BIRTHDAYS.

White Ribbon, Volume 37, Issue 436, 18 November 1931, Page 5

BIRTHDAYS.

BROOKLYN. Eighty members and visitors assembled in the Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday evening. October 20th. to eek?hmte the third birthday of the Brooklyn Union. The platform was pretti!> decorated with evergreens, white broom, cherry blossoms, and crimson rhododendrons, while on the piano was bowls of pansies and vases of spring flowers. Rev. R. Raine led the devotions with Scripture reading and prayer. The President (Mrs Sawdrn) welcomed all present, explaining the IPrthduy Party. Sh«* hoped everyone would N* enthused In the Temperance cause, in pired and uplifted. Then followed an interesting programme. Songs were sung by Misses Brittain, Teeboon and Mona Mann, duets by the Misses Graham; Miss No!a dvde gave two charming recitutions; monologues by Miss Bessie Saw’den, and violin solos by Master Frank Bennington. A paper. "Alcohol A Cell Peion." written by Miss Robb, was read by Mr H. Hogarth, of New Plymouth. Mrs Peryman w’ys the speaker of the evening. She was the recipient of a beautiful posy from the members, un«l

presented by Miss Nola Hyde. The speaker began by wishing us many happy returns of the day, and was pleasantly surprised at how we had “grown" in three years, and went on to tell of the work our Union is doing all over the world. We are organised in .'*7 countries, which embraces women of every colour, race and creed, united together for God, Home and Humanity, for unity is strength, Separated, we are atoms of weakness, united we are batteries of power. There is no greater hindrance on earth to Cod's work than the Liquor Traffic. Alcohol turns our young manhood and womanhood into brutes; children are damned before birth by alcohol. None of our famous athletes take it, nor do our airmen “fly” on it. The Liquor Traffic injures the home, is useless. As ever> useless thing goes, so that has got to go. If a man gets hurt on a building, lie can g**t damages, but the Liquor Traffic is not prosecuted for injuring men, women and children. Why a Christian Union? You cannot have a more Christ-like Union than to seek and to save the lost. Cod is our trust. It is His work we are doing, and He will help us save the people. Temperance nnans total abstinence with us, and we a»’c constantly asked to address meetings in shops, factories, and works on alcohol as a poison. We have two trained Organisers going through the Dominion, and two more were put on in view of the election. In the past our

women did wonderful work, getting the “franchise,” when there were no trams or motor cars. Then they were actively engaged in getting 6 o clock closing, and 8700 signed a petition for twoissue ballot paj>er. A hearty vote of thanks was proposed to the speaker by Miss Rebekah Pearson. seconded by Mr Pennington. Rev. Raine closed with prayer. Mrs Peryman then cut the birthday cake, which was made by Mrs Pearson, and decorated with bows of white ribbon. Everyone enjoyed the delicious supper and a cup of that which cheers but does not inebriate. The object of the meeting was to gather the young men and women together to enthuse them in the cause, and keep our battle for Temperance to the fore. WAIROA. Fourth Birthday Party. Good attendance of members. President. Mrs Macdonald, led the devotions. Rev. Speer congratulated the Branch on progress made, and spoke hopefully of victory in the near future. Rev. Blight led in prayer. A sacred duet by Mrs Promfet and Mrs Macmillan, and “There is a Green Hill” by Mrs Macdonald. and a solo by Rev. Blight were much appreciated. Afternoon tea included a handsome birthday cake made and decorated hv Mrs Macdonald. Collection for Maori Fund. 8/-. Decided to hold Land of Hope picnic on November 21st