News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 275, 18 May 1918, Page 11

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 Correspondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cutt ngs are unsuitable.) NELSON. April 9. Mrs Emmett’s resignation as Librarian accepted with regret; resolution of appreciation and thanks passed. Mrs Kirby appointed to take her place. Support of the Union given to Mrs Buchanan and Mrs Rc'dgrave as candidate s for School Committee Four home meetings arranged in connection therewith. Mrs Tait requested to interview the Vicar of All Saints’ w ith regard to the use of fermented wine in the Anglican Church, and also the announcement of Union meetings. Two visitors welcomed: Mrs Down (Palmerston North) and Mrs Reeve (Cambridge). Resolutions passed at Convention re cinema performances for children were “ndorsed by the Union. April 16. Special social meeting for reteiving Convention reports. The ! nion’s delegates being absent, short reports were given by Mrs Brown and Mrs Judson, delegates to give report at next meeting. Songs contributed by Miss Mae Davis, of Wellington. The School Committee, including two women candidates, went in without election, there being only the required number of nominations. ASHBURTON. April 18. Drawing-room afternoon at the residence of Mrs \Y. Oakley. A large attendance. Mrs \\. T. I.ill briefly introdurrd Mrs Napier, New Zealand “V” Organiser, who spoke on the work the Y Unions were doing in the Old Land, and closed a deeply int°resting address with a stirring appeal to all to work and save until victory is assured. Nine present were enrolled as new members. Vocal and instrumental items were pleasingly rendered, and a dainty afternoon tea handed around. Several new subscribers to the “White Ribbon” were secured. Votes of thanks to speaker, hostess, and performers were carried unanimously. WANGANUI. May 4. —Mrs H. Smith presided, and Miss Tucker read a splendid paper. Votes of sympathy with Mrs Wilton, Mrs Strong and relatives of the late Mrs Hill in their recent breavements were passed, by members standing in silence. Letters of appreciation were received from the bereaved members. Decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mrs Tremilow, in her present illness. Also decided to give an evening to returned soldiers,

OXFORD. April 24- Mrs Kippe.nberger gave nn interesting account of the recent Dominion Convention. The President thanked Mrs kippei.berger for her report. and said that the Oxford Union would have an opportunity of attending the next District Convention, which would be at Oxford in September. MATAURA. February 22. —Mrs Galt presided, eight present. Mrs Louden spoke on the drink traffic, and the Life of Dr Bedford. A vote of sympathy was s*’nt from this Union to Mrs Bedford. April.—Mrs Galt occupied the chair. Resolved that a box be started for some home- destination to be decided later. One new member. Secretary invited Mr G. D. Yerco to attend next meeting. HAMILTON EAST. April 16. —Mrs Snow presided over a full attendance. Two new members initiated. Mrs Anderson, a visitor, was welcomed. A vote of sympathy to Mrs Boal on the death of her little child, a member of our Cradle Roll. Mrs Watkins sjiokc on the needs of the brave mine-sweepers, and d •< Hed to appeal for funds through the local press. TIMARU. March 31. About 82 members had joined during and since Convention. A framed photograph of Convention Delegates was presented to Mrs Rule as a memento of Convention. A resolution, which had been received from the W.C.T.U. Fixecutive, was re id expressing appreciation and tha.iks for the carrying out of the details in connection with recent Convention. Hospital visitors’ report received. Notes of condolence were passed to three members who had lost relatives. Sailor’s Rest report showed a quiet month. WANGANUI EAST. March 22.—Nominations for appointment in school committe were handed in, and two Union members were again nominated. Reports re litera ture, visiting sic k and absent members were given verbally. An interesting and instructive address: “A Smoker’s Heart,” taken from the W’.C. T.U. Scientific Temperance Charts, was given by the local Superintendent of Narcotics. April 26. —Fair number present Votes of svmpathv were passed on account of illness of Mrs J. Jones, and also Mrs Melvin’s little daughter. Mesdames Walpole and Ellis were congratulated on attaining high places. 3rd and 4th respectivelv, at the school committed election. Mrs Suisted cxnrrssed pleasure with response from t’nion on behalf of sufferers from the hu«h fire. Members also assisted in 'onn**rtion with Red Cross Day at Wanganui East. A most interesting report of Convention, written bv

proxy. was read by Mrs Andrew, and a hearty vote of thanks followed, to the reader and writer. TAURANGA. March 27. Mrs Chappell presided, and presented financial statement and reported number of members. Decided to forward £3 to Dominion Treasurer from proceeds of effort ou Frances W illard Day. Decided to forward jC Ito Organising Fund. Two new members welcomed from Palmerston North into our Union. A pleasant social was held afterwards. WARE WORTH. April 25. Good attendance. Mr Gould gave an address on Temperance, dividing it into four parts, the initial letters forming the letters of the Union. Work, Courage, Thorough, United. He was heartily thanked. Mrs Buckingham read a very full report of Convention sent by air proxy. GREYTOWN. April 5. Mrs Lee-Cowie visited the Hospital at 3 p.m., and gave a very interesting address in the Buchanan Women’s Ward, some hospital patients, soldiers, and from the Home being present. On Saturday a meeting held, at which Mrs Cowie gave a thrilling address. Two new members. Sunday afternoon Mrs Cowie addressed the united Sunday Schools. In the evening she spoke in the Presbyterian Church to a very appreciative congregation on her visit to Palestine. April 26. Mrs Quin, V.P., in the chair. A vot** of thanks was passed to Mrs Whincop for hosp tality given to Mrs Cowie when in Greytown. TAKAPUNA. April 4. Eight were present, Mrs Fulljames in chair. Short address by Mrs Harris. May 2. President in chair. Miss Rushbrook took charge of meeting at first, then Miss Hughes gave us an interesting and touching account of her work in Australian Rescue Homes. Two ladies were initiated, and three new members were added to Cradle Roll. HAMILTON. May 2. Over 40 ladies present. President gave a short address. The President introduced and welcomed Mrs E. O. Blamires to our Union, and a hearty welcome greeted her when rising to reply. Miss Tidd sang a solo. Three new members joined our Union. A vote of sympathy was passed with several members who had since last meeting lost their dear ones at the Front. Decided to hold next “Home” meeting at Mrs Auld’s. Afternoon tea was then handed round by several members of the Y Union. Mrs Snow, on behalf of the Hamilton East Union, extended a warm welcome to Mrs Blamires.

EDEN. April 17. Miss Wilson presided. Letters were read from Mrs Evans, Mrs Lec-Cowie, and Miss N. Dewar. The Cor. Sec. reported the purchase of literature on State Control. Mrs Pirritt gave a concise and inspiring report of the Convention. One new member was initiated. SOUTH DUNEDIN. Convention report was given by our President on April 11. A full account of the forward movement arranged for the coming year was given, and some of the resolutions of Convention considered, endorsed, and reported in local papers. PETONE. April 2. A fair attendance. Mrs Ashby presided. Mrs Hope gave a very interesting report of Convention, which was much enjoyed. On 17th a pleasant afternoon was spent at the residence of Mrs Collins. Readings were given by Mrs Mcßean and Miss Rouse. Afternoon tea was dispensed. GREYMOUTII DISTRICT. April 30. Good attendance. Mrs Gaskin presided, and gave report of her visit to the Timaru Convention. A vote was taken in silence, members standing, that a record of the longcontinued and consistent faithful ser vice to the Prohibition cause be put upon the minutes, in relation to the lamented death of our sister, Mrs Mason, senr., one of the Vice-Presi dents. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. Mrs Gaskin gave a welcome to Sister Moody-Bell, who has lately left Invert argill to settle on the West Coast. Two new members initiated. FEILDING. May 2. A fair attendance. Mrs Crabb (District President) took charge of the meeting. Mrs Bridge gave a splendid report of Convention, which was much appreciated. Miss Powell is expected to visit us. Dorc as work was discussed. A vote of thanks to Mrs Crabb and Mis Bridge closed the meeting. LYTTELTON. May 1. Monthly meeting held. Mrs W ilson presided. Eight members present. Miss Roberts and Miss Henderson, from Christchurch Union, came down and gave us very interesting addresses on the work done at Convention, which were much appreciated. RAKAIA. March 21. A united meeting with the Mother Union was held, Mrs Blakiston in the chair. Mrs Williams, of Sumner, gave a v°rv interesting address on the evils of string drink. There was a good attendance. Greet, ings were sent to Convention

April 11. A large attendance of members. Mrs Boag piesided. A report of Convention was read by the delegate. Dec ided to start the Band of Hope for this season on jGth April, and to hold it fortnightly when possible. One new member. CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 13. Miss Henderson presided. Reported that Cit\ Council had granted permiss on to erect a tent on Cathedral Square for sale of gifts for R**d Cross work. Balance-sheet read and adopted, and Treasurer and Auditor thanked. Mrs Saxton, Misses Gordon and Roberts elected delegates to Convention, and instructions given. March 27. Mrs Taylor presided. Decided to postpone suburban meeting till April 17th. Mrs Saxton gave a report of Convention. Decided to ask Mrs Neal to address a Cradle Roll meeting. April 10. Miss Roberts presided over large attendance. Mrs Neal gave an address on Medical Temperance, and was thanked. Miss Bishop urged Unions to try and get women appointed on School Committees. Votes of sympathy to Mrs Taylor and Mrs Luke in reference to serious illness of Lieut. Luke in France. April 24. Attendance good. Mrs Taylor in the ( hair. Decided to cooperate with Red Cross Society in sending honey to the soldiers at Home. Mrs Taylor, Mrs Sheppard, and Miss Roberts appointed delegates to Round Table Conference. Misses Roberts and Moody-Bell addressed the meeting. Reported 23 women elected on School Committees in and around Christchurch. April 17. Successful suburban meeting at Opawa. Miss Roberts presided, and Mrs McKee and Mrs Williams gave addresses. Five new members. SAWYER’S BAY. April q. A very tine report of Convention by Mrs Tiffany, our delegate. Resolved to ask storekeepers to be careful that cigarettes were not bought for children under 16. Decided to write to Health Authorities re a bad drain. Four new members. BLENHEIM. March 4. Mrs Litchfield presided. Attendance good. Mrs Brewer thanked for services as reporter. Secretary to report meetings. Resolution re wet canteens in camps where New Zealand boys are was sent to Convention by our delegate. April 2. Fair attendance. Mrs Litchfield in the chair. Resolutions of sympathy with Mrs Grace in the loss sustained by the death of Archdeacon Grace, and with Mrs Ho.ne for the loss of her mother. April IC. Social gathering. Mrs Richards gave report of Convention, which was received with much interest, and she was heartily thanked. Musical items were rendered.

AUCKLAND. Feb. 27. Vote§ of sympathy with bereaved members. Convention instructions given to delegates. Fine address on “Failuie of State Control of Liquor Trade’’ by Mr McDermott. March 13. Mrs Cook presided. Attendance large. Vote of sympathy with family of Mrs Yeoman. Y.M.C.A. wrote thanking members for generous supply of cakes at Featherston Camp. Superintendents of Departments appointed. Miss Hughes gave an address. Several new members. March 27. Resolved to forward following to Minister of Defence “Believing that it would be in the best interests of our soldiers, we sincerely pray that hotel bars be closed on the arrival of a hospital or troop ship in New Zealand.” \ branch has been organised at Papatoetoe, with nine members. Nurse Wilson gave an instructive address. April 10. Votes of sympathy to family of late Mr Richardson. The remarks of Mr Fraser, S.M., re inadvisability of showing pictures featuring crime to children were warmly commended. April 24. Interesting and enthusiastic reports of Convention. All were delighted with the speeches of our delegates. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. April. There was a fair attendance of members. The President, Mrs Peart, presided. The meeting took the form of an evangelistic service. After praise and prayer, Mrs Peart gave a very fine address, taking as her subject 4th chapter of Esther. One new member was initiated. CAMBRIDGE. Eeb. Chair taken by Mrs Hogan; small attendance. Decided that we carry on the Band of Hope work, committee to be elected at next meeting. Resolved that letters of sympathy be sent to Mrs C. H. Bycroft and Mrs P. Smith in their illness. Decided to vote for N.Z. officers nominated in the “White Ribbon.” March. Eive members present, Mrs Watson presiding. Mesdamcs Watson and Hogan elected on the Band of Hope Committee. Resolved that the proceeds of B.ind of Hope meeting be devoted to Mine Sweepers’ Fund, and that the children be encouraged to help with this work. April 2. President, Mrs Watson, presided; 14 members present. Mrs Watson read part of Mr Lloyd George’s speech. Several members prayed that help and strength may be given in this time of stress and war to the Prime Minister. Letters of sympathy to be sent to two members in sickness and bereavement. HAMILTON. April ii. Eleven members present. Mrs Horn# gave a short talk. The President told us that Mrs Brown, a faithful worker in our Union at Mor-

nnsvillt and elsewhere, was lying hopelessly ill at the Hamilton Hospital. A vote of sympathy was passed. Decided that the next meeting be partly social, to enable members present and absent to meet and welcome some new ones. Decided next evangelist prayer meeting be held at Mrs Ashby’s. Mrs Jones read the Social Hygiene Bill. BLUFF. March 28. An “At Home” to welcome Mrs Moody, our late President, who has been on a two gears’ visit to the Old Country. Mrs Donaldson presided, and expressed the pleasure of Mrs Moody’s many friends on her safe return. Mrs Moody gave an excellent address on her first impressions of the Home Land and her work as an official visitor at the Third London General Hospital. Solos were rendered by Miss Imlay and Miss Brooks, and afternoon tea served. April 3. Harvest Festival. Mrs Donaldson presided, and gave a brief rveiew of the financial position of the W.C.T.U. in regard to the hall. The programme opened with an operetta entitled “The Seasons” by a numbei of children. The solos, recitations, and choruses were well rendered, and great credit is due to Miss Mitchell and Miss Imlay for their training. Produce, cake, jellies, and work stalls were well laden with goods, which were all rapidly bought up at the close of the programme. W AIPUKURAU. May 12. Small attendance. Mesdames Ilopkirk and Harris were appointed delegates to Provincial Convention. Mrs Harris was appointed “White Ribbon” Agent. Miss Stirling sang two solos. Collection was taken up at close of meeting for World’s Missionary Fund. GISBORNE. Feb. 26. Small attendance. Votes of sympathy passed with Mrs Walker and Mrs Bedford, also Mr Glanville. Decided to send our President (Mrs Goffe) as delegate, and instructions were given her re voting on resolutions. Proposed and seconded that Dominion officers be re-elected, appreciation of their able services being voiced. Mrs Graham, one of our oldest members, promised to give us a resume of the early days of our Society, which began about 25 years ago. Vote of thanks to our President for providing an acceptable afternoon tea. PALMERSTON NORTH. April 5. A well-attended meeting. Mrs Crabb presided. Decided to cater for W inter Show, part of proceeds to go to W.C.T.U. Hutment Fund. Decided to send an emphatic protest to railway authorities re soldiers travelling in trucks. April 16. Annual Convention social. Members and friends entertained by the President, who welcomed

the quests, and expressed pleasure to see so many Y’s present. Convention report given by delegates. Miss Rowlands, Y delegate, gave a short account of Convention. Dr. Godfrey spoke. He considered women police an acute necessity. Musical programme contributed. Supper and vote of thanks to Mrs Crabb closed the proceedings. N CAERE. April 2. Meeting at Mrs Morison’s. Small attendance. List of missing and reported dead members of military forces, enquired about by friends, to be placed in prominent place. Resolved to hand over maternity bag to Salvation Army for use of sufferers through Waimarino tire. LYTTELTON. April 3. Monthly meeting held. Mrs Todd presided, eight members being present. In connection with Union a Purity Class has been formed, and am pleased to say we have a membership of 28, with an attendance of 18 every Tuesday evening. KAIKOKAI. March. Good attendance. Mrs Napier present, and gave inspiring address; very helpful. Mrs LeeCowie present, spoke encouragingly; much appreciated. Touching allusion made to the late Dr. Bedford, members standing the while. TAKAPUNA. March 7. President (Mrs Fulljames) in chair; 18 present. Officers elected. Mrs Smeeton, of Auckland, gave an inspiring address, especially urging mothers to safeguard their daughters. White Ribbon picnic arranged for 2 1 st of present month. LEIGH. This Union, through stress of circumstances, has not been reported for some time. One or two meetings having to be passed over, a postponed meeting was held on March Qth, the President (Mrs J. C. Wyatt) in the chair. Decided to make an effort to raise funds for patriotic purposes. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. March 13. The hall was full. Mrs Pasley (President) presided. Meeting took the form of mothers’ afternoon. Splendid addresses by Rev. Hughes (Baptist minister) and Mrs Morrison. Two sick visitors appointed. Mrs Garrett and Mrs Parkin again nominated for seats at coming School Committee elections. Three new members elected. Afternoon tea handed round. April 9. Although the weather was bad, 27 members attended. Mrs Eairbairn, our delegate to Convention, gave a splendid report of work done there, special emphasis being given to matters and work affecting our own Branch. Arrangements were made

for forwarding the election of two of our members at the coming School Committee election. (At the election the Mayor headed the poll, our two members coming next with equal votes, three voles under the Mayor’s.) Three new members were welcomed. GREYTOWN. Feb. 26. Meeting held in Presbyterian Sunday School, Mrs Quin (Vice-President) in the chair. Resolutions by Mrs Crabb read and passed. One new “White Ribbon’’ subscriber secured. PUKEKOHE. March 7. Meeting neld in Methodist Church. Mrs Vaut presided. Election of officers confirmed: Pres., Mrs Vaut; Vice-Prcs., Mrs Stevenson. Mrs Horeyford; Trcas., Mrs Wilson; Cor. Sec., Mrs Curnou ; Rec. Sec., Miss Usher; “White Ribbon” Agent. Mrs Stevenson. Mrs Routley, a visiting member from Wellington, gave us an encouraging address, urging us to press on, and to keep our Branch alive by taking up one or more departments of work. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. April. Mrs Evans, M.A., presided. The following resolution was passed: “That the Government be asked to protect our returned soldiers by closing the hotels on the day of their arrival, when indiscreet friends many times lead them into temptations, which injure them morally and physically.” Mesdamcs Houlder, Boxall, and Mowlem were elected members of the deputation to Parliament. Mrs Evans gave an interesting account of Convention, which all enjoyed. HAWERA. March 28.—Mrs Young presided. Reported five new members to L.T.L. and officers elected. Spc< ial prayers offered up. April 25.—Mrs J. S. Young presided. Reports of Convention by our proxy and by Miss Maunder. Discussion postponed till next meeting. PETONE. March 5. Attendance good. Mrs Ashby presiding. Decided to forward resolution re anti-smohng to all who are educating the young. March 20. —Social afternoon at Mrs Jones’s. Musical items were rendered, and a reading by Mrs Hollard. Mrs Rowse thanked our hostess. TIMARU. March 26. —Thirty-five present, Mrs Rule presiding. L legate appointed to Council of Workers’ Education Council. Report from Sailor’s Rest: 53 men paid 120 visits to Rest. Vote of thanks to all who helped at Convention. Social held to introduce new members, and to discuss plans of work. Three hospital visitors appointed.

INVERCARGILL. April 2. —Mrs Baird presided. Meeting for mothers with social cup of tea. Mrs Morrison gave an able and instructive address. Mrs Macalister reported on her visit to Ryal Bush Union, which started with a membership of 22. Miss Weymouth also spoke. EDEN. March 20. —Miss Wilson presided. Good attendance. Mrs Penman’s tribute to Professor Bedford was read from “Vanguard.” Resolved to send greeting to Convention. Decided to ask Central Union to discuss at United Executive the closing of hotel bars when soldiers are arriving or leaving any part of New Zealand. Two new members. MATAKANA. February 28. —Members to supply in turn readings for each m°eting. Letters of sympathy to Mrs E. Roke, Mrs Pattison and Mrs E. O. Brown. Reading by President. March 21. —Meeting at Big Omaha; fair attendance. R( solved: “That this Union endorses the criticism of Miss Rout’s letter by the Editor of “White Ribbon,” and is of opinion that houses of ill-fame are detrimental to the morals and efficiency of our soldiers.” Attention drawn to number of abortion cases, and suggested that W.C.T.LL drawn the attention of our Government to the serious menace to our birthrate. Afternon tea was handed round, and appreciated by visitors from a distance. ONEHUNGA. March 14. Good attendance. Arrang ments mad** for our day at Soldiers’ Club. Afternoon tea handed round. April 11. Mothers’ meeting, Mrs Logan presiding. Plunkett Nurse Wilson gave an interesting address, and was heartily thanked. Two new members. ASHBURTON. April 2. Good attendance, Mrs Lill presiding. Decided to co-oper-ate with other Unions to raise funds for N.Z. White Ribbon Hutment. Decided to send letter of thanks to manager of Farmers' Cooperative for complying with request of Social Hygiene Superintendent. The banners presented at Convention were received, and President urg'd members to do their best to retain honours banner in igiQ. Our life members were welcomed, and badges presented. Miss Watson gave report of Convention, and w.is thanked.