Bulletin of Union News

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 3, 1 April 1949, Page 9

Bulletin of Union News

AUCKLAND DISTRICT Executive Meeting. March 7th. Mrs. K. W. Mount joy, District President, presided; Devotions being led by Miss Grigg. A letter was received from the World President, Mrs. Forrester-baton, telling of her proposed visit to New Zealand, probably about September; and it was suggested that the Auckland District Convention should be held earlier than usual to coincide with the visit. Final arrangements made for Poll work on March 9th. Arrangements also made to assist with the Poppy ” day street appeal, and for the “ Mother’s Day ” gathering in M ay. Miss Leman rejorted that the Henderson l nion had had a visit from two ladies from Australia, Mesdames Hallebone and Cook, who arc seeing New Zealand at present. Members of the Executive made a donation towards a presentation to the Lad) Mayoress, Mrs. j. A. C. Allum, which is to be given to her by the Women’s Organisations of Auckland oil the eve of her departure for England. Mrs. Mouutjoy gave a most concise and comprehensive report of the Dominion Convention held in Timaru. Auckland Union, March Bth. Opening meeting for 19-49. Mrs. Long presided, giving a very inspiring Devotional address from Nehemiah. Mrs. Coombe of Grevinouth and Mrs. Leslie of Hamilton were welcomed; Mrs. Coombe bringing greetings from the Greymouth Ctiiou. Mrs Lx>ng gave a most interesting and comprehensive report qI the Dominion Convention, giving the deliberations and highlights, and the resolutions passed at that very happy and inspiring gathering. Letters of greeUng were received from several members unable to attend, owing to feeble health.

Onehunga, February 10th. Good attendance for opening meeting for 1949. A visitor from Leigh, Mrs. Hozan, welcomed. Mrs. breeze warmly thanked for the successful Sale of Work to agrift Inlet "Inch she had conducted m November. Syllabus of meetings for the year approved. Matters in connection with the coming Poll fully discussed; and a donation agreed upon for the Alliance Funds. Following on a talk by Mrs. Ashton on the work of the “ Seamen’s Rests ’’ at New Plymouth and Timaru, it was agreed to send a donation to each of them. Wellsford Union, February 15th. Very good attendance, presided over by the Vice-Presi• dent, Mrs. rordyce, the President being engaged in relieving teaching. Devotions taken oy Mrs. Fordyce. Temiierance Fact, Mrs. H. Neal, and Roil Call. Next month, vegetables and fruit to be brought for the Maori Girls’ Hostel. Three members appointed on a newly formed Temjierance Council, in Wellsford. Protest sent re t»ermit for liquor bar . at the A. & P. Show. Miss Fima Ward elected Secretary. As the Sj»eaker had not arrived, extracts were read from the “ White Ribbon.” bring and Ruv Stall. Tea Hostesses, Mel-, dames Philips and Ward. Remuera, February 28th. Mrs. Clifford, President, in the chair. Mrs. Laird read a [•ortion of Scripture and members engaged in prayer. Rejorts of the Dominion Convention were given by Mesdames Kasper and Laird. Mrs. Robinson, on behalf of the members, presented Mrs. Kasper with a book and bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her long and faithful service for this branch. Takapuna, March 3rd. Fair attendance. Two kical ministers were present by invitation. Arrangements made for conveying voters to the polling booths on March 9th. The Rev. Mr. Baxter sjioke on "The Influence of Home Life”; and the Rev. Mr. Gilmore explained much of the “ Gaming Law ” which is difficult for the non-gambier to understand from leaflets. A short paj>er was read byMrs. Rose, on the subject of having booths and stalls at race courses for the sale of soft drinks and teas. The matter of advertising boards on church grounds was highly commended. Loving sympathy with a bereaved sister. Mrs. Wallace, was expressed. Mrs. Fetched was thanked for acting as Secretary and carrying out many other duties during the absence of Mrs. Prussing at Convention. The question of a " Youth Centre ” was discussed. Warkworth, March 10th. Opening meeting for 1949. Mrs. Moore presided over a good attendance. Mrs. Hope gave Temperance Fact, and Mrs. Thompson the “Thought for the Month.” H ymn and Devotional talk emphasised the “ beginning of another year.” and a re-dedication of members to the service of Christ. L.T.L. banner won for the third year in succession, on display. Discussion on plans for the C.R. party on March 31st. SOUTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT Thames, March 2nd. Devotions led by President. Recommendations from Executive meeting discussed and confirmed. C'ovresjondence from Headquarters and N.Z. Alliance re the coming Poll read and discussed at length. All members pledged themselves to vote against ten o’clock closing and against the gaming proposal. The latter was explained as some members seemed doubtful as to howto vote. Campaign inaugurated for funds to help the N.Z. Alliance in the present work for the Poll. Funds coming in well. Agreed to co-operate with local branch in present activities. One new- member by transfer. Good attendance. Benediction and tea. Hamilton. March 3rd. Good attendance of members and visitors. One new member gained—one in the 44 Forward Move.” Delegate read report of the Dominion Convention. Members delighted at receiving the competition banner for increased m»mbership; and also very proud that a member of the Hamilton Union had been elected Dominion President. Benediction and tea brought the afternoon to a close. Tauranga, March Ist. Good attendance presided over by Mrs. Bryan, Vice-President, in the absence of President at Conyntion. Frances Willard remendiered. Paper fMt m the “Union Signal” read by Mrs. Mui#o; who herself once heanf and saw Miss W\i!lard in London at a great gathering. Reports on Referendum work. No tea—power failure. Meeting Hosed with benediction pronounced by Mrs. Williamson, another Vice-President.

WANGANUI DISTRICT Wanganui Central, March. Fair attendance. Mrs. Robert Wilson elected Secretary. The President, Mrs. Duxheld, welcomed the District President, Mrs. Chesswas, who gave her impressions of Dominioti Convention heid in Timaru. Questions were asked and answered. The shaker was thanked for her interesting and compichensive account of the Conterence. Discussion on Referendum. Collection for N.Z. Alliance Funds. HAWKE’S BAY DISTRICT Hastings. Mrs. A. M. Smith welcomed all members ami friends at the first meeting for 1949. Assisting the President was Mrs. A. G. Pitt, Secretary. Good attendance and a most enthusiastic meeting. Devotions led by Mrs. Thorp. Scientific Fact given by Miss Furmss. Goods received from members for four parcels for Britain. Five new C.R. members reiK?rted by the Superintendent, Mrs. Hugh Smith. Union was paying tor short, 44 snappy ” adverts, in the local paper. A jumble sale realised £25, which will be very useful during the year. Mrs. Colonel Burton gave a very interesting travel-talk on her trip to Australia; closing a most profitable meeting with prayer and the Benediction. Napier, February. Good attendance. Devotions led by Mrs. Lewis. Mrs. Thompson was initiated as a member and took the tuition of Treasurer. Sujterintendents were apfioiiited. A bouquet was to be sent to Mrs. Nielsen, one of our pioneer members on the occasion of her 95th birthday. The sjieaker for the afternoon was the Rev. W. Francis, M A., 8.D., who gave a very clear guiding ou the proposed gambling and licensing alterations. NELSON DISTRICT Nelson, March Bth. Mrs. McMillan presided and led Devotions. Mrs. C. Knapp took duty lor Mrs. Doel who is in hospital. Greetings and flowers sent. Mrs. Toomcr congratulated on becoming Dominion Vice-President. Letter received from Mrs. M. K. Hunter, a one-time member of Nelson Union, who is visiting in Flngland, thanking the Secretary for information about the N.Z.W.C.T.U. to be given at a W.C.T.U. Convention in England. In response to a request from the Dominion President for Day of Prayer on Polling Day, members promised to give time tc prayer at home. Mrs. C. Knapp gave part of iier Convention report which it to lie continued next month. Most interesting. Birthday posies presented and Tenif>eratice Fact given. MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT Blenhein.l, March Ist. Mrs. N. Forbes presided; Mrs. P. Kirkham leading Devotions; her theme being “ He is able,” and 44 Faithless tear.” Gcod attendance. One new *meinber initiated. A monetary gift to C.0.R.5.0. from the Union for much needed medical supplies was gratefully acknowledged by the Dominion Organiser. Temj>erance Fact given. Polling arrangements completed; and syllabus for the year drawn up. The District President, Mrs. V. Underhill, gave a short talk oil the recent Convention; and was congratulated on having been reap|*ointed as Recording Secretary for the Dominion. Benediction. Sprin glands, F'ebruary 15th. Mrs. F'. T. Hegglun presided, in the absence at Dominion Convention of the President and Secretary. Devotions led b\* Mrs. Leslie. Dominion President’s letter in the latest 44 W.R. " read; also extracts from the Bulletin. Delegate’s expenses, £5, passed for payment. Syllabus arranged. Greetings sent to Convention. Roll Call. Benediction. Special prayers for Convention. Picton, February Bth. Good attendance, the chair taken by Mrs. Tennent, VicePresident, in the unavoidable absence through illness of the President, Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Reynolds, of Hokitika, and Miss Campbell of Mount Eden, brought greetings from their resistive Unions; and were warmly welcomed. A discussion on the Referendum was held, and it was arranged tor next meeting to be an open prayer meeting. A motion of thanks was passed to Miss O’Brien for her willingness to undertake the Superintendency of the Band of Hope and the 44 Y ” Branch. A message of sympathy was sent to the President. Afternoon tea brought a pleasant and fruitful meeting to a close.

March Bth. Meeting took the form of a prayer meeting, a number of non-members Deing welcomed by the President, Mrs. Miller, who presided; and read appropriate passages <rom the Bible between prayers. A cup of tea concluded the meeting. NORTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT New Brignton. Mrs. Edmond, President, presided over a small meeting, weather beiug unfavourable. Mental Hospital visited. Donation of 10s. to Alliance F'unds passed for payment. Mrs. Ellis read the report of the Dominion Convention. Tea followed, and the Benediction brought the meeting to a close. -* Papanui, February 24th. Opening meeting. Good attendance, Mrs. Tillman presiding. Devotions, Mrs. Malcolm. Pledge and Roll Call. Temperance Fact, given by Mrs. Hampton. Concert given at Women’s Reformatory, Addington, on Saturday, F'ebruary 29th. Mesdames Thornton and Neville appointed as Mental Hospital visitors for 1949. Christmas Gift afternoon tea given to nine patients m December. Donation of £l to Alliance for Poll expense... Convention report given byMrs. Kelly, of Brynrlwr, and much appreciated. Riccarton, February 10th. Very hot afternoon but i i een members attended. Mrs. Griffith urg d upon all members the duty of working hard this year for our objectives. Plans made for future activity. Lyttelton-Heathcote, F'ebruary 23rd. F'irst meeting for 1949. Mrs. Tredennick presiding. Mesdames Webb and Lewis congratulated on the successful Cradle Roll party. The Rev. Mr. Trim, Methodist minister, gave a very tine Temperance address. Extracts from Alliance circular were read; several suggestions had already been carried out. The Rev. Mr. McMaster h.d preached a line Temperance sertnon and a -collection had been taken up for Alliance funds. Christchurch, F'ebruary 9th. Thanks for our greeting received from Misses Bishop and Blackwell. Miss Thomas elected Convention delegate, it was reported that two Christchurch girls were successful conq»etitors in the recent Junior Grade Temperance examination. Marion F'rancis won first place in the Dominion Essay Competition; and Denise Wilkinson came second in the Dominion Poster competition. F'ebruary 23rd. Our President, Miss C. Henderson, who presided at both meetings, informed us that Temperauce workers are enjoying great success in India. Bombay is to go dry in April, and Madras in October. Agreed that we order two copies of the 44 White Ribbon ” each month, and forty-three copies of the 44 Beacon ” to be sent to the Christchurch Maori Girls’ College. Work in connection with the Referendum Poll was arranged. Sydenham, March 3rd. Mrs. Filer. President, was in the chair, eleven members being present. Address on the forthcoming Poll given by Mrs. Reddell, who explained the l>omts at issue, urging members to use their influence as far as possible. Mrs. MacLachlati U in prayer at the close 4 the meeting. Spreydon. Opening meeting 1949. Mrs. Nisbet, President, took the chair. Devotions. A tlegram of protest re proposed extension of hours of sale for liquor sent to the local M.P., the Hon. Mr. McLagan. Mrs. Nisbet gave the district report, and stressed the need for co-operation and enthusiasm on all members to work against the extension of hotel-bar hours. Mrs. Ancall reported on the Christmas party which was so much enjoyed and appreciated oy the Mental Hospital patients. Several succe sful comjietitors in the Dominion Essay and Poster Competitions were from Spreydon and Addington. Satisfactory balance sheet presented by the Treasurer. Opportunity was taken to present Mrs. Ancall, retiring President, with a small gift as a token of affection and esteem; and a spray of flowers was sent to Mrs. Woodcock, retiring Secretary. Mrs. Clarke, District President, gave a full rejiort on Dominion Convention. Mrs. Nisbet. who chaired the meeting, thanked Mrs. Clarke. The C.R. party, ITeld earlier, had been enjoyed by all the children present. Balloons, whistles, icecream and jellies were provided. Mrs. Hen addressed the mothers. Miss Brown rejorted on literature distribution lor the Referendum Poll. Films on the same subject had been shown in the local cinemas.