The first local union in the Province of New Brunswick was organized in the town of Moncton, in December, 1875, Mrs. (Rev.) J. E. Brown being president. Work among the children has largely engaged the attention of this society, while they have been faithful and persevering in their efforts to educate the public mind by means of lectures and distribution of temperance literature. They have also visited those engaged in selling liquors, and have reasoned with them, to some purpose, on the unrighteousness of their course.
Unions were formed shortly after in St. John, Fredericton, Portland, Carleton and St. Stephen's. In all these places much work has been done, and general temperance sentiment very materially advanced.
In October, 1879, in compliance with a call issued by the Fredericton Union, the delegates of the local Unions in that Province met to form a Provincial Union. Twenty delegates and visitors were present, representing five Unions, and the Prov. Union was at once organized, the following officers being elected:
President, Mrs. Dunham, Portland, N.B.; Vice-Presidents, Mrs.,
March, St. John, Mrs. McWilliams, Carleton, Mrs. Cunard, Portland,
Mrs. Philips, Fredericton, Mrs. Wade, Woodstock; Secretary, Mrs.
Steadman, Fredericton; Treasurer, Miss Lockhart, St. John; Auditor,
Miss Carr, Carleton.
Since that time the work in this Province has gone steadily forward, some new Unions have been added, and a deeper interest in temperance shown, by many who were formerly indifferent.
In September, 1883, the Annual Meeting of this Provincial Union was again held in Fredericton, at which, invited delegates from N.S. and P.E.I. were present. Here it was decided that for the best interests of the Union work in those Eastern Provinces, the organization should be made Maritime instead of Provincial, representing Nova Scotia and Prince Edward's Island, as well as New Brunswick. This was done, and the following officers were elected:
President, Mrs. Dr. Todd, St. Stephen. Vice-Presidents, one from
each Local Union. Secretary, Miss Ella L. Thorne, Fredericton, N.B.;
Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Denistadt, Moncton, N.B.; Auditor, Mrs. W.
W. Turnbull, St John, N.B.; Treasurer, Miss Jane Lockhart, St. John,
N.B.
There are ten Unions in these Provinces. The exact number of members is not furnished, but if we may judge by the work accomplished, there must be very many workers in behalf of this cause in these Eastern Provinces.
The lines of work followed have been similar to those laid down by the other Provincial Unions. The ladies of St John Union have, however, with the assistance of other Unions, and private subscriptions, erected a drinking fountain in their city at a cost of about $850. This is the first fountain erected by W.C.T.U. in Canada.
The Portland Union has built a hall for its own use, where all Union meetings are held.