PRESIDENT'S LETTER.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 255, 18 September 1916, Page 14

PRESIDENT'S LETTER.

54, Canongate, Sept. 4. My Dear Comrades, — I want to remind you that there are now two Banners to be competed for by our Unions this year. The first is presented by the New Zealand Union for the largest percentage increase of members gained in the twelve months. It has already passed through three or four Unions, and is familiar to all who have attended our Conventions these last few years. The second is donated by a friend, and was painted by Mrs Driver, ex-President of Dunedin Union. It is to be presented to the Union that gains the largest actual increase in members during the year. I have just had the pleasure of seeing it, and could wish it were possible to put a picture of it in the “White Ribbon,” as an incentive to a “One Win One” Campaign, for I believe every Union would like to possess either one of these lovely banners. Now that the work in connection with the 6 o’clock petitions has ceased, and the lists for patriotic collet ‘ion closed, there is time for all to make an effort to get at least one new member. If each White Ribboner cov.ld gain another by next Convention, it would make our membership six thousand six hundred and sixty-six. Can you realise what an effect such an organisation would have on the mcmb *rs of Parliament when we are seeking legislation in our favour? And what a strength and influence we would be in the Dominion? Think of it, dear comrades, and then all get to work to increase our membership. I imagine I hear many of you saving, “But the jam season is coming, spring cleaning has alteady begun, and the holidays are before us.” Being a woman, 1 know all about it; but I know also that “Where there’s a will

there’s a way,” and if we set out in the strength of the Lord to organise our own sex, it will give oui work an impetus, and help to prepare us for the great fight against the Traffic that is coming at the close of the war, when we hope to vote “dry” at the ballot box. May I urge e.very Union to immediate decision, To'hold draw-ing-room, home, or any Sort of meetings, to personally canvass, or by any means try to double their membership and win either of the banners. Let us get busy, and keep at it. With loving greetings from, Yours in the work, RACHEL DON, Dorn. President.