An Open Letter.

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 207, 18 September 1912, Page 11

An Open Letter.

ib River Bank, Wanganui, Aug. 8, 1912. Dear Mrs, Oldham, — Will you please note mv change of address so that the various Vnions may know where to write. I receive many invitations to go and visit and instruct the various l nions, but 1 cannot be away from my practice for long, so I take them in turn, giving a weekend a lx >ll l once a month. Last month I'.went to Palmerston X., w here we had splendid meetings. But so far I feel that our meetings are only preparatory, preparing the minds of the adults for the information which must be given to the children. At present they know so much more than adults do, only in a pcrvertel way, that 1 feci that before I can help them I must learn their language and wav of thought. These children write up their impure words wherever a.ul whenever they have an opportunity. I alii asking the members of the Unions to keep their eyes open and communicate with the police when they find this writing in public places. I went to the police about the women’s waitingroom at Castlecliff. and thev told me where to lay mv complaint. The Chairman of the Railway Company rroinis«l to attend to it. I shall examine later and see. It is not only useless, but culpable, for 11s to close our eves and take no notice, and thus think we arc not responsible. 1 feel we are deeply responsible in these matters. Christians ought not to be able to stand and see the most sacred and most holy earthlv re-

lationship dragged in the mire and spoken slightingly of without making a strong protest. I cannot, for one ; and women .ire rising up on all sides declaring that they cannot. In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, ten righteous persons would have saved the titles from destruction. This should lie a great consolation to us : our presence is t*> have the purifying stimulating effect of salt, the illuminating effect of light, so that no dark corners shall he possible. If persons must sin, thev will have to do it openly, and otir presence will act as a disinfectant, saving in a great measure the contamination from spreading. I remain, Yours sincerely, ELIZABETH DVXX.