PRESIDENT’S LETTER.

White Ribbon, Volume 30, Issue 360, 18 June 1925, Page 1

PRESIDENT’S LETTER.

(Received just after we went to press last month). Box 16, Dunedin, May 20th. My dear Comrades, I have been to the Alliance Convention in Wellington, w'hich in my judgment was one of the best, though we sadly missed the presence and voice of our loved Leader Rev. John Dawson, and veterans like the Revs. Coinrie and Isitt, but we rejoiced in such reinforcements as Mr W. French, Mr Poole, Mr Harry Holmes and Rev. Lionel Fletcher. It was a pleasant surprise to meet Mr French from California, I last saw r him in San Francisco when he royally entertained Miss Henderson and me at

lunch, afterwards showing us some of the Cities’ sights, and one week-end he took ns to the Sandford University and Campus, where we had the privilege of seeing the wonderfully beautiful Sandford Church. Mr Harry Holmes was one of the speakers at the World’s Jubilee Convention in Medinah Temple, and it seemed but a week or so since we were jubilating there, and now we were renewing our friendship at the Antipodes. Rev. Fletcher’s inspiring address,

surcharged us with the determination to ben in that very hour to work up to the last moment of our time, and the last ounce of our strength. W*» were all thankfully glad to see Dr. Dawson (as our American friends ca.ll him), and when he left the Conference after a very brief visit, we prayed that as he stepped from the Vanguard to the some of our younger men might lx* inspired to step up to the front, that there may be no gaps in the ranks this eventful year.

From Wellington 1 went to the district Quarterly meeting in Gore. We had a tine afternoon session with the Invercargill Delegates who came up in a char-a-banc. It cheered my heart to see their enthusiasm and hear their plans of work. They left us at 4.30, and one hour after we wf»re sitting at a “get together tea,” with the youth of the District. Mr Millar is in charge of the Young Peoples’ work, and judging by their bright faces and talent written thereon, we shall hear of some achievements in Gore. When this paper is in your hands I hope to be well on with the campaign meetings arranged by Mrs Norrie in the Timaru and Temuka Districts, and shortly after to cross to Wellington for an indefinite itinerary in the North Island. I shall be moving rapidly, and addressing an almost daily meeting, so please address all your letters to Miss Henderson. Clifton, Sumner, and do not write to me unless absolute!) necessary, for I expect to be so busy addressing meetings that it will be impossible to work with the pen. 1 have tried to acknowledge all the kind letters of welcome sent by Cnions and Officers, but will all accept my heart’s thanks for all the kindly w'ords you wrote to me. Invercargill “Ys” are losing their late President Miss K. Pinlayson. 1 met her on her way to Christchurch where she is to have charge of the Presbyterian Orphanage. We congratulate our friends at the Orphan age at having so enthusiastic and capable a worker, but we are sorry for ourselves, though I beheve the “Ys” will never let the work languish. but will each do a little more, so as to overtake all and do even more than all that Rita ever accomplished I wish T could fly from city to city aR some of the workers do in America, drop in at your meetings

and note your progress. We know not when or where we must meet our opponents; hut we must hold high our standard and carry on as though the result of the Campaign depended on us alone. The work must be done, and what must be done, can be done, so by the Grace of God let us get at it and keep at it till death or Victory. Affectionately yours to serve, RACHEL DUN. Hunter, June 10th. Dear Comrades, Since leaving Dunedin on May 2Dili I have addressed 12 meetings and enrolled 31 new members. Mrs Norrie, District President for S. Canterbury, accompanied me, and together We motored to Pleasant Point, Temuka, Geraldine, Totara Valley, Tycho, Albury, Fairlie, VYaimate, and are now at Hunter, guests of Mrs Allan, late Treasurer of Dunedin Union. We are charmed with this beautiful “Bourndale" estate, which Mrs Allan has purchased for a Summer Resort and Rest House. During the intervals I w r as not only “at home’’ but mothered in Timaru by Mrs Bruce. We are indebted to Mr Israel, Alliance Organiser, who motored us from place to place over this district. The weather, except for a brief interval, was fine but intensely cold. 1 developed a chill which made my head like Jeremiah's, “a fountain of water,” but in spite of the misery of it, was able to enjoy the sight of the snow-capped mountain ranges in the moonlight at Fairlie, and concluded that in all my travels 1 had seen nothing finer. Leaving Timaru by motor in heavy rain, our car got bogged, and we were obliged to ring for a tixi to take us with all speed to WaJmate. The Union there have the credit of working up the largest afternoon meeting, the school hall being full of women. Geraldine carries the honour of biggest public meeting in their district. Over 100 turned out in freezing cold to hear the address. Speakers and hearers alike in every place appreciated the afternoon teas and suppers provided by the ladies. The Mayor and Mayoress of Waimate not only ha.l the ever open-door ready for us, but generously relieved us of the heavy cost of the taxi we were obliged to hire through being bogged. I have had my first visit to the

Timaru Sailors Rest, and gladly jubilate with our Sisters there because of such a substantial building with every facility for entertaining seamen, and opened without any debt. It will always be a. monument to tin faith and works of our Timaru Branch. A <ia.il) programme of meetings stretches out before us up till the 20th of this month, when I cross to the North Island to itinerate there. Will all those “abiding by the Stuff” at home please remember at noon or any hour your comrades in the field, for they are at it and Always yours to serve. RACHEL DON.