IN THE FIELD.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 256, 18 October 1916, Page 11

IN THE FIELD.

On September 7th I attended the ordinary meeting of the Hamilton District Union, and the following evening addressed the Band of Hope. Temperance workers there have inaugurated a fine scheme for covering the town and suburbs with work for the children. Next day 1 returned to Te Kuiti, being entertained by the President of the new branch at the Presbyterian manse. A few days were spent in working up a meeting for 13th, immediately after which 1 succumbed to an attack of influenza microbe, being laid up for several days, and most kindly nursed by Mrs Wilton. The Hamilton friends were very anxious to see our work re-established in Te Aroha, and several days were spent there. Mrs Dukes, at the Methodist Parsonage, kindly gave me hospitality, and 1 spent the week-end with Mr and Mrs Jesse Clothier, with whom 1 had worked in Kaiapoi for the elections of 899 and 1902. Very pleasant it was to go over old times together and “fight our battles o’er again.” The time was not propitious for organising, so 1 contented myself in the meantime with introducing our work by means of the “White Ribbon.” Te Aroha possesses a very fine Band of Hope, which seems to be run by Misses Morrison and Clothier; also a Young Peoples’ Patriotic League, consisting mostly of girls, as young men are scarce, and just now they are working hard for a Red Cross Sale, which is to come off next month. The sewing is enlivened by a few entertaining items, and the supper is given by four girls each evening. On the night when I visited them the attendance numbered about fifty. On September Oth 1 had visited Ngaruawahia monthly meeting, and had a business talk with the friends. We then arranged -by way of raising funds that the next meeting should take the form of an “American Tea.” So on 25th 1 returned to work this up, being on both occasions hospitised by the bright young Secretary, Mrs Densem. An attempt at a meeting at Te Kowhai was made, but only four ladies turned up. Some “White Ribbon” subscribers were secured, and we were entertained at tea at the house of a son of our valiant coworker, the late Mr R. French, of ~nd.

Another country meeting, held at the house of Mrs Hood, turned out much better, in spite of very stormy weather, several ladies braving the elements, and one joining. The next day Mrs Hood drove me out, and some “Whiie Ribbon” subscribers were secured. On Tuesday, October 3rd, the much-talked-of “American Tea” was held at the house of Mrs Kendall, and proved a great success. There was a fine attendance, and the various expedients resorted to by the members to earn their shilling created considerable amusement. Some had earned more than the minimum, and the result wa-> a good sum to clear off their indebtedness to the Oiganising Fund. MARY S. POWELL, Dominion Organiser. Miss Powell’s address: Until October 31, c/o Mrs J. M. Jones, Claudelands, Hamilton; after that date, c,o Miss \ T . Dewar, Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, Auckland.