The White Ribbon. "For God and Home, and Humanity" WELLINGTON JUNE 18 1943. VISITING—WITH A PURPOSE

White Ribbon, Volume 49, Issue 5, 18 June 1943, Page 4

The White Ribbon. "For God and Home, and Humanity" WELLINGTON JUNE 18 1943. VISITING—WITH A PURPOSE

"What! Visit women in their homo! I >o house-to-house visitation to gain members tor the W.C.T.U.! Is that what you’re doing? Oh! I couldn't do that! It’s not in my line! I wouldn’t know what to say!” Well, that is the way the Union was begun; that i> the way it was built up; (softly) that is the way Frances Willard worked. Listen in to her voice when, after she had received her "baptism of fire" in the W omen’s Whisky Crusade in 1874, she wrote: “It occurred to me, strange to say, for the first time, that I might to work tor the good cause ju»t where I wat— that everybody ought. Thus I fir>t received the "arrest of thought" concerning which, in a thousand different towns, I have since then tried to >peak." There W'ere no women’s organisations in those days. She recruited members one by one in their homes as the first W.C.T.U organiser. Listen again : "It is the way commerce has marched across the Continents and captured them for ciwlisation—one by one; it is the way an army is recruited—one by one; it is the way Christ’s Church is built up into power, and heaven adds to its souls redeemed—just one by one." It is not easy but it ts very interesting—and it works. In three months we have added 54 members to six Auckland Unions. "Hut how is it done? What do you say ? Officers of a few Unions send me names and addresses of women whom they think might become interested, in their districts. I call, introduce

myself as a representative of the W.C.T.U., get in;o conversation regarding our work and the need for it. especially today. I have never had a rebuff. Where lists are not sent to me I pick out a district and do house-to-house limitation. Many women know a little about the work and become very interested to know just what we are doing. The fact that they can help to fight the evii of the Liquor Traffic by belonging to the Union on signing the Pledge of Total Abstinence and Membership; paying a yearly subscription, and attending monthly meetings, when possible. encourages many Christian women to join. Others know nothing about our work hut have a real concern about the magnitude of the drink problem and its awful repercussions upon the homes and the youth of our land. They converse intelligently and with interest, sometimes over a welcome cup of tea, and while many do not immediately join, they have certainly been educated on our subject and give honour to an organisation which is making an c onest and continuous effort to rid the world of a recognised deadly evil. Their attitude towards the \<>te at next poll will certainly be intelligent. Our departmental work is an eyeopener to many who had an idea that we only work for Temperance or Prohibition and that we are playing a losing game Telling literature is freely distributed. The Evangelistic basis appeals to many. The Home and Cottage Meetin;: for Prayer and Bible Study have evoked unexpected support. A new member immediately offered her room and we held a good meeting. The \nti-Gambling Department is hailed by some who regard gambling as a twin c\il with drink. The Educational work, from Little White Ribboners up to adult Unions r> reives general approval. Work among seamen and soldiers at the "Rests" brings surprise and deep appreciation. Maori educational work and Unions of Maori women and "Y’s," Flower Mission and Good Citizenship, training for leadership and all other departments form the theme of many a talk to an audience of one.

The terrible evils of smoking among women and girls is stressed, and the facts read or spoken cause great surprise and concern. Several erstwhile members have been resuscitated and brought hack to membership. They had been allowed t) slip. T here have been opportunities for interesting talks with soldiers, girls and women in trains, buses, trams, at bus termini, etc., etc. Many Unions have been addressed in city and country, as well as several outside organisations. Any keen, intelligent officer could do this work—just where she is. Why not begin Build up the splendid work! Yours for service, CATHERINE M. McLAY.