IN THE FIELD.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 271, 18 January 1918, Page 3

IN THE FIELD.

In October, igl6, at the request of Mrs Haines, an ex-Normanby member, I organised a branch at Katikati, Hay of Plenty. I confess 1 had some doubts as to how it would fare, for the community is a small and scattered one, the township consisting of the inevitable hotel, one general store, and two or three minor industries, and the Anglican and Presbyterian Churc hes. 1 was recently asked to pay them a second visit, and duly arrived on November sth, being, as heretofore, most kindly entertained bv Mr and Mrs Haines. I found an increased membership, and a plan of campaign made out, and bristling with activities for every day of my stay. A home meeting was held at Mrs Hume’s residence, and on the Saturday, having previously addressed the children of the public schools on the subject, I organised a Hand of Hope. The following day was Temperance Sunday, and, by the request of the Presbyterian Home Missionary, 1 gave an address at the evening service. Milking being in full swing, teas and evening meetings are out of the question, and many persons would have said nothing could be done* with the girls at present, but our Katikati members arc made of different stuff, and they decided to invite the young ladies to a luncheon in the Public Hall. Some of the mothers attended also, and we organised a promising V branch, with thirteen members for a start. On Tuesday Mrs Baines and I walked over to the neighbouring pah, and talked to the five Maori mothers at present residing there, but as they speak very little English, little could be done until cards and literature are procured from Mrs Walker. My campaign in the district closed on Wednesday with a meeting of the I'nion, when we discussed organisation, and two or three appointments to office were made. The weather throughout was perfect, in marked contrast to that during my last visit, when every day was wet, and on three consecutive days it rained without intermission. The next move was to Hamilton East, where 1 organised a branch in February last, and here I was at home in the Methodist Parsonage, with Rev. and Mrs McArthur. A few days were spent in working up the

annual meeting, which took place on November 20th. The attendance was small, on account of this being the first day of the Show, but the little Branch, though handicapped by the very wet weather and multiplicity of other meetings, has done well. 1 had promised Feilding a further visit, but as their filial meeting had to take place before the usual tim?, all I could do for them was to help the Treasurer in gathering in the fees while staying a few days w ith my old friend and comrade, Mrs J. C. Thompson. I went over to Woodvill* from there, spent a night with Mrs Perkins, and assisted at the annual meeting, also at those of Petone and Wellington District, and the December meeting of Wellington Central. M. S. POWELL, Dominion Organiser. Address: Miss M. S. Powell, Isca Mt., St. Clair, Dunedin.