SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 1, 1 February 1947, Page 7

SPECIAL REPORTS

HENDERSON UNION \ very interesting event was held mcnth at the Henderson Public School, .slien the annual presentation of prizes for the be"t Tenijierance Essays were awarded. For the pa>t twenty years arra: pi mdit' have been made with the Hecdma>ter of the school who instiucts ill.* .| H | ( j r en from Standards 4, 5 and 0 on Tenijierance, literature being provided l,v the Secretary of the W.C.T.IL The essays are written luring school time and judged by a reliable per o' a|»|iointed In the Union. Two sjiecu prizes and seven other prizes art awarded each year. The Auckland Union sends a donation to help to provide these prizes. A ver\ cordial welcome was extended by the Headmaster to the President, Mrv Chadwick, the Secretary, Mrs. Leman, Mrs. J. \V. Long, and other members. Mrs. Long expressed the thanks of the District and Local Officer * for the co-opt ration and assistance given by the Headmaster in the Tenijierance education of <0 many children year after year in the Henderson district, especially in view of the cultivation of grajies and manufacture of wine in the Henderson district.

Mrs. Chadwick spoke to the children, congratulating them on this year’s eitort. The fifty-four essays were well written and many of them N deserved special commendation. The story of Mr. Preston, who introduced the word “teetotal,’’ was told and captured the attention of every child Mrs. Long spoke on Good Citizenship, and gave the children some high ideals to live up to, especially as total abstainers.

The prizes were presented bv Mrs. Lon#, and the afternoon was brought to a close at the school. Afternoon tea was served at the Guirch Hall by tnemlm of the Union. Prize Essays will appear in the January-February “Beacon.”

MARLBOROUGH WOMENS DAN OF PRAYER

Hie final meeting for the Women’s Day of Prayer was held in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Friday, November -*hli. Sessions commenced at 10 am. "nd the following ladies were leaders:— Mesdames Dunbar and Ford in the morning, and V. Powell and P. Steph ens in the afternoon. Fair attendaucc. Helpful messages were gven, and prayers offered by leaders and members tlie congregation. Next year’s meet’’K s are to recommence with the World Womens Dav of Praver.

STALL AT A & P. SHOW Malborough District

As a Publicity Effort in connection with Poll work a Stall was held at the hiow, which w*as one of the best for years. The effort was arranged by the District Executive and was in charge Mrs. Underhill, Mrs. Forbes and Miss Contributions were revived from members throughout the

District and Home produce and cakes did not stay long on the counter. Arum Lilies, Iceland Poppies and other flowers served as decoration and also provided funds as they were sold. Several Posters from Headquarters hung ii "ide “the shop” and were read by hundreds of people. In each parcel copies of the W.R. and Beacon together with our campaign leaflets were enclosed. These were also given out to young peojde. The booklets “Keeping Fit” and “Non-Alcoholic Drinks*’ were sold ycung boys buying the “Keeping Fit’* books after looking through than Several people showed their interest and sympathy by leaving the change on certain purchases, others gave words of encouragement. One lady kindly told us that she noticed that the Temperance people went to sleep in between the Polls and woke up just before!! We found that she was right up against the liquor traffic but had never joined tiie Union, although she told us what we ought to do!!! While we did not set out to make money, owing to the kindness of several gentlemen, our expenses were light and we had several pounds in hand, besides spending a very interesting day, and we hope, profitable to our cause. R.M.U.

ANNUAL MEETING, CHRISTCHURCH The fifty-ninth annual meeting of the Christchurch Union was of unusual interest. Miss G Henderson presided and welcomed a visitor, Mrs. Kippenberger, who brought greetings from the Waimate Union, and Mrs. Hawke, a member just returned from a trip to England. Mrs. Hawke brought greetings from the National British Women’s Temperance Association and from the Peckham Union.

Christmas greetings were sent to Mesdames Judkins, Patcnett and Whetter, and a gift to Mrs. E. Wood, in appreciation of her willing service to the Union for so many years. Posies were presented to the President, Miss Henderson, and the Misses Gordon and Thomas.

The annual report reviewed the many activities of the Union curing the year, especially mentioning that many thou- . sands of leaflets had lieen distributed before ’.lie election. The financial statement read by the Treasurer was comidered very satisfactorv.

The following officers were then elected for the ensuing year:—President. Miss Henderson, IP.; Vice-President". Mesdames James, Gardner-Miller. Lennon, F. C. Prices. Misses (Jordon, Blackwell and Bishop; Hon Secretary, Mis> M. M Thomas; Hon Treasurer, Miss M. B. Lovell-Smith; Hon. Assistant Treasurer, Miss E. Gordon.

FLORAL AFTERNOON, NELSON Nelson’s final meeting for the year took the form of a Floral Afternoon, which wa« held in the Baptist Schoolroom,

The President, Mrs. Toomer. welcomed a good attendance of members and friends, some of whom are not able to attend the regular meetings. Basing her talk on the command, “Hold Fast,” .Mrs Toomer said this required time, courage, and endurance. Mrs. k. Wood and Miss Tucker entertained with a piano duet, and Mm. Sherrat sang two very ’ pleasing solos. There was a beautiful display of flowers, the competition result" being : Shoulder Spray—l—Mrs. F. Cooke, 2 Miss Dyson; Posy—l—Mrs. kidson Setir., 2 —Mrs. Neai and MFs Russell (equal); Vase of Flowers- 1 Mrs. C. Knapp, 2—Miss Russell. Mrs. Walker thanked Mrs. Toomer in the name of the Union for her splendid service as President, and presented her with flowers. Afternoon tea was >t*rved and at tinclose of the meeting flowers were taken to sick members and to the hospital.

A collection wa" taken in aid of the Maori Hostel and the meeting ch "id with the Benediction.

NINETEENTH BIPTHDAY PARTY. Linwood Union. The Linwood W.C.T U. held a Garden Party in honour of their nine teenth birthday at “Kavington,” the home of the President, Mrs. C R. N. Mackie.

Miss C. E. Kirk, Guest Speaker, journeyed from Wellington to be present on this auspicious occasion. Prior to the address, Miss Averil Teague presented Miss Kirk with a shoulder spray of pink roses, a loving thought from the Linwood Band of Hope members. Miss Kirk presented the hostess with a beautiful spray of dark red roses and bronze pansies, which was greatly appreciated. The special address was very educational, and was enjoyed by all present. It was pleasing to know that on the following day, Mrs. Mackie’s telephone was unusually busy, many kind folk who had listened to the address, and Had taken time to think about it, ringing to congratulate Miss Kirk.

Miss Snell, our musical director, arranged a very fine programme, for which we thank her again. During the afternoon, the Musical Trio (Strings), gave several bright items. A most amusing play was presented by Mrs. Pashley and Dorothy Cooper, elocutionary items being given by Mesdames Middleton and Collyns. both of whom were encored. Avia Hill gave a character solo and recitation verv beautifully (a Woolston Band of Hope member), and Averil Teague also gave a character solo, “Little old Lady,” which was much enjoyed. Averil is a Linwood Band of Hope member. Mrs. Douglas’ two solos gave much pleasure. A buffet tea was an easy wav of handling the refreshments. The beautiful cake, the gift of the president, w r as cut by our Dominion President, who brought greetings to the Uniqn. Mrs. Rodgerson, of. the Blenheim Union also cut the cake with greetings from our Blenheim sisters,

Greet trigs were brought by the District President, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Ramsey, Wco’ston, Mrs. Edmonds, New Brighton, Mrs. Brown, Central Union, Mrs. I*'ng. Opawa, Mrs. Francis, Methodist Guild, Mrs. Kidd, Anglican Guild, Mrs. Fuller, Baptist Guild. Mrs. Black, Presbyterian Guild, and others. The photographers had a busy time taking snaps of out* guests. A very successful party was concluded with thanks to all helpers. The "bring and Buy” brought in good funds for the Union. A very special meeting was held the following day when Mrs FI. H. Johnson joined our ranks being initiated by the Dominion President.