Bulletin of Union News

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 11, 1 December 1947, Page 9

Bulletin of Union News

NORTHLAND DISTRICT Dargavilk, October 14: Mrs,. Jolly presided, u r *. Green taking Devotions. Special mention made of the appointment ol two of our member> to District offices at recent Convention— M r s. Green as President, and Mr*. Hill* la> lor iS Treasurer; and of the presentation to Miss Kdmcd of a Twenty Years’ Service Badge, sympathy expressed with Mrs. Jolly in the death of her father. Correspondence from Pan-Pacific Association to be brought forward i;ext year. Maori Day observed and collection lor Maori Fund taken up. District Convention report given by Mrs. Moorhead Jnr. Pledge, Temi>erance Fact, Benediction and tea. Wellaford, October 28: De votions, Mrs. G. K. Thompson. Mrs. Singleton presided over a good attendance. Maori Day observed and collection taken. Sj>ecial address on Scientific Tenq trance given bv Mrs. Singleton and keen interest taken by members. Flans of work much discussed. Union organised in August with twelve members, now twenty-two. Afternoon tea. Benediction. AUCKLAND DISTRICT

Executive Meeting*, October 6th: District President, Mrs. J. W. Mountjoy j ire sided; Devotions being led by Miss Cook, her subject being “Faith and the Cross of Christ.’’ Mrs. Mountjoy invited members to a “Bible in schools’’ afternoon. The Maori Girls’ Hostel report was given by Mrs. Long and the N.C.W. re|X>rt by Mrs. Mountjoy. Letter of sympathy to Mrs. C. Day in the death of her sister, Mrs. Hoverd, who was a member of the Devonport Union. November 3: Mrs. Mountjoy presiding; Devotions, Mrs. VV. J. Cullen, her subject being, ‘They shall mount up with wings as eagles." .Vine new members rei*orted from the Wellsford Union. An invitation received from Sister Jessie to attend the owning by the Mayoress of Auckland, Mrs. J. ,A. C. Allum, ol another Maori Girls’ Hostel, in Shelley Beach Road. Jumble sale arranged for Hostel painting exjienses. Mrs. Mountjoy apj>ointed delegate to Dominion Convention. Christmas party to take the of she monthly Kxecutive meeting in December. N.C.YV. report given by Mrs. Mountjoy. Greetings sent to the Christchurch Union by Mrs. H. kasjier, who is visiting there shortly. Warkworth, October 9: Good attendance. Mrs. Baker, President, displayed the Silver Vase won by the Union and presented at the Auckland District Convention for best work done this year. Reports on Convention given by Mesdaines Baker and Moore, and Maori Day was obsei ved by an address given by Mrs. W. Phillip! on her early life m a Maori village, stressing the great difference that Christian teaching made to the outlook and character of the natives. She deplored the I ves of many Maoris in the cities today, special afternoon tea in honour of Mrs. L. Davies, who is leaving the district. September 11: Attendance fair. Interesting paper on Franchise Day read by Mrs. Baker, Fresident; this being foll<%ed by an excellent pajer on “Anti-Gambling," by Mrs. Thompson who told of personal exjieriences of the tragic results of gambling in a P.W.D. camp. A jtvely and thought-provoking discussion followed. Mesdames Bartle and Thompson elected Anti Gambling Superintendents.

Kohi-St. Heliers, October 16: Fair attendance at the home of Mrs. Reid. Devotions led by Mrs. Kasper. District Convention rejiort given by Mrs. Biddle. Maori Day remembered >n prayer. Mrs. Kasper gave a very interest>ng account of her plane trip to U.S.A., and r ead an article on the drinking by young women and girls at Los Angeles, the use of cock k u. s, and the many crimes committed the result. Thanks to Mrs. Reid for hospitality.

Onchunga, October 9: Airangements made for special Home meeting in N ivember, with »»le of work. Excellent reports of District Convention given by delegates Mesdames Culkn and Ashton, ar.d Miss Hobden. The tablecloth in memory of Miss Frances Willard was on view. Interesting discussion on the Licensing Bill. Tukapuna, November 5: Annual meeting presided over by Mrs. Morgi.u Kichards, who

also took Devotions, in the absence of Miss Cullen. ReiKjits read showed a satisfactory state, especially that of the Secretary, Mrs. I’.ussmg, which was received with acclamation. All officers re-elected. Lovely bouquet presented to President, Mrs. Morgau Richards, also to Miss Cullen, and toilet accessories to Mrs. Prussing, all being heartily thanked for past vear’s work. Tea ami Benediction. Kemuere. September 17: Meeting held at the home of Mrs. G. W. L. Robinson. Good attendance to welcome Mrs. Kasjier on her return from the U.S.A. where, at the World’s W.C.T.U. Convention, she had been reappointed World Sui>erintendent of the School ol Methods. After routine business, Mrs. Kas|»ei gave a very interesting talk on her travels, and a very happy afternoon was spent. Flowers were presented to Mrs. Kas|»ei, and tea brought the meeting to a close.

Henderson, September 17: Mrs. Chadwick presided. Devotions. Mrs. E. V. Phillips, recently transferred from the Warkworth Union, gave interesting account of good work done there.

Ponsotiby, September 21 and October 16: Mrs. Joiner presided at both meetings, the Devotions being led by Mrs. B. Christopher. A vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Mrs. Millar. Mrs. Millar had been a most consistent member of the L’nion for some years, representing the Union at District Conventions. Miss Appleby spoke on “The White Ribbon Bow" at the September meeting, and Sister Jessie, on Maori Day, oh the “Young Maori People." She dealt with their difficulties regirding drink, especially ill the cities, and showed how efficient they became when converted to the Christian Faith. Pledge and Benediction. Auckland, October 11: Mrs. Long presided over good attendance. Devotions led by Mrs. 1-touglas. Very interesting rejiorts on District Convention given by our delegates, Mesdames Warring and Massam. The Bronze Vase, gamed by our Union for second place in work on the "Five-fold Plan,” was displayed on the table. Grant* passed for Dominion Headquarters, Maori Girls’ Hostel, Henderson Union School Essay Prize Fund (to enable more prizes to be given). Cards for the Ellen Melville Memorial Fund sent in. Need lor painting of Hostel brought before meeting anil members made donations.

November 11: Annual meeting. Report and Balance Sheet, and four Superintendents’ re* jKirts were given. Letters of thanks for donations from Dominion Headquarters, Maori Hostel, Henderson Union, and the Y.VV.C.A. Flection of Officers resulted thus:—President, Mrs. Long; Secretary, Miss Dewar; Treasurer, Mrs. t>wan; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames Hjinies, Massam, Warring, Whitburn and ikiuglas; Departmental Su}>erititendeuts also aph uited. Mrs. Long appointed delegate for Dominion Convention. £1 voted for Bible in Schools. All officers and superintendents thanked. Recess from now till March. Benediction.

SOUTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT Te Kuiti, October 13: Meeting helil at the Pa. Good attendance. Sisur Nicholls led Devotion?* and gave an address on the evils of liquor and gambling. The President, Mrs. Au|Hjun Joseph, reported oil District Convention held a-t Tauranga, at which she was present, giving a very full and comprehensive account of the concern shown regarding the drink evil, and the reed for early training of the young so that they may avoid its pitfalls. Morning tea brought the meeting to a close. Tauranga, October 7: Maori Day. President in the chair. Good attendance. Fine paj>er given by Mrs. W. Ferguson on the Maoii Character, based on many years of teaching in a Maori School. Convention report given by Mrs. Hensley. Two new members initiated. "Bring and Buy” for Maori Fund. November 4: Annual meeting. Good attendance. Mrs. Bensley presided in absence of President through illness. Mrs. Hunt apjKiinted delegate to Dominion Convention, and also to local N.C.W. Reports of officers and sujierintendents read aud adopted. All officers thanked for year’s work and re-elected. Superintendents apixnntcd, Mrs. Anderson new C.R. Superintendent. Members promised to bring envelopes and stamps to assist her in the work, and “Bring and Buy" proceeds for the day voted to her use. Letters of sympathy to sick members aud flowers to president and Mrs. Bryan.

TARANAKI DISTRICT

New Plymouth, September 24: Franchise Day. Good attendance. A new member and one returned after sickness warmly welcomed. Letter of appreciation received from Dr. Gilbey for food parcel, and four members offered other parcels. Mrs. Bailey rei>orted that between 60 and 70 men attended the social evenings at the “Sailors’ Rest." Gift bags asked for. Mrs. Stewart sjioke interestingly on the gaming of Women’s Franchise, and Miss Drew told something of the life of Josephine Butler. October 29: Excellent attendance. The President spoke of work among the Maoris, and the guest-sjieaker, the Rev. Mr. Sedgwick, sjioke from long ex|>crience in the Seamen’s Mission, of the evils of drink amongst seamen, the rum ration being responsible for a very large proportion of crime. Enjoyable solos were given by Mesdames Raynor aid Hawkins, and elocutionary items by Mr. Brown. November: An enjoyable social was hHd on the meeting day, items being given by several ladies. The Rev. Mr. Sedgwick gave a*; interesting address on his work in the slums of London, and told of the great part played by drink in uigjappy homes. Miss Paterson, retired Plunket Nurse, joined the Union and was heartily welcomed. Benediction. Hawera, October 28: Mrs. W. Thayer presided and led Devotions. Two 221 b. parcels sent to Miss Dorothy Staunton, Westminster, London, the contents being coiuribued by members. A further parcel almost ready. Afternoon tea hostesses, Mesdames Page arid Burton. Maori Day observed and collection for Fund. Mrs. lhayer gave reminiscences of a recent Methodist Bible Class Camp where she was Camp Mother, and also gave a reading about Carrie Nation, called "A Cyclone In Petticoats.” Mrs. Page read the “W.R." article on Maori Day, and also reported having received a social donation for food parcels for Britain. Prayer and Benediction.

MANAWATU DISTRICT Feilding, November 5: Mrs. Tremaine in the chair, and Mrs. Kendall led Devotions. A book. “Happy Recollections,” was received from a link in Dorset, in appreciation of a food parcel sent from our Union, also tw’o letters were read from links in Coventry, expressing thanks tor parcels received from us. A box for literature had been fixed at Feilding station. District Convention rejiort given by the delegate. Annual reports presented, and showed much good work done. Three First Class Certificates ;nd two Stiver Medals had come to the Band of Hope from the Temperance Exams. Y’isitor from Ashburton welcomed and greetings sent to her Union. All officers re-elected.

NELSON DISTRICT Nelson, October 14: Mrs. Toomer presided, Mrs. Doel leading Devotions. Maori Day observed. Mrs. McMillan gave a most interesting Convention re|»rt. Mesdames Toomer and Sherratt told something of the work being done through the Maori Girls’ Hostel, and Mrs. Ktdson read several extracts from the evidence given before the Royal Commission concerning the Maori Race and the liquor problem. Mrs. Hippohte, a Maori visitor, gave much pleasure by singing a hymn in her native tongue. Collection for Maori Fund, and an apjieal for gifts for the Hostel made. Hostesses, Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Every. MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT Blenheim, October 7: Mrs. Adjutant Kearse led Devotions, reading from “Here Too Is Valoßr,” by Elinor Mordaunt, describing the wonderful courage of jieople during the war years of 1940-41. Only fair attendance owing to wet weather. F'ull and interesting report of District Convention given by Miss Tarrant, who was congratulated on her first-time service as delegate. Benediction. November 11: Annual meeting. Mrs. N. Forbe- presided. Good attend'nce. Devotions, Mrs. Kearse. Annual reports showed satisfactory service. One new member. All officers re-elected, with the addition of Mrs. G. Harrison as a Vice-President. Mrs. Kearse appointed Evangelical Superintendent with a committee of five members. Votes of thank*. Interesting extracts from the “Vanguard" read by Mrs. Forbes. Benediction. Springlands, September 16: Mrs. Underhill presided over fair attendance. Y’ery interest-

mg and helpful quotations given in response to Roll Cali. President reported on canvass for CORSO which was very satisfactory. Mrs. Roussell appointed delegate to District Convention. Reference made to winning of the Franchise and the work of pioneer YV.C.T.U. members. Paper entitled “Romance of Missiouary Enterprise,” by Miss C. M. McLay, was read; also commentary on writings of Mrs. Paul Robeson, both enjoyed. October 28: Good attendance. Mrs. Roussell gave brief account of District Convention. Annual donations passed for payment. Very helpful quotations in response to Roll Call. One new member welcomed and initiated. Social hour followed. Piano solos played by Mrs. J. Eyles and Miss O. Bhck. An amusing play-reading by Mesdames Gascoigne and Uudcrhill. Sales table asisted funds.

NORTH CANI *4URY DISTRICT Papanui: Maori Day celebrated on October 15, Mrs. Tillman presiding over a good attendance. Devotions by Mrs. Elliott. Temperance Fact and Pledge; also Roll Call anawered with text. Mental Hospital report given by Mrs. Hawken; shoes being urgently needed by some patients. Miss Gainsford welcomed by President, and gave an inspiring talk on the United Mission work among the Maoris.

Sydenham, October 2: Maori Day. Small attendance. Mrs. J. Filer presiding. Devotions led by Mrs. Davies. Miss Smart, one of uui members, gave a really excellent talk on the life and work of the Missionary, Rev. Peter Milne. Thrilling description of hardships borne by this brave man and his young wife in early days on Nguna Island, New Hebrides. Dominion Officers nominated.

November 6: Mrs. J. Filer presided over Cradle Roll afternoon, the mothers and children, with ten members being our guests. Devotions, Mrs. Davies. Arrangements were carr:' \ rit by our C.R. Superintendent, Mrs. Garlick. Mil' Matthews contributed Temperance recitations, some of the small folk *lso taking part in the programme. Riccarton, October 9; Good attendance. Mrs. Griffiths presiding, and Mrs. Harris leading Devotions. Various invitations received from other Unions and organisations. Executive meeting report received. Mental Hospital Concert and Women’s Reformatory reports given. District Convention report given by Mrs An-de-son. Other correspondence anc plans discussed. Benediction.

WooUton, September 18: Nine members present, Mrs. Ramsay presiding, and Mrs. Spier taking Devotions. Business discussed. “Bring and Buy.” Benediction. October 14: 12 present. Mrs. Ramsay presided and Mrs. Spier took Devotions. Maori Day and the Rev. W. E. Moore of the Methodist Church gave a very interesting address on Maori work. Mrs. Carrington reported on the Band of Hope and Cradle Roll. One new member welcomed. Parcel of clothing sent for Maori work. Song and Benediction.

Christchurch, September 9 and 24: Miss C. Henderson presiding. Replies received to letters to M.P.’s re Masterton Trust Control Bill. Letter from Miss McLay in “W.R.” re her strenuous and most successful organising among the Maoris, read by President. Gifts of clothing for Britain sent to Red Cross. District Convention report given at second meeting by Mrs. R. Black, and greatly enjoyed, Miss M. B. Lovell-Smith endorsing all she said. Many gifts of fat and soap received for sending through Red Cross to Britain. October 8 and 22: Miss Henderson presiding. More gifts for Britain. Address on Maori Day from Miss Cone, late assistant deaconess on Maori Mission Field. Extracts read by President from “Outlook" re harm to young people through Alcohol and on the life of Elizabeth Fry, among women prisoners over a hundred years ago. Spreydon, 2nd Tuesday: Mrs. Ancell presided over fair attendance. Miss Olds’s report on District, Convention gave some very interesting facts and figures. Temperance Fact, Mrs. Woodcock. Mrs. Ancell reported pleasure given to Mental Hospital patient by gift of eggs from member. Recommendation forwarded to District Executive that a speaker from that body be appointed to wait on Sunday School feachers and Bible Class leaders, stressing the need for regular Scientific Temperance lessons to be given. Votes of thanks. Benediction.

New Brighton, October 2: Mrs. Edmond presiding and leading Devotions. Pledge and Temperance Fact. Reports on Mental Hospital visiting and District Convention. Mrs. Inns thanked for latter. Bad weather notwithstanding, our members sold 14/4/3 worth of Health Stamps on the first day of sale. North Brighton, September 16 and October 21: Mrs. Noonan presided at both meetings, reading a portion of “The Wines of Scripture," by Mrs. Lee Cowie, at the first, and the service arranged by Jennie A. Stewart at the second; other members taking part also. Executive, Band of Hope and Mental Hospital uniting reports all given in October, and Officers congratulated on successes in Temperance Examinations. Decided to hold special “Bring and Buy" in October for Mental Hospital patients. Convention report given by Mrs. Noonan. Convalescent members welcomed and sympathy sent to bereaved member. Reefton: September 9 and October 14: Mrs. Thompson presiding at both, and speaking on “Highest Ideals" in September, and “The Beauty of Service” in October. Mrs. McElwee read “Challenged to a Debate” from the “W.R.” in October, and 10/- was donated to the N.Z. Fund; 10/- also for the Maori Fund. After the reading of the annual report and balance it was agreed to send balance in hand to Headquarters Fund.

SOUTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT Temuka, September 30: Mrs. Holgate presiding. District Convention reports very interesting. Franchise Day observed. (See “Highlights.”) Timaru. October: Mrs. Hewson presided. Two outstanding speakers welcomed, Mr. George Dash, of YYaimate, and Sister M. \ iney, of 1 unarm The former spoke most interestingly on the Drink evil as he had seen it, in passing up and down the country; and Sister Viney delighted her audience with a most vivid picture of life among the Maori people of the North Island, with whom she had worked before coming to the South Island. Tea hostesses, Mesdames Buck and Holliday. Benediction closed a most enjoyable afternoon.

OTAGO DISTRICT Lawrence, October 7: Fair attendance, Miss Ferguson presiding. Following on business, the President gave a very interesting talk on the life of Mrs. l*e Cowie. Mrs. McNeilly read a paper, “If Any Man Thirst." Mrs. Duguid gave a recitation. Hvmn and Benediction.

Oamaru, October 13: Miss Cowan presiding. Maori Day observed and paper read. Mrs. Mc\\ hirter appointed Delegate to Convention. Appeal for books for “J” Force and parcels lor Britain through Red Cross. Help asked for Salvation Army street appeal and for sale of health stamps. Port Chalmers, October 15: Good attendance of members and one visitor. A letter of sympathy was sent to Mrs. Mirams, our exI resident, on the sad loss of her husband. I rayer was also offered on her behalf. Letter on work at Maori Girls’ Hostel read. “Bring and Buy’’ Sale held which raised the sum of £2, £l*to be donated to General Funds and £1 to Maori Hosid.

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT Invercargill Central, July: Miss H. Jamieson in chair, mentioned the passing of five members, Mrs. L. B. McKenzie, ex-Preaident, and ex District President, and Mrs. J. R. W’esney. who was a \ ice-President, and Evangelistic Superintendent at the time of her death. The resident gave a talk on The Invercargill Licensing 1 rust Act, and explained the provisions.

August: The President referred to the passing of a member, Mrs. Thos. Pryde, and welcomed members who were present after a lapse of time. Typed lists (addressed) of members distributed, and membership divide among those present for the collection of subs. September: President in chair. Reported resolutions sent urgently to Prime Minister and local M.P. Correspondence from Alliance read; also extracts from "White Ribbon.” October: President in chair, welcomed members present by invitation from Invercargill North and South. Pledge repeated. Arrangements for District Annual Meeting read. Nominations for Dominion Officer*. An address by Rev. A. M. Kirkwood on “Social Evils Due to Gambling." Solo bv Mrs. R Buick, and social cup of tea.