W.C.T.U.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10976, 12 August 1926, Page 1

W.C.T.U.

GERALDINE BRANCH. A meeting of the above was held at the Presbyterian Hall, Geraldine, Mrs Neutze being in the chair. Mrs Prattley led the devotional part of the meeting. Several new members were elected. The ‘‘White Ribbon” paper written by Mrs Perryman, who is also editor of the paper, was read ‘to the meeting (it being special ’ “White Ribbon” day) by Mrs Madill. A petition from the Bible in Schools League w r as announced by Miss Patrick, and action taken In accordance. The Rev. H. Ford then addressed the meeting. The speaker said he had just heard that it was “While Ribbon” day, and 1 he would briefly touch on its significance. The movement stood for God first, and it was well in these days, not to forget the God of our fathers known of old. We were enjoined to worship God in our early days. He had first claim on our acts of devotion. The “White Ribbon” was a Christian movement, hut, pointed out the speaker, there were temperance people in the world wTio were not Christians. Mohammedans, for instance, had ideas of total abstinence from the use of liquor as a tenet of their religion, and there might be others. This movement, however, was Christian, and their joy was to proclaim that fact as much as anything else. Wo believed Christianity to be the greatest power for righteousness in the world to-day. Finally, Mr Ford said the movement embraced a wide field of humanity, and in the Spirit of Jesus Christ made its crusade for the saving and uplift of mankind. Pointing to the white ribbon, the speaker said it was a symbol, but ag such it represented several great truths with-put which progress would be unattainable. Mr Ford was thanked for his interesting address. Pianoforte soli wore given by Mrs J. D. Madill and Miss Hazel Smith, and a song by Miss Logan. Afternoon tea was handed round by the ladies, and a very enjoyable afternoon was concluded with votes of thanks to the chair and the performers.