SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 8, 1 September 1947, Page 2

SPECIAL REPORTS

SPECIAL REPORTS Miss McLay at Dannevirke The \ isit of Miss C. M. McLay to I Tannevirke was productive of much good. She put in full time visiting hopeful members and sympathisers and gained us six new members. Sunday, at 10 a.m., she addressed the elder Bible Class members at K.iox Church. At 11.15, the Rev. Mr. Skuse, of the Methodist Church gave her 15 minutes of his time to address Youth in the service. In the evening, Miss McLav gave a very interesting and instructive address in the Salvation Army Hall on “Woman’s IMace in the Fight against the Evils of Life,’’ with special reference to the Drink Traffic. On Monday afternoon, Mrs. Paviour Smith very kindly opened her home to us, and 20 ladies were very delighted to listen to Miss McLay as she unfolded to us the story of how the W.C.T.U. came into being. Miss Burlace sang a solo. Mrs. Skuse returned thanks, and Captain Mounsev prayed. On the Tuesday afternoon the Methodist Missionary Union invited Miss McLay to give a short tall: to their members. This being “Mothers’ Day,” afforded « good opportunity of sowing seeds for wise motherhood. In the evening. Miss McLean, who. was hostess to our visitor for two days, made contact with our Maori friends and they were kind enough to make available two periods in their for Miss McLay to give them an outline of her work, and the Union interest in the Maori folk, as shown in the Maori Hostel in Auckland. They gave undivided attention, and are hoping for another visit.

We thank Miss McLay for her visit and pray God’s blessing on all her efforts for our worthy cause, “Home and Humanity.” D. M. CALCOTT. Mrs. Reed at Raetihi Our July meeting was postponed from the 10th to the 15th of July when vve received a visit from Mrs. Reed, of Wellington. * Mrs. Reed brought her own film projector and showed temperance films to members from 2.50 to 3.30 p.m. One hundred of the senior pupils of the school were also invited to attend. They arrived punctually with a teacher in charge and were shown two films, and given afternoon tea in the hour at our disposal. Mrs. Reed, who left for Wellington by Tuesday night’s train, expressed herself as being wellpleased with her visit. W, R. Superintendent Resigns: Woolston Union The Woolston Union expresses deep regret on the resignation of their “W.R.” superintendent, Mrs. Reckingsale, who, for many years, has done this work faithfully and well. Her

failing health has been the cause of her resignation, and her office will be hard to fill. Every month she most faithfully delivered the “W.R.” to 21 subscribers. She is loved by all, and vve do thank her for her untiring work and look forward to her continued attendance at meetings.

Valedictory Social to Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg, North Canterbury District

A pleasant social afternoon \va> tendered to Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg, disetrict vice-president, who is leaving the district to reside in Wellington. Mrs. Clark opened with I’salin 121 and prayer. Apologies were received from Miss McLean Christchurch bianch N.C.W.), and from Mesdames Atcheson, Taylor, Smith, of Spreydon and Woolston Unions. A programme arranged by Mrs. Woodward was much enjoyed; solos and duets by Mesdames P'iler and Weatherhead, and recitations by Mrs. Gee were included.

Mrs. Clark, in presenting our guest with the gift of a handbag and shoulder-spray, spoke in appreciation of her work and willing help at all times Other members voiced their appreciation and wished her Godspeed and every happiness in her new home. Mrs. Grigg suitably replied, saving how happy she had been in all her associations with the members of the North Canterbury district, and regretting her departure. Afternoon tea brought a happy and enjoyable gathering to a clcse. * Mount Albert and Avondale Unions Join Forces

Mount Albert gave Avondale a very warm welcome when they decided to amalgamate with them. From the Avondale members a secretary has been provided, a long-felt want being thus supplied. Lately a visit was paid by the Mt. Albert Union to Astley House, a Methodist Home for elderly women. The function was so successful that they were invited to coine again, which they intend to do before Christmas. The afternoon was spent in a programme of songs, recitations and an address by the president of our Union, .virs. Alountjov. Afternoon tea was provided by the visitors. All agreed that a pleasant and profitable time had been spent. Members attended the annual meeting of the Council of Temperance Education, when they listened to an account from Miss C. M. McLay, of her work in the Rotorua district.

Social Afternoon: Onehunaa Union On July 10th, the monthly meeting of the Onehunga Union was held, hut took a special form, invitations having been sent to all the local Women’s Guilds to he present. Bad weather lessened the attendance A message of sympathy was sent to Miss Caughlev, whose sister had recently passed away. Most ousiness was held over for next meeting. Mrs. Wanhill and Miss Gor-

don contributed solos, and recitations were given by Mrs. Cullen. The speaker was Mr. Falkner, his subject being “Citizenship,” and in his usual forceful manner, he carried his audience with him. Making feeling reference to the influence on his life of his mother, whose training had left an indelible impression on his mind and heart, Mr. Falkner said that he had never been able to do things of which she would have disapproved. He asked the question whether, in view of the selfishness and irresponsibility so rife in the world, ve can really say that the British people are a righteous nation. The effects of drink in connection with dances was recognised by the Government. The need for constant discouragement of social drinking was spoken of convincingly, and Sir Cyril Newall’s example in regard to toast-drinking in coffee, Lord Montgomery’s total abstinence, also were mentioned.

Home Meeting Onehunga also held a special Home meeting at the residence of Mrs. F'ordyce on July 24th. Choruses and a short Devotional period were followed by recitations given in her usual charming manner by Mrs. Hatten; and an address by Miss Grigg, who spoke on her recent trip to Australia, describing the places she visited. A very pleasant afternoon was spent, everyone feeling it had been well worth whole.

Social Afternoon: Devonporf Union

A special social afternoon was held by Davenport Union in July, North Shore Unions, Takapuna, Northcote and Birkenhead, also local organisations, including the Methodist Ladies’ Guild, Presbyterian Missionary Union, Home League, having been invited to he present. Other visitors were Miss Gibbs and Mrs. Paisley, of Dunedin and Invercargill Unions about 50 ladies being present. The hymn, “All Round the World,” was sung very heartily, followed by prayer, after which the president welcomed all-comers.

Mrs. Mountjoy, District President, addressed the gathering, explaining the aims and objects of the W.C.T.U. Solos were sung by Mesdames Mamahon and Wanhill and recitations were given by Mesdames Hatton and Blake. Miss Weigall gave a Temperance talk, and afternoon tea and Benediction brought the afternoon to a dose.