Special Reports

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 10, 1 November 1948, Page 7

Special Reports

THIRTY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, OXFORD UNION Spring flowers and sunshine made a bright setting for the Oxford W.C.T.U. when they met in the Coronation Hall on September 15th to celebrate their thirty-seventh Birthday, and also Franchise Day. Several visitors were welcomed by the President. It was decided to offer prizes to the school children for essays on the effects of alcohol. Plans were made for a special effort for Headquarters Fund. Songs recitations, and a pianoforte solo were much appreciated by those present. An interesting address was given by the Rev. T. YVeston, who told some of his experiences as a Temperance worker. Mrs. Weston spoke of some of the women who worked so strenuously to bring about the enfranchisement of women in New Zealand. A birthday cake, iced and decorated, the gift oi the President, was cut during afternoon tea. In a brief parting message, the President urged all to go forward in the work in spite of all discouragements. CRADLE ROLL PARTY. FEILDING UNION On October 6th, the Cradle Roll Party was held. Though the weather was not of the best, there was a good number of mothers and children, and a happy time was spent. Mrs. Captain Rundle gave a very interesting talk to the children on “Decisions,” and asked them to decide, while they were young, to do right, and to decide that they would not touch strong drink. The children entertained us with some \ ery good recitations and songs which all enjo;. ed. A good afternoon * tea with orange drink and ice-cream to complete properly, all went home happy. MEETING AT HAMILTON ADDRESS BY MRS. KASPER On October 10th, there was a large attendance of members and visitors at the monthly meeting of the Hamilton Union. Several members from Fencourt Union were also present. Mrs. Clark presided. Two new officers were elected—Secretary, Mrs. Buick, and Treasurer, Mrs. Hood. The report of the District Convention, prepared by Miss Rickard, President of the Fencourt Union, and read by Mrs. Ringer, was very much enjoyed. Mrs. H. Kasper, J.P., gave a m* i delightful and informative talk on some aspects of the World Convention held in the U.S.A. last year. The speaker carried her audience with her in the delights of air travel, scenery, life in the hotel which housed delegates (a veritable League of Nations), and in Convention. Reports from many countries in Europe were very' moving, revealing ♦remendous courage and hope under appalling conditions of danger and hardship. Every speaker stood four-

square for Prohibition —no compromise with State or any other control. Two outstanding addresses were mentioned—one by Mrs. H. Cecil Heath, World Corresponding Secretary, on “World Peace—We Must Have Peace”; and the other by Clifford Howard, on “What’s W rong W ith Prohibition?” A very hearty vote of thanks was passed to the speaker, and a friendly chat over the teacups endu'd a worthwhile afternoon. PRESENTATION “LONG SERVICE” BADGE-AUCKLAND UNION At the October meeting of the Auckland Union, Mrs. Massam was presented with a Thirty Years’ "Long Service” Badge, with a beautiful spray of cyclamen. Mrs. Massam lias been a member of the Auckland Union for thirty years, and is a most devoted and faithful worker. She has been Cradle Roll Superintendent for many ycais, and also the convener of the Tea Committee. She has always been a zealous Temperance worker. Before she came to New Zealand she was a W.CT.U. member both in E ngl*n d and Australia. RF. OPENING OF LAPSED UNION -STRATFORD It is joyful news that Stratford Union, which has had a lapse of two years, ha . re-opened with a membership of n't teen. Mrs. Briseman is President, and Mrs. Urry is Treasurer. Mrs. Cox is acting as Secretary for the coming year. Three meetings have been held and an Executive (district). Nine members have attended each meeting, and four new ones were cnreiPd at the Executive meeting. At the October meeting the Convention »tpnrt was given and much enjoyed. Miss Davis, as Superintendent of tin* ( radle Roll of the Presbyterian Church, sends out the “Y.P. Supplement,” which w*c think is a great work. She K also “White Ribbon” Agent. Of course all our meetings are opened ,vith Devotions, and the October one was helped by a recitation entitled “Friendship.” It is a great joy for the members to have recommenced their Union work. TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY, WAIROA On October 12th, in St. Andrew’s Hall, Wairoa, the twenty-first birthday of the Wairoa Union was celebrated. Beautiful flowers decorated the Hall. In the una\oidable absence of the President, Mrs. McDonald (Y'icePresidcnt) took the chair. The Rev. Mr. Caldwell opened the meeting, after which the Minutes of the Formation tweeting were read. Three of those present at that meeting were still with the Union, and all stood in silence for a moment in memory of those who had passed on. The Guest speaker was Mrs. Lewis,

President of the Hawke’s Bay Union, who was presented with a shoulder spray. Mrs. Lewis gave an interesting talk, giving facts and figures from many countries, and urged members to use voice and influence, or part of the world tragedy of wrecked li\es would lie at their door; to be sure of convictions and have courage to speak; to educate themselves so as to be able to verify facts when involved in controversy.

Much appreciated and encored solos were given by Mesdntne.s Single and \\ Mrs. Stewart being at the piano. Mrs. Winter was the winner of a competition.

Pride of place was given to the birthday cake with its twenty-one candles. This was the work oi' the Sec r etary, and Mrs. Lewis cut it after Mrs. Edlington, holder of a Thirty Years’ Service Badge, had blown out the candles. Cake was sent to absentee members with greetings. A happy party was brought to a close by Mrs. Lewis, who pronounced the Benediction.