"WHITE RIBBON” DAY, 1954

White Ribbon, Volume 26, Issue 3, 1 June 1954, Page 2

"WHITE RIBBON” DAY, 1954

(By J. Hiett, Dunedin)

VV r e, as members of the W.C.T.U. are anxious to extend the work of our organisation. In what better way can we do this, than by gaining new subscribers for our “White Ribbon” Paper. A new era for temperance knowledge opened when the “White Ribbon” came into being. Knowledge on every aspect of the drink evil is found in the pages of this very fine paper.

As our Editor once said The ‘White Ribbon’ is a medium between the W.C.T.U. and the community.” We pray for the abolition of the liquor traffic, prayer and w’orks go together and here, right at hand, is an avenue of service to disseminate knowledge concerning liquor. Go out with a * White Ribbon,” show it to your neighbours, give them a copy and then ask them to be subscribers. We tell our Editor at each Convention, how much we appreciate the articles in the “W.R.” To gain subscribers will prove that our appreciation is genuine; but that is not all. As we gain new subscribers, we are building up temperance sentiment, we are educating *he public, we are gaining votes to vote out the soul destroying traffic in beverage alcohol. For our individual use the W.R. is invaluable. We read articles on the different departments by which we may open up work for our members. Each Union should be busy working through departments. There is interest for all, viz:— Anti gambling, Scientific Temperance, Youth work, Children’s meetings. Peace, Health, Sailors’ Rests and many other departments through which we may serve God, Home and Humanity. The “White Ribbon” initiates us into department 1 work, and enables us to be busy in our Unions, doing service for our Lord and Master.

Let us make lune a starting point for fresh endeavour to win many who, at present, are not interested and also to win friends to become subscribers. Our keenness will arouse interest and confidence in the W.C.T.U. and here is the opportunity to further that interest by getting the W.R. into the home. This is election year. A grave responsibility rests with us to gain recruits for temperance.

What better way than by increasing the circulation of the only Women’s Temperance Magazine published in New Zealand. We are grieved to know’ that for w’ant of more subscribers the “W.R.” is £l5O behind. This is a challenge to every member to alter this state of affairs until there is a balance on the right side. The average number of copies per month is 2,500. Here is the challenge. Make the number per month 3,500 for 1954. With enthusiasm, courage and a firm trust in God w'e can do it. Begin today.

One thought more. In our “White Ribbon" arc articles, which enable members to be public speakers. By studying the “W.R", addresses may be prepared for drawing-room meetings, missionary gatherings, League of Mothers, and other meetings. No Union need lapse for lack of material to interest members. May our service never slacken until the day of victory. Thy Spirit Lord to me impart, Oh make me what Thou ever art, Of patient and courageous heart, As all true saints have been.