NOTES AND COMMENTS.

White Ribbon, Volume 11, Issue 121, 15 June 1905, Page 7

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Subscriptions Due. —A large numher of subscriptions will be due at the end of June. W ill friends of the paper kindly remember this tact and send in their half crowns in good time. Postal notes or stamps may be sent ; the former are preferred. All accounts not previously settled will be posted early in July. Prepayment will thus save considerable expense. There are still a few names on the “ black list.”

Enrolling Voters. —We are glad to learn that the Petone Union is at work enrolling new comers in the neighbourhood, and also the young lo’k as they attain their majority. Every Union in the colony should be doing simitar work.

The Margaret Home Sievwright Memorial. —The Editors wiil be glad to receive and forward to Gisborne donations, from is upwards, to the proposed Memorial to the late President of the National Council. Small contributions from the many rather than large amounts from the few are greatly desired.

A Just Tribute. Ethic x, an English paper and an organ of the

Ethical Movement, in its issue of April 29th, pays warm tribute to the life and work of the late Mrs Sievwright.

Human versus Masculine Policy.— A writer in Ethics , dealing with the Women’s Movement, thus distinguishes between the English members of Parliament who would grant the franchise to women and those who oppose such a measure: “ The Anti-Suffragists desire the help of women workers as subservient, energetic and skilful tools, to carry out a perpetually dominant masculine policy. The Suffragists desire their help as an inspiring force, and as co-equal workers in the carrying out of a broad, comprehensive human policy.”

Use 11 l Electioneering Tactics. —Mr T. E. Taylor s opponents are insinuating that his action in connection with the Christchurch scandal is nothing more nor less than an adroit move in his electioneering campaign. We can only say that if every candidate for Parliamemary honours indulges in similarly righteous moves, the moral affairs of the colony should be on a much more satisfactory footing at the end of this year. In fact, those who at that time still see wrongs unrighted, will be almost hoping for another general election next year.

Departing Friends. —Miss Powell writes, “ Workers who are in touch with our cheery little branch at Colyton, will greatly regret to lea.n that its faithful and untiring president, Mrs K. L. Pudney, will shortly be leaving with her husband and children tor Ivngland, where they intend to take up their residence, at least for a time. Their steamer, the P. and O. Mongolia , sails from Sydney on June 24th, and we bespeak for them the prayers of our White-ribbon sisters.”

Maori Girls.—As will be seen from the report, the Levin Union is recognising itsresponsibility with regard tc the Maori girls in its immediate neighbourhood. We shall be glad to hear that other Unions are, as they have opportunity, doing similar work. Specially would we one*’ mere call attention to the Maori Temperance leaflet and urge its wide distribution among the natives.

A Topsy Turvy Policy. —lt is well that New Zealanders are slowly awak-

ing to their duty with regard to Maori girls. From the early days ot colonisation some provision has been made for the education of Maori boys. It is only in recent years that the girls have received attention, and the result has been that on leaving school many boys have reverted to their old habits and practices. “ Girls first ” would have more largely ensured changtd homes, and consequent lasting benefit.

Might be Reclaimed but for Drink. —Speaking at a meeting convened in Christchurch to consider various social ills and remedial measures, the Hon. C. C. Bowen said that many girls might be reclaimed /rom a vicious life if it were not for drink.

The Late Mrs Hatton. —We regret to have to record the death of Mrs Hatton, of Dunedin, late leader of the Women s Franchise League in that city. In the campaign for Woman Suffrage, Mrs Hatton took an active share, obtaining many signatures to the petition asking for the franchise.

An Erroneous Statement. The Press telegram which notified Mrs Hatton’s death credited her with promoting the above mentioned petition. The fact is, as most of our readers are aware, that that petition emanated from the Legal and Parliamentary department of the W. C. T. U.; the then superintendent of the department being Mrs Sheppard. The petition was drafted and printed in Christchurch, and the great task of sending copies for signature to all parts of the colony and on their return preparing them for presentation to Parliament was Mrs Sheppard’s care.