EN ROUTE WITH THE EDITOR.

White Ribbon, Volume 25, Issue 294, 18 December 1919, Page 6

EN ROUTE WITH THE EDITOR.

On W ednesdax, December 10th, our Editor left Dunedin for Otautau. The run to InvercarKill was pleasant, and as the express is now running, was made in fairly good time. The Southern City was en fete, the oc as ion be ing the A. and I*. Show. As Uu Iram was delayed two hours we had ample time to visit the Show. Miss Seed, President of the V Branch me*, us at the station, and off we went with the crowd to the Show (irounds. The rain was coming down merrily, ami the streets had a fine coating of -.-ti'di. The Invercargill White Uifcboners were there in force, conducting tea anil rest rooms. The Garrison Hall, a very large and roomy building was divided into three parts, at one end was the tea room, one half presided over by the Central Union, and the other b\ the V. Branch. The centre of the hall was occupied with exhibits of ham, bacon and butter; the other end was fitted up as a Rest Room by the .South Invercargill I’nion. Here were couches and chairs for tired mothers, rows of baskets fitted up as cradles, each with a sleeping babe in it. Milk and hot water were supplied, and if a bottle was broken the mother could purchase another. Upon a table was found every requisite for a baby’s toilet. A large frame was filled with sand, and inside it many children wen amusing themselves with buckets and spades. Needles, cotton and pins could be had if wanted to repair damages. Altogether this room was a paradise to the children, and a real comfort and help to the mothers.

The station presented a busy scene from 5 p.m., as train after train was loaded up and despatched. Soon we joined the Nightcaps train, and about 8 p.m. was welcomed on the Otautau platform by Mrs Brown, President of the Union, and conducted to the hospitable home of Mrs Harrington. Thursday was a fine day, the Union held iis annual meeting at 3 P-m. There was a good attendance, and after the business was concluded, our Editor spoke a few words of cheer and

encouragement. A cup of tea and Mxial ( hat closed .1 pleasant afternoon. In the evening a temperance meeting was held in the Town Hall, presided over by Mr Fisher, and ad dressed by the Editor. The boys of the drum and fife band played outside the hall, and were heartily thanked for their fine music. We wish our Otautau sisters a very Happy and Prosperous New Year, and may next year bring us a Dry Dominion.