W. C. T. U.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2681, 10 December 1909, Page 3

W. C. T. U.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held in the Presbyterian Schoolroom yesterday afternoon. Mrs. A. Graham presided. and there was a good attendance of members.

The annual report was presented by the secretary (Mrs. Walker) and adopted, as follows:

“There have been eleven monthly meetings held during the past year, and I am pleased to report that members have taken a more active interest in the various departments of work than in former years. The meetings have all been well attended, and some interesting discussions on suTiTects connected with the -work of the Union have taken place. In March a large garden party was held in commemoration of Frances Willard, and during the visit of Mrs. K. L. Stephenson eight public meetings were held, and very instructive and interesting addresses given by her on the educational side of temperance work. Early in the year a large box of clothes and other gifts was forwarded to Miss Barton, who is engaged in Maori work north of Auckland. The various committees formed at the beginning of the year have worked well, especially the afternoon tea and yisiting Committees. Two members each month visit the Old Men’s Home and Hospital. The afternoon tea committee has been called upon a good many times during the year to furnish tea or supper, and has always responded well. In October, Mrs. Te Tan, from the Masterton branch of the Union, visited Gisborne, and succeeded in starting four Maori branches here, with a membership of 137. The officers from these unions have attended the last two monthly meetings, and the Wainui and To Arai branches have held their first meetings, which some of our members attended. We hone that a great deal of good will result from this movement to both Maoris and onr own people. Satisfactory reports have been received from the following departments of work: Mrs, Graham (rescue and purity work), Mrs. Akroyd (white ribbon), Mrs. Fox (parliamentary), Mrs. Church (literature). Mrs. Chatterton (anti-opium), Mrs. Day (evangelistic), Mrs. McLeod (leper mission; collection £4 forwarded tills year). In conclusion I would say that the past year has been a very satisfactory one in regard to work. The great point in these unions is for all members to undertake, if practicable, some special work. At our first meeting in the beginning of the year in February, we hope to get the. different departments of work again taken up, with a superintendent for each, and we will be glad if members will then come prepared to do this. The members will find a list of the departments of work in the little constitution books issued by the Union. I should like to .recommend it he “White Ribbon” to members/and also to the presidents and secretaries of the Maori branches. It is really the organ of the W.C.T.U. and is very helpful to workers in the Union. Reports of meetings and work carried on in the different branches of the Union are given in it, very good articles, and a great deal or interesting matter on all subjects relating to women, and to the work of the Union, so that it ought to be well supported by them.” The Treasurer’s report was then read and adopted. The question of a to the Annual Convention of the New Zealand Union, to be held in February, m Invercargill, then. came before the meeting, and Mrs. Walker was appointecl y •, The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mrs. A. Graham; secretary, Mrs, Walker; treasurer, Mrs Goffe; vice-presidents , (in addition to •the ministers’ wives, who hold office ex officio) Mrs. J. East, Miss L. Monce, and Mrs. Malcolm. . Mrs Fox then moved the following resolution’, which was carried—“ That this Union notes'with pleasure that the Auckland Clerks’ Union have invited lady .clerks to become members of their union; and also the agitation in favor of limiting the number of working hours for nurses.’ , The meeting then adjourned to the grounds of Te Rau College, where afternoon tea was prepared, there being a number of Maori members of the Uiiiori present.