SUPERINTENDENTS’ ANNUAL REPORTS.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 262, 18 April 1917, Page 14

SUPERINTENDENTS’ ANNUAL REPORTS.

MAORI. Superintendent: Mrs Walker. A very ditticu.t year, every effort to secure an Organiser having failed. Unions have been kept in touch with by means of correspondence and d.stnbution of literature. Thanks of the Union are due to Miss vVoodhead and Miss Keiha for visiting Un.ons in their own districts, also Rev. F Faikea and Rev. F. Chatterton, and Mr 1 amati, of 1 e Rau Native College, for advice and help; also to Airs Hewett, of Wanganui, and others for help given. Being unable to procure health pamphlets from the Government, .Miss Woodhead prepared five, entitled “The Kvils of Alcoholic Liquors,” “Advice to Mothers,” “Care of the Babies,” “Small Sicknesses and Their Remedies,” and “Food for Sic k People.” These are in Maori, and we arc- thoroughly distributing them. In June 1 issued a circular letter to the Native Unions explaining to them the reason of the long delay in a visit from an Organised Invercargill, Winchmore, Wanganui, East, Urenui, Ngaere, collected money. Winchmore read a paper on the Maori work. Palmerston North and Devonport distributed literature. Palmerston North invited the Turakina Maori Girls’ College to compete in the essay competition, and received four good essays from them. Lyttelton visits the sick. Several of the Maori l nions have had sickness and death amongst them, and many have lost relatives at the Front, and to these the Union extends its deepest sympathy. We hope a suitable Organiser may soon be found for this department. ANTI-GAMBLING. Superintendent: Miss Henderson. Owing to the fact that Parliament has dealt with no gambling legislation during the year, little* or no work has been done in this department by the* Unions. Communications have been received from only two, Pahiatua and Palmerston North, and yet raffling in connection with patriotic efforts is still common, and the gambling at rac e* meetings constitutes a record. The following report from Palmerston North shows that it is still possible for our Unions to find work in this department:— 1. “Hearing that the* school children were being asked to sell tickets for a gigantic Art Union we had here, a protest was made at one of our meetings, and commented upon in the newspaper report. 2. “At our stalls at patriotic fairs and fetes have stood alone as against all raffhng and Art Unions, though all others have adopted this mode of procedure. 3. “Several of our members receiving requests to take tickets in an Art

Union promoted by an invalid artist of W anganui, who has to do his painting while lying on his back. We refused to do so, but a letter was written explaining our position and enclosing £i, asking him to paint us a picture to that value.” With regard to gambling in connection with the races, matters go from bad to worse. No comment is needed to emphasise the seriousness of the gambling evil as shown by the following table, which is a record of the betting at nineteen race meetings held in Christmas and New Year holidays

WORK AMONG SEAMEN. Superintendent: Mrs Hatchwell. I wish to thank the Unions who have helped us so splendidly in this department of our work during the past year. At (ireymouth the Rest has been visited as usual, and a very successful entertainment given. Timaru Rest has done good work under the supervision of Mr and Mrs Good ; 88q men made iO/C) visits during the year. Sunday services have been held. ioo Bibles and Testaments and 70 bundles of literature have been given to the men leaving port. The men take full advantage of the facility for letter-writing, reading, and games, and many pleasant social evenings have been given at the Rest by members of the Union and friends. At Lyttelton, the members of the Union assist at Sailors’ Institute with Sunday teas, social evenings, and picnics. Dunedin reports having handed over their building and its work to a new committee, who are doing good work among seamen, both in Dunedin and Port Chalmers. T'h»* following Unions have sent parcels for the. mine-sweepers Blenheim, Masterton, Dannevirke, Waipukurau, Wanganui, Normanby, Palmerston North, Cambridge, Ox-

ford, Feilding, Ponsonbv, Bluff, Christchurch, Waipawa, Hastings, and Lyttelton. The following sent comfort bags:— Christchurch, Pahiatua (50 bags and 50s), Ngaerc* (12 bags and 12s), and Lyttelton. Donations of money for minesweepers: —Normanby, 12s 6d; Pal merston North 7s Od; Dannevirke, ss; W aipawa, 13s. Hastings gave an afternoon in aid of the dependents of those seamen who perished in North Sea battle; and Gore sent literature to Seamen's Rest. REST AND REFRESHMENT BOOTHS. Superintendent: Mrs Upton. Christchurch, Oxford, Ashburton, and Palmerston North had refreshment booths at A. and P. Shows. Rest Tents were attended at Sumner, and Spring Shows by llawera (collection for soldiers’ comforts), Oxford, Wanganui. Invercargill (also refreshment booth), Ashburton (alsorefresh ment booth at patriotic functions). Palmerston North supervises the Skating Rink supper room. HOME MEETINGS. No Superintendent. Probably the fa< t that there is no Superintendent of this department this year may account for the fact that only two Unions have sent in reports of work done. Palmerston North reports that home meetings have been held everv month at Kitzberbert West. Mrs Crabb has conducted the meetings, which have been much appreciated. Wellington Central has held three Home Meetings, one at the residence of Mrs Huffman, Oriental Bay, addressed by Mrs Adjutant Green, and one new member gained. One at Mrs Evans’, Abel Smith Street, addressed by Rev. Archer, and seven new members gained. One at Mrs Kershaw’s, addressed bv Mrs Cobb, of Palmerston North, when three new members were gained. PRISON AND REFORM WORK. Superintendent: Sister Moody-Bell. When in Wellington l secured a peisonal interview with Dr. McNab, Minister of Justice, to hand over special literature and data as to method of Court work in America, which he promised to pass on to a colleague. The lamented death of Mrs Cunnington removed from of the most dev’oted and effective workers amongst prisoners in New Zealand. Christchurch reports that the appointment of Mrs Miller (member of Lyttelton VY.C.T.U.) as Government official visitor to the gaol, the other visitors being Miss Guise and Miss Cunnington. Women are not allowed to visit the men’s prisons in New Zealand, but Mrs Barney, World’s Superintendent for this department, considers the New Zealand women should agitate for this.

Invercargill Victoria Home still continues to aid and help any woman or girl who needs assistance. They are trained for domestic duties, and this year have done sewing l and knitting for patriotic societies. Invercargill Union is well represented by its President and other members, who are working a Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Prisoners’ and Patients' Aid and City Missionary Society, which undertakes Sunday services and Bible Classes at Lome Farm Home, the Hospital, and the Victoria Home, through its excellent agent, Mr McLean. He visits the sick, aged and infirm, attends the Police and Juvenile Courts, assists by advice and financially where desirable our prisoners on release, and many others. One of our Invercargill W.C.T.U. members is the only woman on the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and takes an active part in relief work, and is altogether a most useful member. SCIENTIFIC TEMPERANCE INSTRUCTION. Superintendent: Miss Maunder. I am sorry to say that there are fewer reports this year than formerly. The Minister of Education has given instructions to inspectors and teachers that the effects of alcohol on the health and well-being of the community should be taught in our schools, but it is not a compulsory subject. lam daily expecting a parcel of leaeflts, which I hope to send to Training Colleges. The following schools gave prizes for temperance essays:—Waipava, Invercargill, South Invercargill, Edendale, Matakana (distributed the prizes at an afternoon tea, to which friends were invited), New Brighton, Palmerston North (College Street and Campbell Street Schools sent large numbers of essa>s done in school hours ; West End (voluntary, essays fewer in number), also Maori Girls’ School at Turakina com peted), Oxford (four schools competed), Hawera, Sawyer’s Bay (prize given in each standard, and 87 essays sent in), and Waipawa. Wellington Central offered prizes, but Education Board refused, as headmasters objected. Waipawa and Port Chalmers report Scientific Temperance addresses given at the Band of Hope. Hastings reports assisting at the Band of Hope. NOTABLE DAYS. Superintendent: Mrs Harrison. Willard Day.—The following Unions held meetings: —Auckland (collection), Hastings (address on “Frances Willard”), Tiraaru (paper read), Christchurch (reference to Frances Willard at usual meeting), Pahiatua (address by Miss Powell, collection of 265), Invercargill (address on “Frances Willard”), Waipawa (commemoration readings given). Hastings (attended Napier Union’s picnic).

T. E. Taylor Day. The following report meetings held and addresses given on the life of our great leader: —Hawera, Oxford, Christchurch, Pahiatua (combined with White Ribbon Day), Waipawa, and Timaru. Franchise Day. New Biighton observed Franchise Day, when Mrs T. E. Taylor gave an address, and collection amounted to 8s (>d for Organising Fund. Waipawa: Mr. McLean gave a reading on “The History of Women’s Suffrage in New Zealand.” Other members also spoke. Pahiatua: Home meeting held. Mrs Houlder (Wellington) gave address. Collection, 17s. South Invercargill: Paper on “Woman’s Suffrage in New Zealand” by Mrs Garrett. Bluff: Address by Mrs Pasley (Invercargill), “Lest We Forget.” Christchurch : Mrs McCombs (President) read interesting paper. Oxford: Address by Miss G..insford (missionary from India). Hawera: Mrs Sloan read paper “Has the Enfranchisement of Women Made Any Material Difference on New Zealand Politics.” Mrs Blamires also spoke. Okaiawa ladies present. Auckland: Observed day, and took collection. Gisborne: Rev. Wills gave an address on “Franchise.” Collection, .£1 10s fid. Union also convened a special meeting, at which Lady Stout spoke. Resolutions forwarded to House regarding women police and War Regulation Act. Good attendance, and splendid address. Nelson reports special mention railed to all Notable Day topics at ordinary meetings. White Ribbon Day. Palmerston North had social afternoon. Gained 12 new subscribers for year, and sold .£1 5s worth ot bows. Gisborne: Special meeting. Mrs Walker spoke on “Maori Work,” Rev. Chatterton on “Purity and NoLicense Work.” Collection, £1 17s for Maori Fund. Christchurc h : Combined W.R. Day and pav-up social. MEDICAL TEMPERANCE DEPARTMENT. Superntendent: Mrs Clara Neal. The following Unions purchased leaflets for general distribution: Auckland, 300; Hamilton, 100; Hawera, 288; Invercargill, 300; Wanganui, 100; Blenheim, 288. Pahiatua, 60 “Safe Remedies” for sailors’ comfort bags, and to present to each new member. Blenheim read several papers on the subject at Mothers’ Meetings. Palmerston North Superintendent sent to W.C.T.U. Educational Bureau a copy of paper entitled “The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain,” also gave a chart lesson to the elder boys and girls of the Sunday School on “The Injury done to the Brain by Alcohol.”

Blenheim and Pahiatua distributed leaflets at Home Meetings. Leaflets purchased for Cradle Roll work by the following l nions: Henderson, Fltham, Marlon, Urenui, Palmerston North, Pahiatua, and Christchurch. Sample packets pun-hast'd by l’onsonby, Waihi, Tauianga, Kati Kati, New Plymouth, Xgaruawahia, Wanganui, Kaiawaka, Patea, Woodville, Wellington, Grrymauth, Wellington South, and Ashburton. The Dominion Superintendent sent three free sample leaflets to Cradle Roll Superintendents of following Unions: Devonport, Greymouth, Whangarei, Invercargill, Wellington South, Eltham, l renui, Palmerston North, Lower llutt, Okaiawa, Marton, Patea, Kukaramea, Te Kuiti, Henderson, Gisborne, Pukekohe, Kati Kati, Tauranga, Waihi, Birkenhead. Balance-Sheet Medical Temperance Department, 1916.

. £s 17 2 36 Letters and Parcels sent out by this Department during the year. 800 Leaflets distributed Free to Temperance Workers, Cradle Roll Superintendents and at Meetings. GOOD CITIZENSHIP. Superintendent: Mrs Judson. Twelve Unions have reported. This may not mean indifference, but only that Unions have been engaged in patriotic work, and in the early months of the year with the six o’clock closing petition. All Unions worked well with the petition, but only these report work in this direction :—Palmerston North, New Brighton, and Auckland (secured 16,140 signatures). Palmerston North reports a weekly sewing meeting in aid of Belgian and Servian relief funds, as well as the needs nearer home. For Sc hool Committees. Palmerston North reports one woman elected (for the first time); Wellington District, two (re-elected) ; New Brighton, two; South Invercargill, three; Wanganui East, one (majority of these are W.C.T.I . members). Christchurch Union nominated 24 women, 17 of whom were elected, one being made Chairman, one Treasurer, and three

Secretary. Invercargill ami Nelson have each one W’.C.I.U. member on the Hospital and Charitable Aid board, and Nelson one on Sc hool Committee. Wellington District, Christchurch, and Nelson nominated women candidates lor the Hoard of Education, but wt re unsuccessful. School Committees elect members of Education Hoards, so we should pul on them those' who are likely to support women candidates. In educative work, Au< kland reports leaflets distributed and visits paid to mothers. Nelso.n held fortnightly meetings though the winter for the study and discussion of social reforms, also one public meeting, to which member- of the City Council were invited, and where* the system of election by proportional representation was explained. I'hc* Council were* asked to adopt this system at their next election, but did not accede to the request. Though unsuccessful, it brought the subject of electoral reform before the public. Meetings of protest against clauses in the War Regulations Hill were held in Hastings (addressed by Lady Stout), Palmerston North, and Ne'-on, at both of which resolutions were passed urging the appoimment of women police. Similar resolutions have been passed in many other places, notably Dunedin. At Hastings a lecture was given by Mrs LeeCow ie on “National Per 1.” Four lectures have been given at Wanganui East; one by Mrs Don (Eccles. ix-, one by Mrs Hlamires (“Facing Facts”), one by Mrs Hughson (“Is it Worth While?”), and one by Miss Cruickshanks, M.A. (“Education is a Social Force”). Invercargill sent information re “Woman’s Suffrage in New Zealand” to an English Suffrage Society requesting such. South Invercargill forwarded to the High Commissioner a resolution in favour of lonian Suffrage in (in.it Britain. Hastings and Invercargill worked for the censorship of picture films and hoardings; Hastings also for obtaining a rubbish destructor and convenienc es for women. Invercargill purchased spaces for Union advertisements to replace liquor advertisements, and also sent a deputation to the Minister of Health reestablishment of St. Helen’s Hospital for Southland, whic h was sympathetically received. Tuataperc worked hard to sec ure a district nurse, but failed, as none were available. Pahiatua works in connection with St. |ohn Ambulance and the Medical Corps of Women’s National Reserve. President of Union being secretarx of both. (Silica the* above was written. Tuataprie has secured its district nurse, and the W.C.T.U. arr nged a public reception for her. Editor “White Ribbon.”)

BACKBLOCKS AND RAILWAYS. Superintendent: Mrs Israel. Only six Unions reported, and of these only four report work done. Haw era, New Plymouth, and 0 sborne report literature sent to backblo' ks and bush camps, and Wellington Central keeps Li>xes ;u railway stations supplied with literature. MILITARY CAMPS. Superintendent: Miss Helyer. Owing to members of our Unions taking individually a very active part in the various patriotic: movements of the Dominion, the reports of work done- directly for Military Camps are few*. Early in the year Unions spent much time and effort in securing signatures for six o’c lock e los ng ol hotel bars. This was work done in the* interests of Military Camps in that it was an e ffort to protec t our solan rs, when on leave, from the temptations of alcohol. One gratifiing feature of that petition was the' number of signatures given quite voluntarily by soldiers in camp. Literature sent to camps and boys at the front by Auckland, Hastings, and Ashburton. Pukekohe, Hastings, Ashburton, and Dunedin correspond with lonely soldiers. Wellington Central supplies our patriotic leaflet, “A Message for You,” to the \ M ( A. Ilostel. Nels >n sends Tes taments to Nelson boys leaving for the Front, and also gifts. Invercargill sent sand bags, and South Invercargill made a donation of ,£4 12s 6d to C»ift Parcels Fund. Otautau and S. Invercargill sent resolutions to Ministers on military matters. The* Unions of the Ashburton distric t provided farewell teas to the country men of the 10th, nth, and 14th Reinforcements respectively. In addition, each man was given a box of chocolates and a puntv leaflet. Ashburton has also secured clothing and comforts for returned soldiers. Suggestions, That all Unions should appoint a local Superintendent for this department. That an effort should be* made to induce >cddiers. before entering camp, to "ign the pledge. That some members of each Union should undertake correspondence with lonely soldiers. PRESS. Superintendent: Mrs Duxfield. Only twelve Unions have sent reports this year, as against 20 reports last year. The importance of using the press for creating a real live* interest in our work cannot be; overestimated. Members and others who cannot attend monthly meetings watch for the reports, and in this wav their int< rest is kept alive. New Brighton. Invercargill, Ashbur m. Auckland, Oxford, llawera, Pahiatua, Nelson, Timaru, Wellington Central, Wanganui East, and

Hastings have reported the.r meetings in the local press, and also in the “White Ribbon.” Invercargill paid for temperance paragraphs in the local press. Ashburton reports that their local paper has published some fine articles on temperance and social reform. Auckland has had special features of interest in their meetings reported in the lady s column of the “Star.” Wanganui Fast has inserted full reports of their L. 1.1. meet mgs in the local press. LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY. Superintendent: Miss Henderson. This department lias covered a good deal of work during the year. In accordance with the decision of last Convention, a petit on to Parliament asking for the closing of all liquor bar 1 -, at 0 p.m. during the war and for six months after was prepared. Copies of this were distributed throughout the Dominion, every electorate being r covered. With one or two exceptions, the work in connection with the canvassing for signatures was most enthusiastically taken up by the Unions, many of which made themselves responsible not only for their own towns, but also for the distribution of petitions to other places in their electorate. The assistance of a number of ministers and sympathisers with the movement was secured. The New Zealand Alliance also decided to co-operate with the* Union, and issued petition forms of its own. Owing to the uncertainty that existed as to the duration of Parliament, it was not possible to allow mui h time for the obtaining of signatures the petition was issued in April, and called in before the end of May. In spite* of the limited time at the; disposal of the* workers, over icxj.tx o signatures wc r<* obtained. The petition was supported bv public meet ng-, in a number of important centres, and by influential deputations to Ministers. Finally the* Petitions Committee having heard the evidence of a number of leading business and professional men, decided to advise Parliament to give the question consideration. When the* report was presented, a number of faithful champions of the liquor trade came to its rescue and “talked the matter out,” and nothing was clone. Many of the Unions report that in addition to obtaining signatures to the petition, they passed resolutions in support, and sent copies to the* members of the Cabinet and local M.P. Gisborne, Hastings, Wellington, Christ* hurrh, and Invercargill report deputations to Cabinet Ministers. In short, everything possible was done to make the movement a success. In spite of this, when, at a later stage in Parliament. the question of early closing was again introduced, the proposal was rejected, all the Cabinet Ministers hut one voting against it. Another attempt to restrict the consumption of liquor was more successful. The majority of our Unions joined in the movement to secure the prohibition

of shouting. A circular letter advising our branches to send resolutions to the Cabinet and to M.IVs asking that in the interests of health and efficiency the practice l of shouting should be prohibited, was resj»onded to by practically every l 11 ion. while a number report work in securing sig natures to a petition for the same purpose promoted by another organisation. Auckland Union reports having secured 16,140 signatures. Another matter which c alled iur vigorous action and protest from the Unions was * a. )od ed in Clause 3, section 6, sub s ction \ .. of the* War Regulations ’ill. Th * p ipos'-d 10 give the Governor in-Council power to make regulations 1 r the stippiession of prostitution or the prevention <»; venereal disease. \ knowledge of the history of tin* attempts made to deal with the soc ial evil has made the members of our Unions very suspicious of such proposals. Moreover, the delegation of the powe rs of Parliament to a body which transac ts its business in secret was regarded as being utterly opposed to the pr n ciples of Democratic Government. The Executive officers therefore addressed two letters to the members of the Cabinet. In these letters the* position of the Union with regard to the C.l). Arts and to the methods of dealing with venereal diseases was clearly set forth, and a demand was made that the measures to be* taken should be plainly set forth in an At t of Parliament. Special stress was laid upon the fact that since it was proposed to confer upon a body of mer the power to deal with certain women, the women of the* Dominion had a right to know what measures it was proposed to take. A copy of the* letter embodying these statements was sent to every member of Parliament. Auckland, Ponsonby, Wellington District and Central, Gisborne, Lower Hutt, Palmerston North, Pahiatau, Feilding, Napier, New IV - mouth, Christchurch, XePon, New Brighton, Lyttelton, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, and Invercargill South report resolutions protesting against the proposal, copies of the resolutions b<*ing s nt to Cabinet Ministers and .M.IVs. In the* majority of cases demand was made for the provision of proper treatment for sufferers, and for a vigorous cdu cational campaign. Auckland, Gisborne, and Wellington also report having taken part in public meetings of women to protest. Christchurch Union organised a public meeting and distributed literature. Every member of Parliament alsq received from the Supeiintendent of this department a letter pointing out that Parliament could immediately put in operation two measures which would materially assist to minimise* the social evil. These were the closing of liquor bars at 6 p.m., and the employment of women police in the larger centres of population and in the vicinity of military camps. Again we have to record the failure of our

efforts as far as an> amendment of the War Regulations Bill was concern ed. Our work, however, was not in vain, for as a result of the letters and protests sent to members, the Minister of Pub.tc Health was compelled to explain what regulations it was proposed to make. 1 he agitation tor the employment of women police lias been carried on w*th considerable vigour; letters have been sent to the Prime Minister and the* members of the Cabinet, and the following Union report resolutions sent to the Minister of Justice and others:- Wellington Distric t and Central, Gisborne, Lowei Hutt, Palmerston North, Pahiatua, llawera, Nelson, Christchurch, and Well ngton and Canterbury Provincial Conventions. Wellington Unions also took part in a deputation to the* Minister of Justice, and though tincase for the employment of women police was put very strongly, an unsympathetic reply was give n by the Minister. Dunedin Union organised a very successful meeting of representatives of various societies to uig (1) th;* immediate appointment of women |M>hce, and (2) the appointment in every centre of a woman as protector and adviser of young women and children, with the authority of a Justice of the Peace, such protector to b«* authorised to attend all Courts in .ill cases where any woman or chd is concerned, and to interfere if silicons ders it advisable. Ashburton reports a resolution asking for the adequate punishment of men convicted of offences against women and children. Wellington Provincial Convention, Pahiatua, Nelson, and Palmerston North Un ons urgid the pro vision of a farm colony for moral d generates. Wellington Central reports having taken part in a deputation to the Min ster of Internal Affairs to urge that a censorship of cinema films should be established. The Government having decided to comply with the request, the Canterbury Provincial Convention urged that women should be appointed on the Anneal Board in connection with the censorship of pictures. Several Unions protested against the regulation prohibiting the sale of liquor to women after 6 p.m. Equal laws for both sexes were demanded. Wellington Provincial Convention and Nelson Union urged the Government to appoint women cooks in military camps. resolution was forwarded to member*; of toe Cabinet from Wellington Provincial Convention. This resolution asked that any restrictive measures concerning *' 2 conduit of women b • effect" r b> statute and not by order of the * overnor-in-Council, and that in the circumstances of our not having women in Parliament, w ith full opportunity for obta ning the opinion of representative women thereon. EDUCATIONAL BUREAU. Superintendent: Mrs Young. Very few Unions have sent in reports, due probably to their absorp-

tion in patriotic work. Auckland reports that at their district Convention a paper was read on L.T.L. work, writt n by Mrs Duxtield. Paliiatu 1 report- address* s on the following subjects; “W.C .T.l .Work, “The Dangeis of Venereal Disease, “ rile History of the X.Z. f ranch se Movement,” “The Dominion Convention,” “The Goliath of England (Strong Dr nk)” “Proportions’ Representation.” New Brighton, addresses on ”1 nc Montessori System of Education. Christchurc h had addresses on “Life and Health,” and “The Montessori System.” Invercargill, South Invercargill, and Bluff all report that addresses were given on Franchise Day. On Frances Willard Day, Invercarg II reports an redress on the “Life of France s W illar LITERATURE. Superintendent: Mrs Dearlove. In spite of many difficulties, the t>ast year has been more favourable than might have been expected, and though the reports received are not numerous, yet they cover the ground fiom Auckland to Invercargill and from East to West, showing the seed is being sown over all our fair land. Railway station boxes have been well 1 loked after in some places, and suitable 1 terature was distributed at Shows and Rest Tents, whilst hospitals, old people’s homes, young women's Bible classes, railway and tfaxni II hands, and some country districts have* been catered for. Our seamen and soldiers have not been overlooked. Our own monthly paper, the “White Ribbon. “The Bulletin,’’ “Purity Advocate*,” have been regularly distributed, .i" well as Temperance, Purity, Health, and Peace literature. Lending librar.es connected with some Unions .ire doing good work, and gradually enlarging their stock as means permit. This branch of the work 1 would press on the attintion of all Unions, as it is a m ans of getting the more expensive books read bv our members and friends where the* price precludes their purchase by jnd : v duals in these strenuous days. Rece : pts for iqtb ••• ••• ( > 1

PURITY AND MORAL EDUCATION. Superintendent: Miss McCarthy. Much activity has been displayed by the Unions. A circular letter was sent to all Branches suggesting that a copy be forwarded to Ministers’ Associations, Conferences, Summer Schools, etc. The following Unions report that this has been done: —- Christchurch, Palmerston North,

Kaiapoi, Pukekohe, Bluff, Waipukurau, I'imaru, Greymouth, Pahiatua, Auckland, Ashburton, Patea, and Dunedin. The following received the booklets issued by the Defence Department:- Waipukurau, Palmerston North, Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Wanganui East, Pukekohe, 1 inwald, Bluff, I'imaru, and Greymouth. Libraries to educate members in this work are maintained by Nelson, Pahiatua, and Christchurch. Literature is distributed by Gisborne, Nelson, Invercargill, Gore, South Invercargill, Palmerston North, Pahiatua, Auckland, Timaru, and Wellington. Protests against the clauses in the War Regulations Bill specially affecting women and against the threatened reintroduction of the C.D. Acts h ive been sent to the authorities by Timaru, Nelson, Palmerston North, and Auckland. Invercargill protested to the Town Council against the display of indecent pictures on hoardings and in shops, with the result &sired; while Auckland united in a protest by the combined women’s societies against the introduction of any legislation by the Govcrnor-in-Council without reference to the people’s representatives. Correspondence in the daily press has been carried on by members at Christchurch, Dunedin, and Palmerston North, and as a result of Union activity articles have appeared in several papers, notably (ireymouth and Palmerston North. Port Chalmers wrote to Di. Petit and members of the Legislature. Deputations to meet representatives of other bodies have been arranged by the Unions at Auckland. Palmerston North, Christchurch, and Dr.ncdin. Public meetings have been held and lectures and addresses delivered at Palmerston North (several), Nelson (four), Christchurch, South Invercargill, Gisborne, Pahiatua, and Auckland. In Christchurch and Auckland addresses have been arranged for by lady doctors and social workers. A strong General Committee has been formed in Christchurch, and a mass meeting called by the Mayoress has been held in Auckland. The local Unions co-operated in both places. Lecture by a Plunket nurse in Hastings. New Brighton suggests that a clean bill of health before marriage be made obligatory. Timaru has obtained leave to distribute literature at Territorial Camp. .Mrs Crabbe, of Palmerston North, addressed the Women Teachers’ Association. Nelson and Hastings have depots for literature. South Invercargill visited every cigarette shop and requested that no indecent picture be exposed. Wellington Central joined with other societies in petitions and deputations arranged by Catholic Federation in regard to censorship of picture films. Met the Committee of the House, Minister of Internal Affairs present; Bill introduced, and censor appointed. Your Superintendent has written to the lady members of the Council of Education and to the Secretary of the

X /. Women Teachers’ Associations, and received favourable replies, also to the Minister of Education, Secretaries of Summer Schools, Conferences, and Synods, and in some cases action has been taken by these bodies. Literature is kept in circulation among leading educationalists. Only 21 Unions replied to appeal sent out. Onlv four District Unions report doing anything to encourage this work among their auxiliaries. .1 gratefully acknowledge literature sent by Mrs Field and Mrs Don, suggestions from Palmerston North, trouble taken by Mrs Dearloye to supply literature for my requirements, and to Miss Henderson for help given. Y’s AND MEDAL CONTESTS. Superintendent: Mrs Evans. Only four Unions have sent in reports. Ashburton has suffered heavily by removals, their President, two Vice-Presidents, and several members having left the district. They have organised a Band of Hope, wi>h 40 members, and one evening was given to elocutionary competitions, and prizes given. This was the nearest approach to a medal contest. They also visit the local hospital. Wanganui Y’s have been making children’s garments for the Plunket Society, and * hey aLo assisted in securing signatures for the 6 o’clock closing petition. Oxford Y’s provide the programme at the monthly Band of Hope meeting. They assist the Mother Un*on in catering for the* Shows, and donated co the Organising Fund. Nelson Y’s were helped muc h by Miss Weymouth. They held a concert in aid of the Organising Fund, and handed over £7 to that fund. They also took £5 at their stall at the* Annual Sale of Work. They report a gain of 40 new in mbrrs for the* year, and their membership now stands at 61. SABBATH OBSERVANCE Superintendent: Mrs Boxail. The following Unions have protested against Sabbath desecration:— Timaru to the Borough Council against the extension of hours when bathing is allowed on Sundays; Auckland, to the City Council against the continuous running of the trams during < hur h hours; Wellington District, to the* City Coun it against golf playing on the Municipal Reserves on Sunday. Gisborne wrote to the Sergeant of Police, and are pleased to say that some two-up schools were broken up. Auckland Union joined with the Ministers’ Association in a deputation to the City Council to protest against running trams during church hours on Sunday. Wellington District wrote to the Sergeant of Police re certain shops selling sweets to children on Sunday, also in reference to the book stall at the railway station, which sells sweets and cigarettes.

Gisborne reports an address given; Dunedin that special services were held on the Sunday set apart for them. CRADLE ROLL, L.T.L., AND BAND OF MERCY. Superintendent: Mrs Clara Neal. The following Unions report Cradle Roll work: —Auckland, 85, increase 30; Devonport, 8, visits 14; Whangarei, 50, increase 4; Haw era, 128; Ngaere, 118, increase 8; Urenui, 11; Patea, 24, visits 24; W anganui East, g; New Plymouth, 346, increase 62, visits 50; Napier, 83, increase 15, removals and reached age limit lb; Waipawa, 30, increase 8; Wellington Central, 38, visits 38; Palmerston North, GG, increase leg reached age limit 2; Woodville, 152, increase 33, removals 13, transferred to L.T.L. 1, visits 122; Pahiatua, 146, increase 108, reached age limit 5; Lower Hutt, 4c>, increase 45; Nelson, 120; Blenheim, 82, increase 20, reached age limit, 5; New Brighton, 20, increase 11; Lyttelton, 8, visits 8; Oxford, 70, increase 30; Winchmore-Greenstreet, 32, increase 21 ; Timaru, 217, increase 40, reached age limit 22 ; Invercargill, SG, inc rease 3G; South Invercargill, 55. Picnics were held by Napier, Woodville, i imaru. Addresses by Plunket nurse and W.C.T.U. members. Arternoon meetings were held by Woodville, Wanganui East (enrolled 2, Oxford (2 meetings, enrolled 30), Winchmore-Greenstreet (address by Plunket nurse), Blenheim (several meetings, addresses on “Medical Temperance” and “Motherhood”), Waipawa, address by Plunket nurse on “Parental. Responsibility.” Sashes were presented to three babies, it being the custom of the Union to present a white silk sash, with a h.mdpainted W.C.T.U. monogram on the ends, to every new baby whose mother is a member of the W.C.T.U. I'he following purchased MedicaJ Temperance leaflets for Cradle Roll work: —Auckland, Henderson, Kltham, Marton, Urenui, Palmerston North, Pahiatua, Christchurch. The following purchased' “Purity” Leaflets for Mothers:—Auckland, Ponsonby, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Invercargill, Blenheim, Grevmouth, Urenui, Oxford, Patea, Wei lington South, Marton, WinchmoreGreenstreet, Greytawn, Kltham, Pahiatua. . The following purchased Eighth t e ar Certificates: —Palmerston North, Pahiatua, Oxford, Blenheim, Timaru, Hastings, Cambridge, Napier. The following Unions purchased Cards, but have not sent report: — Ran** ora, Greymouth, Hikurangi, Wellington South, Sawyer’s Bay, kapuni, Opctiki, Normanby, Hastings, Kltham, Cambridge, Marton, Papakura, Dunedin South, Te Kuiti, Puke kohe, Kati Kati, Tauranga, Waihi, Matakana, Birkenhead, Henderson. Instructions, “How to Organise a Cradle Roll,’ sent to the following Unions: -- Devonport, Greymouth, Whangarei, Invercargill, Wellington South, Kltham, Urenui, Palmerston

North, Lower Jlutt, Okaiawa, Marton, Patea, Te Kuiti, Henderson, Gisborne, Pukekohe, K.iti K.iti, 1 auranga, Waihi, Birkenhead. Loyal Temperance Legion and Band of Hope. Palmerston North has four L.T.L.’s, 229 members, increase i >7. A banner, presented by the Pr-sident for the Legion gaining the most new members, was won by the 'retrace bnd Legion. Combined entertainment held £2 donated to the L.T.L. Fund, and £3 to the Y.M C.A. Waipawa: 18 meetings, 50 members, 2 social meetings, witn games and refreshments, attendance io>; 16 Temperance addresses; children contribute to programme; donated prize money \ £s) to Salvation Army Belgian Relief Fund. Woodville: Organised October, weekly meetings, 17 members; windup social, collection 18s <;d, programme by children. Okoia: 50 members, held a speech competition, programme arranged by World's Superintendent, given by children. Prizes given for essays on ‘‘The Kvil Effects of Alcohol During War Time.” Wanganui Fast, no members. I renui: 4., members, 9 meetings, 1 picnic, 1 entertainment, programme by children, proceeds £] bs. Okaiawa: 1 pubbe meeting, proceeds £5. Patea: 48 members; 1 public meeting, Legion only performers; 1 picnic to wind-up. Nelson: Legion worked bv the “Y’s.” Richmond: 08 members; 1 social, 1 speech night, 1 garden party. Rakaia: 50 members; 3 meetings, addresses, collection lor Belgian Children’s Fund. Oxford: Jun.or and Senior Bands of Hope. “Y’s” work the Senior Band. 1 public meeting, programme by “Y’s,” collection for Temperance Brass Band.

Otautau: 88 members; monthly addresses; 1 social, £) for Patriotic Fund. Bluff: Band of Hope. Invercargill: Speakers from the W.C.T.I*. visit the various Church Bands of Hope and give addresses. Christchurch: Rev. John Paterson, M.A., honorary memb r of the W.C.T.I’., gave two or three addresses each week during the winter, using charts supplied by the W.C.T.I’. New Brighton, k.iiapoi. Dunedin, and Tuatapere: W.C.T.I*. members are on the Band of Hope Committer, and assist by giving addresses. Kaiapol and Tuatapere W.C.T. Unions have t.iken over the entire management of the Bands of Hope in their towns. Tuatapere has held 4 meetings at Te Tua.

The following Unions purchased L.T.L. badges:—Palmerston North. Christchurch, Nelson “Y’s,” Richmond, Urenui, Woodville. The following purchased Charts: Patea, Greymouth, Opotiki, Invercar-

gill, Waip.wa, Waipukurau, Port Chalmers, Stratford, Brd s Road, Okaiawa, Wellington Central, Palmerston North, 1 uaiapere. Invercargill also purchased a sei of (harts for the use of the mistress of the District School. L T.L. Lesson Manuals purchased by the following: -Greymouth. Patea, Oxford, Invercargill, Wellington South, Nelson “Y’s, Richmond, Waipukurau, Okaiawa, Stratford, Bird Road, l renui, Kltharn, Wellington Central, Wanganui, Woodville, Oiautau, Feilding, Kaka.a, Gisborne, Hamilton. L.T.L. Hand-Books supplied to: Patea, Waipawa, Warkworth, Matakana, Wellington South, Nelson “Y’s,” Waipukurau, Richmond, Invert argi.l. Greymouth, Port Chalmers, Hastings, Waitara, Okaiawa, Stratford, l renui, Waimate, Te Aroh.t, Kltham. Christchurch. W oodville. Grey town, Wellington Central, Otautau, Palmerston North, Feilding, Normanby, K.iti Kati, Rakaia, Gisborne, Hamilton, Tuatapere. Nineteen subscribers obtained for “The Young Crusader.” Band ot Mercy. Haw era, Nelson, Christchurch, Pahiatua, and Gisborne purchased leaflets.

invercargill: An address on “Cruelty to Animals." given by Inspector of S.P.C.A. Okoia: Ten members pledged to be kind to all living animals. Balance-Sheet L.T.L., Cradle Roll, and Band of Me v cy Dept. RECEIPTS.

254 letters written and 139 parrels sent out by this department during the year. BIBLF.-IN-SC HOOLS. Superintendent: Mrs Houldcr. Bible lessons given after school hours in Auckland (by school children’s missioner). Timaru (by minis-

ters), Port Chalmers (four days a week by ministers). Bible lessons arc given in the ordinary school Tours once .1 week by Nelson and Port Chalmers ministers of reiig.on. New Brighton applied to S< hool Committee for permission *0 have Bible lessons in school hours, but w ere refused. MOTHERS’ MEETINGS. Superintendent: Mrs X. Jones. Auckland held six meetings, and gained new members at each ; Pahiatua ; Timaru, an address by Plunket Nurse Campbell to Cradle Roll Brigade; Invercargill; W aipaw a held Cradle Roll meeting, addressed by Plunket nurse on “Parental Responsibility, and provided afternoon tea for mothers and Christmas Tree for babies, also a gift afternoon for mine-sweepers, addressed by PJunket nurse; .ilso entertain a large number of women and girls at a social evening; Blenheim held 20 meetings and two comb nrd with Anglican Church Union. Mrs Jackson gave an address on “Motherhood,” and several papers on Medical Temperance have been read. Mrs S. Sinclair always arranges a bright musicai programme for the meetings. EVANGELISTIC. Superintendent: Mrs Johnson Wright. Much time has been spent in prayer. Auckland held 2 4 prayer meetings; New Brighton has devotional service at every meeting; Nelson, monthly intercessory services; Invercargill, fortnightly meetings at Amethyst Hall; Waipawa, organised women s prayer meeting on Anzac Dav; Palmerston North holds helpful meetings for prayer. Hamilton has held 7 meetings in homes and 2 public meetings. Ad dresses have been given on mission work, and the Gospel story told to eager listeners. Many have testified to blessings received at these meetings. Auckland visits hospital and distributes literature; Timaru; Palmerston North visits sick and cares for motherless c hildren of men at the Front; Ashburton visits hospital and Old Men’s Home; Wellington visits f.ictor e» and laundries, also hospital for wounded soldiers and members who have lost relatives at the Front. Addresses given at the Alexandra Home, at Mothers’ Unions, and missionary meetings. FLOWER MISSION AND RELIEF WORK. Superintendent: Miss F. C. Cole The following Unions report visiting hospitals and the sick at home, distributing eggs, fWers, literature, etc. : —Palmerston North, Timaru, Hastings, Ashburton, Napier, Gisborne (20 visits to the home and four to the hospital, 2 afternoon tea, and 2 musical evenings given), Invercargill, Christchurch (give*-; a quarterly tea and entertainment at Jubilee Home).

Patriotic Work: Palmerston North (2 cases of dothinK sent to minesweepers, £lO donated to sailors’ dependants on naval battleships, 2 cases of clothing sent to Servian refugees, proceeds of catering at Skating Kink sent to sjrk and wounded fund, /*ioo collected for Patriotic l und, jo jerseys sent to Manawatu Mounted* in Egypt, sent to hospital ship 9 dozen swabs and 127 bandages); New Brighton (/*<> 2s _’d in goods and 2 75. in cash sent to Lady Liverpool fund); Nelson (babies’ outfits tor soldiers’ and sailors’ wives, and clothing sent to Belgian children); Hastings (clothing to Belgians); Pahiatu.i (7 dozen knitted eye and head bandages sent to Red ( ions) ; Invercargill (Red Cross, Ambulance, and Patriotic Funds helped, and clothing sent to London poor); Tuataprrr (clothing sent to Belgian and London poor); Mataura (clothing sent to Highlands of Scotland); ~nd (visited Soldiers' Hospital, took charge ot Soldiers' Club for five weeks, sent Christmas puddings, assisted by other societies raised £2 5 for patriotic work, collected money on Serbian Day); Waipawa (< lothing sent to refugees, Band of Hope children donated of pr /r money to Belgians, clothing and sent to minesweepers) ; Wellington Central (homemade bread sent weekly to Red Cross shop and knitting done for their depot); Christchurch (comforts sent to soldiers, clothing, bandages, etc., sent to Red Cre>N> and Lady Liverpool Funds, clothing to minesweepers, /40 raised by a lecture' donated to same funds). Palmerston North made comfort bags and donated /to to Sailors' Home in Wellington, sent £yb to British and Foreign Sailors’ Society, collected for Barnardo’s Homes, and clothed six families during the year; Invercargill collected for Barnardo’s Homes; Wellington District. 4 factories .end 4 laundries visited and 25b hunches of (lowers .end texts distributed, on Chr stmas morning visited Alexandia Home' and Home for Aired Veedv; Christchurc h sent comfort b igs to Sailors’ Institute' at I vttelton. and donated £2 to Lyttelton Cnion to help with a Christmas tree for the Maoris at Rapaki. HOME SCIENCES HYGIENE THRIFT. AND DOMESTIC SCIENCE) Super ntendent: Mrs McDonald. Invercargill distributed literature, and also organised a deputation to Minister of Public Health asking that

a St. Helen’s Hospital should be established for Southland. A resolution re Public Health was sent to M P.’s and the Cabinet by South Invercargill. Tuatapcre made gieat efforts to sec ure a distru t nurse, but owing to scarcity of nurses, were not successful. Wellington Central inspec ts ai! public lavatories, and urged the* City Council to replace the wooden coverings by the more sanitary china scats l'his Union also purchased £2 5 worth of war bonds. 1 imaru and Waipawa held meetings, which were addressed by Piunket nurses. At Waipawa two addresses were given, one on “The Care of the Body, and another on “Hidden Dangers to Child Life.” An article on the saving of coal was sent to the “White Ribbon” and inserted. Will all members look this up in the December issue of the paper, for there is real economy in the treatment of coal with a solution of salt and soda?

NARCOTICS. Superintendent: Mrs Wright. The increase in the use of cigarettes by boys and youths, and the evil effect on the rising generation of this habit. Numbers of tobacconists have been fined for selling cigarettes and tobacco to youths under age. Some of the local police are doing what they can to find out where these vouths buy tobacco, and have warned tobacconists that they wiil be heavily fined if caught. Waipawa, H.B.— Addre ss given on the dangers of the tobacco habit by Mrs lames Bibby at Band of Hope, November :/tii. Systematic teaching given at B.ind of Hope against cigarettes and all narcotics. Southend. Invercargill Union (District) reports resolution agiinst »h tobacconists’ method of advertising cigarettes, etc , by means of glaring and indecent pictures. South Invercargill reports visits paid to every tobacconist’s shop in the town to protest against these pictures .end their injurious influence on the young men and lads.

1916-17. r If) I 5 -16 i Auckland R.C. it 257.028 ii 236,1 82 Auckland T.C. 48,046 45.380 Taranaki J.C. 38,500 36,348 Stratford R.C. 43.328 38.862 Hawke's Bay J.C. 10.361 17,540 Marton J.C. 4' .*’45 41,404 Manawatu R.C. ... 105,700 76,576 Wairarapa R.C. ... 36,808 30,203 (ireymouth J.C. ... 1 7.5 1 5 0,025 Grevmouth T.C. ... 16,127 16,780 Reef ton J.C. 11,013 0,204 Westport T.C. 11,706 11,621 Cant’by Park T.C. 40,855 47,647 Ashburton T.C. ... 18,451 18,262 North Otaffo J.C. 10,737 24.420 Dunedin J.C. 33,556 35,706 Southland R.C. ... 30,710 25,690 Gore T.C 0.^57 10,102 Wyndham R.C. ... 11,250 11,100 Totals £Si 5,111 £747,240

RECEIPTS. i<> 15 Balance £ s. d. 2 >4 I Sales at Convention O lb IO Sales by Post "> '4 3 Department Grant o 7 6 ... £6 12 8 EXPENDITURE. £ S. d. Purchases U.S.A 5 3 8 Postage Parcels, Etc. Balance in Hand o 0 i o IQ 11 £6 12 8 ASSETS. £ s. d. Cash in Hand o IQ 11 Value of Leaflets in Stock ... 4 12 3 Amount of Accounts Owin# o 5 o

Sol d.it Convention 4 in IO Balance from 11)15 ... 8 l6 8 30 2 7 Expenditure for 1016 ... 17 11 4* />2 11 2\

£ s. d. 11>1 5 Balance • 5 5 9 Collection Convention . o 11 0 Hand of Mtrcy (iraut o 7 6 Sale* Convention • 3 10 4 Sales by Post ... • 27 2 1 £^6 16 8 EXPEN DITCRE. £ s. d. Purchases I S A, • 24 5 Duty on Badges . 0 10 0 Printing Birtndax Cards • 4 0 Carriage Birthday Cards . . 0 10 5 W riting Pad* aiicl Envelope s 1 +> 6 Postage Parrels, Letters . 3 3 9 Balance in Hand • 3 0 7 £36 16 8 ASSETS. £ s. d. Cash in Hand Books. Cards, Leaflets, etc. . 3 0 / in Stock • «7 2 6 Amount of Accounts Owing (, 1 5 8 £26 18 0