IN THE FIELD.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 240, 18 June 1915, Page 3

IN THE FIELD.

On Wednesday, May sth, 1 travelled tu Rakaia, where 1 spent the night with our staunch supporter, Mrs Boag, and plans were laid lor the campaign. Considerable dithculty bad been experienced in securing accommodation at Methven, but eventually Mrs W. Morgan, noted for her hospitabh kindness, opened her home, though I believe she did not even know my mission. Her house, however, was three and a half miles out, so 1 set off on a tour of investigation. Friends who would have entertained me were already pressed for room, and the only boarding-house was “full up.” However, Mrs J. Anderson, immediately upon learning the difficulty, stepped into the breach. Although she already had a visitor, at very great inconvenience she rearranged her sleeping accommodation, and for several days 1 was her guest. Methven is in the unfortunate position of having only one officer, the Recording Secretary, who, being in business, can only attend a meeting on the Wednesday—an unsuitable day. I spent several days in visit ing, but all my efforts faded to discover others, those who could 01 would have acted being already more than fully occupied. At the meeting on Tuesday seven members were present, and two visitors, who would have joined had things looked more promising. No one would take office, though the two ministers’ wives (Mrs l’owell. Church of Knglatid, and Mrs Aiken, Presbyterian) nobly promised to iiII the chair if Secretary and Treasurer could be found, though both have their hands already quite full. At the same time the members are most unwilling to disband, a motion in that direction finding only one supporter beside the mover and seconder, four voting against it. It was finally decided to hold another meeting, and if by that time no officers have been found the Union must formally dissolve. Put whatever happens, Mrs J. Anderson, the indefatigable “White Ribbon” Agent, is determined to keep the paper circulating. The next day 1 took the early train to Rakaia, where Mrs Pucker kindly extended hospitality, and 1 Lund Mr Tucker knew my old childhood’s home in a little Devonshire village. On

the Thursday I addressed the Girls’ Friendly Society and other women and girls on “Girls and Their Lovers,” and a week later gave an outline of out work at the Mothers Union. 1 found, upon arrival, our membership totalled only four, but a few days’ visiting raised this to thirteen. With Mrs Hoag as President, Mrs Wright (Anglican) and Mrs Todd 1 Presbyterian) as Vice-Presidents, we we were in a fair way for a start.

On Friday 1 describe u P .C.T.U. work and aims to ti.c * Lrtsey Mothers’ Union, leturni ig to .'shburton the same night, and .he following day eye led out to Tinwald, paid several calls, and arranged for work the following week.

During my travels I had acquired a lew mi* robes of he prevailing malady, sc* -pent the Sunday in blanket-land, recovering in time to get to Tinwald for Tuesday evening, where i had ar.anged for a talk with the gills. This, however, proved a frost, as the audience did not arrive, 1 believe in consrquen* «• of insufficient advertising. However, the few who did put in an appearance acquired some information upon W .C.T.I . methods. Mrs Cow was my hostess.

As Rangiora was on my itinerary, I thought it well to attend their regular meeting on May 28, spending a delightful evening in Christchurch cn route, with Miss Roberts and Miss Bishop. Rangiora friends arranged for a visit later on, and Mrs May (President) received me into her kindly family. The next day I took the early train back to Christchurch and Ashburton to conclude the work at Tinwald. However, owing to various reasons, the meeting proved tjo small tor organising purposes, but is good officers are available and a fa’r number of members, I decided to return there later and make another attempt. At Rakaia on Friday, June 4th, a few ladies gathered, Mrs Hoag being in the chair. This Rranch was commenced by Mrs Mowlem in October last, and no meetings have since been held, the only officer it possessed being the President. We elected as Secretary Mrs W. Lee, whom I had known in Invercargill as Miss Ethel Nicholas. The Christchurch friends arranged for a week at Sumner, but owing to the dislocation occasioned rv th* various efforts connected with the

war, it appears unlikely we can make a start just new.

M. S. POWELL

Miss Powell’s address, until further notice will be: C o Miss Henderson, 8.A., 26, Tui Street, Kendaitan, Christchurch

I he above is the pledge of Christ’s Peace Society. Mr Forbes, of Sawyer’s Bay, Dunedin, who formed the Society, will be pleased to receive names and addresses of intending members, and to forward them a card of membership.