SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 9, 1 October 1948, Page 5

SPECIAL REPORTS

GATHERINGS AT PAPATOETOE On August 18, the Papatoetoe Union held a special meeting. Imitations had been sent to various local organisations to be present to meet Mr. and Mrs. Lopdell. A very representative meeting resulted. Mr. Lopdell gave a very interesting and informative address. He told of the beginning of the W.C.T.U. in New Zealand and explained the work of the N.Z. Alliance, besides telling some of bis many and varied experiences during his long term of office in the N.Z. Police Force. All agreed that this was a very w r ell worthwhile meeting, and was greatly enjoyed. RICCARTON CRADLE ROLL PARTY On August ?6 Riccarton Branch held its Annual Cradle Roll Party in the Methodist Sunday School, which was decorated with flow-ers. There was a very good attendance of 46 children with mothers. Mrs. Griffiths presided and welcomed all present. After Devotions, Mrs. Griffiths read the Preamble and told the mothers something about the aims and objects of the Union and the departments of work, giving Helen Keller’s message: “Women’s opportunity is NOW to push the world along in the right direction.” She urged all to push hard tor the remit from the Howard League for Penal Reform: “That talks for Peace should he broadcast as well as war talks,” and t.iat we should have a “Minister of Peace.” She issued a challenge for us to work to make the world a safer and cleaner place for our young folk to live in, and to work in, urging the young mothers to join our ranks and to help the older ones who will have to step out. She spoke of the need for reform in radio programmes. This was a short, but very inspiring, talk. Several items were rendered. The children then played games while tea was served to the mothers; then while the children had tea at a long table in an adjoining room the mothers were entertained with a competition. The children’s table W'as laden with good things, including the birthday cake which was nicely decorated. Each child had a paper hat. After tea all were lined up according to ages and presented with a very nice toy and some goodies. A parcel was sent to each absent child. A vote of thanks and appreciation was proposed by a mothc r , Mrs. Henderson, and a very hanpy and successful afternoon was brought to a close with the Doxology. TWENTY FIRST BIRTHDAY - PARTY, TE KOPURU Te Kopuru Union celebrated its 21st birthday at a party held in the Mission Hall, wdien the President. Mrs. H. O. Bickers, presided over a representative gathering. Members from the Darga-

villc Union and District Officers and visitors were welcomed. Mrs. RobeVts, District Vice-President, responded, ex-t-‘tiding greetings and giving encouragement to carry on with greater ze i!, asking members to remember that the motto, "For God. Home and Humanity" applied to the work of today, any of today’s reforms being the result of yesterday’s work. Mrs. Sarich, first Secretary of the Aratapu Union, read the Minutes of the initial meeting. Mrs. A. J. Wordsworth read the Minutes of the present Branch, held 21 years ago. The Roll was called of all the 30 original members, nine of whom have been called to "Higher Service.’’ A few moments of silent remembrance "In Memoriam” were observed. Items were enjoyed. Mrs. T. Bickers acted as accompanist. Mrs. S. S. Green, District President, stressed the importance of the work in her address and appealed for more members. Four new members joined, four previous members renewing membership. Shoulder sprays were presented to the visiting officers, artistes and older members, and the President extended thanks to all those who had contributed to the success of the occasion. Mrs. Jolly, President of the Dargaville Union, expressed, on behalf of the visitors, appreciation for the plea.,ant af'trnoon, giving best wishes for the futi re. Mrs. Roberts, for many years District President, cut the cake, which was decorated in icing with the Union monograms and white ribbon bows. NEWS OF ASHBURTON UNION Interesting meetings are held every month in Baring Square Schoolroom, under ihe leadership of Sister Mildred. Tiie Band of Hope season opened on lunc 3 in the Salvation Army Hall. Mr. George Dash, of Waimate, gave a se ies of lantern pictures, which were enjoyed by young and old. Ihe Band of Hope musical, elocutionary# and Bible reading competitions commenced on July 16 and are proving most popular. A successful afternoon was held for “Seamen’s Day.’’ Miss F.. Jackson gave the annual report of the 1 imaru "Sailors’ Rest” which was very encouraging. Ashburton lia> suffered a great loss in the death of Sister M. Jackson. At one time President, .she was also for many years the Leader of the Band ot Hope, which owes its past success to her untiring efforts. She was also Superintendent of the ‘‘Seamen’s Day.” She did what she could for her Lord and Master, giving of her best for the W.C.T.U., to which she was devoted. Ashburton was greatly privileged to have a visit from Mrs. Mackie. 'She is a gifted speaker, with a winning personality. She outlined her travels to America to the World Convention. All enjoyed her talk, which was full of amusing instances and interesting de-

tails of the Convention; also of the beautiful places and buildings she had seen She said she was proud to be a inemhet of W.C.T.U. and to be amongst so many highly intellectual women of the world. I he W.C.T.U. is a fine band, stating the importance of the work it undertake*. ANNUAL SOCIAL AFTERNOON, SYDENHAM UNION Sydenham Branch held their annual Social Afternoon ;n the Baptist Hall on Thursvlay, September 2,194 K. Our President, Mrs. J. Filer, was in the chair, and extended a hearty welcome to visitors from nearby Church Guilds. There were 13 members of our Branch present. Devotions were conducted by Mrs. Davies. Particular mention was made of tilt forthcoming Temperance Rally to be held on Sunday, September 19, in the Salvation Army Citadel. A delightful programme of glees and sketches was provided by members of the Bryndvvr Women’s Institute, Mrs. Roberts acting as accompanist. The Benediction was pronounced by Mrs. MacLachlan, and a happy afternoon was brought to a close. TWENTY-SIXTH BIRTHDAY, TAURANGA UNION On August 19 Tauranga Union held its 26th Birthday Party, a very good attendance of members and visitors being present. The hall was gaily decorated with spring flow’ers. Miss A. McLay, District President, was the speaker and gave a most interesting account of the w’ork and aims of the W.C.T.U., with encouraging and helpful references to past success in many fields. A programme of music was presented, part songs by the choir of the Tauranga Women’s institute giving much pleasure Songs by Mrs. W. Francis, and a pianoforte duet by Mesdames Edwards and Christian being also enjoyed. Competitions also formed part of the entertainment. The beautiful birthday cake was cut by the only gentleman present, Mr. Crahbe, who for many years has been a strong supporter of the Temperance Cause. A splendid "Bring and Buy*’ table did good business, and a retiring collection for the needs of our work brought the total takings to £ll/7/10. Much interest was awakened among those present in the work of the Union by Miss McLay’s address, and new members are joining up as a result. Sincere thanks wore accorded Miss McLay. / "PAY UP SOCIAL.’’ ONEHUNGA UNION On August 12, Onehunga Union held its "Pay-up Social." There w r as a good attendance. Business included the arrangements for District Convention and appointment of delegates. Solos were given by Miss Smith and recitations by Mrs. Hatton. An address was

given by Pastor L. R. H. Beaumont, who traced the work of the Christian Church through history, especially stressing the work in recent centuries. The work of the Wesleys, so tremendous in its influence and coming when it was so much needed, was described The speaker mentioned names and activities of many men and women in all walks of life who had toiled for the betterment of humanity. Then followed a description of the beauties of Tasmania, seen during a visit to that Island. He also told of the penal settlements and the old prisons still there, with their tiny, unlighted cells, which had been occupied by prisoners. But at that time, humanitarians were starting to work. Queen Victoria exerted a Christian influence in her day, and the British have always acted with a Christian outlook ;o help the oppressed and afflicted. The listeners were advised to familiarise themselves with these facts.