SPECIALS.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 370, 18 April 1926, Page 5

SPECIALS.

BLUFF. Twenty fifth Anniversary. A very successful function wa.s held n Willard Hall on Wednesday March 17th, the occasion being the twentyfifth anniversary of the Bluff Branch of the W.C.T.U. The hall, which had f**‘n decorated with flowers, etc,, presented a very pretty appearance. There

vi as a large attendance of ladles and representatives from the Central, South, soul North Invercargill Branches. In the absence of the lYesidont (Mrs I-onaidson), who Is on a visit to the Home I-and. Mrs McGregor (Resident pro tenv) presided over the large gathering. After a few Introductory p-marks and the singing of the Do* o-ogy, the President read the Hundredth l nalm and engaged tn prayer.

The minutes of the first meeting held in the Presbyterian Church twenty fire v.-ars ago, were reed by the Secretary (Min Mitchell), who has held that port tion for the twenty-five years

(Congratulatory letters and several sinologies were read by Mrs W. H. Johnstone. One containing a donation from Mrs Harper, the only one Uft of the five Invercargill members who came to Bluff to start the Union. It was l.irgely due to Mrs Harper, who. along with Mrs Mitchell, our oldest member, that the Union was establishes In Bluff. Afternoon tea was than served great interest being taken In th« birthday itike, which had place of he /hour on a table In the centre of the iali. The '.ike, which was adorned with twenty five candles, and hearing the following .ascription: “Bluff W.C.TU.. I*>l to 1926; for God, Home, and Humanity, was made by one of the members (Mrs Barber), and iced by one of the local lakers (Mr Weir), whose mother, rtnee pmussed to her rest. Joined the Union at the first meeting.

Addresses were given by Mesdames Lllllcrap and McKenzie (Central). Miss He war (North), and Mrs Dawson (South). Mrs McKenzie In hw address, empha* sed the tart that we shev’d never for get the brave women *■ :*> pioneered the work of the Unions.

Musical Items were rendered by Mesdames Adair, J. W.vkei, headman. Oeagh. Miss McKenzl*. i Mrs Wes ney (Invercargill). The rake, which was cut by Mrs Mitchell. proved most deHcious. What

was left was then out by Mrs J. Walker (the only member remaining at the present time who Joined at the first meeting), and sold for threepence a slice. Several donations were received towards the funds of the Union. Two competitions brought a very enjoyable meeting to a dose. NORTH CANTERBURY P i STRICT. "The Executive met on Wednesday, April 7th, at W.C.T.U. Rooms, Manchester Street. Mrs T. E. Taylor pi» sided over representatives from Sefton. Itangiora, Cheviot, Oxford, Kaiapoi. J#yx, Belfast, I'apanui, SprLngston, Lincoln, Riocarton, dydenliam, Opawa, New Brighton, Lyttelton, Temple ton. Greymouth, Spreydon, and Christchurch. Mj*s W. J. Williams led the devotions, after which the members' temperance

pledge was repeated. A letter of thanks and appreciation was received from Mrs West-Watson in answer to a letter of welcome from the District officers. The reports from the several Uni'jns showed increased membership, a new Union being organised at Styx, with 17 members. Mrs Ricchards reported tha* •>*! letters had been written to scattered members, and 12 copies of the “White Ribbon” had been sent; answers had been received from 12. Decided to leave the matter of collecting fees in the hands of Mrs Richards. Fifteen Superintendents of lApartn>ents wen present by invitation of the Executive, representing (ludle Roll, L.T.L., Band of Hope, Notable Days. l>egal and Ituiiamentary, Hw*** and Arbitration, and Scientific Temperance. Seveial Superintendents reported on their work, full discussion and quee tions following. In this way, it was felt that Unions new to the work would gain c fuller Insight and interest in the different departments.

Temperance prize essay? we— fully discussed, a number of Unions reporting on this work. It wai decided that No. 13 be the subject for the temperanon essay, and it was suggested that prizes be offered t-o the lower standards also.

The Kalapol Union Is hoidng to op«-n a new hall in the near future, part of which lc lo be used as a rest room.

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT. March 81. The District officers visited Seddon and formed a Union. Mrs Grigg (I*resUl«nrt) prodded, and on account of the very wet afte-noon the attendance was small, but there is every hope ol a hright and ac ive Union w-orking here. Mrs Grigg apoke a few w’ords on the forming of a Union. The initiation service was read, live ladies joining. Tne election of officers then took place: Pret*., Mrs Kimberly; Mrsdames Riley and (Lunsford; Sec Mrs R. Cameron; Treas., Mrs C. Ham mond; W.R. Agent and Press Reporter, M iss (Cameron. Mrs Grigg then said a few w’ords on the origin and history of the W.C.T.U.