KAIAPOI W.C.T.U.

White Ribbon, Volume 38, Issue 448, 18 November 1932, Page 10

KAIAPOI W.C.T.U.

(By M. S. Powell.) 1 recently spent a most interesting evening with the first minute book of the Union. Organised by Mrs Packe, the National President, on January 30th, 189(>, with eighteen members, in less than twelve months this was increased to seventy-three. In those early days we carried on an energetic campaign among men sympathisers, who used to tell us it was a case of "taxation w ithout representation," as they paid their fees, but were not entitled to a vote. Anyway they all had to sign the total abstinence pledge, and tlie Kaiapoi gentlemen must have taken kindly to the organisation, for in a few weeks twentysix had signed as honorary members. At the first meeting Mrs Richard Evans was elected President, Mrs Soulby Secretary, and Mrs Murray Treasurer. Of the remaining sixteen, five are still resident in Kaiapoi, viz., Mesdames Butch -‘i*. Blackburn. T. G. Blackwell, Miss Roll, and Miss Eagle (now Mrs Stocking). During my recent visit to Kaiapoi 1 paid a visit to Mrs Butcher, who, at the age of ninety-one. still retains her upright carriage and all her faculties, and her keen interest in the work of the Union Of the original members, many have gone home, "but instead of the mothers, come up the daughters," Mrs Evans being represented by Miss S. E. Evans, Treasurer of the local Union; Mrs (». H. Blackwell, President for many years, by Miss N. Blackwell, late Dominion Superintendent of flood Uitizenship Department; while Mrs Rinaldi, local Secretary is the daughter of Mrs Murgatroyd, who, upon removing to Kaiapoi in 1893, joined the Union, and is now * White Riblion" Agent in the petone Union.

One of the early records recalls the name of Richard Uoad, who travelled New Zealand in the interests of the Temperance cause, and whose fund of rich Cornish humour is still remembered. His advice to the Union to indulge in unceasing activities speedily l»ore fruit in the providing of a refreshment booth at the Show, and very shortly in the movement to establish coffee rooms, which for many years did excellent work in providing refreshments at a reasonable rate, without the demoralising associations of the drink traffic. Its success was largely due to the efforts of Mesdames Evans and Blackwell. Through these minutes marches a steady procession of Methodist ministers’ wives, many of whom are "still with us." 1 note the names of Mesdames

Standage. Smalley, Orchard, Dukes, Dellow, Fairclough, Blamires, senr., Ready, Scott, and Slade, while the list ts brought up-to-date by Mrs Burnett, local President, and the present incumbent of the parsonage. The Presbyterian Manse was well represented at the inaugural meeting by Mrs McGregor, who was followed by Mrs Laishley (for some years President), and Mrs Ritchie, now of Palmerston North. Mrs Holland, of the vicarage, joined in 1902, and her help is still remembered. Of recent years, Mrs Vicary, of the Baptist Uhurch, was for some time President. Doubtless l have overlooked some names, but all are registered up above, and their works follow them.

During three election campaigns 1 acted as organiser for the N.Z. Alliance in Kaiapoi, and later paid several visits as Dominion Organiser for the W.C.T.U., and to run over the old names and recall the faces was a keen pleasure. Times are altered, and indifference has taken the place of hostility. The pioneers have mostly gone to their reward. but in their place has risen up a tine army in our Y.P. branches, who are carrying on the work, and who will never rest until the drink traffic is Anally stamped out. As one of the pioneers, I stretch out to them hands of loving greeting, assured that the victor)’ which we shall not live to see will In* theirs, for He shall reign until all en einies are put under His feet.

Well done, the O's! But what has Ikm »me of the other letters? Wake up. White Rlbboners. Shake off your cloud of de| ression, and go after ‘‘White Rib bon" subscribers, expecting to get them, and "according to your faith it shall I>e

unto you." That is the promise of the Eternal, and is as sure as the Rock of Ages. Send along to the Editor for a few’ papers as samples, and go out and test the promise for yourself. Don’t sit down and say, "It’s no use trying." Send as many as you can l>efore we close our Imoks for Uonvention We don't want to report a loss at Uonvention. Get busy. Circulate our paper, and advertise W.O.T.U. work