Corresponding Secretary’s Report.

White Ribbon, Volume 2, Issue 21, 1 March 1897, Page 3

Corresponding Secretary’s Report.

Diae White Kihbon S’.stkks— The reports which have reached me indicate that our work is progressing. The late twofold election stirred the aervity of our members all over the country. Literature was freely distributed, electors enrolled, and meetings held, and on the eventful day our White Kibboners were visiting from house to house;, and very much in evidence at the polling booths. While a feeling of disappointment at the result ol these efforts prevails, there is a

general determination to work still harder for the next election. >I my request Unions all over the colony have been discussing how best we may educate (i) ourselves, and (aj all those women electors who, tor want of knowledge, voted for continuance. I hope that this Convention will give to the question its Ixst attention, and formulate some plan of action whereby our preparations for the next local option poll may lx spread over the next three years instead of t* ing crush' d into as many months. During the time immediately preceding the election meetings were much t»etler attended, thus giving another proof of the truth of the oft.repeated statement that io hold the Union together it is necessary to give each memb r something to do. Organi. sation is a department which needs improvement. 1 would suggest that the Convention appoint an Organiser. General, whose duty it si. dl he to correspond with each Union,endeavouring to induce them to appoin! a similar officer to carry on aggressive work. For this idea i am indebted to MrsCoihs, of New Plymouth, who has done mag nificent aggressive work. Christchurch has also done excellent work in this direction, resulting in the formation of several new branches, while Auckland and Dunedin have each added one. In view of the varied and useful work done in New Zealand during the past year it seems almost out of place to allude to any as specially worthy of commeudation. 1 wish, however, to call the attention of our seaports to the splendid work done among the seamen in Gieymoudi and Timaru. At the latter port the work has so increased

that it has become necessaiy to appoint a resident caretaker ?t the Rest and to rent two additional looms. Our en t r* pprising sisters also found an outlet I * their activities during the winter months, when ships were few, in the formation of a Buys Club, which proved highly successful. Grey mouth

distributes literature to the sailors every Sunday morning, as a result of which many attend church and are otherwise benefited The Feilding branch, re-organised last Easter, has also been instrumental in establishing a 'dtib for young men and boys, with reading-rooms, gymnasiums, etc. Blenheim conducted a refreshment booth at the A. and P. Show. Palmerston North has commenced a work amongst friendless girls. Several Unions supply literature to the railway stations. This is a most important branch of our work, as many persons will read when travelling pamphlets upon which under other circumstances, thev would not spend their time. The same remark applies to the work of supplying literature to ships and hospitals. Brunnerton stands alone, having doubled its membership during the year God brings good out of evil, and the sympathy shown by White Ribboners during the great calamity which overtook the district proved very helpful. The history of this Union should prove stimulating and encouraging to other branches which are now' so disheartened

as to be tempted to give up. Last year Brunnerton seemed, through smallness of numbers and lack ot interest, to be on the very \erge of extinction, but it bravely determined to hold on, and is now prospering. To the disheartened ones I would say, dear sisters, remember that almost every society has to pass through a similar experience to yours. The tide has its ebb as well as its flow. After the first enthusiasm has passed members begin to fall off and interest to fail. Now is the time to show’ what you are made of. If there is any grit in you, you will say, it is right to have a Union here, and if no one else will make it go, I w ill. “ One on the side cf God is a majority,” said \Yc ndell Phillips, and you are not yet reduced to that number. Take heart, hold on, keep at it, and next year your

report will gladden our hearts as that of Brunnaton has done. Yours in the Work, Mary S. Powell.