A TRIBUTE TO MRS. PERYMAN

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 9, 1 October 1947, Page 2

A TRIBUTE TO MRS. PERYMAN

By J. HIETT

I met Mrs. Peryman first when her husband was Methodist minister at Port Chalmers, in 1914. Mrs. Peryman came up from tht Port every month to attend the Dunedin Central Branch. She had become the Editor of the “White Ribbon” in 1913, and held that office for thirty-two ycarsf only retiring when failing health impelled her, very reluctantly, to do so. How she loved the “White Ribbon work. Sleep seemed unnecessary to her. When the house was quiet, she gave herself to the “White Ribbon,’ working’ until 1 and 2 am. She was a storehouse of knowledge in reference to W.C.T.U. activities, and was an eloquent and forceful speaker. Before her marriage, she taught in the Petone school. I believe she was both a Greek and a Latin scholar, and even after her marriage she found time to coach many young ministers, her own many duties as a minister’s wife being also carried out. As a social worker, she was fearless in attacking wrongs. The Liquor Traffic and Gambling, she attacked with vigour. She never spared herself to render service. She was an acceptable Lay Preacher, and frequently took services for her husband, and in other churches. At one time, during Annual Conventions, our prominent women were asked to preach in city churches. Mesdamcs Peryman, Don and Atkinson were always chosen as earnest Christian speakers. Mrs. Peryman always wore the white ribbon bow, saying that “no higher ornament was necessary.”

She was most careful in gathering facts before she spoke, and insisted on W.C.T.U. speakers being sure of their facts. Because of this, M.P.’s said that deputations from the W.C.T.U. were welcome for they never made extravagant statements. On some occasions, M.P.’s who were concerned aiKiut social evils sought her help. When the W.C.T.U. marched to Parliament to present the petition for 6 o’clock closing, Mrs. Peryman was the speaker. She gave herself unreservedly to fignt wrong, to rescue the perishing, and to promote the welfare both of adults and children. It was she who commenced the “Y.P. Supplement” for children, and “The Beacon” for the young people. She was one who keenly supported the establishment of Headquarters, and was Chairman of Headquarters Committee until within a year of her passing. She believed that Headquarters would increase the usefulness of the W.C.T.U. and would enable overseas visitors to come in contact with our leaders.

Her correspondence was huge, as Unions all over New Zealand wrote to her for facts and figures, and she

readily responded to all who sought information on anv department of W.C.T.U. work.

In my early days of membership I owed much to Mrs. Peryman’s encouragement and advice. Her willingness to serve in any capacity impressed me greatly, and through encouragement from her and Mrs. Don I owe the service I have tried to give to the Union.

One felt in the passing of Mrs. Peryman that a giant oak had fallen, hut her untiring spirit had reached the land of Peace and Rest. Her last days were full of w-eariness, and we rejoiced when she dropped the shackles of earth to join the redeemed throng, who sing the praises of their Redeemer.