OUR PRESIDENT ON TOUR.

White Ribbon, Volume 27, Issue 313, 18 July 1921, Page 6

OUR PRESIDENT ON TOUR.

Balclutha, June 22nd, 1921. Dear White Ribboners, — I arrived just one hour ago, and am cozily seated before the Are in Mrs Clark's hospitable home. This is the last lap of my Southern campaign. I left Gore at 7.30 this morning, to be in time for the afternoon meeting here. The nights are bitterly cold, but the days are bright and bracing. and so much interest has been shown in our work that our hearts have been warmed to our opportunities, and w’e have had quite an enthusiastic time. Invercargill arranged ten meetings, including the District Convention, during my five days’ sojourn there. The reports given at Convention were both interesting and encouraging, and it was pleasing to And the Central Cnion. with its exceptionally capable officers, mothering its numerous offspring and helping them in all their efforts. They arranged two public meetings, one in the week, and the other an after-church Rally in the Theatre on Sunday night. The audiences at both gatherings proved tiuit some unusual effort must have been made to make the meetings a success. The L.T.L.’s had a fair share of the week-night programme, and worthily represented the children’s branch. The President (quite a young laddie, with a Ane. fresh face) made a “welcome” speech that could be hoard in every part of the hall, and Mrs Paisley's wee tot presented me with a bouquet, making her short speech, and holding up her dear little face to be kissed. Thus Was followed by a duet and chorus of a welcome song, with the refrain W.C.T.I . 1 greatly enjoyed every item, and so did the audience, judging by the frequent applause. 1 l>eliev< our World’s Missionary organised the work in Riverton and Otautau. Both Pnions are a monument to her labours in the South. It Is something for them to be able even to stand for Prohibition in these places, but each, under the capable leadershipof MrslGray and Mrs Brown, not only keep our principles well to the fore, but also do yeoman’s service in our great cause. Gore rallied its forces in the Methodist Schoolroom to meet me, and though the I’nion is not noted for b»g meetings, the membership is large, and members provide ammunition for the Aght against alcohol. Balclutha ar-

ranged for refreshments, had a splendid attendance, and enthusiastically agreed to adopt the slogan, “National Prohibition in the year 1922.” Altogether we enrolled about 33 new members, replenished the treasuries, cheered each other, an»l renewed our vows. May the God of Battles lead us on to our desired goal, and the Captain of our Salvation grant all the wisdom needed for this work.—Yours for victory, RACHEL DON.