IN THE FIELD.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 281, 18 November 1918, Page 15

IN THE FIELD.

On October 10th I visited the Marton Union, and we had a chat over the work, when the annual meeting was arranged for. It was decided to ask the “V's” to co-operate in an effort to raise money for the hutment. It was refreshing to hear of the activity of these young people. The branches at Taihape and Taoroa were organised in June last, and as it was desirable they should be re-visitrd, meetings were duly arranged. Owing to a misunderstanding, which I greatly regret, that at the latter place was cancelled. The dauntless three who joined the same month at Pukeokahu, having decided that it was impossible to run a separate Branch, have united with Taoroa, and although the distance is considerable and the difficulties many, they will doubtless manage to attend occasionally. We had a small meeting at Taihape on the Tuesday, and on Friday night T addressed th* Band of Hope. This is a very flourishing insfitution, but on this occasion the attendance was small. Influenza is no a ssistance to our work. A liOle visiting had been

done in Bunnythorpe, and on Saturday 1 returned thither. The township boasts only two churches—Anglican and Methodist and Mr H. Dixon, who took the Sunday morning service at the latter, kindly suggested that I should, in place of the sermon, set forth the claims of our work. This gave me a fine opportunity, and at the (lose several expressed their appreciation of the insight thus gained, as well as their surprise at the wide area covered by our activities. On the Wednesday a Branch was organised, officers being elected as follow': Pres., Mrs Brookie; Sec., Mrs Dixon; Treas., Mrs Malmo; “W.R.” Agent, Mrs Scheidt; “W.R.” Correspondent, Miss Morris. Membership, 19. 1 in* last two days’ campaign was carried on under very adverse weather conditions rain, hail, and a gale of wind, which resulted in a severe chest cold, confining me to bed for almost a week. The s°cond meeting arranged for Bunnythorpe, and the American suo|>er at Feil ling, had regretfully to be abandoned, but neither suffered in the capable hands of our chief Vice-President. I hoped to have concluded my work as organiser by visiting Woodville once more, but that also is out of the question. It is over twenty 0m 1 years since I organised my first branch, and close on fifteen years since I took the position of paid Organiser, which I now resign, having been appointed Principal of the Presbyterian School for Maori Oirls at Turakina, North Wanganui. I rv°ed hardly say that my interest in the W.C.T.U. will remain unabated, and I shall hope still to do good work for the Union. The kindnesses I have received from comrades all over the Dominion will always furnish pleasant memories, and 1 hope still to keen in touch with the life-long friends I have made.—Still yours n the work. MARY S. POWELL, Palmerston N., October 26, 1918.