(The Editor is not responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents.)

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 288, 18 June 1919, Page 8

(The Editor is not responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents.)

(To the Editor.) Madam, -As a member of the recent Convention, will you allow me to make a protest against the practice of dole gates occupying their time and atten lion with fancy work during the progress of business ? I am aware that the habit was introduced during the war period, when every woman was anxious to fill up ('very spare minute of her time with work for the soldiers, but that is now a thing of the past, and surely when we meet together once a year from all over New Zealand for the purpose of arranging plans of work for (*ot«, Home, and Humanity, we ought to give all our attention to the matter in hand, instead of dividing it between the manipulation of a crochet hook or set of knitting needles and the counting of stitches and measuring <*f inches. Some persons excuse this practice I>\ saving that they can listen better if they are doing something. That, however, is quite a mistaken idea. Fancy work, however simple, requires a certain amount of attention ; it is soothing to the nerves, but is the reverse of sharpening to the wits, and the measure of attention given to it is so much divided from the subject under discussion. Then, surely we are not sent to Convention solelv to listen. It is also our duty to contribute, where possible, to the debates, and as these are always on subjects of great importance, and as the decisions arrived at concerning them consistitute the basis of the work of the Unions all over the Dominion for the coming year, it is of the utmost importance that we should bring to bear upon them all the concentration and application of which we are individual!) capable. Thanking you in anticipation. I am, etc.,

DF.EECATI

(To the Editor.)

Madam, Now that we are all anxious to start work for the coming poll, it might be well if you would ex plain, through the columns of the “White Ribbon,” what a splendid re sul* can be obtained by increasing the circulation of our paper. As it is only half-a-crown a year, it is within the reach of most, and as an cdu< at ing medium cannot be excelled. Convention you told us how mm h easier it is to organise where the “White Ribbon” has been circulated “White Ribbon” agents (and others, of course) have a splendid opportunity of doing active, lasting, and solid work for Prohibition and the other big reforms which we will achieve in

tin* name of C.od and humanity. Perhaps \<>u could give agents a few hints for setting about the work. After the enormous amount of energy you put into your work, it is a great pity to have anv home without a copy. It is not necessary to only ask women. Manx a husband enjoys the paper as much as his wife, and of course the man without a wife may as well he given an opportunity to subscribe. If we arc tactful, even a refusal will be given nicely. Any way, let us tr\ our best for t lk* sake of help it will be t > the next poll. Yours for victory. M. M ARTIN DATE. Hastings, May iX, iqiq.