News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 273, 18 March 1918, Page 13

News of the Unions.

(The Editor cannot promise to insert anythng in the next issue that does not reach her by the Bth of the month Loriespondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable.) WANGANUI. March i. President presided. Greeting given to Mrs Bycrolt. Votes of sympathy to Mrs J. Grant and the family of Professor Bedford. Nurse Ballantyne (England) wrote thanking the Union for parcels of warn* comfort! received. Mention was made of the son of a member (Mrs linliam) who had gained military d sanction in 1-ranee. Mrs 1 pton, our delegate, instructed how to vote. Agreed to have a stall on the street for Red Triangle. OXFORD. Jan. (>. Special meeting. Votes of sympathy to Mrs Fenwick and Mrs Gundry. At .the request of A. and P. Society, the Union undertook the catering at the Show. The l nion thanked the A. and P. Society for offering to provide a kitchen, and expressed their willingness to pay £$ rental each year the\ used it. Feb. 27. Willard Day. Resolutions of sympathy with Mrs Whyte and Mrs Lowe. Mrs Hill appointed to represent the Union on the Band of Hope Union. Mrs kippenberger read a paper on the life and work of Frances Willard, and was warmly •thanked for it. WE. VALEEV. Feb. Mrs Peart ore ided. Feeling reference made t<> the death of l)r. Bedford, and a vote of sympathy passed with his sorrowing family. The Presiden urged members to subscribe to the “White Ribbon.” Superintenden s of Departments were elected. Mrs Peart < ho mi delegate to Convention. Mrs X ipier gave an instructive address. GREYMOUTH. Jan. 2q. Attendan e good. Mrs Gaskin presided. Business of Convention discus < d. Marble bar closed for Sunday trade. Feb. 12. Frances Willard Day commemorated. Su cessful git. hering. Addresses given bv tchett and Ensign Memford. Feb. 20. Weather bad, attendance only fair. Mrs Taylor, of Auckland, was welcomed, and gave a short address. One new member. HAMILTON EAST. Feb. i<). President (Mrs Snow) in the chair. There was a very eood attendance. One new member enrolled. The annual report was read by the Secretary, showing very good work done during oast year. As has

been the practice for some time past, we divide our meetings into three parts, Devotional, Business, and Social. Three new subscribers to “White Ribbon ’ received. BLUFF. Feb. 15. Special meeting o meet Miss Powell, who gave an excellent and encouraging address. Decided to vote a small sum of money as a beginning of a “Purity” Library. Afternoon tea was served. March 1. Large attendance. Miss Mitchell (Secretary) gave a brief outline of the efforts made to buy the section and build the hall whtch we now possess. This Branch was formed in iqoi ; the following year the first instalment was paid on the section, then the hall was built, and ‘he work has gone on steadily, till now we possess, with the hall and furnishings, property to the value of /.800, with a debt of £.175- Arrangements were made for the reopening of the Band of Hope. Resolution of sympathy on the death of I)r. Bedford was passed and sent to his widow. F.DEX. March 4. Mss W ilson presided. The need for National Prohibit on was discussed, also the injurnus effects of cigarette smoking. Two resolutions were drafted to be brought be fore Convention. A resolution of sympathy was passed, all members standing, as a token of respect to the memory of the 1 ite Professor Bedford Arrangements were made regarding a representative a 4 Convention. Three new members. LOWER HUTT. March 5 Mrs Billantine presided. Decided to ask Mrs Neal to speak on Y work. Cradle Roll meeting at Mr* Frethey’s reported. Decided to distribute IPerature. Three new members received. Special meeting was held at Mrs Tonness’, when resolutions for Convention were considered. PFTOXE. Feb. 5. Large attendance. Officers were elected. Mrs Ashby presided. Mrs Rowse was made a life member in appreciation of her long and faithful services. Feb. 20. Mrs Ashby presided at a Home mee ing at Mrs Corner's. Mr P. Marshall gave an interesting address. Three new members. Afternoon tea served. NELSON. Feb. 12. Mrs Field presided. Misses Haves and Sutherland appointed assistants for L.T.L. work. Resolved to co-operate with other temperance socie‘ies for election of Licensing Committee. £\2 10s voted for delegate's expenses. Greetings sent to Melbourne Union by Mrs Knapp. Attention called to School Committee elec ions, and nominations of women invited.

March 5. Mrs Watson presided. Deputation received from Temperance candidates for Licensing Committee. Members undertook to give all assistance possible. IXVERCARGIIJ . March 5. Decided to hold annual soc ial in \ ic'oria Hall, and arrangements made. Reported that Miss Powell had organised at Kyal Bush, with a membership of 12. Mrs Macalister to visit their next meeting. Resolved to tegiscr the* Union. Mrs Parsonson appointed delegate. £SO donated to mine-sweepers. Superintendents were elected: Band of Hope, Mrs Hunter; Notable Days, Mrs Kennedy: Reform Work, Mrs Baird and Mrs Harper; Literature, Mrs Macalister; Legal and Parliamentary, Mrs J. McKenzie; Good Citizenship, Mrs Cruickshank and Miss Birss ; MilitaryCamps, Mrs Walker; “White Ribbon,” .Mrs Lillicrap. ASHBURTON. March. Mrs Frost, V.P., presided ever a good attendance. The following motion was carried in silence: —“That this meeting of the Ashburton V .C.T.U. desires to place on record their profound sorrow at the untimely death of the late Professor H. D. Bedford, also their deep and sincere appreciation of his untiring energy and loyal devo‘ion to duty, as proved in the splendid work accomplished by him in the cause of humanity throughout the Dominion during r his brief Shan of lift*. They would extend, too, their loving sympathy to Mrs Bedford and family in their sad and irreparable loss, and pray that tbe Divine consolation afforded the bereaved by the Triune God may be theirs in the hour of sorrow and bereavement.” The X. 7.. Superintendent of Narcotics wrote referringr to the cigarette habit, and enclosing an appeal to be forwarded the Y.M.B.C. Resolved to send a copy to each class in the Borough. The sum of £.\ 10s id was handed in to Mine-Sweepers’ Fund from tin* children camping at Hakatere during the summer holidays received vu h many thanks. Mrs Frost extended to Sister Jessie a cordial welcome to Ashburton. “Y” Superintendent reported that arrangement were made to hold a meeting after Convention Pastor Matthews delivered a stirring anpeal on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. Fund. Decided tha,‘ the members donate a sum to the work. Mrs Constable sang. NOR SEW GOD. Dec. 20. Small attendance. A few matters of business dealt with. Appointment of a delegate was left over until next meeting. Decided Not to hold a meeting until February. Feb. 21. Attendance fair. Mrs Speight presided. Le.‘ter of cheer was read from Mrs Venables. Decided not to send a delegate this year. Votes of sympathy oassed with Mrs Anderson, also Miss Caughley, in Their sad losses. The Presi-

dent spoke on the disrespect of children to heir parents and elders. Decided to procure literature to distribute to try and help mothers. WAIPUKURAU. Feb 25. Fair attendance. Decided to celebrate Frances Willard Day by .. social afternoon, with collection for World’s Missionary Funds. Pamphlet on evils of cigarcVte smoking sent to leaders of Bible Classes. Decided not to send delegate to Convention. but send instructions to proxy how we wish to vo e. Day of meeting altered to second Fridas in month. HAW FRA. Feb. 28. Frances Willard Day celeb.ated at the residence of Mrs Pease, Mrs Hone presiding. Mrs Curtin rcajppoin ed Superintendent of F.T.L., with Mesdames (idling and Tonks and Miss Maunder as assistants. Decided to ask for a proxy to represent us at Convention. Derided to send copies of a letter on evils of cigarette smoking to Bible Class leaders. Afternoon tea, a collection of jfis, and vo*e of thanks to our hostess terminated the meeting. SOCTH INVERCARGILL. Feb. Mrs Paisley presided, 50 present. Mrs Fairbairn elected delegate to Convention. Mrs Dawson was appointed Coupon Suoerm endent, Mrs Newman Sick Visitor, and Mrs Parkin Press Correspondent. Miss P owed gave a spirited address. Sister Moodv Bril bade uv farewell. Five new members. NEW BRIGHTON Feb. 2t. A well-attended meeting was held. Mrs Hall appointed delegate* to Convention. Decided ‘h it the present X.Z. officers should be reelected. and that Mrs Crabb’s and Miss Powell’s notices of motion should be adopted. Arrangements were made for a W.C.T.U. picnic. Mrs Williams (Sumner) gave a verv encouraging and hrlnful address. Afternoon *ea was handed round. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Feb. 21. Willard Day. Mrs Moulder presided. Mrs Ballantvne, a returned missionary, gave an interesting talk on the work amongst the natives of Papua. Mrs Keene gave a recitation, and Miss Knight sang two solos. Mrs Moulder referred to the great loss the* Dominion and every good cause had sustained bv the tragic death of Dr. Bedford, and a vote of sympathy was passed co Mrs Bedford and family. March 7. Mrs Moulder presided. The five resolutions to be brought forward a." the Convention were discussed, and the delegates were given a free hard to vote. Mrs Evans, M.A., gave an inspiring address on how trouble and misfortune takes on a new light when we keen bright, true, and loving. An interesting Jeter was read from Mrs Metcalf,

President of the Western Australian W.C.T.U., in which she told of the work done there toward the reduction of the sale of liquor during the war period. Mesdames Evans, M.A., Knowles-Smith, and Wright were elected Vice-Presidents, and Mrs Webb Press Reporter. PAKIRI. Feb. 7. Social afternoon. Good attendance. Mrs F. Witten, President of the Matakana Union, gave an instructive address on <tnc Strength of the Nation movement. Solos were sung by Mesdames Turtle}' and Woodcock. Two new members and a new subscriber to the “White Ribbon.” Afternoon tea provided by the members. NGAERF. Feb. 5. Union met at Mrs R. Wickham’ 5. Mrs Jamieson elected delegate to Convention. Miss Johnson read an interesting paper, “Our Influence.” Miss Phillips sang two -.olos, and afternoon tea was handed round. SAWYER’S BAY. Feb. 28. Mos'v. successful home meeting it the residence of Mrs Morn. Mrs Allen presided, and a very helpful address was given by Mrs LeeCowic. Afternoon tea provided by our hostess. CENTRAL. Feb. 15. Mrs McDonald presided. Remits for the Annual Convention were discussed and voted upon. Mrs McDonald was chosen delegate to Convention. RAKAIA. Feb. 14. Mrs Hoag in -he chair. Articles in “White Ribbon” read and discussed. Decided to start the Hand of Hope for the season in April. A letter of sympathy was sent to Mrs Palmer, who lost her son lavely at the Front. Letter of farewell and transfer to Mrs Lord, who left Rakaia for Ashburton since our last meeting. PAHIATUA. Feb. 7. Monthly meeting. Mrs Neal presided. Mrs Dew appointed Hospi al Visitor. Convention business arranged. One new member initiated. Feb. 21. Frances Willard Day; drawing-room meeting. The Rev. H. Cottom gave an address, in the course of which he gave the opinions of leading men in Great Britain and elsewhere, and both for and against the purchase by the S ate of the liquor traffic. Collection for World’s W.C.T.U Missionary Fund. AUCKLAND DISTRICT. F>b. 13. A good attendance of members. Mrs Thorpe, Y T . P., took the chair. A vote of sympathy was oassed to Mr and Mrs Wesley Spragg in the loss of their son at Vhe Front.

Arrangements were made to send a consignment of cakes to the Y.M.C.A. at Featherston Camp for first Sunday in March. Mrs Pine: was appointed second delegate to the Convention at Timaru. Mrs Weston, wife of th<* Baptist minister at Milford, gave a most inspiring address on “Filled Bowls or a Good Flxchange.” A solo was well rendered by Mrs W. J. Thompson. SOUTH DUNEDIN. Feb. 14. —Two new members initiated. Conven' ion business consider ed Mrs Harvey appointed Record ing Secretary. Mrs Lee-Cow ie gave an inspiring address. Resolved unanimously: “That this Branch of the W.C.T.U. strongly protests against the cruel treatment meted out to con scientious objectors to military service, especially to their secret deportation and further calls upon the Government to supply to their relatives information as to their whereabouts. ” TIMARU. Feb. 26. Mrs Rule presided. Reports from Seamen’s Re3'. and Hospi tal Visitors given, and appointments made for March. Decided to join the Workers’ Educational Association as a Union. Two members received. Business for the Convention was done. Members are very enthusiastic, and all are working hard ko make Convention a huge success. PAHI. F'eb. q. Pu te mitingi ate roopu karaitiana i whakapuaretia tehi mene ite mutu nga o ie Kara kia katu te Perehitini a Heretina H. Kawha ka mihi kite roopu tena koutou tooku hoa iroto ite ariki nana nei tatou iti ake inga ra maha kua huri nei ki muri ia tatou nana nei tatou ahi hae hoa niai. Kite nei ra kia whaka pai ano tatou. Kia ia inga ra katou e ora ai tatou tena koutou k;i oa, e hara ite mea hengoi kore nooku i pene i ai te roa rawa. Katu ta tatou mitingi hemate. No toku tinana c* ira e pai ana. Kia kaha kia mahara inga wa katoa e ora ai tatou tenei mateu ko aku. Moho puna kua tae mai nei rawa kite nohoanga o to rawa whaea kua wehea atu nei etc* m»’ e i waenganui, ia tatou kati ra kia or 1 an.) tatou. Mehe mea hehia hia tonga muna Kite korero metu mai katu ko Mrs George Manakau. Kia ora ano to matou Perehi! ini. Menga mema katoa 1 roto ite nei tau n >u toku take itu ake ai kei te whaka honore ahau kite nei nohoanga e 00ho nei tatou i runga ito ku rongo nga kinga pepa kuahinga Vernea e whaia nei e tatou ara nga hotel. Flu kite hoki ahau. Kete noho pai a tatou tamariki tane wahine kua iru hou mai nei ano etahi. Kite whakanui ito tatou nohoanga kati ra. Kia era Ce ata who i ate ariki. Katu ko Heretina M. H. Kia orate Perehitini toku tu ak'* he wha ka pai kinga korero ate nei tc pera oku whaka.'ro. Kati ra mate ariki

tatou e liaki katu konga meina katoa. •* Ka whakapai kinga take kino kua taka hia nci etc roopu karaitiuna. Ka whaka nn aua kite karakia. Mrs P. Manakau.