“JOURNEYING MERCIES”

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 6, 1 July 1947, Page 3

“JOURNEYING MERCIES”

A Letter from Mrs. Mackie Canterbury Hotel, San Francisco, May 28th, 1947. Dear Mrs. Christian, — Just a line to say we had a most interesting and educational trip. But, *>h dear, the Customs Deparltnent nearly drove us silly. The time it took to go through our papers each time we landed anywhere. The first island was quite all right, but to arrive at Canton Island at midnight was too much for me. The natives entc r tained us to supner, and cold fruit drinks such as pineapple, orange, etc. It was refreshing, as the temperature was 100 degrees. Our next stop was Honolulu. A*e have four hours there. It was so interesting, although hot as usual. I’earl Harbour interested me very much; also the Hawaiian women and

children. They were garlanded with beautiful flowers. This is the custom, 1 believe, when relatives are going on holiday. Even the wee children wore the flowers. These children are very pretty and particularly dean. Here again we had great fun with the Customs officials. They said: “You women are always doing something. So you are oil the drink question again!' My reply was, “Yes; and I am delighted to see in all your dining rooms, written up in large letters, ‘No liquor sold in our dining rooms ’ ’ “Yes,” he said, “it would not do to have liquor when we need efficient service from our men." The Clipper trip was most tiring. W e could not sleep in a sitting jiosition, but the stewards and stewardesses were kindness itself. The meals were simply perfect, and the marvellous way the Americans have of serving them is great. The Clipper was full of passengers. Mrs. Kasper and myself Invoked in at the Hotel Canterbury. It is a marvellous place to he sure, and you can just imamne bow we enjoyed our first bath since last Tuesday. After breakfast, we went to our room and slept tor two and a-half hours. The paper man came to our door for a “write-up” on the trip, but the proprietor said, “They are very tired and are renting.” I heard a loud “What ?”

The dollars and cents “get me”; and 1 am trying to get them in their right value. San Francisco is beautiful, also Honolulu. We leave by plane tomorrow morning for Philadelphia —an all-day trip— arriving at New Jersey in time to have two days’ rest before Convention. I am glad I came; but feel verv tired. The plane trip takes it out of one. Mrs. Kasper joins with me in love to all our dear ones in New Zealand. Yours in the work, ETHEL M. MACK lE.