ist of March in Constable Street Rooms, when Mrs Moulder presided over a small attendance, on account of so many mi mbers attending the Conference of the Foreign Miss on Auxiliary. Mrs Donnctt was elected delegate to attend Convention. All arrangements for Willard Day, when we hope to have Mrs Lee-Cow le and Mrs Bannatync present, were left in the hinds of Mesdames Wright and Bott. Mrs Don’s, and also Mrs Evans’ letters 111 “White Ribbon” were read. FEILDING. Feb. ig. First L.T.L. meeting. A good attendance of young people. Pastor Nicholls gave an address. The President pinned o:\ the badges. After music and singing by the children, they handed round coffee and sandwiches to the vpffn:.,. Feb. 20. Met again to say farewell to Miss Moore, and presented her with a silver vase. Miss Thompson takes charge for the present. Feb. 28. The Union met at the residence of Mrs Mercer. After the ordinary business, afternoon tea was dispensed. A presentation was made to Miss Moore, who is removing to Palmerston North. Vetv great regret w i-> expressed at her departure. 1 he large gathering w.c-. a proof of the appirelation of Miss Moore’s work. Miss Jordan appointed delegate to Convention. Decided to order twelve

copies of Convention number of “White Ribbon.” WELLINGTON CENTRAL. Feb. lb. Mrs A. R. Atkinson presided. One new member received. Remits for forthcoming Convention were discussed and voted on. Mrs A. K. Atkinson was elect, d delegate. A communication from N.Z. Alliance re I<> 17 petit.on for 0 o’< lo< k closing was received, and petition forms distributed. NELSON. Feb. 13. A good attendance, Mis Watson presiding. A vote of thanks was given to Rev. \Y. K. Lambert for assistance given to the Treasurer, and the President said a few words of farewell to Mrs Lambert, whom we are losing from Nelson. A short address was given on Frances W illard’s life. Mesdames Hill and Emmett were elected delegates for the Convent on. Attention was called to the notices of motion, to be tullv dis US SC .1 at ill next meeting; also to the Municipal and other elections to take place in April. The Secretary gave .1 brief report of Rev. J. Dawson s address to temperance workers on tin- previous Friday, and urged all present to attend the meeting called lor Fibruaiy 22nd, to make arrange ments for the 6 o’clock closing petition. Decided that Miss Weymouth should be asked to visit Nelson again during the present year. Rev. J. Dawsons meeting on February gth, and the meeting on February 22nd were neither of them well attended, but a committee was formed for the working up of the petition, Dean Weckes being elected chairman.

GREYMOUTH Feb. A gathering in the open-air of mothers and children, entertained by our members. We also welcomed ba<k our Pres.dent, Mrs Gaskin, who gave a most interesting address on training the young. We commemorated Willard Day by a well-attended meeting. Addresses were given by Rev. Archdeacon York, Revs. J. W. Smith and Captain Inglis (Salvation Army). Misses Hopkins, Lawn, and Truscott gave musical items. Afternoon tea was provided, and literature distributed. RICHMOND. Feb. Meeting held in Wesley Hall, Mrs Fittall presiding. Resolved that a Red Cross box be placed on the table at each meeting, collections to be handed over to the local branch of the Red Cross. Resolved that the members pay a visit to the Old People’s Home in Hill Street, distri buting books, papers, and providing tea for the old people. One new member was initiated. The L.T.L. has now about (>o members; for this great credit is due to Nurse Field (our late President), whose departure we much regret, and who will be

missed very much. We wish her happiness and prosperity in her new r home. On Wednesday last the Old People’s Home was visited by several of our members with baskets, <itc., who were very kindly received by the Matron. After a chat, tea was prov ded, and was much appreciated by the old folk. We were heartily thanked by the old folk. BLUFF. Feb. Usual monthly meeting of the Branch was held in Willard Hall on Friday afternoon. Convention Agenda discussed and resolutions nassed. Decided to hold a Harvest Festival, sale and concert on March 28th. 1 TAURANGA. Feb. In absence of President, Vice-President (Mrs Christian) occupied the <ha>r. Attendance fair. Our delegate, Mrs Chappell, was empowered to use her own judgment on behalf of vot’ncr at Convention. Six o’clock closing was also discussed, and members derided to thoroughly canvass town. Some of the* outlying distric ts have already been done. SOUTH DUNEDIN. March 8. As Miss Austin was not present, there was no address given. Miss Henderson’s letter re women police was read and discussed. Resolved : “That in view of the serious laxity of morals among young people, this Union strongly urges upon the Government the need for appointing women police*, and for the introduction of legislation upon the subject without delay.” That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the ActingPr me Minister (Sir James Allen), the Ministers in charge of Police (Mr Herdman), Public Health (Mr Russell), and the* Min stcr for Justice (Mr Hanan). CHRISTCHURCH. I an. 24. Mrs Mc Combs presided, attendance good. Decided to ask w ives of soldiers to a social on “Willard Day. Decided to ask members to contribute to the week-end sale to b* held at Red Cross Depot. Superintendents of several departments were elected. Decided to ask Mrs Sheppard to give an address on Good Citizenship on Willard Day. Feb. 12. Mrs McCombs presided over a good attendance. Arrangements made in connection with the Red Cross Sale. Votes of sympathy with Mrs Holland and Mrs Brown on losing sons at the Front, and with Mrs Money on the loss of a son. Mr McCombs gave an instructive address on “Proportional Representation.” and a mock ballot was taken. The Mayor and Councillors of Christchurch arc* to be elected bv this method next April. Mrs McCombs explained the meaning of W illard Dav, and spoke of our great leader. Afternoon tea was dispensed.

Feb. 25. Mrs McCombs presiding’, attendance good. In reply to .1 request from N.Z. Alliance to assist in securing signatures to a 0 o’clock closing petition, it was decided not to move in the matter till after the Annual Convention. Miss Henderson reported that ,£42 had been raised at the Red Cross Sale De pot under the* charge of the W .C.T.I . Decided to nominate suitable women for the Hospital and Charitable* Aid Hoard. Mrs Martin and Mrs Napier were elected delegates to Convention, and instructions give‘ll re notices of motion. Mrs Henderson and Mrs Pate hett we re received on transfer from other Unions. Red Cross meetings are held every week. The following articles have been sent to the Lady Liverpool rooms for our soldiers last month: —865 handkerchiefs, 65 shirts, 23 pairs socks, 7 pairs mittens, 2 scarves, 1 pair knee-caps, 2 Balaclavas. Correction of last report: By a mistake, the name of Mis Weston was inserted instead of Mrs Newton for selling so many ti< k«*ts for lecture in aid of Red Cross Funds. —(I'd. W.R.). DUNEDIN. March 6. President in the chair. Splendid attendance. One* new member received. Vote of sympathy passed w th Mr Webb on the* death of his wife, a member of our l nion. Mrs Napier, a visitor to New Zealand, one time an active member of Dunedin, now a member of the F.xrcuiivv of the 8.W.T.A., brought greet ngs from Vancouver, also gave a very interesting address on the work in Scotland. SOUTH INVF.RCARCiILL. March. A most profitable and happy meeting at Amethyst Hall. Mrs Lee-Cowie introduced the resolution passed bv the District Union and Reform Council re absolute prohibition during the war. It was carried unanimously, and has sine e* been endorsed in the 1.0.< IT. the LO.R., and others. The* measure has cjuite revived the temperance enthusiasm here, and the* newspapers .ire* helping with leading articles. Mrs Aitkcn and Mrs Pate were appointed delegates to Convention. Pur tv books were exchanged. New members enrolled. and a fine meeting closed with prayer. NAPIFR. Lf>b 7. President in the chair. A/tendance good. Two new memoirs welcomed.

Feb. 15. Frances Willard Day celebrated by a gathering of Napier members and visitors from Hastings, held in the* Botanical Cardens. 1 he* President read a paper on the life and work of Frances Willard. Mrs Martindah* (Hastings) gave a helpful address. One new member admitted. March 7. Mrs Venables presided. Notices ot motion discussed and delegates instructed how to vote. Vote*s of sympathy pass *d to bereaved members. One ne*w member enrolled. Union ke*en on advancement. NGAERE. March. Members c*ntertained by Mrs A. Walker. After the usual hu>ine*ss, members present were asked to give* their favourite quotations. Afternoon te*a was them se*rved, and the guests wandere*d through the beautiful gardens and admired the flowers. Votes of thanks to Mrs Walker carried by acclamation. KAIAPOI. Ke*l). 28. Resolutions re Convention were passed; also yote** of sympathy to those in our midst in trouble. Decided to open the Band of Hope season in April. Attendance was good. P FT ONE. Feb. 21. “At Home” held at Mrs Corner's residence. A paper was re ad by Mrs Marshall. March fi. Mrs Rouse presiding. Mrs Hope reported many new names on the Cradle Roll, and propose*d holding a mothers’ tea shortly. Decided to send a delegate to Convention. One new member was initiated. Mrs Hope promised afternoon tea on the 21st. • PORT CHALMERS. March 8. Union resumed meetings after vacation. Notices of motion discussed, and proxy instructions prepared. A most interesting address given by Mrs Napier on our work in Scotland. March. An evening meeting held, and nine young women initiated as members. Dec ided to hold an evening meeting for our younger members on the third Monday. The following officers of the Union were appointed to preside at the evening meetings:— Vice-President, Miss (irono; Assist-ant-Secretary, Miss Dodds; AssistantTreasurer, Miss Isbister; “\Y.R.” ReIxirtcT, Miss M. Olds; Social Committee. Misses Dodds, Pervman, Warkinshore, Isbiste'r, end M. Olds,

GISBORNE. Feb. 27. Seventeen present, Mrs (ioffe, the new Presidem in the* chair. Mr* (ioffe (as one of a deputation to the Borough Council) reported that the* Council had acknowledged their responsibility in regard to keeping the* Sievwright drinking fountain ;n order, and promised the work should be* done*. Decided to celebrate I ran- . Willard Day at our March ineeting. Bal ince-sheet showed a paidup membership of 6(>, and ,£9 18s 8d in hand. Votes of sympathy passed to Mrs Church and Mrs Toneycliffe. A donation of ,£1 to be se*nt to the* Voluntary Bible Teachers’ Association Resolutions to be brought up ut Convention were read and discussed, and Mrs (ioffe appointed our delegate* to same. Mrs (ioffe also to be nominated for the Hospital Board. Mrs Israe*! urged that washable coverings for the extra mattresses use*d on steamers during crowded voyages be asked for. Resolutions re* same to he sent to Health Department and head Union office. Enquiries to be made as to the law in regard to picture advert is ng on Sundays. Mrs W ilkes agreed to carry on the Secretarial work till Mrs Malcolm’s return. A few departments of work were take n up. NELSON Y’s. March 2. A fair attendance. One* new member initiated. A Programme Committee* was appointed to assist in the L.T.L. meetings, also our own meetings. The* delegate was instructed to secure* some* Convention numbers of “White Ribbon” for d stributiop. A helpful address was given bv Miss Small on her ideals of womanhood. Preceding this meeting the L.T.L. was held, when there were about 40 children present. The officers were elected by L.T.L. for next three months. PONSONBY. Feb. 8. Mrs Fountain presided. Attendance good. Agreed with pleasure to Miss Dewar’s reciuest to assist with catering for afternoon tea during Convention. Letter from Rev. Dawson re 6 o’clock closing petition. Decided to leave the matter over till we hear from the League. Mr M<*e's article, advocating prohibition of the liquor trade, was read, also a reading from the “Patriot” in regard to the nrohibition policy of South Australia for 1917. Afternoon tea was dispensed, and two new members initiated.

ASHhURTON. February 0. Mrs Watson presided over a large attendance of members. Letters of sympathy to be sent to Mr and Mrs Brown on the death of their daughter, an active member of our Union; also to Mrs Munson in her illness. Mrs Jameson was cordially welcomed, and brought a greeting from kai poi Union. Mrs \V. H. Robinson elected delegate to Convention, and Mrs S. Trevurza substitute. Instructions issued to delegate upon the notices of moion to come before Convention. Mrs Jameson apointed Superintendent for Moral Instruction. March. Social afternoon to say “Good-bye” to Rev. and Mrs J. 1). McArthur. Attendance good. Vocal and instrumental items were rendered, and an address given by Mr McArthur on “Some Notable Women.’’ Mrs Watson thanked Mr and Mrs Mc Arthur for help and sympathy during the last two years, and wished them success and happiness in their new home. Two new members received. Collection of j£i for World’s Missionary Fund. Votes of thanks to speaker and performers and a cup of tea closed a pleasant afternoon. MANAIA. Monthly meeting held. Membership 82, a slight increase. £5 sent to Y.M.C.A. Fund. Map of U.S.A. shovjng dry territory was. inspected with interest. Resolution of appreciation for the life-work of the late Mr F. W. lsitt was passed, members standing. Mrs Craig gave a fine reading. Convention delegate chosen. Reported that a hon. member, Mr Parry, had given his life for his country ; another, Lieut. W’illiams, has won “his wings.” Miss Hughes has left for war work it Home, and Miss Rallantvnc is a nursing sister in France. Four members, Mesdames Bennett and Hunt, and the Misses Patterson had c harge of Red Cross stall in Hawera, and took .£24. TIMARU. February. Decided not to take part in six o’clock closing petition arranged by Alliance. Convention matters discussed, and instructions given to delegate. Decided to invite 1918 Convention to meet in Timaru. Dec ided to hold Cradle Roll picnic on March IS- -Mrs Rule elected delegate. Reports received from Hospital visitors and from Sailors* Rest. Two socials for seamen were held at Rest. LYTTELTON. Feb. 7. There was an attendance of i s members. Our President read an article from the “Outlook,” entitled “Canada Pleads with Britain for the Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic.” The article describes fully the teriible way in which alcohol is hindering the termination of the war. After a short discussion, the members decided to make every effort to obtain signatures for the 0 o’clock petition.

GREYTOWN. February 21. Special meeting. Decided to alter the day of meeting to the last Tuesday at 2.30 p.rn. Districts were alloted members to canvass with six o’clock petition. February 27. Mrs Whincop in the chair. An “At Home ’ was held at Mrs Banks’ on February 8, and Mrs Whincop held a social on February 15. Both were well attended, and funds raised towards the delegates’ expenses. Resolved to hold a social on March 13. INVERCARGILL DISTRICT. Feb. 6. Mrs Baird presided. Mrs John McKenzie moved a resolution expressing sorrow at the death of the Hon. Dr. McNab. The resolution was carried, all standing. Miss Powell, Travelling Organiser, addressed the meeting. Mrs Baird voiced the Union’s appreciation of the work of Mrs Peter Cruickshank as a member of the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and announced that Miss Helen Birss would be a candidate for election to the Board at next election, and it was hoped that both ladies would be returned. Mrs Cowie gave a most eloquent address on the life of Frances Willard. At a special meeting of the Executive the following resolutions were carried: —“Resolved to urge the Department of Justice to appoint women police and profit by the experience of other places where the experiment has been tried and proved to be of great value.” Also, “That in the opinion of this meeting it is most important that women protectors should be appointed without delay to serve the interests of women and children, and with the powers of Justices of the Peace, who would also attend the Courts; and for these reasons that women Justices could the better be appealed to by women who need help; also having the authority of Justices of the Peace would enable them to enforce necessary reforms.” Feb. q. Special meeting. A letter was received from the Rev. J. Dawson asking the co-operation of the Union in the matter of a third campaign in re six o’clock closing. In connection, Mrs Cowie moved, “While cordially approving of every effort to minimise the power of the liquor traffic by six o’clock closing, anti-shout-ing, etc., we believe the day has come for a much greater movement, that is Total Prohibition for the Dominion for the period of the war and six months thereafter.” Mrs Baird brought forward the following suggestion, to be put before the Convention by our delegate (Mrs Cowie) —That before an election for members of Parliament, committees from Unions wait on candidates and submit the following questions:—(l) Are you in favour of total prohibition? (2) Will you advocate for it? (3) Will you vote for it ? March 6. Mrs Cowie read the manifesto that the Reform Council

and W'.C.T.U. have prepared in favour of National Prohibition and to be presented .it the Convention. Several ladies of the W.C.T.U. waited on the Hon. Russell re a St. Helen's Maternity Hospital for Southland, and it is gratifying to report that the Government have now purchased the residence of Mr J. K- Watson, a build.ng in every way suitable. A condition was that the iadies of Invercargill and surrounding district were to obtain the money to furnish same. PALMERSTON NORTH. March. Good meeting. Mrs Crabb presided. Satisfactory report read by Treasurer on result of proceeds from Paddy's Market. Notices of motion for Convention were read and discussed, and delegates appointed. Decided to invite Convention for 1q 18 or 1919. Letter received from Mrs Outram congratulating our Union for its stand taken against gambling at the recent Paddy’s Market. Notice was also, taken of the efforts being made by the University girls in Christchurch and Wellington to assist in the cause of purity; their efforts were commended as being highly practical. HAWERA. February 22. Sister Nellie presided, and thirteen ladies were present. Decided that we should help to work the six o’clock closing petition. Frances Willard Day was commemorated, and a history of the life and character of Miss Willard was read by Sister Nellie. Collection of Xs qd taken up. W ANGANUI Y’s. Feb. 26. President in the chair; 16 present. Ar. interesting address was given by the Rev F. 11. Radford, who concluded hi> remarks by an appeal for workers to take the 6 o’clock petition forms around Ouite a number responded. Mrs Snrth closed the meeting. AUCKLAND. Feb. 14. Mrs Cool presided. Letters of sympathy »o Mrs Don. Mrs Ogilvie, and Miss Bagnall on account of iPness. Decided to ask the Mayor of Auckland to extend .1 civic welcome to the Convention. Notices of motion were discussed and delegates instructed. Resolved that the District Union asw the help of other Tempejance organisations to make a special effort to secure the abolition of licenses for wine shops. One new member received. A social afternoon was held to welcome our new Organiser. Miss Wev mouth. Mrs Cook extended a hearty welcome, and Miss Wevmouth replied in a bright sp ech. Re itation and musical items were given. Feb. 28. Arrangements for programme and entertainment of delegates was discussed. Miss Dewar urged members to pray that Union work be extended, and that our ('onvent ion be a great success in every

way. Miss Wcymou'h gave a short address, and one new member was initiated. OTAMATEA. Maehe 5. 1 tuano he mitini ma tenei roopu karaitiana wahine Oiainatea ite 180 nga ra o Pepuere. 1 roto ite whare karakia ite mutunga ote karakia ahiahi. Ka whakapuarctiate whare mote mitini etc Rev. F. Paikea a inano i karakia a ka puare te whare monga take. (1) Koohi maranu moni awhina Karena is. 11. Paikea is, W. Paikea is, Kerri Mu (id. Kaati hore kau he take niunui <rono i tenei tritini heoi kote koohi niarama a kote tumanakc tonu hoki ote ngakau kinga mahi etikai o marae ar.i mate matua ano ite rangi e whaka a o tatou ngakau kite mahi inga mea tika kua homai nei eia he mahi ma tatou manga roopu wahine oiißa taki eoa katoa. Kaati whakamutua tenei huihuinga kite karakia e te Rev. F. Paikea. I tuano he huihuinga ma tenei roopu wahine Otamatea ite i*t onga ra o Maehe. Iroto it v * whare o Mareina Peraniko ite rua karakia ite ahiaahi Nate Perehitim te kar.'k a ka himenetia 23 onga himene whakaniutua kite inoi ete Perehitini k.i puare te whare monga take Perehetini kaati kia ora katoa tatou kua hui mai nei ano tatou tenei ano o wa tatou mitini lieoi ano hoki te take nui ko tatou koohi marama anake kio ahau hore waku mate matua ano tatou em inaki. heoi i runga ite- kr;. ■ take k h..i iroa whakarnutua te mitini efe Perehit ni a i niutu kite inoi.