AMONG THE DEPARTMENTS

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 5, 1 June 1946, Page 2

AMONG THE DEPARTMENTS

LITERATURE DEPARTMENT Dominion Superintendent: Mrs. Rost With the General Election and Licensing Poll drawing nearer very quickly, it is wise for all Unions to supply themselves with stocks of literature. A new set of leaflets is in process of production anti should he ready almost immediately. Every member should make a practice of distributing regularly. The methods are manifold, in letters; along with circulars; in letter boxes; distributed by hand from door to door; at Church meetings; and by “Householder” mail, now happily restored, these informative and challenging messages may be sent out to do their particular work. The knowledge that many of them will not be of much value keeps some people from using them; but if even one person is influenced to vote for the Abolition of the Liquor Traffic, a work well worth while has been accomplished.

We especially urge this form of service on the many of our members who feel that they have no special talents, or who have little time to spare. It does not make a great call on anyone to put a leaflet into circulation in some way. Very often, the sight of the printed word makes a sudden, sharp impression on the mind of a reader who does not take much trouble about his opinions really, and brings some aspect of the great Liquor question into prominence in his mind almost without his being aware of it.

It i*. like “Casting our bread upon the waters.” We do not always know where it goes; but we do know that God can make use of the smallest effort to bring in the Kingdom of Righteousness. Let our effort go to swell the whole amount. Send to Headquarters for samples of leaflets.

SAILORS’ RESTS At this time of year comfort bags, with such contents as mittens, scarves, handkerchiefs, soap, writing paper, pencils, etc., are particularly acceptable. The New Plymouth “Rest” has been making an appeal through the I )istrict Executive for help in this very practical work. Ditty bags should he about twelve inches square; and have two drawstrings. They are greatly \ allied by the recipients.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT New Members Masterton Spreydon .. 1 Riccarton * —2 Woolston Total 11 C. TOOMER, Corresponding Secretary.

SPECIAL REPORTS MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MISS McCALLUM (Invercargill South) A memorial service to the late greatly beloved Miss McCallum, whose death on January 16th caused much sorrow to all who knew her, was held recently in Invercargill. The unveiling of a plaque was a very touching ceremony, expressive of deep feeling, as was testified by the large number of friends present. Miss McCallum was a very va.ued and faithful worker in all Church and missionary work, and this was shown in the beautiful eulogy given by the Right Reverend Mr. Howes to her name. Mrs. McKenzie, an old friend of the McCallum family, unveiled the tablet; and Miss Murray, a missionary from Egypt, also spoke in memory of Miss McCallum and her work. We thank God for her rich life, and the privilege of knowing her. It can he truly said of her that she spent her life “For God, Home, and Humanity.”

CRADLE ROLL PARTY ( Johnsonville) A very enjoyable party was held at the house of Mrs. Davis on March 23rd. Fifteen C.R. children present, with four Hand of Hope girls to assist; fifteen mothers and several W.C.T.U. members also present. Mrs. Reed, Secretary of Wellington Central Union, and Miss Appleby, addressed the mothers. The Hand of Hope girls, assisted by some of the Cradle Roll children, gave a short concert.

MOTHERS’ DAY GATHERING (Auckland District) On Sunday, May 12th, the Auckland District Executive held a special “Mothers’ Day” gathering in the Hitt Street Bi-Centenary Hall. The District President, Mrs. T. VV. Long, presided over a good attendance of members and friends. The meeting opened with the singing of one verse of the National Anthem; after whi h the 13th chapter of Ist Corinthians was recited by Mollie, from the Cleveland Road Hostel A good programme of music was presented, among those contributing items being two Samoan girls from the Hostel, and the boy soprano, Maurice Turley, and also Mrs. MacMahon. The speaker was Miss 1.. H. Jenkins, the wife of the new Brin cipal of the Baptist College in Auckland. At the close of the meeting the District Vice-president, Mrs. F. W. Mount joy, thanked the speaker and the artists on behalf of the Executive.

OUR WHITE RIBBON BOW Wear It And Greet It During a holiday trip last summer, which included a visit to Wellington Christchurch and Dunedin, I saw only two White Bows. One was worn by a Dominion officer, and the other by a Maori member from the West Coast I was so glad to see them. Where are your bows? They are easily lost, and the enamel ones cannot be replaced at present; but why not wear a small white silk ribbon bow? That was the original badge, and it became very popular Narrow white bebe ribbon can now be obtained, and it looks very nice, being also easily renewed We must encourage each other in our work; and the bow is a fine method of introduction. A few weeks ago in a busy Auckland street my eye lighted on a W R. bow in a motor car standing outside a shop door, I greeted the wearer; we recognised each other; had a little chat; and I went on m\ way gladdened by the greeting So DO wear your White Riblion Bow. C. M. McLAY.

FOOD FOR BRITAIN The Inter-Church Conference discussed the reduction of brewing to save grain during the time of need, and sent to the Cabinet a proposal that the experiment be made for a proposed time. This was refused as beine “impracticable/* Since then news has been cabled tha f Britain has reduced brewing by 25 per cent., bringing present barrellage to 90 per cent, of pre-war amount. The U S A. has also made a good reduction Both of these are definitely stated to he made to save grain for food as this is so urgently needed. As'■Great Britain and U.S.A. are doing this, why is it “impracticable” (Mr. Fraser’s word) in New Zealand? What does your local M.P. think of this? KATHERINE MERCER

WHERE SUGAR WENT “Since the war began, 4,200,000 tonof grain have gone to the breweriesand 11.008,000,000 lbs. of sugar. If at tlie outbreak of war >he manufacture of beer had been restricted to 50 per cent., there would have been a store of 2,000.000 tons of grain and 250,000 tons of sugar for the feeding of the starving people of Europe.” Quoted from Church of Scotlam' monthly paper, at Karori W.C.T.U meeting, by Mrs. C. Wood.