Article I.

The name of the Association shall be "The New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Article II.—Object.

The object of this Association is to form a Union or Federation of the Women's Christian Temperance Societies throughout New Zealand, and to promote the formation of others; in the belief that by combined effort, and united forces and funds, much greater work can, with the blessing of God, be effected in extending the cause of Temperance and the ultimate suppression of the liquor traffic, thus conducing to the moral and religious elevation of the people.

Article III.—Annual Convention.

The Annual Convention shall be composed of the Executive Committee, the District Corresponding and Recording Secretaries and Treasurers, the N.Z. Superintendents of Departments, the Editor and Publisher of our official organ, and one or more delegates from every local Union.

Article IV.—Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, one Vice-President from each District, (the District Presidents form the Vice-Presidents of the Executive Committee,) a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, and a Treasurer. The General Officers with Vice-Presidents of organised Districts constitute the Executive Committee, to control and provide for the general interests of the Union, of whom seven shall form a quorum.

Article V.—Convention.

The Convention, at which Officers shall be elected, shall be held annually in the month of February, at such place as may be determined at previous Convention.

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Article VI.—Election of Officers.

That the election of Officers shall always be by ballot, and for this, delegates only may vote; other voting shall be by show of cards, except when one-fifth of the members present desire a ballot, when the vote shall be so taken. The Officers, with the exception of Vice-Presidents, shall be elected on the morning of the last day of the Convention. The Executive Committee shall nominate the N.Z. Superintendents of Departments and Special Committees, and shall be the Business Committee of the Convention.

Article VII.—Finance.

Each local Union, out of its membership fees, shall pay annually to the N.Z. Fund sixpence (6d.) per member.

Article VIII.—Basis of Representation to Convention.

Each Union, consisting of 100, or less, members, may send one (1) delegate to the Convention, and an additional delegate for each additional two hundred (200) members. General Officers, and New Zealand Superintendents of Departments, shall vote in person. Officers of Districts should also vote in person; if unavoidably absent, their delegate may cast their vote.

Whenever the only representative present is a General Officer, she may cast the entire vote to which her district is entitled.

Article IX.—Notices.

All documents and announcements from the N.Z. Union shall be sent to the District Corresponding Secretaries through the N.Z. Recording Secretary. The expenses for postage and stationery, &c., shall be borne by the Union.

Article X.—Amending Constitution.

This Constitution may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the Convention, provided notice has been given at the previous Convention; but any Resolution which does not necessitate an alteration of the Constitution, may be styled a By-law, and printed at the end of the Constitution.

That all local Unions be allowed to nominate Officers of the Executive; such nomination to be sent to the Recording Secretary two months before the Convention, and by her be conveyed to the Corresponding Secretary of each District.

Article XI.—Duties of Officers.

Sec. 1. President.—The President may, through the Recording Secretary, call special meetings of the Executive Committee when she may deem it necessary, or in response to page 7 the written request of any seven members of the Executive Committee; and shall perform all other duties usual to such office.

Sec. 2. Corresponding Secretary.—It shall be her duty to send to each District Corresponding Secretary, at least two months before the Annual Convention, a blank form, for her report of that District for the current year, the District Corresponding Secretary to supply local Unions in her District with blank forms for that purpose. She shall then collate from such reports her own Annual Report.

Sec. 8. Recording Secretary.—She shall attend all meetings of the N.Z. Union and Executive Committee, and keep correct reports of their proceedings. She shall send to each member of the Executive Committee (who shall send a copy to the Secretary of each local Union in her district) a proper notice of each meeting, and designate in said notice the topics which are to be especially considered at the meeting. She shall apprise members of Committee of their appointments. At the first session of the Annual Meeting, she shall read the minutes of all sessions of the Executive Committee since last Annual Meeting; and shall perform all other duties pertaining to that office.

Sec. 4. Treasurer.—It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all monies due to the N.Z. Fund, and to keep accurate account of all receipts and disbursements, and to present a detailed report thereof to each Annual Meeting. She shall pay no bills, except on an order signed by the President and Recording Secretary. The fiscal year shall terminate one week previous to the Annual Meeting, when the books shall be closed.

Article XII.—Department of Work.

If the demands of the work justify it, there shall be the following departments of work :—Evangelistic work, Franchise and Legislation, Temperance Literature, Influencing the Press, Band of Hope work, Sunday-School work, Work among Young Women, Young Women's work, Prison and Jail work, Social Purity, Heredity, Hygiene, Statistics, Unfermented Wine, Inebriate Homes, Scientific Instruction, Drawing-room Meetings, and such other like work as recommended by the New Zealand Union, or as the needs of localities seem to call for.

By-law.

Before commencing the business of the Convention, a Committee shall be appointed to attend to the courtesies of the Convention, to whom shall be referred all introductions.

The following Committees shall also be appointed on the first day of the Annual Meeting :—On Credentials, on Finance, on Resolutions, and on Plan of Work for ensuing year. The last two to consist of one Delegate from each district, chosen by the delegation of her district.

Article I.—Name.

This organisation shall be known as "The Women's Christian Temperance Union of........."

Article II.—Object.

The object of this Union shall be to educate public sentiment up to the standard of total abstinence, train the young, save the inebriate, and secure the legal prohibition and complete banishment of the liquor traffic.

Article III.—Membership.

Any woman may become a member of this organisation by signing the Constitution, pledging herself to do all in her power for the advancement of the temperance cause, and by the payment of half-a-crown (2s. 6d.) per year into the treasury. She will also sign the following

Pledge:

"I hereby solemnly promise, God helping me, to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, including wine, beer, and cider, and to employ all proper means to discourage the use of and traffic in the same."

Gentlemen may become honorary members by the payment of ten shillings (10s.) a year.

Article IV.—Officers.

The officers of this organisation shall be a President, Vice-Presidents,—one from each Church when practicable,—a Secretary, (and, when necessary, an Assistant Secretary,) and Treasurer, who shall, with the Superintendents of Departments, constitute an Executive Committee.

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Article V.—Duties of Officers.

Section I.—President.

To call to order, and open the meetings.

To announce the business before the meeting, in the order in which it is to be acted upon.

To put to vote all questions which have been regularly moved and seconded, and to announce the result.

To preserve order; and to decide, when referred to, all questions in points of order or practice which may arise.

To append her signature, when necessary, to all orders and proceedings of the Union.

To have a general oversight of the Union, and, in conjunction with the Executive Committee, to plan for its best interests and the good of the cause.

To call special meetings, when deemed advisable by herself and any three members of the Union, due notice being given to all members.

Section II.—Secretary.

To keep a record of the proceedings of the meetings of the Union, and to notify the public of its meetings.

To call the roll of members when required.

To read all papers, &c., which may be required.

To notify Committees of their appointment, and of business referred to them.

To take charge of all papers and documents of the Union.

To make reports annually or quarterly, as may be required by the Union, and to conduct the correspondence of the Union.

Section III.—Treasurer.

To collect the membership dues, and to devise ways and means to increase the funds of the Union.

To hold all money collected for the use of the Union, paying bills on order of the President and Secretary, keeping an exact book account, and making a quarterly report of the same.

Section IV.—Vice-Presidents.

To preside in their order at meetings in the absence of the President, and to perform the duties of the President in case of absence on any account from her office.

To interest the women of their respective Churches in the work of the Union.

To assist the President in arranging and carrying out plans for the benefit of the Union.

Article VI.—Annual Meetings.

The Annual Meeting shall be held during the month of May, on a day designated by a vote of the Union, at which time the Officers shall be elected for the ensuing year.

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Article VII.—Amendments.

The Constitution may be altered or amended at any regular meeting of the Union, by a two-thirds vote of the members notice having been given at the previous meeting.

Section I.—Departments of Work.

Superintendents shall be appointed for such of the following departments as local needs seem to call for :—

I. Heredity. II. Hygiene. III. Scientific Instruction. IV. Sunday-School Work. V. Juvenile Work. VI. Temperance Literature. VII. Influencing the Press. VIII. Evangelistic Work. IX. Prisons and Police Stations. X. Railroad Work. XI. Soldiers and Sailors. XII. Unfermented Wine. XIII. Young Women's Work. XIV. Drawing-room Meetings. XV. Kitchen Gardens. XVI. Flower Missions. XVII. Provincial and County Fairs. XVIII. Legislation and Petitions. XIX. Work among Maoris. XX. Impure Literature. XXI. Suppression of the Social Evil.

Section II.

All meetings of the Union shall be opened by reading of Scripture and prayer, and closed with prayer.

Section III.

A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum at any regular meeting of that body, and the same rule may apply to all other Committees.

Section IV.

Officers shall remain such till their successors are elected.

Section V.

All members of the Union shall be entitled to vote.

Section VI.—Meetings.

The regular meetings of the Union shall be held each week, at which time Superintendents shall report.

Public prayer and conference meetings shall be held as often as the interest of the work demands, and, if possible, mass meetings quarterly.

The Executive and other Committees shall meet as often as may be deemed advisable.

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Section VII.—Order of Business.

I. Devotional Exercises.

II. Course of Reading.

III. Report of Recording Secretary.

IV. Report of Corresponding Secretary.

V. Report of Treasurer.

VI. Report of Chairman of Executive Committee. VII. Reports of Superintendents.

VIII. Report of Special Committees.

IX. Unfinished Business.

X. New Business.

XI. Closing Hymn and Prayer. 11

Section VIII.

These By-laws may be altered or amended at any regular meeting of the Union, by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Union.

Note.—If deemed practicable, a business meeting may be held once a month, in which case the above order of business could be changed.

Rules of Order.

I. That members wishing to address the meeting shall communicate with the Recording Secretary beforehand, that the President may arrange programme, and also time.

II. That subjects of special importance shall be notified a week, or, if possible, a fortnight beforehand, to allow members time for consideration in view of debate.

III. That openers on both sides of a debate be allowed fifteen minutes each for papers or addresses, and five minutes each for reply, previous to the President's summing-up.

IV. That no member shall speak more than once to any motion, unless in explanation, or to reply, as in Rule III.

V. That Superintendents of Departments shall periodically present a report, so that the interest in all matters of the Union be sustained.

VI. Members are requested not to converse with each other during the business portion of the meeting.

First Day.

The Convention assembled in the Congregational Church, Wood ward-street, at 11 a.m. After devotional exercise by Mrs. C. Fulton, of Dunedin, the following delegates took their seats:—

Mrs. A. Dudley Ward, Provisional President, Christchurch; Mrs. A. Sinclair, Auckland; Mrs. F. Troy, Napier; Miss Sorley, Wanganui; Mrs. R. Hunter, Wellington; Mrs. J. Plimmer, Wellington; Mrs. C. A. Baker, Wellington; Mrs. Nightingale, Nelson; Mrs. E. E. Packe, Christchurch; Mrs. G. Clark, Christchurch; Mrs. Wroughton, Christchurch; Mrs. Rouse, Rangiora; Mrs. C. Fulton, Dunedin.

A telegram was read from the Oamaru Union, asking that a proxy be appointed to represent their Union.

A discussion took place as to whether proxies should be allowed, and it was decided in the affirmative, and the following members were elected :—Mrs. H. Snow, proxy for Invercargill; Mrs. C. Fulton, for Oamaru; Mrs. F. Troy, for New Plymouth; Mrs. E. E. Packe, for Ashburton.

The following officers were elected by ballot for the ensuing year:—

Mrs. A. Dudley Ward, President; Miss Susan Brett, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Fanny Troy, Recording Secretary; Mrs. C. A. Baker, Treasurer.

The draft copy of the Constitution was read by Mrs. E. E. Packe.

After the doxology and prayer the meeting adjourned.

Second Day.

Devotional exercises were conducted by Mrs. Bennett. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed.

A discussion as to the official organ of the Union took place, Mrs. H. Snow speaking in favour of the Sentinel, and Mrs. C. Fulton in favour of the Leader. The matter was adjourned till the 25th instant.

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The Recording Secretary read the reports from the Local Unions.

The President gave an account of her tour through both Islands, stating that she had travelled 1,900 miles since she was chosen President, and had formed seven fresh Unions, and spoke of the flourishing condition of the various Unions, trusting that in the coming year many more might be added.

After devotional exercise the meeting adjourned till 2.30 p.m.

The convention resumed business at 2.30. After devotional exercise, the following members were elected as Superintendents of Departments :—

Mrs. A. Dudley Ward, Evangelistic Work; Mrs. G. Clark, Legislation and Petitions; Mrs. Hinton, Social Purity; Mrs. May, Hygiene; Mrs. H. Snow, Influencing the Press; Mrs. E. E. Packe, Unfermented Wine; Mrs. C. Fulton, Juvenile Work; Mrs. J. Plimmer, Gaol Work; Miss Sorley, Young Women's Work; Mrs. Brame, Inebriate Home Work; Mrs. Paterson, Work among Young Women.

Mrs. G. Clark read a paper on " Cooking."

It was resolved not to support grocers holding spirit licenses.

Mrs. E. E. Packe read a paper on " Unfermented Wine."

It was resolved that the next Convention be held at Christchurch.

After the doxology and benediction, the meeting adjourned.

Third Day.

After devotional exercise, the minutes of the previous meetings were read and confirmed.

Mrs. Wright took her seat as a delegate for Wellington.

Mrs. C. A. Baker and Miss Sorley were appointed tellers for the ballot.

It was resolved that the sum of ???5 be handed to Mrs. G. Clark, who was leaving for England, for the purchase of Temperance literature for the New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Mrs. Wright was appointed delegate to the New Zealand Temperance Alliance.

The Constitution was read, clause by clause, and adopted.

It was resolved that it should be printed, with the minutes and balance-sheet.

After the doxology and benediction, the meeting adjourned.

The Convention resumed business at 2.30.

After devotional exercise, Mrs. G. Clark read a paper: " Woman, as a Citizen of the State."

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The Recording Secretary was desired by the convention to convey to the new Plymouth Union their earnest wish that they might receive a fresh baptism of zeal and energy.

It was resolved that the Temperance Herald, Leader, and Sentinel be the organs of the Union.

Mrs. A. Dudley Ward was appointed Superintendent of Organisation, and Mrs. Wright Superintendent of Literature.

It was resolved that the Union strenuously oppose the operation of the Contagious diseases Act; and that, on the meeting of Parliament, the Union endeavour to obtain women's suffrage.

A unanimous vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. C.A. Baker, and to the office-bearers of the Woodward-street and St. John's Churches for the use of their buildings.

Various accounts were passed for payment.

Mrs. Bennett was elected Superintendent of Cottage Meetings.

The Convention closed after the doxology and benediction.

Executive Committee.

The Committee assembled at Mrs. A. Dudley Ward's private residence, Molesworth-street.

Mrs. C. Fulton and Mrs. E. E. Packe led the devotional exercise.

Very grateful reference was made to Mrs. Mary Clement Leavett, as the founder of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in New Zealand, and testimony was given of her untiring labour of love in this Colony, which is already yielding and abundant harvest.

Mrs. G. Clark gave notice that the word "National" should be added to the name of the Union, at next Convention.

Members were requested to engage in prayer each day a 12 o'clock noon.

Mrs. G. Clark was appointed delegate to the British Women's Temperance Union.

The Recording Secretary was desired to reply to a letter received from Mr. S. Costall, of Wellington.

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Public Meeting.

A public meeting was held at St. John's Schoolroom on the 24th February. The chair was occupied by Mr. Ebenezer Baker. The proceedings began with the singing of the 37th hymn, "Rescue the perishing." Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Fulton, Mrs. Wroughton, and Sir William Fox occupied seats on the platform.

The Chairman, in introducing Mrs. Dudley Ward, said that he had known her for many years, and anything that could be said in her praise was simply the truth. (Applause).

Mrs. Ward, after a powerful appeal to any of her hearers who might happen to be moderate drinkers, to give up the habit, detailed the work which was being done by the Unions throughout the Colony. They were now holding their first convention in Wellington, which was getting on very well indeed. Their great aim was to put down the drink, and put it out of the land altogether—(applause)—here a little, and there a little, till it disappeared altogether. When Mrs. Leavitt came here eight months ago, she organised Unions in Auckland, Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, and other places. She endeavoured to organise a Union in Wellington, but for some reason or other she did not succeed, and was very disheartened in consequence. At her request, she (Mrs. Ward) accepted the Presidency of the Unions; and a few months afterwards she came to Wellington, and succeeded very well. She then went on to Nelson, New Plymouth, Hawera, and Patea, where Unions were organised. Mrs. Ward then gave an interesting account of the work which was being done by the Unions in Invercargill, Dunedin, Oamaru, Ashburton, Auckland, and other places. The gaols were being visited; prisoners were met at the gates when their sentences were served, and were conducted to a Home until work was procured for them; the houses of the poor were visited, and wives and mothers were taught how to cook, and to make their houses bright and cheerful, so that the men should have an inducement to stay at home; the Bible was taught, and youths and young girls were instructed to do useful work. At Dunedin, the old Star and Garter Hotel was turned into the Leavitt Home, where 500 or 600 youths and girls were now receiving instruction, the ladies of the Union taking it in turn to visit the Home; assistance being received from young men in teaching the boys. The larrikins had great spirits, and wanted something to do; but if properly looked after and taken care of, they were easily dealt with. They had now a harmonium, which was paid for out of the proceeds of the sale of work done by the children themselves, and by-and-by they hoped to establish a Kindergarten. The women of Dunedin were trying to make good citizens of the boys, and useful women of the page 16 girls. At Christchurch they had a prison-gate mission, which commenced with only four beds, the superintendent being a tailoress. They have now moved into a larger building. Eighty prisoners have been received into the Home during the past six months, and in two months twenty-four persons received shelter there. At the Christchurch fair, a large booth was established by the Union, who were able to hand over £70 to the Young Men's Christian Association, who always gave them the use of their rooms. Although 17,000 persons were present at the fair the first day, there was not a single case of drunkenness, which was quite an unprecedented occurrence. In Wellington, evangelistic work had been carried on at Mitcheltown and Quin-street; temperance literature had also been distributed among seamen and others, and special efforts had been made among the fallen women. Mrs. Ward concluded an eloquent address by requesting them all to help in the work of the Union.

Auckland.

This Union was formed by Mrs. Leavett on the 4th February, 1885, and is in a very satisfactory and encouraging position.

Work is being done in nearly all the departments mentioned in the Constitution.

The prisoners are being visited in their cells, and cared for on their release.

Auckland was the first to take up the barmaid question. Upwards of 13,000 signatures were obtained to the petition.

Two thousand votes were obtained in a fortnight, through our efforts, for prohibiting the selling of strong drink to children under sixteen years.

There are 600 temperance pamphlets being circulated, which will, when necessary, be replaced by fresh ones.

Six hundred and thirty leaflets and tracts have also been distributed. Ten of the members subscribe to the Union Signal. One hundred and two copies of the Leader are distributed weekly. The members are working hard in view of the coming licensing election. There are one hundred and sixty-five working and eighteen honorary members.

Napier.

This Union was formed by Mrs. Leavett on the 11th June, 1885.

The meetings are held every Thursday, in St. Pauls Schoolroom.

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The first work undertaken was to obtain 800 signatures to a petition against the employment of barmaids.

A supply of temperance literature has been obtained from America, and distributed from house to house. Eight of the members subscribe to the Union Signal.

Preliminary steps have been taken for the formation of an Industrial Home.

There are twenty-nine working members.

New Plymouth.

This Union was formed by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward on the 27th October, 1885, and has a membership of fifteen working and one honorary members, but the members have not grasped a clear knowledge of the objects of their Union and have lost heart, and the attendance has consequently been small; but they intend doing their best to keep together and continue their meetings.

Hawera.

The Union was formed on the 29th October, 1885, by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward, and has six working members.

The first work undertaken was the formation of a Cottage Hospital.

Patea.

The Union was formed by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward, on the 31st October, 1885. Meetings have been held, and temperance literature distributed.

Wanganui.

This Union was formed by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward on the 5th October, 1885. Arrangements have been made for the insertion of half a column of temperance literature in the Herald and Chronicle once a week, the necessary funds being collected by one of the honorary members. Efforts have been made to instil temperance principles into the public school children, and to persuade them to join the Blue Ribbon Army. There are thirty-three working and fifteen honorary members.

An increased interest is being taken by the members in the Union.

Wellington.

The Union was formed by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward on the 3rd September, 1885.

Business and Executive meetings have been held regularly since that date.

Evangelistic meetings have been conducted at Mitcheltown, under the superintendence of Mrs. Hinse, also a weekly Bible- page 18 class for young men and maidens (all the class are abstainers) and a monthly evangelistic meeting. The attendance has been very encouraging. Twenty-five pledges have been taken.

Weekly evangelistic meetings have been conducted under the superintendence of Mrs. S. Costall, in the Mission Hall Quin-street, one of the worst neighbourhoods of the city. The attendance has been good, and the results satisfactory. Thirty-five pledges have been distributed.

Statistics are being collected with a view of influencing Parliament to prevent the crowding together of the lower classes, and its pernicious effect on the young children.

Mrs. Bennett has visited among the aged and the sick.

Work has been done among the seamen. Two of our members visited H.M.S. Nelson when in Wellington, and distributed 250 copies of Gospel Temperance tracts, and a copy of the New Testament to each mess. The members greatly regret that there is no Sailors' Home to invite the sailors to.

Mrs. Linnell has laboured, with very encouraging results, among the fallen sisters. The houses are visited, and situations have been found for several. The need of legislation is felt very much on this matter.

Temperance literature has been freely distributed.

There are thirty working and three honorary members.

The Union realizes that they have done very little, yet they thank God, and take courage for the future.

Nelson.

This Union was formed by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward on the 16th September, 1885, when fifteen members handed in their names. Meetings are held monthly.

Temperance literature is being distributed, and a greater interest taken in the temperance cause than has ever been felt before.

Christchurch.

This Union was founded by Mrs. Leavett on the 15th May 1885.

The general meetings are held weekly, and the Executive meet monthly. A monthly evening meeting has been commenced, with a view of inducing young women engaged in business to attend.

There are one hundred and five working and nine honorary members.

A Prison Gate Mission has been formed; and, through Mrs. A. Dudley Ward's influence, a railway pass to and from Lyttelton has been obtained for the Superintendent, Mrs. Raffles. Eighty prisoners have been received into the Home during the past six months.

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The Superintendent of Evangelistic Work, Mrs. Lodge, has been carrying on her labours in connection with the Blue Ribbon and Gospel Temperance Mission; and from the second annual report we gather that 680 meetings have been held during the year.

The work for the suppression of the Social Evil has been carried on by the Superintendent, Mrs. Cunningham. Her labours were necessarily confined to writing, and the circulation of literature. At her request a series of addresses to men only, were delivered by the Rev. J. Holland; an address has also been written by her to married women, which is now published and circulated.

The Superintendent of Literature, Mrs. Isitt, has had some temperance tracts printed for circulation in Christchurch.

The first work undertaken by the Union, upon Mrs. Leavett's advice, was to canvass for signatures to the Barmaid petition; 4,800 signatures were obtained.

A social evening was held on the 24th September; the attendance was good. Several addresses were given, interspersed with vocal and instrumental music.

A Temperance Booth was erected on the grounds at the Agricultural Show, and £8 worth of temperance literature was purchased and distributed. The public showed a thorough appreciation of our efforts by their liberal patronage.

The members of the Union decided not to purchase from grocers holding spirit licenses.

Papers on the following subjects have been read before the Union :—

Brandy: what it does, and what it cannot do, by Miss Firth; The Nation's Curse and its Remedy, by Canon Farrar; Women's Responsibilities; Political Aspects of the Drink Traffic; Ladies' Dress; Social Reform; The Franchise; Woman, Her Influence and responsibilities; Drinks, Natural and Unnatural; Canon Farrar's Reply to Lord Bramwell; Panegyric on Strong Drink; Our Electoral Laws; two papers by Dr. Tivy, Sleep and Sleeplessness; Woman as a Citizen of the State; Band of Hope Work; Wheat Bread; Kindergarten Work; Unfermented Wine.

Gratitude is expressed for the liberal contributions of money and kind by the members.

While feeling conscious of the little amount done, the wish is expressed for an increased usefulness in the coming year.

Rangiora.

The Union was formed by Mrs. Leavett on the 28th May, 1885. The members felt somewhat reluctant at first, but finally decided to form the Union. The meetings are held fortnightly in the Good Templars' Hall.

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When the petitions against barmaids being allowed in the public-houses were being signed, the Union canvassed the district for signatures. Parcels for the Prison Gate Brigade have been sent from time to time.

There are thirty-five members on the roll.

Ashburton.

Just a month ago this Union was formed by Mrs. A. Dudley Ward. Twenty-four members have handed in their names. Four ordinary and five prayer meetings have been held. The prayer meetings were held in the suburbs, with a view of reaching those who cannot attend the ordinary meetings.

The members feel encouraged at the result of their labours, and hope for an increase of willing helpers.

Oamaru.

The Union was formed by Mrs. Leavett on the 16th June, 1885.

The members distributed temperance literature at the Agricultural Show. The ships in port have been visited, and leaflets distributed among the seamen; and house-to-house visiting is being carried on.

Signatures have been obtained to the petitions against the employment of barmaids, and supplying liquor to children under sixteen years.

There are twenty-two working members.

Dunedin.

The Union was formed by Mrs. Leavett on the 5th May, 1885. The meetings are held each week.

The Star and Gaiter Hotel has been purchased through the efforts of the members and fitted up as a Home, which has been named the Leavett House, in honour of the founder of the Union.

The first work attempted was the visiting and classifying those who took the pledge during the mission of Mrs. Leavett and Mr. Booth in Dunedin.

Signatures were obtained to the petition against the employment of barmaids and selling liquor to children.

Two weekly meetings are held in the Leavett House—one for girls and one for boys,—and a service on Sunday night. There are upwards of 400 names on the roll, all pledged abstainers. A bazaar was held to dispose of the children's work, and a harmonium purchased with the proceeds.

Mothers' meetings are held each Wednesday afternoon in the Leavett House.

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Efforts were made to induce the churches to discontinue the use of fermented wine. The Union decided not to support grocers holding spirit licenses.

The last work undertaken was to join the Licensing Vigilance Committee, to collect money, and endeavour to bring voters to the poll.

There are one hundred and forty members.

Invercargill.

The Union was re-formed by Mrs. Leavett in May, 1885.

The patients in the Hospital have been visited each week. Religious and temperance tracts have been distributed to them.

An attempt was made to visit the Gaol, but without success.

Classes are held in two of the Public Schools for religious instruction each Friday.

Sixteen ladies have undertaken the work of visiting the homes and distributing tracts.

Efforts have been made to have unfermented wine introduced into the churches.

Endeavours have been made to induce the Secretaries of Sunday-schools to introduce direct temperance teaching into the schools. We suggested that one Sunday in each quarter should be set apart for temperance instruction, founded on the Bible, and pledges given to the children. Several schools have adopted our suggestions.

The Union meets each Wednesday.

Gratitude is offered to God for encouragement received in the work.