PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 262, 18 April 1917, Page 6

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

Dear White Ribbon Si"ter*>, The year has been one of the saddest in the history of our organisation. So many among u> have lost sons in tht* war, and White Kibboners in many lands have the same deep sorrow of bereavement. Many of our workers, and some of our Cnions, have turned from their usual activities and thrown themselves into Red Cross work, relief for Belgians, or providing comforts for our soldiers at the* Front. We have been continually praying for peace, yet the battlefield is still stained with the blood of our young manhood, and one wonders if we are ready for peace. There are few signs anywhere that this terrible war is being taken with sufficient seriousness. No evidence of repentance for national sins. While some are practising self-denial, and mahy are sacrificing practically their all, pleasures, racing, gambling, and drinking go on just the same. Prussian militarism may be crushed, but unless some other things are also crushe.d the peace arrived at will rest upon a very insecure foundation. TK'Ugh the saddest year, it records many marvellous victories in the Temperance cause. Great Britain is giving more time and thought to the subject than ever before. Over two million signatures were obtained in less than six weeks to the memorial presented to the British Parliament last August, praying for the prohibition of the liquor traffic during the currency of the war and for six months afterwards. Some idea of the immensity of this document may be gathered from the simple fact that if the signatures had been stood end on end they would have covered eleven miles of ground. The weight of this enormous doi unit nt was estimated at over a ton. In addition to English and Welsh petit ons, Scotland forwarded one signed by 420,000 women, while from Ireland came petitions signed by 220,000 men and women. In a word, 2,700,<xx> of the womanhood and manhood of Great Britain showed themselves to be “solid” for the curtailment of the liquor traffic in the United Kingdom while the war is on. Through Sir Robert Balfour we learn that enough grain to make two million loaves, and enough sugar to supply the entire Imperial Army, have been during the war in the manufacture of alcohol, and two million tons of shipping space used up last year by the liquor traffic. Sweets and chocolates are to be prohibited in England; we shall be asked to banish a hundred items of food value from our tables, while at the same time hundreds of tons of cereals, sugar, molasses (food for millions) are being destroyed in the process of manufacture of intoxicating drinks. Is it any wonder that everywhere there is an increasing popular demand for prohibiting the traffic during war time? Canada has voted John Barleycorn out of nine of her ten provinces, and though only a temporary measure

produced by war conditions, let us hope they have voted it out never to leturn any more. (Quebec (the tenth province) is committed in great measure to Prohibition under local option auspices, and Temperanc e oigamsations are lending all efforts to bring the province into line. The tacts ot two years' prohibition in Russia are so astonishing that it docs not surprise us to know that permanent prohibition of all alcohol is expected to become law any day. Ten million pounds was the yearly revenue de rived by that nation trom the* licjuor before: the sale of it was forbidden. And now the* test of Russian prosperity is in the State* Savings Hanks, for 7cxx> new banks arc* being opened to take the people’s money. The favourable effects of Temperance, greater working capacity, increased savings, and the* decrease of crime, are a guarantee that the heavy loss to the* Treasury will soon be made good. No wonder Arthur Met*, in the* London “Chronicle,” said: “The blood thrills in an Englishman to think what might be, if the courage of Petrograd had been found in Westminster.” Soon after the* war opened France prohibited the* *le of absinthe entirely, and stopped the salt* of spir ts to soldiers, women, and young people. Now the Government have requisitioned all stocks of alcohol above ux> kilolitres, which is tantamount to the early closing down of all factories engaged in Jhe manufacture of liquors and spirits. Italy has temporarily stopped tin* sale of all spirits, and has reduced tin* allowance of wine to her sold ers. Rumania, on declaring war, forbade the sale of alcohol under the* severest penalties. Newfoundland’s battle for freedom was victorious. Prohibition makes great headway in the United States ot America. More than five-sixths of the* territory in the whole of Alaska to-day is dry, or about to become dry. More than one-half the nation is now under State Prohibition. The new Prohibition States are Nebraska, South Dakota r ah, Florida, and Columbia, in them elves constituting about onetenth of the national area. This means that approximately thirty million persons will be liv-ng in Prohibition States in America. Detroit, with about 500,000 inhabitants, goes under Prohibition Government. The distric t of Columbia includes the city of Washington, the capital of the United States, and the centre of the whole machinery of the United States Government, and as these large districts go dry we have good reasons to rejoice in the prospect of realising the motto of our fellow-workers in America, “A saloonless nation by it)2o. A wonderful incentive to the goal is the fact that 800 daily papers, with a circulation of 5,500,000, have declined liquor advertisements. In New South Wales the referendum taken in June gave a tremendous majority for 6 o’clock closing, that surpassed all estimates. Indeed, there are many that declare that temporary prohibition would

have been carried with .in equally sweeping majority. Victoria and Western Australia have reduced the hours tor the sale of liquor; Souih Austral a and Tasmania have also dec lared that licjuor bars must < lose at 0 o’clock. And the reports that reach us of the conditions since the hours of curtailment are most satisfactory. Less drunkenness, less crime, and a growing of content and appreciation ot the change.

While New Zealand is doing nobly in sending so large a proportion of her sons to take part in the Umpire's struggle for liberty and truth, she* is doing shamefully in the matter of domestic reform. Of all the countries quoted, we have done* the* least. Our annual expenditure on intoxicating liquors, taking war-time figures, exceed four million sterling, equal to the* upkeep of our Expeditionary Forces. If only half this sum was saved during these times of stress, surely it would be worth while. The first petition we presented to Parliament praying for 6 o’c lock dosing contained 60,000 names, the* second 100,000 names, and yet the Parliament refused the request. This year the New Zealand Alliance is preparing a third petititon, which they intend presenting next session. Let us hope that when the Prime* Minister and Sir Joseph Ward return from England they will be prepared to act, and that immediately, in the* curtailment, if not the prohibition, of the traffic during war time. While deploring the attitude of the Parliament with our petitions, we arc: grateful for even small considerations. The police returns for the year show that since September, when the anti-shouting legislation came into operation, there has been a distinct falling off in arrests for drunkenness. We never know when th< tide may turn ; it may be at its ebb now. Let us be prepared, by constant watchful service, to see it coming in full, sweeping away prejudices, breaking down obstacles, cleansing the Parliament, the Chur.h, and the whole Dominion from the evil influences of the Dr irk demon, and freeing us once and for all from the evil effects of the licensed bar. The whole industrial world has discovered that total abstinence must safeguard the soldier, the sailor, the aviator, the i'Utoist, the engineer, and the crew of the submarine. Scientists are disclaim ng liquor as a food or medicine, and the leaders of our forces on land and sea freely admit that it cuts through the efficiency of the* nation, weakens our fighting forces, and must lengthen the war. It hinders the Army. It is the cause of grave delay with munitions; it keeps thousands of men from war work every day, and makes good workmen second-rate. It hampers the Navy, delays transports, slows down repairs, and congests the docks. It threatens our mercantile marine; it has absorbed during the war between 60 and 70 million cubic feet of space, and it retards the building of ships to replace our losses. It destroys our finance, it shatters our

moral strength, and because it does these things, is .1 bigger enemy to our nation that all the allied forces against it. And so leading citizens in all parts of the Kingdom, including representatives of the Order of Merit, the Privy Council Parliament, the* Army and Navy, Universities, the Royal Society, shipping companies, and many others, have all it'd themselves with us. Surely, with united effort, we may soon hope to see the bright dawn of a sober world. Women’s Work. '1 hough this great war has brought untold suffering to women of all nations, it has been the means of freeing her capabilities and demonstrating her power to such an extent that a well-known engineer in London recently said: “That it was his firm conviction that, given two more years of war, she could build a battleship from keel to aerial.” This statement the “London Daily Telegraph’ believes is not exaggerated in view of the skill, energy, and insistence that the women show in their engineering occupations. Nearly three-quarters of a million of women have taken the place of men in the industries of Great Britain, and the substitution is proceeding at such a rapid rate that, if the: war continues a few months longer, the figure is almost certain to reac h the million mark. Dr. C. Allison, Minister of Munitions, said that “Women had played a splendid part in the war,” and commended them for their great sacrifice and readiness to risk their lives. So wide is the scope of industries now undertaken by women tl. it a book has been published by the Imperial War Office, called “Women’s War Work,” giving a record of whit British women have done in maintaining the industries and export trade of ;he United Kingdom during the war period, and the* book is intended not only «*s a proof that women have shown themselves capable of successfully replacing the stronger sex in practically every branch of industry, but also as a tribute to their effective contribution to the service of the Empire in this hour of mcd. The number of women employed in attending the sic k and wounded is* now about 27.ocx> greater than before the war. There are in London now five hospitals entirely officered by women, and women doctors arc* running a military hospital for wounded soldiers. They are doing men’s work in tanning. leather working, sawmilling, wood working, glass, china, earthenware, and rubber. Even in building, mining, and quarrying women are replacing men in small numbers, but in large* numbers thev are working at the cotton and food trades, grain milling, sugar refining, etc. They are engaged on the railwavs in almost every capacity. In agriculture, at fruit parking, and harvesting. In clerical work the ir :st striking new development is the introduction of women clerks into and financial houses. Everywhere women are largely employed in the tramway departments; while municipal employ-

ment of women includes work in power stations, on sewage farms, in j;,is works, in parks, in road-' leaning, and in scavenging. Indeed, if all the industries were named it would be very neurl) a complete list of Britain's industrial activities. And the testimony of employers everywhere is that in ail processes in which women are now engaged they are acquiring ability, and prove themselves persevering, enduring, skilful, and give general satisfaction.

These new conditions must surely react upon the political future of women. British statesmen and political leaders are indin.ng an attentive ear to the advance in suffrage sentiment in their country, and we hope that when war is over Britain will remember women's heroic service, and reward them by univers.il enfranchisement. We art* pleased to note that Miss Jeanette Rankin has been elected the first woman Congressman in Montana. Sin* is an ardent prohibitionist, and by her activities greatly helped that State to rid itself of the liquor traffic. Finland has now twenty-four women as members of Parliament! In Iceland six members were chosen to the Upper House, and a number of women candidates were up for office* at the election in October last. I have not vet heard the result of that effort. New South Wales appointed Mrs k. Dwyer to a seat on the Se nate of the University of Sydney, and the “Sydney Sun” says, “She is the first woman to fill such a position in the British Dominions. How is it that we, who have been enfranchised for so many years, are not better represented on all public bodies, especially those that have to do with women and children? It is recognised by all classe s that juvenile deoravity is on the* inc rease, and it is patent to all that tin* decay of home life is the root of the* evil. Children roam the* streets unattended at all hours of the day and night, and seem to have unlimited freedom to go and come when and where they like*. The result is that there has arisen the* demand for the institution of a Women Police Force to supervise and safeguard the lib* and honour of the young people in tin* streets, and that women be anpo.ntcd as Justices of the Peace, and be authorised to attend all Courts in all cases where women and children ar«* concerned. It has always been a grievance* with us. that under our law a wrong-dorr is arrested by a male police, represented by a male advocate, tried by a male jury, and sentenced by a male Judge. These things ought not to be, and so we call upon the Government to instal the police women in New Zealand. Other countries have alreadyseen the value of women police in the prevention by women of much minor and juvenile crime. In 1913 there were 38 police women in the United States; now l think it is safe to say there are hundreds. New York alone having added a large number recently.

Canada, Norway and Sweden, Holland, Denmark, Austria, South Africa, Victoria, and New South Wales, Russia, and Germany all have, women police. In London and other English cities women volunteer police, and military patrols have* been appointed to deal with yhe conditions c reated by the war, and wherever she has appeared she has made good. Judges, Police Superintendents, and even ordinary policemen who have been associated with women police testify to their physical fitness, ♦actfulness, and human sympathy, and admit that she* has justified her appointment as an agent in the prevention of crime, that the* experimental stage of the women police* was long past, and that she was now recognised as an invaluable auxiliary of the* regular policeman. In the light of these facts we hope that the whole- question will be reviewed afresh by the C abinet, and that something will be done to bring about this reform, and that quickly. We are pleased to note that in September last the censoring of kinema films became an actual fact, and during the last five months the Censor (Mr W. Joliffe) had under his gaze no fewer than 1,302,735 feet of film, and yet only six were* cut out, five because it was calculated they were against order and decency, the other because it was calculated to offend one of our Allies. Not being a frequenter of the kineinas, I cannot speak with authority, but judging by the sensational posters exhibited throughout our cities, I think a woman might be appointed to act with Mr loliffe, for there can be no question that this is a woman’s work. Wisely the care of children has been left in her hands; her judgment of what is likely to be misunderstood by young picture-goers cannot be disputed, and seeing that she had the bringing up of the human rare, she could tell best what pictures were good for the child and vouth. both in its physical and moral nature. Cambling. It is not pleasant to have to record the* increase of gambling throughout the Dominion. Mr Lloyd George describes the present war as the greatest crisis that ever shook the world, and at the same time pleaded for every pound that private and public economy can provide, and a few days after that plea was published in the Press, during the Christmas and New Year holidays, in seven days, the total amount invested at 21 rac e meetings in various parts of the Dominion reached the high total of ,£851,705. No wonder some of our prominent newspapers brand such an outlay in war time as a “National Scandal,” and yet the newspapers are doing nothing to cheek it. The gambling evil in this country is largelv facilitated by the publication of racing handicaps and betting odds. Let all surh items be deleted from the columns of the Press, and there

might be* some shrinkage in the amount of gambling. ihen, too, it seems as if the Government were hand in glove with the racing fraternity, lor the Press reported 110 less than five members of ihe* Cabinet, with the Governor of State, as present on the ki< c arton Racecourse. While this is done it is worse than useless talking economy to the people. While condemning men in high places, 1 want to ask if we ourselves are innocent? We would not dream of patronising the racecourse, but do we patronise the raffles for patriotic purposes? 'vl.ool children are being corrupted by this means. To desire a property, a motor car, or any other valuable article for is is an offence against morality, and we should be guiltless of such offences. 1 am pieased to note the progress of the L.T.L. during the year. I hope that the Unions in every district will strive to organ.se the young people into temperance bands ot some sort. If we are to save the nation, we must begin with the children. They are the future voters, citizens, and statesmen. Let us win them as workers in our cause to-day, and they will be the leaders in the glorious tomorrow of National Prohibition. The present war has taught us many lessons, among them the value of tra.ning, of organisation, and of a fully equipped army of strong men. We need the* same if we ary to win out this fight, so must not neglect the training of children, and preparing them to be leaders of our forces in the future. Our Losses. It would be almost impossible to make a list of the many among us who have lost loved ones in the war, nor could I make mention of all our sisters who have gone to higher servce during the year that is past. First of all, we remenib 1 with affection our sister, Mrs Oldham, of Napier, who for several years, as Editor of the “White Ribbon,” and during her life in New Zealand in many ways, was a zealous worker in the ranks of our Union and for the cause of Temperance. The passing of Mrs Cameron has left a big gap in our ranks. For some years she was the Secretary of the South Dunedin Union, but was better known throughout the Dominion as an active and earnest worker of the Good Templar Order, having been a Grand Lodge officer for twenty-one years. Strange that Mrs Harris, one time President of the South Dunedin Union, and closely associated with Mrs Cameron in (iood Templar work, and well known in both temperance and church circles as “Mother in Israel,” passed away at her home in Timaru only a few weeks before her co-worker. From the same Union we lost another member, one who was never before the public as a worker, but who left a large family of sons and daughters trained in the principles of total abstinence and clean living. I refer to Mrs McCarthy, mother of our Na-

tional Superintendent of Reform Work. And as we pay a tribute of affection to these departed ones, a new sorrow HI Is our hearts when we remember we have lost our revered leader of the Temperance forces, and one of the best loved men in New Zealand, Rev. Frank Isitt. We thank for the memory of his leadership, and pray that the strong and sweet influence of these our departed fellow-workers may be upon our daily lives, inspiring us to be strong, and enabling us to push forward with consecrated purpose, and with dynamic spiritual power, the uplifting forces that alone can redeem humanity. Our Own Work. 1 am glad of this opportunity, to congratulate our Invert argil! friends on their unanimous and inspiring decision to work for the complete annihilation of the liquor traffic. Let us emulate them! Why not at this Convention choose our slogan, “A dry New Zealand at next election”? There are giants in our wax : an unsympathetic Government; the flower of our manhood bleeding, dying for their country; the many gaps in our forces; and the diverting of women’s time and work into patr.otic effort. Yes! 1 know it all, but Cod reigneth, and we are told that He it is Who shall fight for us, and through Him we shall do valiantly. Much has been said at previous C onventions about a One by One Campaign, but little done in this dirt tioi I said before, 1 repeat again, if each sister would set herself to get one new member, our forces would be doubled in a year. We are indebted to Miss Powell, our Organiser, and Miss Weymouth for the new branches of our Union. Let every District Union make an effort to form a new branch this year. Concentrate on educating the people and creating enthusiasm by the distribution of leaflets Surely we can do as nur Americ an listers do —enclose leaflets in letti'is and papers, write constantly to the Press, put striking messages on tags and stickers, and attach them to parcels, letters, and put them anywhere where the people can see them. What a tiring of ammunition this would mean. In every way possible let us put the truth before the* peopL, and the truth will make them free. Let me give you a message from Miss Willard: “Dear Sisters, we must stand by each other in this struggle. Side by side, shoulder to shoulder, we must move forward with no break in the ranks, no aspersions, no careless, harsh, or cruel judgments, but the tenderest and most persistent endeavour to keep the* unity of the spirit, if not of method, and. above all, the bond of peace. Let the criticising world see plainly that concord ha- tin right of way in the* W.C.T.U. In all the turmoil of these toilsome* days let tin* law of kindness dwell upon our lips, and the spirit of a loving forbearance keep our hearts tender.” My own message is: “Little is much if God is in it.” He will

never fail us, He will not forsake; His eternal Covenant He will never break. Resting on His promise, what have we to fear? God is all sufficient for the coming year.