News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 267, 18 September 1917, Page 12

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anythng in the nrxt issue that does not reach her by the Bth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write tneir Reports as concisely as possible, on one sid.* of the paper only. Newspaper cutt.ngs are unsuitable.) TIMAKU. Aug. 28. Correspond nee from lion. (•. \\. Russell, Rev. Dawson, and Mrs Lee-Cowie. Mrs C'ay appom Id delegate to District Convention. Vote of condolence to Mrs Thyne. Vote of appreciation of action of Town Council rescinding resolution allowing sea bathing on Sl/.1d; ys. Report of hospital visitors received. Seamen’s Rest reported 93 visitors had made 193 visits. Votes of appreciation of Efficiency Hoard’s report. N.E. VALLEY. August. Rev. Nelson gave a most he pful address, his subj< ct being “Our Name.” Attendance large. Retiring collection of £2 for benefit of m ne-sweepers. ASHBURTON. Aug. 7. Mrs Watson presided, attendance large. In response to an appeal from Mrs Nirnmo, decided to assist mine-sweepers. Our member wrote saving he was in favour of appointment of women police, apd had brought the subject under notice of Ministers. Decided to thank him for his efforts. Mis Don, N.Z. President, was warmly welcomed, and expressed her thanks. Mesdames Miller and W. [. Brown elected delegates to Provincial Convention Arrangements for Convention discussed. Six new members enrolled. ORMONDVILLE. Aug. 8. A meeting held in the Methodist Church, Mrs Smaile presiding. Correspondence was receiv'd from the New Zealand Secretary of the W.C.T.L., and from Miss Olsen, congratulating the Branch on their reorganisation. Decided to ask Mrs Venables to address the Branch in September. WIIANGAREI. Aug. Two drawing-room meetings held in connection with the visit of Miss Powell; new members and “White Ribbon” subscribers gained at each. A largely attended meeting held, addressed by Miss Powell; 16 members added to our roll. Miss Powell gave her talk on “Girls and Their Lovers” to a large and appreciative audience. On Sunday Miss Powell gave a talk on “Purity.” We were organised by Miss Powell eleven years ago, and were glad to welcome her on her first return visit. Sept. Mrs W hallcy presided, 12

present. Decided to organise an L.T.L. Reported that goods were coming steadily in for the ininesw eepers. EDENDALE. Sept. 6. Mrs J. Field presided. Mrs Field and Mrs Findlay reported having collected £23 2 s Od, also some woollen garments, tor mine-sweepers. At the request of the Union, the local ministers preached a sermon on the book “Defeat,” and Mrs Cowie’s poem, “ l lie Cry of the Mothers,” was recited .it the Methodist Church. Nine new members and two “White Ribbon” subscribers reported for the quarter. DE\ONPORT. July. Reported that 13 draw sheets, 8 operation cloths, 54 diet cloths, 0 pillow slips, 4 bottle covers, 4 body bandages, 30 triangular bandages, 34 rolls narrow bandages, 1 pair bed sox donated to Red Cross. Miss Weymouth spoke on L.T.L. work, and is to come again and give a demonstration. Lady of 84 joined as honorary member. Aug. Social afternoon. Mrs Cook gave an inspiring address. Four new members. Resolved to send contributions to mine-sweepers. OXFORD. Aug. 29. President in the chair. Resolutions of sympathy to bereaved members. Mrs C. Fritt appointed delegate to Provincial Convention. Decided to invite Provincial Convention for 1918. Decided to forward £ 1 to Maori Fund. Decided to spend 30s on wool, the Y branch to make it into garments for mine-sweepers. Decided to offer prizes for temperance essays to all k cal schools. An address on “Education and Religion” was given by Rev. Rankin, and was much appreciated. Reported that had been forwarded to those injured in the late London air raid. Next meeting to be held in the evening, and members to bring husbands and friends. HAMILTON. A resolution was passed unanimously urging all Temperance bodies to organise immediately and unite in holding large public meetings in every town throughout New Zealand to protest against the action of the Government in practically ignoring the recommendation of the Efficiency Board re total prohibition of the liquor traffic and the present treatment of our petition for C o’clock closing. INVERCARGILL CENTRAL. Aug. 7. Mrs Baird presided, attendance 14. Mrs Macalistcr gave an interesting account of the Initiative and Referendum, and showed howmuch the United States owed to this Act having formed a part of the Statutes. Decided to ask delegates to the Reform Council to urge that bodv to set up a committee to make this proposed reform widely known. President reported that St. Helen’s

Home was expected to open the lust week in September. A letter was read from Mrs Nimmo, Wellington, asking Union members to help the mine-sweepers. The Union voted £5, to be spent in buying heavy undergarments, and members subscribed 2.5*. Also ,£5 was donated to the Fighting Fund in the “Outlook.” GREYTOW N. July 51. Meeting at Mrs Anker’s, President in the chair. Member!' requeued to send in names of tnoss going to Convention at Feilding, also if requiring hospitality. All resolution.*- to be sent in not later than August 28th. One visitor present. Afternoon tea provided by hostess. Aug. 28. Mrs Whincop presided. Two visitors present. Resolved that letters be sent to the Prime Minister and local member for assistance in procuring 6 o’dock closing of all hotel bars. Three members of sub-centres were chosen to be elected at Wellington. September sth, indicating vote in writing to Miss Svbal Nathan, Hon. Secretary, Wellington. NAPIER. July 12. A drawing-room meeting held at the residence of Mrs Jenkins, attendance good. July 4. Mrs \ enables presided over good attendance. \ otes of sympathy passed to Mrs Dodds and Sirs Cobb, Palmerston Nortn. Message of thanks received from the Mayoress for splendid box of clothing collected by our Union for mine-sweepers’ children. July 18. T. E. Taylor celebrated. Mr | Oldham gave a most inspiring address on the life of the late Mr T. E. Taylor, and Mrs Peach and Miss Cocking gave musical programme. July 19. Fortnightly meeting, attendance fair. Mr Massey, Premier, wrote acknowledging local Union’s request urging the amendment of the law for the protection of women and children. Decided to appeal through the papers and by letters for warm garments for mine-sweepers. Vote of thanks passed to the member for district for his endeavour to have women police appointed. Decided to advertise all meetings in the “Hawke’s Bay Observer.” A vote of thanks passed to the Editor of that organ for concessions of printing rates to the W.C.T.U. locally. Six new subscribers secured for the “White Ribbon.” HENDERSON. Tune it. Our Union again took charge of Soldiers’ Club, and members in charge spent an enjoyable day. July. Unanimously decided that each member provide a warm woollen garment for the mine-sweepers, to be forwarded on to headquarters. Our meetings are well attended, and interest maintained. WAIPUKURAU. Aug. 13. Greetings received from Ngaruawahia Union, and ours sent them in return. Decided to collect

parcel of warm clothing for minesweepers. Resolution passed at Conventuji for distribution amongst schoolmasters. Decided to send copy to our local schoolmaster. Mrs Nicholson’s resignation as “White Ribbon” Agent was received with regret, and Mrs Mercer appointed. Cup of tea was handed round. LOWER HUTT. Aug. 7. The President, Mrs Ballantyne in the chair. Decided that Mrs Hayes represent the Union at the Provincial Convention, and several matters were discussed to be brought before Convention. A circular was trad from the Superintendent for Work Among Seamen, appealing for warm clothing for the mine-sweepers. Decided to collect, and Mrs Shearer was appointed superintendent. Arrangements were made for meetings for 24th and 25th August, when Mrs I.eeCowie will address mothers on Friday afternoon, and a public meeting on Saturday evening. Books have been purchased for the library and, Mrs Turner was appointed librarian. WANT,ANTI EAST. Aug. 31. The Anglican Schoolroom was filled by the members and their friends. Mrs Duxfield presided. Correspondence from the Premier re six o’cloc k closing resolution ; stated that legislation would be brought down in the House during the present session dealing with the liquor question. Sixteen new members were initiated, and iq new names were added to the Cradle Roll. The riemb'*rg briefly disc ussed a paper by Miss A. Morrison on “The Fitness of Women for the Franchise,” read by Mrs Duxfield. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the Union members. Songs wen* rendered most acceptably by Miss Bowatcr, Mrs Dow sett, and Mi>s Elsie Andrew. The following articles were donated to mine-sweepers 20 pairs sox. 2 Balaclavas. 2 chest protectors, 4 scarves, 2 pairs gloves, 1 pair mits, * singlets, 1 pair underpants, and £1 6s 6d in donations. As the time for receiving donations has been extended to the end of September, the Secretary will be pleased to receive further parcels from those who h.ive not yet helped in this worthy object. It is expected that Miss Cruickshank, M.A., M.Sc., Principal of the Girls’ College, will address the next monthly meeting, so a good attendance is requested. NELSON. Aug. 14. Mrs Watson presided. One new member initiated. Appeal from Mrs Nimmo read on behalf of the mine sweepers. Resolved to make a special appeal to the members and the general public. Decided that Miss Weymouth’s visit be postponed til) after Convention next year, in order that she may be free to finish her w r ork in Auckland amongst the Y’s and L.T.L. Decided that Franchise Day be celebrated at next Union

meeting, Mrs Graham to give an ad dress on the Initiative and the Referendum, the collection to be for the N.Z. Organising Fund. £5 voted lor 0 o’c lock closing campaign expenses, £\ front the Union funds, the lemaindcr to be collected. Resolva d to hold .» District Convention on the second Tuesday and Wednesday in November; small committee appointed to arrange details. Decided that the Annual Sale of Work should take place towards the end of October; at .1 subsequent meeting the day was fixed for ()< tober Two Good Citizenship meetings have been held, the subject under consideration being the terms of a world-charter at the close of the war, based on a pamphlet by Paul Otl'T. BLENHEIM. Aug. 1. Mrs Litchfield presided, 15 present. Letter received asking our help on behalf of the British minesweepers. Proposed that our Union spend £0 in buying woollen garments. Decided also to advertise in papers asking contributions from the public. Decided to ask Mrs Lee-Cowie to visit Blenheim during October. NEW PLYMOUTH. luly 14. As .» W.( T.U. i> df barred from guessing comp t:tions, raffles, etc., the sum of ,£B3 was a satisfactory sum from straight-out selling on the Patriotic Mart Day. Aug. 3. Mrs Lee-Cowie’s mission extended over five days. Seven new members were added to Fitzroy Union, and 13 to New Plymouth. A weekly prayer meeting is held every Friday at 3 p.in. in the Lodge Room, and is now very much better attended than at first. July 2S. White Ribbon Day was held at the home of the President. A good collection was taken for Maori work. Mrs Cocker was appointed superintendent for collecting garments for the mine-sweepers and shipwrecked sailors. GISBORNE. Aug. 28. Treasurer’s Day, many subs, beings paid, 24 present. .Miss East reported £i<) in money, besides several articles, in response to the appeal on behalf of mine-sweepers. £$ 6s was passed to be paid to Organising Fund. Agreed to send a resolution to the Government upholding the Efficiency Board’s work. Fifty copies of “Defeat” to be ordered for distribution. A monthly conv of the “White Ribbon” to be paid for by the Union, to be placed on the Gisborne Librarytable. HAWERA. Aug. 30. Miss Maunder presided, and 23 ladies were present. Mrs Bone reported that ,£SB had been laised for the mine-sweepers. Decided that Franchise Day be celebrated on the last Thursday in September, and that afternoon tea be provided. Twelve new were initiated.

PALMERSTON NORTH. Aug. 17. White Ribbon Day and a gift social, to provide funds for a stall at the Spring Show, was an unqualified success. The programme consisted of songs and recitations, after which afternoon te.i was handed r >und. Aug. 27. Special meeting to discuss the matter of our Union establishing a hosted in Palmerston North for soldiers’ next of kin. A Board of Management was formed, consisting of 24 of our members, and they are working qu ie hard to try ind get things in good working order. PAHIATUA. Aug. 23. Airs Neal (President) in the chair. Decided to arrange an afternoon and evening meeting for Mrs Lee-Cowie. Mrs Captain Huston, a member from Ashburton, welcomed, and three members initiated. In response to a letter from the President. a reply was received from Mr G. Harold Smith, MIL, signifying his intention to support the appointment of women police when the measure comes before the House. A beloved memb *r. Nurse Wilton, has passed away, after a serious operation. Several other members have been called upon to suffer affliction during the last few months. Future meetings will begin at 2.30 p.m., the first half-hour to be devoted to prayer. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. Aug. 17. A well-attended meeting, Mrs McDonald presiding. Much satisfaction expressed at the report of the Efficiency Board on the liquor trade. A mother enquired couM nothing be done to prevent rum ration being served to boys, whe had not previously taken it, after a loute march. In supporting a resolution in favour of 6 o’clock closing, referem e was made to the disgraceful riot of Saturday night last, and the hope expressed that the Government would realise that the open bar is a menace to law and order. Mesdames Ritson and McDonald delegates to Provincial Convention. Aug. 30. An At Home at the residence of Mrs McGowan Mrs S. Evans presided, and Mrs Narier gave an account of our work in Edinburgh, and urged strict economy in dress end food. Votes of thanks to speaker and hostess. CAMBRIDGE. Aug. 7. Good attendance, Mrs James presiding. Decided lo advertise in local papers for donations for mine-sweepers. Decided to donate £ 1 to Prohibition campaign, also to circulate “Defeat” and copies of Mrs Cowie’s poem. Sept. 4. Meeting opei-.ea c/ith a prayer meeting. Resolved; “Th.it this meeting respectfully urges the Government, in view of the increasing strain upon the moral, physical, and financial powers of the nation, to carrv into effect the reasonable recommendations of the National F.fh-

ciency Board in reference to the licensed liquor trade.” Resolved that we express our g’eat appreciation of the Government’s action in setting apart for a national day of prayer October 7th, and also in the appeal made to ministers of religion to use their influence in connection with the war loan. Decided to print the above resolutions in the local papers. Decided to purchase 5s worth of purity books. WANGANUI CENTRAL. Sept. Mrs Lee-Cow ic's visit a great success. Her open-air meeting was a great success , a tine crowd listened most attentively. At her Sunday afternoon Bible Class Rally over 200 came out on the side of Temperance. The Unions here both benefited by new members and collections, and literature sales were also splend d. CHRISTCHURCH. Aug. 9. Mrs r. E. 1 aylor presided. Resolved: “That the Christchurch Branch of the W.C.T.U. protests most emphatically against the inadequacy of the sentence recently passed by the Dunedin Magistrate upon the man Ebiery. The Union places on record its sense of indignation with the feeble state of the law dealing with sue hoffences. That a procurer should apparently be liable at most to a sentence of 12 months only is, in the judgmeut of the W.C.T.U., nothing short of a legal scandal. In view of the unutterable wrong procurers inflict upon their victims and the shameful issue of venereal diseases in those allured through the machinations of the procurer, the Union urges the Government to increase the penalty, and make it, at least. equivalent to the penalties attached to the comparatively innocuous cri» ies of forgery, arson, and assault. The Union protests most vigorously against such a man as Ebzery b ing permitted to contaminate the King’s uniform, and the King’s soldiers, by enlistment, even though eligible for the ballot.” Forwarded to Hon J. Hanan, Minister for Justice. Aug. 22. Miss Roberts presided. Attendance good. Small deputation to wait upon Mayor re women’s meeting Mesdamcs Drenner and Paterson delegates to Provincial Convention. Following resolutions were passed:— “The Christchurch Branch or the Women’s Christian Temperance Union records its appreciation of the work of the National Efficiency Board, more especially with regard to its recommendations concerning the liquor traffic, such recommendations being in accord with true patriotism, commonsense. and a fitting estimate of the importance of the physical well-being of our people. The Un : on earnestly hopes the Board will reconsider its decision regarding resignation, hold-

ing the country has need of the valuable services of -he Board 111 this time of sore stress.” To be forwarded to Chairman of Board. “The Christchurch Branch of the Women’s Chiistian Temperance Union heartily supports the recommendations of the National Efficiency Board in respect to the liquor traffic, and earnestly urges the National Government to give immediate effect to the same. The members of the Union ask this in the name of true patriotism, and of the physical well-being of the nation. In view of the widely and often expressed desire of the people of New Zealand for drastic measures of reform in connection with the liquor traffic, the Union can but marvel at the Government’s feeble and pusillanimous attitude towards this giant evil, inimical to the highest and best interests of the conin unity, whether considered from a moral, physical, or financial aspect.” To be forwarded to Mr Massey and Sir Joseph W ard. TAURANGA. Aug. 29. Ten members present, Mrs Chappell presiding. Mrs Turner reported a very successful start with the L.T.L. Mrs Ridley heartily thanked for her effort in connection with Cradle Roll. Decided that Mrs Turner arrange for delegate to Provincial Convention. Parcels for mine-sweepers to be left with Mrs Petchell. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Sept. Meeting hold in Constable Street Rooms, over wmch Mrs hvans, Ai. A., presided. Letters of condolence and sympathy were sent to several members \wiose relatives were killed and wounded. 1 he subject of Mrs Lvans' address was “Good Citizenship, which was thoroughly appreciated by all present. Th.* Mothers' Thought Guild pamphlet was lead, and several present wished to become members. One mw member was initiated. GREYMOUTH DISTRICT. July 31. Decided to hold a special conversazione for members, and to invite young ladies to attend, in order to consider question of re-start-ing Greymouth Band of Hope and .1 “V branch. Resolved to help minesweepers’ clothing effort, print appeal in papers, etc. Aug. 13. Conversazione duly held, enjoyable and successful. Monthly firayer meeting next day. Aug. 2»S. Mrs Gaskin presiding. Sister Bell reported a special gathering of girls and sub-committee, when a “Y” branch was organised, the pledge being signed by intending members. Band of Hope to be held same evening as “Y,” at an earlier hour. Various parcels for minesweepers received. Decided to cooperate with newly organised NoLicense League re 6 o’clock closing.

Resolution re early closing passed; copies sent to League, to Prime Minister, M.P., etc. Members desired also to write individually. SOUTH DUNEDIN. No meeting in July, owing to absence of President. Aug. q. Good attendance. Two new subscribers to “White Ribbon.” The President gave an address on women’s work in other centres. Sept. Mrs Judsor’s circular to headmasters was read and discussed. The President gave an address on the “Teaching of Sex Hygiene in Infancy, Childhood, and Youth.” In regard to appeal from X.Z. Alliance, it was agreed to co-operate with A.T.R.C. LEIGH, AUCKLAND. At the suggestion of Mrs Cowie when visiting the district some weeks ago, a number of ladies agreed to form a branch of the W.C.T.U., and on August 4th the Dominion Org.miser was present, and the members were duly initiated. The officers are: Pres., Miss C. A. Matheson; Sec., Miss E. Matheson; Treas., Miss A. Matheson; \icc-Pres., Mesdames D. Matheson and J. C. Wyatt; Cradle Roll Supt., Miss J. Wyatt; and “White Ribbon” Correspondent, Mrs L. Wyatt. A public meeting was arranged for August 6th, to take the form of a social, with an address by Miss Powell. ONKHUXGA. This Branch was opened nearly three years ago, but during the early part of this year the interest and attendance seemed to flag. Last July Miss Weymouth (Organising Secretary) spent two days in Onehunga trying to got new members, and at the July meeting reported having gained <•!( ven new meml s, and the Bi'am h was reorganised. Aug. An evening meeting. Miss Weymouth spoke on the work of the W.C.T.U., by request. A good attendance gave cause for encouragement. Decided to help in the appeal on behalf of the mine-sweepers. A pianoforte solo was rendered and a duct sung during the evening. OTAMATKA. I tuano he initini mate roopu wahine karaitiana Otamatea i roto ite whare o Karaka Paikea ite tahi o nga haora ite ahiahi. Kakarakiata E. Karaka 1 aikca ka Irnienetia 25 ong.i hijiene a iwhakamutu ano eta kite inoi. Ite onga o Sept. Ka whakapuaretia te whare ite Pcrehitini monga take, lake tuatahi koohi marama. I «ikc tuarua he mihi nate Pcrehitini kitetahi o matou tuakana mema kia l ulii K. Paikea irunga i tona puoritanga kua pahure ike nei a tae ahi o mihi ate roopu wahine katoa. Kingi hoa tae atu kinga taitamariki tane wahine atu hoki o lhui mai neikitenei roopu tanga a matou. Kaati ra kote take e tureiti nei nga

rcpoata i lenci roopu kei nui onga rarururu e paana kite Perehitiiri tac atu hoki kite talii onga mema mete hekeretaki irunga he raiuraru mate. Kaati nei mate atua ' Katoa tatou e manaki. Kaati me mihi ano ahau te hakeretari. Kite prekr hou iwhakaturia nei e nga mema tuakana. Kia repeka paeranganui ite \w e taima hae ana ahau 1 toku mate amete nnhi ano hoki otoku ngakau irunga ito ratou kalia ite whakahaere ita matou taonga ite vva engaro ana ahau tia matou houhuitainga. Kaati e whakautua tenei niitini kite inoi. PAHI. 1 huihui te mitingi ate roopu Karaitiana o Pahi it.- 18 o Akurata kite whare ote matou Perehitini; orehetina Uemana. Nato matou kau matua nc Paratenc. llemana 1 whakapare te mitingi himene 23 Ka mutu ka tu to Perehinitni Kawhaka a mihi kiona hoa o te roopu ahu atu kite roopu. K.iu matau menga a taitama riki menga mema ho ou turu mai ite nei ra kite nei noho angai, kote kupu nui i roto ite nei huihui nga kote tuma a nako mete u. Kite pupuri inga tika anga o te whakapono Karaitiana. Ko tenei kia ora mai a no koutou ete roopu svahine, tane, tam.iriki hoki mehemea he take 1.1 koutou metu mai k.ru nga katu ko ngaro g Manuk tu. Kia >r; *mi >u Perehitini m -t' 1 roopu wahne me ngakau matua toku tua kehewha. Ka pai «ike noku kinga mihi a teke reh it in i. K mihi nei kia tatou ite mea katalii ano ahau kauru mai kite nei noho anga e noho nei koutou keite tanei nohi anga keiti tumana ako to nga kau kati kotaku take ete Perehitini mchui to nui tatou inga marama katoa. Kia ora katu kote peeke ko Rihipeti Waiti. Ki.i ora tona tau Perehitini mewau wha Ka mihi mai kia matou keite tu manako tonu, tonga kau kite pupiri ia tatou tikanga mai ote timitanga t.u* mai ana kite nei wahi kati not eeko ate nei onga mema i»u ake nei ke: te Pait.au take kati ra ma tatou v.hiriwhiri roto anga ra ite kaha tonu ote tu puhi kati. Kia ora giai ano Katu koheretina wikiriwhi kei tewha nnhi tonu ahau kia tatou ku.t huihui mai nei kite tatou nohoanga e pupuri nei tatou kinga mahi ote whakapono. Ka raiti ana kati teu tonu tenga kou kite pupuri inga tikanga a katoa. Kia ora ano tatou katu katoa nga mema Kawhaka pai katu te Perehitini. Kawhakamutua te mitingi ka himene 78 kinga yveleriana. Kai ake ake arr.ene.