FIRST DOMINION OFFICER

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 2, 1 March 1946, Page 1

FIRST DOMINION OFFICER

Probably some of you will receive your copy of this issue actually at Comention, if you are able to attend. Some may have had it in time to bring it with them. The retirement from this office of our beloved president of the past Heven years makes the choice of a new president necessary. This choice is in the hands of the members of our unions. They should all send their delegates, with power to \ote for them, having found out the wishes of the majority. It is to be hoped that they will all exercise their privilege. It is a comfort to know that both of the ladies nominated are experienced, ardent, able and highly esteemed throughout the Dominion in their own district and local unions. Either of them will have the most loyal support and gratitude of our members everywhere; for it is realised that much courage, much love, and much devotion to our great cause are demanded of those who stand in this high place at the call of their fellow-members. We know that the hand of God will direct and guide, and that both ladies accept the possibility of election, or nonelection, in the true spirit of democratic belief that the will of the majority is the only rule by w'hich our officers can be chosen. We earnestly pray that all delegates will understand the importance of their vote, not only

in this matter, but regarding the many things on which a decision will have to be made. Those unrepresented unions can pray for the presence of God in all the meetings of the Convention, and their thoughts will be felt. In Mrs. Hiett we have had a president of most unusual gifts. In every way she was suited to the position.

Her natural dignity and presence are such as to inspire the utmost respect and confidence. Tact and gentleness combined with firm handling of difficult situations, which are not always avoidable, have characterised her chairmanship. Her deep spirituality has pervaded the atmosphere and has been a very profound influence at each Convention, and we all owe her sincere thanks for this. In her impassioned utterances on the occasions when public functions have required her to speak about ' • chosen work, and in her presidential addresses at Convention, we have been proud of and thankful for her. Splendidly she has represented us on these occasions, and her words have been eagerly awaited. Hei fearless denunciation of

evil custom, her inspired and inspiring challenge to the powers of darknes> have never failed. Her retirement will not erase them from our memories. Those who have heard her voice and <eeti her face illumined with the intensity of her convictions, will never forget. Through yet another avenue her influence has been deeply felt. Who, reading her monthly message in our paper, could fail to be helped? It ha.' been as though a strong hand bad reached out from the darkness and lifted us to new planes of devotion and faith in our declared aims. How great this help has been, would be difficult to compute. In a day when we have had to face the defection of many whom we had hitherto regarded as staunch supporters of our platform, we have had very special need for just the kind of message which has corre to us unfailingly each month. God bless her! God keep her! And may He give her opportunity ip His own way, for the exercise of her secrated powers through the channel of the W.C.T.U. in the days yet to be.