“THESE MANY YEARS...”

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 3, 18 April 1945, Page 1

“THESE MANY YEARS...”

IJM.'t 1!) fl*»

In the ranks of the W.C.T.U., and of many other great organisations, are many who do their part steadily, year by year, never stepping out from the routine work which is the basis of all sincere, effective striving after great objectives. Without them, the high places would not be reached. Yet, they are never heard of outside their own little sphere. Others there are, who through some circumstance of necessity at the moment, for which they are in no wav responsible, suddenly find themselves isolated from the ranks of these wholly admirable, and certainly indispensable comrades; and occupying a place of their own, stepping along bravely; but more or less, having to direct their own path towards the goal of the united endeavour. They # are destined for leadership in some form or other. Those to whom the call comes for this lonely, sometimes perilous travelling of the road, are not always ready. It may be that, like Moses of old, they cannot see why such as they should he loaded with a task for which they are unprepared; and, in their own opinion, unfitted. Some there are, who, immediately recognising in the call, a summons to action, a realisation of powers hitherto undeveloped, an opportunity for

tlte exercise of faculties long denied their full employment, gladly accept all that is implied of hard work, possible misunderstanding, and unremitting responsibility. There are others again, who let their golden moment pass them by. They could have seized it, but were not ready when it came. The “unlit lamp, and ungirt loin” prevented the fulfilment that might have been theirs. And the work for which they were willing to do so much, lost ground for want of their readiness to venture forth into a new field. The timid, hut still greatly daring soul, who puts fear aside, and, trusting to the power that guides, when it has called; helps forward the divine purpose, even in her own weakness. It is only here and there that the called one is ready and waiting; hut when this happens the result is fine. How was it with Mrs. Peryman so long ago? It was at the 1913 Convention that the call came for her to assume the position of Editor of the "W hite Ribl>on,” then a 12-page paper, having a circulation of about 1,800 Fearlessly she undertook the responsibility. How many of us remembre her at that early time ? The bright, dark eye that could, and can even now, flash with righteous indignation and scorn at the evil that wraits for remedy;

with humour and genial good temper when the company is oi her own kind; the brave denunciation of cant and weakness; the warm espousing of the cause of the oppressed and downtrodden ; and the indelaligable battling for the purity of the ideals for which our organisation stands —yes. these were the characteristics winch stood out so strongly, and which we all rejoice to know are undnnmed by the passage ot the years, Perhaps the hs>oin, erect figure and the light feet have lost some of their earlier strength but the fires of youth are burning still in the heart of her. We give her the thanks of our great sisterhood and know that here as well as in iar-off lands her name is loved by many who have never seen her face but who know her through the pages of the 'White Ribbon.” And we W’ant her to know that we feel our debt to her is not to be paid in these poor words, but only in a faithful following of the wa> she has made plain for us.

lier work increased steadily as the paper became more valuable to the movement. The addition of “The Beacon and the "Y.P. Supplement” at different limes gave added importance to the paper, although both were published as separate sheets then. War economy demanded the present arrangement. “Fifty Golden Years” was written by Mrs. Peryman to celebrate the Jubilee of the W.C.T.U. in N.Z., aid constitutes a very full and valuable record which should be possessed by every member. Other tracts and pamphlets have come from her pen, and are mostly available from our Headquarters. Vigorously written, full of the vital essence of W .C.T.U. work, and eminently readable, these will long form a part of our stock of literature and will be used, as in the past, by hundreds of workers.

And not alone through the pages of this paper has Mrs. Peryman’s personality been felt in our ranks. Her clear, forceful utterances have been a feature of many a District Convention, and on many occasions her voice has been raised to further the great cause of Temperance. As a member of other organisations she has had so much experience that her opinion is sought in many quarters outside our movement. In 1943, when we celebrated the granting of Women’s Franchise, she gave a broadcast account of the passing of the Act from 2YA and her little booklet, “How We Won the Franchise,” was published at this time. It w'ould be impossible to recount all she has done for us. And now, after 32 years, she has sought release from the task. While this will be a welcome lessening of tiring, exacting work it must also bring the thought of loss. It is in our hearts to pray that this may be only a brief phase of feeling, soon to be effaced by the sense of well-earned rest after duty noblv done.

How our prayers and tender thoughts should surround her at the present time. Watching by the sick

bed. suffering great anxiety, she is much in need of strengthening. God grant her the sense of His presence at all times, and grant her all happiness and joy in the quiet of eventide.

Mrs. Peryman asks that the very many Unions and members who have sent litters of thanks for, and appreciation of, her work, will please accept her sincere thanks. Owing to Mr. Pervnian’s serious illness and the constant care he needs, it has been impossible to reply to each one. But she does appreciate the kindness in writing.

* Honour and reverence, and the good repute That follows faithful service as its fruit Be unto her. whom, living, we salute ’ —Longfellow.