IN THE FIELD.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 237, 18 March 1915, Page 2

IN THE FIELD.

On Tuesday, February Bth, l travelled to Gore, being kindly entertained by the President. We had a nice little meeting and a talk over plans for the icy 17 poll. Having no engagement for the following day, 1 went to Mataura for a day’s visiting. However, about 11 am., the rain commenced, and after dinner a perfect deluge descended, and there was nothing for it but to sit and wait until four o’clock, when a short pause ensued, during which 1 made with all speed for Mrs Anderson’s quiet home, where 1 was to spend the night. Next day 1 took the early train for Fden* dale, and spent the morning in visiting. Here 1 was the guest of the Secretary, Mrs Niven, who has initiated a new departure by promising .1 prize to the member who brought in the largest number of new members during the year. I had the pleasure of pinning the little white bow on two recruits, who had driven in for several miies. Another was expected, but was prevented doubtless by the wind, which amounted almost to a gale. That lady will be the fourth. (Who will imitate Mrs Niven’s example? If a few more branches adopt this method there will be a close contest for the Dominion membership banner in 1916.) Next morning I was again early at the station, and spent the morning in visiting in Mataura. In the afternoon a really fine audience gathered, very creditable for a branch only eighteen months old. At all these meetings the proposed amendments to the Constitution were discussed, and N.Z. officers nominated.

That night 1 returned to Invercargill, and spent the Saturday afternoon in visiting at the south end. On Monday (15th) I travelled to Otautau, Mrs F. Harrington kindly providing hospitality. The next morning was spent in visiting, and in the afternoon a special meeting was held, when a number of members were piesent and two or three strangers.

Communication with Nightcaps elicited the fact that the Union was dead. Two or three members had striven bravely to prevent this, but failed ; indeed, the conditions ar°. impossible. So at the request of the District Union a meeting was called, and on 17th I went up and formally disbanded it.

Friday, 19th, a nice little company assembled at Bluff for a special meeting, enlivened by the cheerful cup of tea. One new member was initiated. With the exception of Nightcaps, the whole of the Invercargill auxiliaries were found to be in a healthy state.

On Saturday, 20th, a combined Cradle Roll and Union picnic was held in the water-tower grounds at Invercargill. The weather was somewhat bleak, but the little folks had a real good time, which proved somewhat embarrassing to the Organiser when trying to deliver a short address.

All spare time since arrival in Invercargill had been spent in visiting at South Invercargill, and on l ues, day (23rd) a nice little audience gathered in the Parish Hall, and a branch was organised under favourable auspices. Several new members were initiated, and others were transferred from the parent Union, among the latter being Mrs Lee-Cowie, who has thrown in her lot with the youthful Union. Mrs Pasley was elected President. Mrs Robb Secretary, and Mrs Cowley Treasurer. This completed my Southland campaign, during which, although the weather had been often wet and stormy, I had addressed ten meetings, every one of which was favoured with fine weather. On Thursday, 25th, I addressed the Union at N.E. Valley, Dunedin. A fine audience of fine women gathered, who, although handicapped by the unavoidable absence of their President, have made an excellent start for the new year. An inspiring note was struck by Mrs Gray, Vice-Presi-dent, and emphasised in the 15 minutes prayer meeting which followed. This Union meets at 2.45, presumably that the extra quarter of an hour might be spent in devotions, a practice which might well be followed by other branches. After T had given an address upon plans of work, a delegate was elected for Convention and N.Z. officers nominated.

The next day the young Union at Kaikorai Valley was visited. Though small, it has done good work. Upon this occasion the members said a sorsowful farewell to their President, Mrs Pinfold, at whose instigation the Union was organised. The following weeK was spent in visiting at Sawyer’s Bay, where I hope to organise almost immediately. M. S. POWELL, Dom. Organiser. St. Clair, March 8, 1915.