WHITE RIBBON DAY.

White Ribbon, Volume 28, Issue 325, 18 July 1922, Page 2

WHITE RIBBON DAY.

The following paper was read by Mrs Dowling, “White Ribbon" Agent for the Auckland District Union, at their White Ribbon Day meeting, and is published by special request:— To-day is the birthday of our paper, the “White Ribbon,” and 1 am sure each W.C.T.U. member wishes our 4*per many happy returns of the day. This bright little paper is alnm* all else up Uniatr. Out-of-date things are no good to u> in these days of stress, hurry and strife. We must keep ahead of the times. This year is going to be a great one in our work; w«* trust it will be the greatest in our history, and much will have to be done liefore our aim cun be accomplished, and this fail land of ours cleansed from the awful curse of drink. This paper deals with a number of subjects of the most vital importance to every W.C. T.U. member. If we are going to cuter into the fight we must be prepared for that fight, and have our hearts and minds filled with interest and energy. We must thoroughly understand our

position ourselves before we can successfully combat the enemy. No general would lead his army to buttle unless he had the amiUranee that his men had all the latest equipments of war, and were also well trained in the using of them. In our paper every month we get useful and up-to-date information. which is our chief instrument of warfare m the coming fight. If we know what Prohibition has done, and is doing in other countries, we shall be better prepared and more eager to gain the same success for our own dear land. (Air first weapon of warfare is prayer, and it is prayer that must bring victory. Our Heavenly Father says that where two or three are gathered together, and agreed in whatsoever they ask. it shall be granted. Let us unite, therefore, sisters, and come boldly to the Throne of Grace, let our requests be made known to our Father. He has promised to hear and answer the cry of his children; let us then unite in earnest prayer that we may have victory through Phrist. Unless Christ is our captain, we shall utterly fall in the strife. Whenever we are going to do anything in the campaign let us reverently and fervently say: Father I can do nothing unless Thou wilt go before me; then let us fol-

low His divine leading, assured wherever He leads is the path of vie tory. Our little paper deals with many subjects of great importance to women m connection with social evils. Warning., and good advice is given to every man in a refined and loving manner, and all who are looking for it will ho; it in the “White Ribbon.” If we art going to warn our daughters and young cr sisters about the existing sou*, evils, we must first of all understand all about those* evils ourselves. On* cannot deny the fact that very often young girls and boys also commit most heinous sms entirely through ignorance How can mothers warn their children if they themselves are ignorant abjit such matters? A woman, the mother of a large /an ily, told me she never had once apok'*n to her daughters, now married, on sexual evils; she dare not, und did not like to do so, yet she was quite content that her daughters should launch out into the world in ignorance, quite carelr.v about the great pitfalls into which so many of our young people fall. lit* member we are our sister's keeper in many ways. Our pap* • educates and enlightens our minds. * ih Je one object of making womans l«fe brighter and happier. As 1 said before, this is the birthday of our official paper- the “Wnite Ribbon.” Naturally ev»i>one connects birthdays with birtboa) presents; but you might say 1 cannot give a birthday to a paper. la»t me just remind you how you can do it. The very best birthday present you i • n give is to become a subscrilier to this splendid paper, and in that way you will eheer the heart of our f»eloved Editor. Mrs I'eryman. By making her happy you will have a vast amount of pleasun* yourselves. One word of advi« Don’t subscribe to the “White Ribbon, and ihen when the postman leaves it at your door toss it away unread. You will derive no benefit in that \v.i>. You wlil find most delightful reading in the “White Ribbon" when you have 'that nice, quiet spell on Sunday afternoons. When you get your daily paper you are anxious to know the latest news, let me urge you sisters to !>• 'doubly anxious to know the latest about Prohibition results.

Recently, when the Wiltshire was wrecked on our shores, the prayers of < Jod's people ascended to Heaven for

tht* safe deliverance of the men on board. Are going to be less anxious in our prayer* for the *afc deliverance of thousand* of our young people who are making shipwreck of their live* by the demon drink? 1 trust not. Our paper i* thoroughly up to date in every detail, and It i* only 3/d per year, post free. 1 am Mire every one who will make the slightest effort can raise SJd per month. It only mean* one ounce le.s. chocolate per month in the home. Chocolate* and sweet* are soon forgott»*n, but the g'Kxl thiqgs learned from our paper are wholesome and lasting. In conclusion, let me quote a little poem that appeared in our last issue, entitled. “Wear It as a Badge", I‘reac h a silent sermon. Wear a bow of white,” etc.