News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 25, Issue 292, 19 October 1919, 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. Correspondents are requested to write tneir Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable.) ASHBURTON. Sept. Mrs Li 11 presided over a moderate attendance A vote of sympathy was passed with Mrs Don, Dominion President; in her protracted illne'S. The Secretary stated that a resolution, protesting against the proposed military training scheme, had been forwarded to headquarters. Decided to assist Kakaiu Branch with speakers when possible, in view of the coming poll. Further arrangements nere made for the drawingroom afternoon on September i Sth. A splen" did paper on “How best to impress mi young people with a sense of re--pousibilitv .is citizens, ’ was given by Mrs (*. Miller. A short discussion "ll<*w»d, and a heatty vote of thanks ns accorded the speaker. A \ery successful drawing-room aftrrnoon was held on September ihth at the residence of Mrs James Thompson, a large gathering being present. Mrs W. 11. Robinson explained the object of the gathering, and urged all present to bear in mind the opportunity awaiting those who were anxious to see the liquor*traffic '\\ept from our land, and to work as never before that victory may be assured in iqiq. Competitions, musical .and elocutionary items were indulged in, and a dainty afternoon tea served. Three new members were admitted into the Union. Votes of thanks to hostess and performers brought a happy meeting to a close. HENDERSON. Sept iB. Large attendance. Miss Duncan presided. Miss Gilbcrd reported that Mrs Perrrtt would come to Henderson on September 27th to assist in forming the V Branch. All members requested to attend. Rev. Hurley gave a very interesting ad-'ln-sx on the present campaign. Canvasst'js were chosen, and districts allotted NELSON. \tig. t2. Mrs Watson presided, 17 tnembers present. Decided jto hold provincial Convention thh year on Wednesday, September 1; th. Mosdaines Field and Brown, our delegates <>n the spe» ud committee set up bv the Cit\- Council to consider the question of the erectior of rest room, etc., sported that the Council had decided have plans called for, and hoped to Have something definite settled at next founcil meeting. Mrs Dav, senr., for long and faithful services, was riected an hon. life member by the Union.

Sept. 17. Mrs Watson presided. Mr Starnes, N. 7.. Alliance, addressed meeting on present campaign, and asked Union for assistance. Mrs Hooker’s resignation as Recording Secretary was accepted with regret. A resolution was passed protesting against the proposal for three months’ continued military training of \outh-. A committee wa* formed to arrange lime and places of Nurse Chappell’s lectures on sex hygiene. Decided that military training be the subject for discussion at the next Good Citizenship meeting. Decided that the Union take a practical interest in the Home for Defective Girls at Richmond. GREYTOWN. Sept 8. Mrs Boucher presided. A pleasant afternoon at the home of Mrs \\. A. Tate, 20 present. One n«*w member. Rev. R B. Gosnell gave an inspiring address on W.C. I U.work and its far-reaching results. Mrs Boucher made an appeal for funds on behalf of the Sailors’ Rest in Wellington. A collection of £2 5s was taken. TAKAITN V JuU 17. Nurse Chappell gave an address on “Social Purity,” and was attentively listened to b> a large audience. Aug. 7. Meeting at Milford, President in (hair. Mrs Callow gave a paper <>n Frances Willard. Twelve prest nt. Sept. 4. A pay up social, President in chair. Rev. Albert, Presbyterian minister, spoke on the coming Campaign. Recitations, music, and afternoon tea; 41 present. One member for Cradle Roll. Our \ icePresident’s (Mrs Yeats) resignation was accepted with regret, on her removal from the district. N.E. VALLEY. Sept. 26. Mrs Peart presided. The Rev. Rov Stewart, Caversham, and late of America, gave a most interesting address on Temperance work there. The Americans are educated on the subject of Alcohol and Prohibi tion, and Mr Stewart urges the necessity of educating the New Zealand women and children. Mrs Pocklington gave a recitation, and Mrs Medlin a song. LEIGH. Aug. Mrs Wyatt presided. Several readings were given. The resignation of the Secretary accepted. Mrs Go/ar elected Secretary. Arranged nnal details of the Thanksgiving and Welcome Home Social to be tendered to our soldier bovs. A thanksgiving hvjnn for Peace dosed the meering. Sept. 5. The thanksgiving and welcome home social for our returned soldiers was a great success. Mrs Garroway presided over a large gathering. Several items were rendered by the pupils of Leigh and Ti Point Schools. Their respective teachers,

Mrs Knowles and Miss Campbell, mu>t have worked indefatigably to have trained the children so well. Supper was provided bv the W.C.T.U. HAW ER \. Sept. 25. Mrs J. S. Young presided. 17 present. The following resolution was passed and sent to lion. Sir James Allen and to Mr G. V. Pearce, M.P.: “The Haw era W.C. T.U. protest against four months’ continuous military training, as being too long for youths of eighteen \ears of age to spend in camp, and suggest that the period be shortenAfternoon tea was provided for the members of the Efficiency League. TIM ARC'. Sept. ;o. Mrs Brown presided. Decided to send .Sir James Allen a strong protest against proposed military camps, also to urge that better provision be made for physical training in the public schools; also to urge a considerable extension of Luc system of medical inspection of school children. Decided also to wire Sir Francis Bell urging the Legislative Council to gr; nt women Full Parliamentary rights. Mr Massey also to be asked to use his influence in the same direction. A busy month reported at the Sailors Rest. lea has been given on two Sundays to the crews of Home boats, also socials and Sunday services. The members of the Y Union provide the musical part of the programme. WANGANUI DISTRICT. Sept. 4. President presided over a fair attendance. Treasurer’s resig nation accepted, and Mrs Heath appointed Treasurer. Letter of sympathy to he sent to Mr Alison, a honorary member. Decided to assist with the refreshments on Children’s Day. Sept. M. President and officers of the Central Union formed a Branch of the W.C.T.U. at Upper \ramoho. 'There was a good attendance. The Rules and By-laws were read and explained. and seven members were initiated. Officers: Pres., Mrs Gil mour; Vice-Pres., Mesdames Bath gate and Dudley; Cor. Sec., Mrs llallani; Rec. Sec., Mrs Hall; I reas., Mrs Redpath. Decided to meet on the second Thursda?. Afternoon te.i was handed round. Oct. 2. A very successful social afternoon to th< soldiers’ wives who have recently come to the town from overseas. A good attendance, including Mrs McGregor, President of the Ladies* Auxiliary for Maori re turned men. Musical items were given, and afternoon tea provided. The President welcomed the guests of the afternoon, and the following replied:—Mr I aylor, N.M.C.A.; Mr Burkett, Returned Soldiers' Associn tion; Nurse lulian, for the boys; and Mrs Lasting Moore, for soldier wives.

TAKAPUNA. Oct. 2. President in chair. Mr French, the Waitemata organiser for the coming Campaign, addressed th<* meeting. Fifteen present. Tea served at close. GREY MOUTH DISTRICT. Sept. 30. Monthly business meeting, Mrs Gaskin presiding. Action of Executive approved in sending resolution re proposed camp for \oaths to Minister for Defence and M.P. Letter and transfer to be sent to Mrs W f. Williams, who has removed to Mount Somers, via Ashburton. Ar : rangements intimated for deferred annual concert and Sale of Work for Sailors’ Rest; also (in preparation) a “(iift Apron Afternoon’ on October 14. Telegrams sent to Sir Francis Bell and Hon. Mr Massey re full Parliamentary rights for women. Sailors Rest report of a full month ot work for September (4X3 visits from 1:0 seamen). Enquiries to be made as to securing services of Nurse C happell, also procuring mock ballot voting papers. FFILDING. Sept. 4. Mrs’ Barton presided. 'Vote of condolence passed to Mrs Reeve on the death of her husband, she also having lost three sons at the war. A resolution protesting against the proposal to require youths of iS years of age to spend four months continuously in camp was passed unanimously. Oct. 2. Mrs Barton presided. Prayer meeting conducted by Mrs Kmerson, well attended. \ ote of condolence passed to Mrs C rabb on the death of her mother, a very old member ot the l’n»on. Letters of sympathy in their illness to be sent to Mrs Don and Mis Lee-Cowie. 1 elegrams had been sent to the Premier and Sir Francis Bell urging that women be granted full Parliamentary rights. Fight members also sent telegrams. Committee appointed to take steps to establish a mothers’ rest room and creche. Delegates to the Provincial Convention, Mesdamcs Miller and Reeve. Two members initiated. - • W FL LING TON CENTRAL. Sept. iq. Mrs A. R. Atkinson presided, and there was a good attend ance of members. After the general business was concluded, Mrs McDonald, the Union’s delegate to the Women’s National Council, gave an interesting account of the work done by the Council at the recent Conference held in Wellington. CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT. Sept. 10. Mrs Wicks presided, attendance small. Decided to donate £1 to the Band of Hope Union competitions. Miss Farnshaw gave a brief sketch of her work, also when resting she’had gained eight “White Ribbon” subscribers at Prebbleton, and hopes later to start a I nion there. The following resolution was forward-

ed to Sir James Allen and local members of Parliament:—“The W.C.T.U. desires to enter a strong protest against the proposal to require youths 01 18 years of age to spend four months of the year continuously in camp. If it is a fact that there is a necessity for the systematic physical training of youths, the Union is of opinion that this should not in any way l;e associated with ‘militarism,’ but that be*tter provision should be* made* in this direction in connection with the public schools; further, that there* should be a considerable extension of the system of medic al inspection of school children, with a view to securing the proper treatment of such defects as may show themseles; where necessary the* prescribed treatment should be obtainable free.

Sept. 24. Mrs Taylor presided. Decided to hold the postponed Provincial Convention on October 2S and jq at Lyttelton. Mrs Wheeler will speak on the evening of October 2X. Decided to have a combined meeting of the PAV.M.U. Guild and Women at the Choral Hall f<>l Mrs Wheeler on October 27. Deep regret was ex pressed with Mrs Lee-Cowie in her ill ness, and also at her being obliged to leave the* Dominion. I he Secretary was asked to send a letter of synt pathv, and also to write* Mrs Don ex pre •s* > ing the 1 nion’s pleasure at her recovery from her recent illness. BALCLUTHA. Sept. Mrs ( lark presided over a good attendance of members. Decided to protest against the proposal to send youths into camp for four months’ training. One new member. Same officers elected for next year. Oct. Mrs Clark presided. Attendance only poor. We were very pleased to have at our meeting Mrs Kirkland, the* mother of our \ icePres dent, Mrs Gregor. Mrs Kirkland joined the* Union when it was 01ganised in Dunedin bv Mrs Leavitt. Mrs Moore, of the Salvation Army, is to give a paper next month, and we hope* for a good attendance. LFIGH. Sept. A fair attendance. Mi> Wyatt presided. A paper was read treating of the evils of medicated wines. Another paper on the* issues of the next licensing poll. It was voted unanimously to send in a resolution protesting against the* four months’ military training in camn for youths of eighteen and upward. -Mis Rennie kindly sang a selection from the “White Ribbon Hymnal.” NAPIFR. Oct. 1. A very successful meeting, Mis Venables in the chair. A good attendance. I lie* ae lion ot the President 111 wiring to 1 lon. Mr Massey and Sir Francis Bell re the Women's Parliamentary Rights Bill was unanimously approved. Decided to send letters of sympathy with the* Dominion President and Mrs Lee Cowie in their time of sickness. The

President introduced Mr Keeling, of South Australia, as the Napier Proliibition organiser. Mr Keeling thanked them for their welcome, and conveyed greetings from Mrs Nicholls, President of South Australian VY.C. T.U., and also from Lady Holder, Australasian President. Afternoon tea was handed round, and a collettion taken up for the N.Z. Fund. GISBORNE. Sept. 30. To commemorate the granting of the* franchise to women, a social afternoon was held in Findlay’s lea Rooms. There was a large attendance of members and friends Mrs W. F. Goffe* presided. Ad dresses, on the Franchise were given by the* Revs. J. Aitken, W. 11. L. Abbey, and Mr Macourt, which were much appreciated, and the speakers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Vocal items were given by Mrs Do Latour and Miss Spence, and Sievw right gave a reading. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs Dods in her recent bereavement. NGAFRF. Oct. Meeting held at the resideiicev of Mrs Walker. G°o ( l attendance. Resolution re military training passed as read. Business done, the* young women took charge of the meeting, and a very enjoyable time* was spent. Solos were given by Misses Philips, Walker, and Jones. Papers read by Misses Sanno, Philips, Walker, and Ellis. One new member. Afternoon tea e\as dispensed. SOUTH INVERCARGILL. \ug. 12. Ver\ wet day. Nine members present. Mrs Paslec presided. Stallholders appointed for W.C.T.U. stall in aid of Children’s House, to be held on Violet Day, September 4th. Hospitality arranged for delegates to Convention. Vug. 27. Social evening to return ed soldiers at their club room. Splendid programme. Large attendance of ..ble soldiers, also patients from Convalescent Home and Public Hospital, who were conveyed by motor cars. Three cheers for W.C.T.U. members given bv men. Sept. (). Good meeting. Mrs Paslcy presided. Decided to forward resolution passed asking that the case of women whose husbands, through the after effects of the influenza, were prevented from providing for their families, lx* placed on the same footing as women whose husbands had died during the epidemic, Secretary to forward same to member for district. OPOTIKI. Se pt. Wc* ran a street stall to help erection of Soldiers’ Club. TinClub is to be run on good lines, no drink, no gambling, and our effort realised /’too, which brought great joy to the workers. We are contemnlating running iutnblc concert and jumble sale feu funds for coming election.

■INVERCARGILL DISTRICT. K\ 7. Attendance fair. Decid ■L, send protest to Sir Jas. Allen re B, for \ ouths of 18 years of age. Kperance essay competition to be ■ t hi> vear, subject “Why is AlcoKncmy ?” Letter of thanks B Children’s Home Committee for B in \ effort on Violet Day. l)eBj th «t next meeting take the form B pax up social. Mrs A. I)«*\\e B Treasurer and “White Agent. A vote of thanks ■ part'd to Mi's Young, Y Branch, Surocuring our Branch u new Short instructive talk on H Campaign was given by Mrs H!t\. Kvery member was urged to Htir themselves to educate the Hplc on how to vote. Leaflets were Rnbuted .£> toward essay comHiuon was received. I HASTINGS. Buk 28. Mrs Wilson presided. Bided to hold a prayer meeting be- ■ ,ach meeting <»f the I’nion, Mrs Klv to superintend. A very helpful Bfr <-n Prayer by Mrs Fawcett was read. jCo in hand as result of Bit! in aid of Mothers Rest. Kept. 11. A good number present. Hv Hurt appointed Cradle Roll Bemitendent. Mrs Martindale ap Kud to act on the Prohibition Hion. Report of Mothers’ Rest Committee. The room is hilB a long-felt want, and is well m nis'-d. Kpt. .’5. Mrs Wilson presided. Btntv members present. Iwo new Babers welcomed. Mrs Martindale Bui a paper on the history of the Bnchisc in New Zealand. AfterBn tea was provided. I I‘ALMKRSTON NORTH. ■Vi 1 Mrs Crabb presided. Ar Bnitements for delegates to the Plo* Bci.il Convention were made, which Bio Ik* held in Wellington this week, tided to have a Ba/aar carle in n ember, the proceeds of which are mg to our much needed “ChildC Home,” which we are hoping to »e in the near future. If any of if sisters would like to help us with or a parcel for our Bazaar >rPresident will be glad to receive ■e.