PAST DOMINION PRESIDENT MISS CATHERINE McLAY

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 2, 1 April 1951, Page 3

PAST DOMINION PRESIDENT MISS CATHERINE McLAY

The news that Miss Catherine McLay had been unable ta accept renonnnation tor the Dominion Presidency came as something of a shock to the Union, it had been hoped that her able and gracious leadership would have been exercised in this high office tor a considerable period of years. Circumstances having arisen which made this impossible, that hope has been dispelled. We are thankful indeed that God has led us to a new I’resident in whom we have unbounded faith; and to know that 11 is work will not tail for want of an inspired and consecrated guidance by her hand. No one will realise, and rejoice in this fact more than Miss McLay. It is a little more than twenty years since the Misses McLay left their native heather, and took up life and work in New Zealand, finding a new sphere of usefulness in the Women's Christian Temperance Union under the influence of Mrs. Lee Cowie. Seized by the need, and importance of the work, they threw all their energies into it: and in every sphere of temperance activity their influence was felt. Beginning almosi as novices in membership, though rich in experience of Christian work generally, they soon became authorities on the rules, constitution, and practical running of the Union in all its varied departments. What it owed to them will never fully be realised. The powers of clear thinking, methodical working, recognition of the greatness cf the issues involved, and the exercise of unusually high gifts ot public speaking possessed by both sisters have been fully used. Organising work has progressed as one result of • ersistent refusal to be daunted by lethargic indifference, even among Christians. Discouragement has never been allowed to have the upper hand. The record is very remarkable. The two years of Miss C. M. McLay’s presidency were inaugurated by a challenge to the New Zealand Union in the “Five-year Plan.” Carefully worked out, reasonable in it* demands, and calculated to revivify our whole regime, the plan was enthusiastically received when Miss McLay announced it, on taking over the Presidency at the close of the 1949 Convention. When analysed in its every part, the plan was found to be only a fair computation of what could be done IF every Union, and every member took if up, and accepted the responsibility. It would be a great expression of our love tor, and faith in, Miss McLay, it* her confidence in our ability to rise to the occasion could, even yet, hr justified. Three years still remain. No other tribute could mean so much to our ex-president, as a whole-hearted, determined effort in which all would do their share. The seed sown by her is still capable of germination. How she would rejoice to see the harvest —even

though the reaping was done by other hands than hers! We pray for God’s strengthening, re-vitalising power to he realised by her. by our new officers, and by every Union and member in the coming year. M. Christian