News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 276, 18 June 1918, Page 12

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 cuttings are unsuitable.) GISBORNE. April 30. A well-attended meeting. Mrs Goffe gave a full and interesting report of Convention, and was heartily thanked for the trouble she had taken. Afternoon tea was provided, while Treasurer gathered in the subs. I hrec members of the Union elected to School Cimmittee were congratulated. Decided to hold a conference wirh the No-License League on the prevalence of liquor in local camps. MASTERTON. May 7. Mrs Dcvonport presiding. An interesting letter by Miss Anna Gordon was read. Resolved to hold a special meeting to arrange for Our Day at the Patriotic Shop, to raise funds for the mine-sweepers. Mrs Miller donated £\ to Dominion Organsing Fund. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. April 19. A well-attended meeting; Mrs Atkinson presiding. . Mrs McDonald gave an interesting account of Convention, and explained what had been done regarding the appointment of Organsing Secretary, also of the effort to be made to increase our membership this year. RAKAIA. May 9. In the Methodist Church. Mrs Boag presided at our pay up social; th“re was a good attendance. The charts were the subject of discussion. Five new members were added to our members. RYAL BUSH. May. To Miss Powell we are indebted for sparing some of her valuable time to come and organise a Branch of the W.C.T.U. in this district. Being the baby Branch of the Invercargill Union. Mrs Macalister and Mrs Lillicrap came to our first meeting to help and explain departments of work, etc. Office-bearers elected were: Mrs Bonthorn, President; Mrs Fowler and Mrs Pert, VicePresidents; Mrs Buxton. Cor. Sec; Mrs King, Treasurer. We have a membership of 23. BIRKENHEAD. May. At the home of Mrs Todd. A drawing room meeting. Mrs Cook gave a bright, helpful address, and urged all present to join our ranks. Three ladies joined. \Me purpose holding another drawing room meeting on 14th May,

AUCKLAND. May 8. A large attendance. Mrs Cook presided. Mrs Graham (Gisborne) gave the greeting from that l nion. Mrs Cook welcomed Mrs Graham, also a member each of the Nelson and Blenheim Unions. Dele gates were appointed to the Alliance Convention. Rev. Ralph Gcbbie, of the Church of Christ, gave a splendid ao.lress on “Prohibition My Creed.’ ’ i he following resolution was passed: - “Relieving that Prohibition is the only effectual remedy of the liquor traffic, we, the members of ihe Auckland District W.C.T.U., do hereby appeal to all the women of our District to continue with us in prayer and strenuous effort to secure the complete prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of intoxicating drink for beverage purposes, and we urge this appeal more especially in view of the fact that so many important countries recognise the evil effects, moral, phvsical, and financial, of the trade in liquor, have restricted the traffic, and banished it from their midst. Whatever the cost and sacrifice entailed upon the world by the war, it would be worth while if thereby the universal overthrow of the liquor traffic be obtained.” Two new members were initiated. LOWER HUTT. May 7. A large attendance cheered our hearts. The Secretary read the report of Convention. Reported that an L.T.L. had been started, and was progressing well. NORSEWOOD. March 31. Good attendance, Mrs Speight presiding. Balance-sheet was accepted as read. April 18. Attendance good. Letter received asking that a delegate be appointed to Provincial Convention, and also suggestions as to work sent forward. Secretary instructed to write to Mrs Kvans re a report of Convention. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. May 10. Mrs Paslcy (President) presided. Large number of members and friends present. Miss Weymouth addressed the meeting, and Mrs Garrett and Mrs Parkin were appointed to confer with Miss Weymouth re starting a Loyal Temperance Legion. Decided to provide a programme for one of the fortnightly concerts at the Sold;ers’ Club. Mrs Pate and Mrs Smart appointed Sick and Hospital Visitors for the month. Five new members, one being a country resident, were added to our roll. PETONE. April 2. A good attendance. Mrs Ashby presided. The following resolution was carried unanimously, to be forwarded to Minister of Justice: — “That the clause in the War Regulations dealing with houses of ill-fame be so amended that all men found on

such premises be arrested and their names be published as well as those of

the women, as such places can only be kept in existence by the support of these men.” May 15. An American Tea was held in Sydney Street Chapel. Mrs Rouse gave some very interesting reminiscences of her early life amongst the Maoris. Mr Marshall also addressed the meeting, his remarks being based on liquor reforms, etc., amongst returned soldiers. M’ss Fraser gave a pianoforte solo. The amount collected was 14s. NEW PLYMOUTH. Feb. Willard Day was kept Lia a social afternoon, with an «.blc address from Rev. O. Blundell. Mrs Douglas was presented with a silver flower epergne as an appreciaotion of her services to the Union for 21 years. Collection for Missionary Fund. March. Home meeting held at Mrs N. T. Maunder’s. Mrs Sicvw right gave the address. Throe new members. May 4. Sympathy was expressed towards our faithful Secretary, Mrs Griffin, in her sudden and serious illness. May 2(). Decided to send for cards for W.R. hutments. Decided that the Union would offer to give two teas a month at the Soldiers’ Club. Preparations were made for Provincial Council at Stratford. Miss Taunt was thanked for her report of Convention at Timaru. DUNEDIN. June 4. A well-attended meeting. Mrs Hiatt presided. Two new members were initiated. Mrs Don sookc briefly on the proposed temperance campaign, drawing the attention of the mcmb'rs to the necessity for fervent prayer. The following resolutions were carried unanimously:—(l) “'lhe Dunedin branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union protests most emphatically against the state of our Jaws as reveal' d in the Kclburn case, which allows (1) women to be arrested upon the evidence tf c ne policeman, and (2) the whole of the proceedings to be conducted by men; it also strongly urges the appointment of women police to deal with cases concerning women and girls; also it wishes to point out that women police would, in most cases, prevent girls from becoming criminals, instead of watching till they break the law and then arresting them.” 2nd: “That this meeting most strongly protests against special facilities being given to enable race reports to be telegraphed after closing hours in the proposed curtailing of the present telegraph service.” NEW BRIGHTON. April 18. A good attendance of members. Mrs Hall, delegate to Convention, gave a detailed and interesting report. The monthly subscription of 16s fid was handed in for th° Lady Liverpool Fund. May ifi. A large attendance of members and friends. Mr Walker, returned chaplain, spoke of the evils

and trouble caused through drink when our troopships call at a port where the hotels are open. Decided to hold a public meeting in the I*itr Hall on June 27th, in aid of the Y.M.C’.A. funds. One of our members was re-elected on the School Committee. TIMARU. May 28. Presid n; in the chair. I i spital V tO lllf II" branch had been foil. <1 v N; pier. Girls had won stars for bringing 12 new mejnbers, and two silver bows were promised lor the same purpose. Decided to start collecting for our Hutment Fund. Three new members. A quiet month at Sailors’ Rest. WELLINGTON CENT UAL. May 17. Mrs Atkinson in the chair. Resolved: “That this meeting of the Wellington Central \\ .C.T.I regrets that at a time, which above all others, makes the observance of a high standard in public life imperative and easy, a so-called National Government should, in making appointments to the Legislative Council, have' imitated the worst vices of its predecessors, and that the right of the country to th/? best men available should have been flagrantly ignored ; that such considerations as capacity, distinction, and disinterested public service, and even in a small minority of cases, of good character, should have been so largely disregarded , that party hacks and mediocrities should have been rewarded by both the co-operating political parties alike, to at least as great an extent as ever before, and that a Second Chamber, which might have been greatly strengthened in the public estimation and confidence, should at this supreme hour of the country’s and the Empire’s need, have been brought lower than ever.” Mrs McDonald continued her interesting report of Convention. Mrs Nimmo sent an appeal for comforts for minesweepers. NELSON. Monthly meeting, May 14th. Mrs Watson presided. Members were urged to attend the lecture to bo give n by Mr Tust, Organiser of the N.Z.E.L, on “Educational Reforms.” Resolved to invite Mrs Penman to visit Nelson at as early a date as convenient. Suggested that each member present should trv to get a fresh subscriber to the “White Ribbon” before the next meeting. Arrangements made for a social afternoon on May 21st. to sav good-bvc to two members leaving Nelson. Mi., Knapp welcomed on her return from a visit to Melbourn e Decided to send an invitation to Mrs Napier to visit Neison. Reports of Convention given by Mrs Field and Mrs Moves, delegates of the Nelson Union. May 21. A spec ial meeting was held to say good-bye to two of our most active members, Mrs Kmmett and Mrs Hurst, who arc leaving Nel-

son. Mrs Watson presided, and expressed the regret of the members, and their appreciation of the work done by Mrs Kmmett and Mrs Hurst. Other members spoke on the same lines, and a short programme was given of songs and a recitation, afternoon tea being also provided. AUCKLAND. May 22. A large and enthusiastic m< 'ting was held. Mrs Reuben Bailey, Y.P., presided. Plans for a forward movement were discussed and adopted. A letter was sent to Sir James Allen, Minister far Defence, to the “ffect that the members were still strongly of the opinion tha t hotel bars should be closed on the arrival of a troop ship, as declaring the hotels out of bounds to the soldier differentiates between the soldier and the civilian. \\ n feel that the civili »n should be placed on the same footing as the soldier, and should be called upon to make the same sacrifice. One new member was initiated. NGAERE. Ma\ 7 Meeting at residence of Mrs X. Jones, i 0 present. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs J unison for her splendid report on Convention. The delegates for tU District Convention, to be h 'ld in Stratford on June 13th, are Mrs Lambert and Miss Walker. Miss N. Johnson was made convener of Flower Mission meetings, a meeting to be held as soon as possible. LEIGH. May 4. President in the chair. Five visitors in attendance. Decided to hold an American Tea at next meeting. Also decided to send a parcel to Sister Esther. PALMERSTON NORTH. May 15. The annual cradle roll social. There was .1 large attendance of mothers and their babies. Mrs Crabb presided, and an address was given by Mrs Ritchie. Afternoon tea was provided, and a short programme given. A stall of fancy goods, in charge of th" ladies, did a brisk trade, the proceeds being in aid of a piano for the “Willard Home.” A welcome was extended to Mrs Allman, who has been absent for a year in Australia. HAWERA. May 30. Mrs J. S. Young presided and fourteen ladies were present. Mesd.imes Young and Bone were delegates to the NAlliance Convention, on June 11. Mesd.imes Gilling and Morris were appointed delegates to the Provincial Convention on June 13th. GRF.YTOWN. May 28. A meeting was held in the Presbyterian Sunday School, Mrs Whincop in the chair. Secretary to write for collecting cards for the N.Z. C.U. Hutment. Two new subscribers secured for the “W.R.” magazne.

May 31. Special meeting held at the President’s. Ten members present to discuss a letter from the N.Z Alliance re sending a delegate to a Convention ai Palmerston North on June 11. RICHMOND AND GREY LYNN. A new Branch Union was organised by Mrs Cook at Richmond on Thursday, to be called the Richmond and Grey Lynn Branch. The following officers were appointed: Mrs Wallet, President; Mrs Allenborough, VicePresident; Mrs Walker, Vice-Presi-dent; Miss Miller, Wellpark Ay., Grey Lynn, Secretary; Mrs Norr s, Treasurer. They are to meet on the 3rd Thursday in the Church of Christ, France Street, Grey Lynn. PAKIRI. May 2. Atter dunce good. Mrs Rennie (Preside; n read a pamphlet bv Arthur Mee, caritkd “5.0.5.” Decided to send a parcel of clothing to Sister Esther. Mrs Gozar read a report from Miss Weymouth, of the Timaru Convention. Yearly subscriptions were payed in. One new subscriber to “White Ribbon.’ ORMOND VILLE. May (>. A good attendance of members,'Miss Webb in the chair, and called upon Mrs Poole, of Norsewood. to speak. Mrs Poole gave an interesting address, in which she spoke of the increased drinking amongst women in England since the beginning of the war, attributing this fact to their having more money to spend. ASHBURTON. , May 7. Resolved to send letter of thanks to Mr Fcrriman for his gift of towards our Hutment Fund. Reported that efforts had been made to secure a St. Helen’s maternity nurse for Ashburton. Decided that the Super ntendent for Scientific Instruction int°rview the headmasters of the South Ashburton schools in regard to essay writing. Votes of sympathy:— Sons wounded, Mesdames Bramley and J. H. Dent; sickness, Mesdames Leadley, Fountain, and Meeking. Mrs Frost appointed judge for Band of Hop*' competitions. May 31. At Rakaia one member joined. June. Votes of sympathy passed to members sick or bereaved. Reports received of Y’s and Band of Hope competitions. Decided to co-operate with the Mothers’ Union in arranging meet’ng for Nurse Chappell. R°v. G. Frost gave an address at White Ribbon Day celebration, and was warmly thanked. HASTINGS. March 14. Mrs Moore in the. chair. Reports received from Executive and deputation to Piunkctt Society. April 18. Mrs Martindale gave report of Convention, and was thanked. Reported that as result of Red Cross effort, 10s had been given to Rid Cross Society.

May <p A tine address by MrR Neal and report of Provincial Convention. May 23* Mrs Lovell-Smith gave a splendid paper on educational matters whi< h was well discussed. Motion protesting against insufficient accommodation for children, and raising status of schools was carried. BIRKENHEAD. June 5. Meeting at Mrs Danky’s. Mrs Jory presided and addressed the meeting, and appealed for new members. Three new members joined our ranks. Decided to hold our meetings at diffeicnt homes in the d’strict, as we seem to get a larger attendance, and so get n“w members. INVERCARGILL DISTRICT. April. President (Mrs Baird) in the chair. Decided to have our Union registered ; also made all arrangements for our annual social on the following Wednesday. Mrs Penman gave a very interesting address at the social. Several new members joined the L’nion. May. President (Mrs Baird) in tl*e chair. Special mention was made of the good work Mrs Lee-Cowie is doing, both in connection with the adults and children. The sum of was voted to Mrs Cowie’s Campaign Fund. As a result of Mrs Cowie’s meeting on Sunday evening, twenty new members joined our ranks. Miss Weymouth is also doing very good work in our LAiion. PAH I AT UA. June 6. A most interesting mcctng was h°ld in S.A. Barracks by members and friends of W.C.T.U. in aid of N.Z. Maori Organising Fund. Captain Huston presiued. Papers were read by Mesd.imes Webster and Godfrey. An inspiring address by Captain Huston on Dr. Barnardo brought a pleasant afternoon to a close. CAMBRIDGE. May. Mrs Watson presided. Present, 16; 4 new members. Decided to get a banne r. Reported successful Band of Hope meet’ng on April 29. May 27. Good meeting. Band of Hope essay on Temperance read, and children asked to enter for essay competition. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. June 6. Mrs Houlder presided over a good attendance. The following resolutions were carried: —“That this Union desires to affirm its entire sympathy with the obje< ts and aims of the N.Z. Educational Institute in endeavouring to secure improvement and extens on of our education system, and pledges itsi If to assist the Institute in every way practicable.” “That the Corresponding S°cretary should communicate with the President of the Education Institute to ascertain what steps the Institute propose to take in which the Union can give its assist-

ance towards obtaining from the Government the reforms and extensions deemed desirable in the present education system.” Mrs Moulder was appointed delegate to the N.Z. Alliance Convention, to be held in Palmerston next week. Mrs Evans, M. explained the following resolutions, carried at Convention: —“That an Organiser be appointed for each Province, such Organiser to be employed by the Dominion Executive, but to work unchr the control of the Provincial Executive.” “That it is in the best interests of the children that cinema performances of a wholesome and varied type suitable to the child mind be given on Saturdays and in .school vocations.” WANGANUI EAST. May 31. Decided to appoint Mes'dames McLqpd and Dowsctt delegates .to Stratford Provincial Convention. Unanimously decided to support the N. Educational Institute in their campaign for better conditions. Decided to assist to raise W.R. Hutment Fund. A silent vote of sympathy to Mesdames J. Walker and Payne in sad loss of their husbands. OXFORD. May 29. Resolutions of sympathy with Mr and Mrs John Weils and Mrs C. Wells, Mrs Gilchrist, and Mrs Low, in their bereavements, and with Mesdames Wright and Shrenard in their illness. Mrs C. W. Frith appointed Superintendent of Senior Band of Hope; to form a Committee of Management ; to ask for use of the reading room on Sale Day as “cosy room” for women and children, and to send a letter of thanks and small donation to the Salvation Army. A short intercessory service was held, and one new member initiated. SOUTH DUNEDIN. May. Convention report continued and resolutions passed at Convention reaffirmed: 1) Re women visitors to gaols being given the powers and status of J.IVs: (2) criminal assaults on girls of tender years being dealt with more leniently than similar offences against boys; (3) urging improvements and refoims in education. Copies of resolutions 1 and 2 sent to daily press, acting-Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and local M.P. CHRISTCTURCH. May 8. Mrs Taylor presided. Attendance good. After business, members went in procession to United Intercessory Service in the Cathedral. May 15. Miss Henderson presided. An address bv Nurse Chappell on “Social Purity.” May 22. Mrs Taylor presided. New members from Opawa welcomed. Arrangements for suburban meetings. Miss Henderson spoke of injustice of arrests of the women in the Kelburn raid. Votes of sympathy with Mrs Venables, Mrs Robinson, and Mrs Munnings.