ORGANISER'S REPORT.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 233, 18 November 1914, Page 13

ORGANISER'S REPORT.

Dear Sisters, — The time left to < ur disposal bciore the great day of the poll is fast closing in, and hut little now is left tor us in whit!' we may work. 1 here is much to be done, and I regret that my work in the South Island was so limited. Continuing my work in the Canterbury district, on October ;th I left Ashburton for Timaru, calling at (ieraidine for a meeting. Here, I believe, work could be done in the way of organising if time had permitted. Next day btgan the ‘ big blow” that passed over Canterbury, huge monarchs of the forest being levelled to the ground or rlintered oft like matchwood One goes through mam miles of such as far as the eyes can reach. At 1 imaru was glad to see the kindly face of Mrs Fraser, and found her home a sale rciVeat during my stay there. A public meeting in Theatre Royal on Sunday evening, and a spec ial meeting of the Cnion on Monday was all that time allowed. 1 was sorry indeed not to be able to visit the outlying distri> t of this splendid town. Nevertheless glad to meet with Mrs Rule, Mis> Avison, and the sisters here, who are determined to strive together for the abolition of the great evil. Coming back to Kakaia and Methven, my hopes were realised in that a l nion was formed in each of those places, with splendid officers. Ashburton came in for quite a number of calls, as I made my way up and down the country. Tinwald was visited, and a meeting held, though for lack of officers at present, it was thought advisable to wait awhile, and those present became affiliated to the Ashburton Union. My stay in Ashburton was made very pleasant by the kindly hospitality of Mr and Mrs Dent; abo I wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to Mr Dent and his motor car, which was ever at our service; also to Miss Collins and Mr McArthur, who did similar service as we visited the vari-

ou" outlying places; to Mr Ferriman for donation of literature, “Danobury House,” for sale for funds. Mrs Watson, Mrs Dent and myself lost no time doing all that seemed possible in the time we had at our disposal. 1 must not forget a visit to the gallant little Union at \\ inchmore, who, though in such a scattered farming district, covering a dist.mce of io miles or more between the members, yet carry on quite a lot of work. I bis, of course, can only be a very brief record of a busy time in this district, with mu< h more that might be done if only one could go in a dozen different way - at once. As 1 boaided the train to go Noith, 1 found myself in the midst of the newly called c ut 'Third Contingent, a great number of whom were having a merry (:) time, drink flowing freely, so much so that it became objectionable to many of them, who sought refuge in the carriage where I was. This gave me an opportunity to speak a word or two, which 1 felt I couid not afford to miss, and 1 found 1 had quite an audience, who weie not a little interested in the facts as given. As a result one young fellow signed the pledge, his officer witnessing to it, and as the train steamed into Christchurch hearty shake hands and good wishes for our work were expressed. 1 felt deeply sorry to think we had to leave those fil e young fellows with such pitfalls in our land. 1 he time had come when 1 must return to the North, and 1 am now here once again, as per promise, in Taranaki. A plan of itinerary has been arranged, so that every moment will tell. Last Monday and Tuesday 1 visited neariy every house in Mere Mere, Ohangai, going down to Patea on Tuesday night, m e.u h place gaining new subscribers to the “White Ribbon.” There are farms of miles apart, con sequcntly it involves quite a lot of travelling, and to Mrs Scott, of Normanby, and the Misses Williams, of Mere Mere, 1 am indebted for making this part of the work possible. The

individual contact with the people, i am convinced, is a telling factor in our work for this < impaign. Some of these people can \evc r get out to a meeting, though a No-License meeting has been arranged in each of these places, in whn h 1 took some part, and they would never know facts if they were not taken to them. On Wednesday, Rev. Ireland, of Patea, and tny’self visited a*l round Manutahi, gaining four members to the proposed new Union at Patea, and also four subscribers to “White Ribbon.” In the evening Rev. Puttier, or Nomianby, and self addressed a meeting Next morning, in answer to an urgent request, fount* myself once more in Manaia to assist in special meetings. Met the Manaia Union; four members : nitiated. On Saturday night a most successful open-air was held. A four-horse waggon, driven by our good friend J. J. Patterson, filled with children, and an organ, who each carried a flag, and effectively sang “Red, White and Blue” and “Hold the Fort.” The meeting was by Rev. Fc**, and although much opposition was prophesied and expected, yet it passed off as a goc cl typical open-air, and so another shot was fired into the enemy’s ranks. My findings aie that a strong vote will he cast for National Prohibition. Nevertheless it is necessary and important that not one muse le he relaxed in our effort at this time. I here are yet many vote s to he captured. “The evil hosts arc- bidding too These precious souls to gain.” What matters it if our house lias not the latest shine on. Souls arc* in the balance. 'I he shiiing can he done after this opportunity has gone fni ever. Let us go hac k and reach the birth of our movement, and then catch up the spirit that then burned in the hearts of our 'inters a? they prayed and went forth to Victory ! - Yours for service, ALICE L. MOWLEM. Address for month Care Mr L. G. Grace. Haw era.