SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 7, 1 August 1946, Page 6

SPECIAL REPORTS

Twenty-Fourth Birthday Party, Riccarton Riccartou celebrated their twentyfourth birthday on June 13th. The hall was filled to capacity with members of si>tcr Unions, Women’s Guilds, etc. The meeting was opened with the singing of a hymn, and the president ga\e a short talk on our duty in helping to build a new Christian order, and our duty as C hristian women to record our vote this year for the abolition of the Drink Traffic the names of ten menhirs who are eligible for a sen ice badge were riad out, after unbroken nietnbi rCiin for twentv years.

A most <njoyable programme was rcndc.ol as follows: Vocal solos and duels, Mcsd.uuc.s i!ill and Greenway. accompanist, Mrs. Storie; and two amusing pla;. s by Mesdames Cooper, I )oeg and Carlyle, entitled “W hen Ladles Meet” and “Office Cleaners." ..

Afternoon tea was dispensed anil a birthday cake cut and enjoyed, which was baked by our president, Mrs. Griffiths. A vote of thanks was accorded the performers and all who had made tb • afternoon such an outstanding succe* . A donation of £1 was sent for “W line Ribbon” funds, £l/10/- to the New’ Zealand Alliance. The meeting closed with hymns and prayer.

Dr. Jeannie Craig’s Activities Mention has already been made of the fact that Dr. Jeannic Craig, wellknown and beloved by many W.C.T.U. members, is again in our country, hut probably few arc aware that she is once more resident in Onehtinga, and in the local work for “God, Home and Humanity."

When previously living here she was a valued officer in our Union, hut about thirteen years ago removed to Sydney, as her husband, Dr. John Craig, a Presbyterian minister, had accepted a call to a church in that city. Recently, the health of the I? ter began to fail, so he resigned his church and last September, with his wife, came for a holiday to New Zealand; but, unfortunately, on the day of their arrival in Wellington, was taken seriously ill, passing away a few days later. Mrs. Craig, though so suddenly bereaved, lias felt that she must continue to do all in her power to suppress the liquor traffic, and is having a very busy time giving earnest addresses and charming her audiences with her solos, for, like Miss. Havergal, she consecrates Vr beautiful voice to her King. Probably an account of some of her recent activities may he of interest, and may encourage some others to make an especial effort in preparation for the poll.

Towards the end of last vear, Mrs. Craig took part in a “School of Methods” meeting in Invercargill; later on going to Timaru, and while there she spoke at the usual monthly meeting of

the W.C.T.U. and also at a gathering of mothers where >ix new members joined up. lor bebruarv, she arrived in Auckland and has addressed W.C. T.U. meetings, also singing solos at Takapuna, Devonport, Ponsonby, Oneliunga (two), Koliimarama, Auckland city, and the District Executive. She has also given addresses at various Church Guilds on Temperance, and has quite ? long list of engagements to speak at other Guilds and similar functions during coming weeks; so it can he realised that her influence for good is very far-reaching. Besides all this, slie lias addressed the Kurahuna Maori Girls’ L.T.L., and been entertained by the \ tick land Executive at the Maori Girls’ Hostel. Parnell. \Ye gratefully oraise our Heavenly bather, Who continues to send such faithful workers, and may their efforts inspire our numbers to uphold their hands.

Marlborouqh Women’s Day Of Prayer

Interest in the Woman's Day of Prayer is being well maintained in Blenheim, and there was a good attendance at the all-day meeting held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on June 2Hth. Sessions commenced at 10 am. with Mrs. VY. I. Girling as leader, followed at 11 by Mrs. E. Ford, \fternoon sessions were led by Mrs. V. Powell and Mrs. Maehell. \ solo by Mrs. Underhill was much appreciated. Organist, Mrs. F. Leslie, and pianists, Mrs. G. Tavlor and Mrs. Milgrevv. Helpful messages were given in the addresses of the leaders showing that much thought and time had been spent in preparation. Hvmns in keeping with the theme were chosen by the leaders and earnest prayers followed each address. Several requests for prayer were handed in. and instance s of answered prayer were • elated hv various members of the congregation.

Address On Prison Reform REV. R. W MAYSON, B \., TIMARU UNION \t tin; Julv meeting of the Timaru Union, the Rev. R. W. Mayson gave an informative address on the subject of Prison Reform, speaking from Pastor Moreton’.s hook, “A Parson in Prison." The speaker reminded his hearers that drink made more criminals than any other agency and that the work being done to abolish the traffic also helping to reduce criminality. Britain has been working to improve the penal svstem, ani! prisoners arc being trained in trades, etc., to help them to become good citizens, hut New Zealand lags far behind. The W.C.T.U. is interested in this reform as in all humanitarian work, and should do all possible to abolish the evils of the system. A 1 «.arty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker.