PEACE MONTH

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 4, 1 May 1946, Page 1

PEACE MONTH

Whether we have heard the harp or the trumpet or the pipe, in the past, We do not attempt to say; but we do know that the new voice is that of another instrument; and that it must keep its own identity, or fail in its Cod be thanked for the years now past and also for those yet to be. In Miss Kirk we are proud to welcome one whose service to the Temper-

ance cause is almost life-long. Both in Auckland, she was taken while still in infancy to Wellington, where her home has since been. At the age of fifteen she once helped a woman who was endeavouring to take her drunken husband home. From the time of this incident her interest and

service ha\c been dedicated to the abolition of the Liquor Traffic. She became the youngest member of tbe first “Y” branch formed in Wellington. She bad some experience of teaching, especially in isolated parts. For several years she was on the stall of the Maori College at Otaki. It was during this period that the 1918 postwar epidemic took its direful way through New Zealand. To meet the extraordinary conditions which developed here as in other parts, Miss Kirk organised and ran an Emergency Hospital of thirty beds, with only voluntary help. This was something of an achievement in days before Y.A. work had become a sort of side-line for the hundreds of young women whom we have seen in action during the war. It took courage, organising ability and executive energy and iniiiati\e to carry out such an undertaking. For sixteen years Miss Kirk held the position of Secretary to the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, only relinquishing it about seven years ago. Still, there are many who come to her for help and advice in their difficulties; and her interest in their welfare lias not diminished. Many

value still a friendship which began through their finding a helper and advisor in their time of need.

In 1926, when women Justices were first appointed in New Zealand, Miss Kirk was among the first four women chosen for that office.

She takes a keen interest in the work of the National Council of Women, and had the honour of serving a term as their Dominion President. In 1934 she represented New Zealand at the N.C.W. Conference held in Melbourne, which was attended hv women from many parts of the world.

However, the W.C.T.U, is, and always has been, the organisation whose aims and ideals appeal to her

most —heyond all other societies; and to it she has given of her fine best. Who, having watched and listened to her in Conventions, can forget the note of humour so skilfully used when discussions grew tedious, or feeling ran high. Real wit, and a happy knack of felicitous expression, caused all hearers to listen with a new look of expectation on their faces when Miss Kirk rose, and with a very charming courtesy, said just the very thing which would clear the air; bring to the tiring debate just the bit of information which was wanting; and a rustle of laughter would he heard all through the hall. But, more than this, her efficiency all through the years of her secretaryship has left an impression on our organisation which will always remain. Her tact, and her fearless approach to the problems inseparable from the work of such an association as ours, have shown her to be one whose work has fitted her for the position she now holds at the expressed desire of the members, who know her to be herself, and will not grumble at her for not being someone else. One last word: Miss Kirk’s paramount interest is the welfare of women and girls; also, her chief hobby is needlework.

April, 1946. Dear Fellow-Workers, Thank you so much for the great honour you have bestowed upon me in making me your Dominion President. I can assure you that I accept 'this high honour very humbly and with full appreciation of its responsibilities. I can only say, God helping me, I wi 11 do iny best in the great work which lies before us.

There are so many plans of work •coming forward from Convention that I am sure each Union, even the smallest, will find some plan which will he of interest and within its scope. However little, or much, each member is able to do that • particular piece is needed for Victory. We need four things—Conviction, that our cause is just; Courage, to keep our Pledge "till Death or Victory”; Sacrifice —willingness to give time, service, money, and to forego pleasure cheerfully; so shall we welcome the Day of Victory. May God’s blessing rest upon each one of us as we strive to do His Will. Yours sincerely, C. E. KIRK.