“OFFICIAL ORGAN”

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 5, 1 June 1946, Page 1

“OFFICIAL ORGAN”

Glibly though an “Official Organ’ may be mentioned, it is doubtful whether all those who make use of the term are fully aware of its many implications. The dictionary has a whole column of material on the word “Organ” with its deri\atives and compounds. It is quite an illuminating diversion to read through it. Among other meanings given arc tiese: “An instrument, or means: that which performs some duty, office, or function: a means of communication between one person or body of persons to another: a medium of conveying certain opinions; specifically, a newspaper.” And, to carry the content of the word on to its derived verb, we find that “to organise" is “to arrange the several parts of for action or work.” hood for thought in all this, undoubtedly. It may be worth while to investigate the position with regard to our “organ”; and to see whether, small and modest though it be, ?t fulfils its "duty, office, or function.”

Every effort is made to secure that power of “communication” between the members of our great movement. For the function to be fully exercised is. however, obviously, an equally shared responsibility between the producers and the readers of our paper. The meal may be prepared, and some effort

towards making it appetising may be made; but if the appetite for it is not keen, if the diner is too busy to feel it incumbent upon her to accept what is offered, then this function cannot possibly be carried out so far as she is concerned. Full responsibility for the preparation of the feast is with one side? but its usefulness is in its value to the individual reader. As to the fare provided, it is good to receive contributions from those who feel that certain matters are worthy of a place on the menu. Thanks are due to many who help in this way.

As "a medium of exchange for certain opinions,” we realise that, for fifty-one years, the “White Ribbon” has sounded a clear note of challenge to all the power* of evil in social, community, and national life in New Zealand. No one would dream of searching its pages for anything which would have effects other than uplifting. Casual readers are in no doubt as to the reason for its existence. No uncertain trumpet note trembles through it; but a definite call to service for God, Home, and Humanity is heard, constantly and urgently. It may be questioned as to whether the duties of the “White Ribbon" can be held to include those of “arranging the several parts” of our organisation “for action or work.” That is, perhaps, to assume an almost dictatorlike position. Each Llnion lias the right to plan and work along the line* best suited to its own circumstances; which means its locality, its numbers, the type of people in the neighbourhood, and various other features of its make-up. Suggestions as to what may be helpful, suitable subjects for study in meetings, fruitful and timely avenues for specialised effort, and carefully prepared plans for efficient performance of the duties arising from the fact of the existence of Unions are all supplied with the one aim of helping to keep interest keen ; and to make the work easy to compass for those many busy officers whose lives are very full of work in home and community. Thai some attempt towards co-ordination of effort should be made through our pages is right; hut it is not expected that all Unions should become identical, and lose their characteristic qualities. Whatever may be the opinion as to the successful functioning of the

“White Ribbon” along the lines herein considered, every W.C.T.U. member owes it at least the duty of reading it, of subscribing to it, and of seeking to extend its sphere of influence. Certain new features are being included in its pages; and it must be noted that its production becomes more expensive thereby. It is hoped that this expense will be justified by results. We make a very earnest appeal for a real campaign for new subscribers. Also, we remind all Unions of the need for generous donations from the collections taken up at June meetings when the “Notable Day” is that of Our Official Organ. THE EDITOR.