THE BACKWARD LOOK.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 377, 18 December 1926, Page 1

THE BACKWARD LOOK.

Is it wise to look behind? Opinions vary. The Oreat Apostle bids his favourite church “Forgetting tne things that are behind, to press forward.” The ;*ot t sings: “Forward Ik* our watchword. Seek the things before us, Not a look behind.” Though it may be unwise to look behind into the shadows of our past failures, and let them discourage us, still a vise general, after a campaign, carefully estimates his losses, looks for the reason for his failures, and turns his fare to the future with a knowledge Rained from the past which will make victory in the future more certain. our Dominion Union can look back and record a year of steady progress. Our District Unions have functioned more fully this year, District Conventions have been inspiring and helpful, and District Executives have helped to keep District officers in touch with smaller Unions, and to give help and encouragement to their local ofTkers. Along these lines future success lies. Inst riot officers in close touch with Dominion officers, so that all plans formed h> Dorn inion Executive can be passed on to them, they in their turn being responsible for educative work in every local Union. We have often wondered whether our members fully appreciate the selfsacrificing labours of our Organisers. This year we have been very’ fortunate in having Miss Bradshaw’ and Miss MeLay at w'ork since Convention, and for the last four months Miss Burls has

been working in the Nelson and Marlborough districts breaking much new ground and forming new Unions at Ngatimoti, Takaka, Collingwood. Kuikoura, and Havelock. Miss McLay, after ft good deal of time spent in Waikato District, lately visited Opotiki and Bay of Plenty Districts. Owing to the homesteads being so scattered, it was not possible to organise Branches and arrange regular meetings.

But l>oth at Taneatua and Whakatane “White Ribbon” Agents were appointed, 22 new subscribers gained, and old sub script ions renewed. Mrs Keith, Goulstone Road, is Whakatane, and Mrs F. Yeomans Taneatua agem. One most encouraging feature of the work this year has been the large number of subscriptions renewed in these scattered districts. Miss Bradshaw’, l>oth in Wairarapa and Manawatu Districts, visited all subscribers, and only

three failed to renew. This work should go on increasing in scattered places. Where women cannot be got together for educative meetings our paper keeps them in touch with all our many activities. The following letter from the Wellington District President will be of interest to all, and the photos of organising party and President’s car were taken by Mrs Peppered and kindly sent on to us:— Dear White Ribboners,— Towards the end of October we were fortunate enough to have a visit from one of our Dominion Organisers. Miss Bradshaw’. Miss Bradshaw spent a week or more with the Carterton Union, when I was privileged to drive her, the President, Mrs Every, and Mrs l’epperill to Longbush to a meeting in the schoolroom. After our Organiser had ably explained the aims and objects of the W.C.T.U., we were entertained with u very dainty afternoon tea, provided by the Longbush ladies. Several present became meml>ers of our Union, and others subscribers to the “White Rib bon.” The following Tuesday Miss Bradshaw came to Greytown and addressed the members at our usual monthly meeting, and remained with us until the District Executive meeting at Carterton on November 3rd and 4th. She also gave the address at a very pleasant home meeting held at Miss Haigh's. Seven new “White Riblfon” subscribers and several new members w’ere gained for the local Union as a result of her visit. Miss Bradshaw was the guest of Mrs H. Morrison. “Glenmorven,” and while

here Miss Morrison motored her arounu Morrisons Bush, thus enabling Miss Bradshaw to get in touch with people whom it would have been impossible t»* reach otherwise. As the Feat h erst on Union has disbanded, Miss Bradshaw and 1 spent several days amongst the members and “White Ribbon' subscribers. We found a number of staunch supporters of the Prohibition cause, who were pleased to take our paper. Her visit to this part of the district has been very stimulating to the work of the W.C.T.U. Miss Bradshaw was interested to note that after having been out all day we had travelled thirty miles on three quarters of a gallon of benzine, and

remarked that the Organisers could do double the work if provided with cars. After District Executive meeting, Miss Bradshaw's hostess saw her safely on her way to Masterton, en route to Foxton and Manawatu district, where she is no doubt continuing the same good work. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year in the work of the Union. —Yours sincerely. A. OATES.

Briefly, what lessons can this past year teach us? The need of our Ik* minion. District and local Unions get ting into yet closer touch with each other; the greater need for individual effort and the personal touch; greater devotion to our Master; more communion VN ith Him; and over and al»ove all. a firm, unwavering faith in the ultimate triumph of Right over Wrong. \Yc wish all our readers Christmas peace and joy and rest. A Merry Christmas to one and all.