SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 10, 1 November 1946, Page 3

SPECIAL REPORTS

OXFORD S THIRTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY PARTY A very pleasant gathering ol members and friends was held in the Oxlord Coronation Hall on Thursday evening, September 2btli, m honour of the thirty-filth birthday of the local W.C. i.L . A good lire, and abundance of beautiful flowers, gave a festive air. After the opening praver, a programme of vocal and elocutionary items wamuch appreciated. The Rev. I. I). Jensen gave a most interesting address dealing mostly with the report recently presented by the Licensing Commission and urged that the utmost oppositi *n should he made to some of the proposal-, notably, that proposing the issue of licenses to restaurants. The Rev. T. Weston (Ministers’ Association) and otiiers spoke briefly, offering congratulations and good wishes for the future work of the Union. Supper was served, including a handsome Birtlidav Cake. Votes of thanks were passed to the speaker and those who had taken part in the programme, also to Mr-. Dally, maker of the cake. The evening closed with the singing of the Poxologv.

WELLINGTON FAREWELL AND PRESENTATION At its Executive meeting on September 30th, Wellington Union reluctantly hade farewell to their Treasurer. Mrs. (Jardiner, who is going to live in Nelson. The President, Miss Brooks, on behalf of members, gave Mrs. Gardiner a hook as a slight remembrance of the Union’s love and thanks for faithful service. Mrs. Gardiner also held the office of District Treasurer, and at the same meeting the District Officers expressed their appreciation of. her work, and regret at her departure. Notice of the Treasurer’s transfer had been short, and the arrangement of a presentation had been difficult. This took the form of a handsome pink-toned shoulder spray, pinned on by the District President, Miss Kirk.

Speaking as a Dominion Officer, Mr-. Grigg said (hat Mrs. Gardiner’s move to Nelson might well help the Work among Seamen, of wlpch Department she is Dominion Superintendent. Personal contact with the head of this important work might well stimulate Nelson’s interest and activity in tHi - sphere. Mrs. Gardiner replied most suitably.

At the September meeting opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Mrs. Ross, whose help to the Union in so many ways is always so untiringly and cheerfully given. More especially was her assistance invaluable during the move from Constable Street t<> Headquarters, so that members felt they would like to show their loving appreciation. The gift was a leather week-end hag. with which Mrs. Ross expressed herself as delighted.

DARGAVILLE-OPEN FORUM ON LICENSING REFORM

At the Community Centre at Dargaville a discussion took place recently on Licensing Reform, and the report of the Royal Commission. Sister May Yiney, Maori Welfare Officer in Dargaville, gave an address cm “Drink Among the Maori People." In closing, site quoted a Remit passed bv the Maori workers of the Methodist Church of New Zealand on “Temperance Education." “Conference recommends that leaflets should he prepared in the Maori and English languages, these -to he distributed among the young people. That we approach those in authority, on Education on Temperance, to provide the necessary material for this type oi work. It recognises the importance of Temperance Education for all our people, and feelvery keenly for a more vigorous applilation of it among our Maori people. Conference further declares that all our agents should always recognise the significance of their high calling, and always set the highest example in the interests and welfare of the people, and God - kingdom.”

I bis Remit is quoted in full by the Dargaville correspondent as being a matter of interest to those working among the Maori people.

SOCIAL AFTERNOON’: HASTINGS UNION The Hayings Union held a Social afternoon in the Methodist Hall, which was beautifully decorated with spring flowers by Mrs. A. Pitt. Mrs. Hickmott presided over a splendid gathering. A “Bring-and-Buy” stall and sale of work, under the care of Mesdames Hagersrfn and Oslwrn, did brisk business, the proceeds being for Union funds. Mrs. Martin sang solo- and Mrs. Collins gave elocutionary items. Mrs. Twiner gave pianoforte solo-, and Mrs. I Vice also -ang. Afternoon tea was handed round and the Social Committee was in charge. The President closed a very happy afternoon with prayer.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: BROOKLYN UNION During the years since its inception, the Brooklyn Union ha- lost fifteen members by death. At their meeting in September, a special period was taken for the remembering of these comrades. Sincere tributes and appreciation! of their life and work for the Church, and the Temperance Cause, were paid by Mesdames Brewer. Pickering, Dudley, Cracknell and Pearce. Lovely posie- of flowers (several with forget-me-nots), were presented tor each departed member. These were taken later to Central Park Hospital by the President, Mrs. Brewer, accompanied by Miss Appleby. The Jiyinn, “For All the Saints," was sung to conclude the service.