CONVENTION MEMORIESWHO AND WHAT?

White Ribbon, Volume 49, Issue 4, 18 May 1943, Page 6

CONVENTION MEMORIES—WHO AND WHAT?

The chief figure is, of course, on the platform. The National President, Mrs. Hiett —fine of figure, kind of face, with a smile to warm the heart and a watchful eye on her comrades in Convention assembled, and lends an attentive ear, new delegates receiving all necessary encouragement, and veterans feeling sure of true appreciation. The National Treasurer. Miss LovellSmith, with kindly eyes, not without a hint of humour in their blue-grey depths, hovers like'a beneficient godmother over the Exchequer. The kind of woman who irresistibly moves one to think, and sometimes say, God bless you. The Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Mitchell, vivid of colouring, with bright dark eyes which can sparkle with fun, but can also give that little fiery flash which indicates the decidedly alert brain and rather belies the quite, somewhat sad voice which says, ‘‘Quite a number of Unions have failed to report.”

The Business Manager of the “White Ribbm,” Mrs. Grigg. is a lady of very cheerful countenance, who appears to enjoy the hard work entailed by the office which she holds, always very pleased to receive lists of subscribers, new and old, especially if accompanied with cash.

A stalwart of the Union is Mrs. Spence. President of the entertaining Union, who showed her usual wish for the furtherance of the work. This was demonstrated on one occasion when she had noticed that there was a rather crowded delegate in the front, advanced up the aisle holding alofv a chair, and firmly seconding a resolution as she went.

One whom all delegates regard with friendliness is Mrs Ross, Literature Superintendent. Easy to look at, with gentle brotvn eyes which brighten with anticipation when a possible customer approaches her table. A truly capable officer, who looked as pleased as if she had received a diamond for herself when she announced that she had made “a record sale.”

The “Old Guard” was well represented. Miss Henderson being in good form and making her contribution to discussions with her usual firmness, relieved by dry humour, w’hich was eagerly awaited and fully appreciated. The Anti-Gambling Superintendent. Mrs. Pirrett, also one of the ‘‘tried and trie,’’ showed good courage w’ith generous cheerfulness to those willing to try to work in her difficult department.

Miss Drew’, newdy-elected Superintendent for Work among Seamen, diffused much of that gracious kindness which helps so much to oil the wheels of life in general, to say nothing of Convention.

The Press Superintendent, Mrs. Stephenson Craig, always pleasant to see and hear, is a lady of determination, relieved by a pretty wit. She was probably the only member of Convention who could have carried her hearers with her so far as to reconcile them to her almost mentioning a gentleman not generally named in polite society.

Somewhat surprising was the delegate from the Northland, Miss Edmed, a lady who sat very quietly with rather an abstracted manner, but who now and again rose with great good will and cheerfulness and hurled forth decided opinions and ideas, all of the helpful order. Miss C. Jamieson, Superintendent of Medical and Scientific Temnerance, one w’hose quiet manner and gentle voice was somewhat misleading, giving the impression that she might be swayed by one with a persuasive tongue; her remarks soon showed that her opinions were firmly held and could not be lightly changed.

The reporter for the daily papers, Mrs. Christian, one of the most hardworking members of Convention, is a “rattling good" reporter and has the soul of a poet, combined with the practical outlook of a good business woman. Cheerful and kind, she commands not only respect but also the very real affection of her comrades.

The Recording Secretary, Miss Kirk, must not be omitted from the list of memories. That cheery w'ord. when others were feeling strained, restored to calm and good cheer the atmosphere of Convention. We gaily confirmed the minutes without thinking of the one who assiduously wTote w’hilst w'e enjoyed our good lunch. Indeed, the Recording Secretary kept the wheels of Convention running smoothly. Hers was the unseen but capable hand that prepared the agenda, the minutes, the roll, and wrote messages to the President when matters might be overlooked which were of vital importance. The Editor’s visit to Convention was like a meteor across the sky, so brief was it. Nevertheless she left her mark by her devotional address and by her “White Ribbon” report. Let us spread the fire kindled by Mrs. Peryman through the “White Ribbon.”