PRESIDENT’S LETTER.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 259, 18 January 1917, Page 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER.

Dunedin, January 3, 1917. My Dear Sisters, — Because of the sadness due to the war, one feels almost ashamed to be happy, yet I am going to wish you all a Happy New Year. Many are mourning the loss of brave sons, some who have given their lives for their country; some have sons in the hospitals, in the trenches, and in the camps, and as women best und. rstar.d all that these things mean to a mother’s heart, we cannot get away from the gloomy war shadow. And then we are disappointed because, in spite of our great effort to get the liquor traffic restricted, we seemed to make no progress, and according* to figures, drunkenness is on the increase throughout New Zclaand. And yet, in spite of all, once more I say to every sister “A Happy New Year.” Someone has said “Happiness is a great love and much serving.” We do not know what 1917 has in store for us, neither do we know for what God is preparing us in His school, for what work on earth or in Heaven, our business is to do our work well in the present place, whatever that may be, and in the doing of it we shall be blessed. From all round the world news has come, and is still coming, of the restriction and annihilation of the Liquor Traffic, and we never know the hour when the tide will turn in New Zealand, and the opportunity come for the last fight that will free us from the enemy, and see our White Ribbon mast high over Prohibition territory. In the meantime, trusting in God, let us go forward with a patient, dauntless effort, with a good courage, and love in harmony, with * i' *

the unconquerable love of God. \ hope every I’nion will make an effort to send a delegate to Convention. Will those who cannot go pray specially for the gathering in Auckland, that wise plans may be made for future effort, that all present may be inspired and enthused, and that from the Northern City there may go through the Dominion fresh impetus and increased determination to keep at it till we lejoice in victory, and thus win for ourselves and others in every sense of the word “A Happy New Year.” —With loving greetings, yours in the work, RACHEL DON, Dorn. Pres.