SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 6, 1 July 1948, Page 6

SPECIAL REPORTS

AUCKLAND DISTRICT EXECUTIVE “Peace Day” Prayer Meeting The annual “Peace Day” Prayer Meeting was held under the auspices of the Auckland District Executive on Monday, May 31, ;i the Temperance Room, Queen Street, at 10.30 am. The first session was led by Miss Grigg, the District Evangelistic Superintendent, and the subject of her talk was “Jacob, who prevailed by prayer.” Mrs. V. A. Read led the sectnd session, and her talk was on the subject, “False or True?” Miss Campbell followed on, speaking on “Abraham and Lot.” The closing session was led by Mrs. Kasper, and her subject was “Peace in the hearts of men.” There was a good attendance, and all present took part in the prayer sessions.

ADDRESS GIVEN AT ONEHUNGA UNION MEETING BY MISS GREY

At their May meeting, Onehunga members listened tc an address of unusual interest, given by Miss Grey, a retired teacher touring N.Z. Her subject was the work of the B.W.T.A. in England. Miss Grey told of the founding of the British Women’s Temperance Association in Newcastle on Tyne, in 187 b. Ihe speaker’s mother was keenly interested in that work, and copies ot the English “Y\ bite Ribbon” were shewn. 1 hey are smaller than our N.Z. one. The Union meetings are active and business-lkc. Local unions have Spring and Autumn Conventions and also send delegates to the English Annual Convention, usually held in London, and which, we were surprised to hear, never lasted more than three days Miss Grey went on to describe the numerals Guilds and Clubs for women in the United Kingdom. Most Churches have their own Guilds and in the country districts the Women’s Institutes, though not a religiou> organisation, do much good. Unfortunately, some cf them learn to make home-made wine. City women also have Town Guilds which are going ahead and doing good though net actively religious. They assist their members to become trained in many ways and also give concerts. By these means women of all classes coine together. The speaker told of the professional- and business-women’s clubs, which were purely secular at id whose members many of them, drink and smoke. The B.W.T.A. strives to •assist women’s causes and maintains that all work equally well done should receive equal remuneration irrespective of sex. But guidance is needed, and God is always put first, then humanity. Miss Grey said that World Conventions made it possible for those attending to understand the work of other countries. The speaker was thanked for her very informative and interesting address.

SPECIAL REPORTS— Contd. ‘WELCOME HOME” TO MRS. MACKIE. LINWOOD UNION On May 25, a well-attended meeting of members and visitors from other Unions (by invitation) assembled to give Mrs. E. M. Mackie, a “Welcome Home” after her visit u America to attend the World Convention. In the absence of the , President, Mrs. Graham, Mrs. F. Fuller, Vice-Presi-dent, presided. Mrs. Mackie was presented with a shoulder spray by the Secretary, and with a book by Mrs. Dunlop, to mark the occasion, when lining reference was made to our guest’s valuable work fer our Union. Several members also spoke. Mrs. Mackie gave a most interesting and informative address on the World Convention and on her trip, and was heartily thanked. Four new members were initiated. Decided to present “Twenty Year” Badges to several foundation members at our July meeting. A parcel of writing material fer COR SO was sent. OPEN MEETING AT OAMARU On May 17, the Oatnaru Union held an open meeting for men and women in the evening, at which there was a fair attendance. Mrs. Rawson presided. After the routine business, a short musical programme was enjoyed. The Guest Speaker, Mr. George Dash, of VVaimate, said of the Trust Hotels in Invercargill, that they were nc different from other hotels. It was a great mistake to think that in no-license areas only was sly grog selling. It was just as bad in places where there are licensed hotels. Lounge drinking, bottle shops, and restaurant drinking were all alike a menace to women, to men, and to young people. The Trust Hotel had not made less drinking, but bad encouraged it very considerably. \ hearty vote of thanks and appreciation was passed to Mr. Dash and thanks expressed to all who had helped towards an enjoyable evening. After the Benediction supper was served. A Sales Table helped the finances. SOCIAL AFTERNOON, NELSON UNION Mr* Mackie Welcomed \ Social Afternoon was held in May by the Nelson Union, in the Presbyterian Hall, to which representatives of all women’s organisation* were invited to meet Mrs. Mackie and hear her account of her visit to the World Convention. The result was a very happy gathering, as Mrs. Mackie was amongst old school friends, and also had a very interesting story to tell. Afternoon tea was handed round, and •Vrs. Jones sang two delightful solos. The President, Mrs. Sherratt, thanked Mrs. Mackie for her inspiring address, and at the ?losc two new members were initiated. Mrs. Mackie also visited Richmond and Motueka, seven new members being enrolled at Motueka.

MRS. MACKIE AT MOTUEKA A special meeting was held b> the Motueka Union on May 19, when Mrs. Mackie, of Christchurch, was the speaker. The subject of her address was her trip to New Jersey to attend the World Convention last year. 1 he account of her travels, and of the Convention, was very interesting, and it w r as a great pleasure to her audience to hear her. At the close of her address eight ladies came forward to be initiated by Mrs. Mackie and received the White Bow. This was a very happy ending to a good meeting. CRADLE ROLL PARTY AT MOTUEKA On May 24, the Little White Rihboners’ birthday party was held and a good attendance of mothers with their little ones listened to an address from Mrs. loonier, of Xelscn. The speaker gave a lesson to the little ones on Obedience. W hen afternoon tea had been served, Mrs. Toomcr spoke to the mothers, giving goed advice on the training of little ones. Mrs. Carter, our President, provided a birthday cake with candles, which was very much enjoyed. A “Bring and Buy” va> held very successfully. Our C.R. has doubled during the year. TWENTY SECOND BIRTHDAY PARTY, NORTH BRIGHTON The Baptist Church presented quite a festive appearance on the occasion of the 22nd birthday of the North Brighton Union. Bowls cf chrysanthemums and small vases of French marigolds adorned the platform. Mrs. Noonan presided, and welcomed a record attendance of members and visitors. Two one-act plays, nroduced by Mrs. Mclntcsh, were presented by the members of the Christchurch Women’s Institute, and other items included songs by Mrs. Goldman and Miss Pauline Daniels, and recitations by Mrs. Beilby. “Twentyyears’ Service” Badges were presented to Mrs. Gadd and Mrs. Thompson. The birthday cake, decorated by Mr. J. Compton, was cut by Mrs. Mcllwraith. Letters from Mesdames Hall and Graham, wishing the Union continued success in the work, were received. WOMEN’S DAY OF PRAYER MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT There was a good attendance at the Blenheim monthly Women’s Day of Prayer, on Thursday, May 27. The opening session was conducted by Mrs. J. Taylor, who spoke on the "Friendship of Jesus.” Mrs. Fc rd was Leader for the next period and took for her theme, "God’s Remedy.” Mrs. P. Stephens followed, and spoke on "Faith.” The last session was taken by Mrs. A. O. Jones, who took as her subject, “Prayer.” Interesting and helpful messages were delivered, and sincere prayers were offered by

leaders and members present. Suitable hymns were chosen and many requests for prayer were made. The sick and the U.N.A.C. were specially remembered. PAY-UP SOCIAL. AUCKLAND UNION On June # Auckland Union held its Annual “Pay-up" Social in the Board Room of the Y.W’.C.A. Mrs. Long presided and welcomed a fine gathering of members and friends. The National Anthem and the Doxology were sung at the opening, and prayer was offered by Mrs. Long. Apologies and greetings were received from sick members and others unable to attend. A very enjoyable programme of music and elocution was presented. In her Chairman’s remarks, Mrs. Long spoke of the threatened evils likely to he passed by Parliament, naming the extension of hours of sale, evening sales, strenger liquor to be sold, and restoration of bar-maids.* All these evils had been so strongly fought against by Temperance people in the past days. Christ is the only One W ho can destroy these works .of the Devil. Notes cf thanks were passed. Afternoon tea brought a very happy afternoon to a close. One new member was received. RICCARTON’S TWENTY-SIXTH BIRTHDAY SOCIAL On June 10, Riccarton held its 26tli birthday celebration. The room was tastefully decorated and was filled to capacity by Sister Unions and < ther women’s organisations in the district. Mrs. Griffiths presided, and the afternoon was opened with a hymn and the Lord’s Prayer. Business was postponed to a specially arranged later meeting. The Drama Club of the Women’s Institute entertained with two plays entitled "Gran Plays Trumps” and “Fortune Favours Fools.” Musical items, rendered by Mesdames Colthart, Swallow, R. W illiams* and Scott, were enjoyed. Tea was dispensed and a nice birthday cake, baked by the President, was cut and enjoyed. Votes of thanks to the performers were carried by acclamation, and a very happy afternoon closed with the pronouncing cf the Benediction. • * CHRISTCHURCH CELEBRATES SIXTY-THIRD BIRTHDAY An afternoon Social was held by Christchurch Union in celebration of the 63rd birthday. Miss C. Henderson presided. A vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mrs. Quartermain. Our President then welcomed 50 delegates present from Oxford and suburban Unions, whr later gave greetings from their Unions. Mrs. R. Black, Hon. District Secretary, spoke for the District Executive in the absence of the President. Mrs. Clarke.

During the afternoon a most enjoyable programme included vocal solos by Mrs. Connie Wilson and recitations by M-,s G. Musgrovc. Mrs. Reeve acted 4s aceompantste. Then followed a most stirring address by Mrs. Adjutant Baker, who spoke of her impressions and reminiscences ol Chinese life gained from her sen ice there for five years, during the lapanese occupation, as a missionary. To illustrate her address the speaker showed us exquisitely beautiful costumes (Chinese). After votes of thanks, Mrs. Lennon presented Miss Henderson anJ our Foundation Member, Miss Gordon, with flewer sprays. Tea was served by a special committee. REUNION AT NORTHCOTE A combined meeting of the North Shore W.C.T.U. Unions was held in the Methodist School Hall. Northcote, on June 8. There were 28 members and friends present and the gathering was presided c\er by Miss F. Wiggell (President) and Mrs. Hay (VicePresident). A welcome poem, which had been composed by Miss Ethel Piper—one of our first and most loyal workers—was read. Mesdames Williams (Devonjiort) and Morgan Richards (Takapuna) spoke in appreciation of these occasional reunions a time of refreshing and inspiration. Mesdames Carter and Hampton rendered much-appreciated musical items. Sister Jessie ga\e a \ery interesting address on the Maori people and her endeavours to bring the Gospel and the Temperance cause to these of our kindred, and whose welfare is of so great concern to us all just now. The collection was for the “White Ribbon” Fund.