The White Ribbon. "For God, and Home, and Humanity" WELLINGTON, APRIL 1, 1948 N.Z. W.C.T.U. 1948 CONVENTION “WHITE RIBBON" EDITORS REPORT, 1947-1948

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 3, 1 April 1948, Page 4

The White Ribbon. " For God, and Home, and Humanity" WELLINGTON, APRIL 1, 1948 N.Z. W.C.T.U. 1948 CONVENTION “WHITE RIBBON" EDITORS REPORT, 1947-1948

It is with much pleasure that I present the editorial report for the past year. After three years of work on the paper I can sincerely say that I have enjoyed that of the past year more than the preceding ones, probably because of having learned much more about it through experience. A certain degree of orderliness in the arrangement of material has been achieved, which is all to the good. It has been my aim to make the paper as useful as possible to the Unions by supplying information suitable for special days and periods. It is unfortunate that sometimes the issue has been too late to be of service in this regard to Unions meeting early in the month. 1 have to arrange for two months sometimes, but not always, time and strength not always being sufficient for this. By keeping one page regularly for certain subjects, I have sought to make it easy for any Union officer to make full use of what is there for her. Reporting. —My very sincere thank-, are due to the Union reporters who have so regularly sent in their reports. In order to economise in the matter of space, the system of printing twomonthly instead of monthly reports for

each Union has been very helpful. Some reporters have been perturbed because their reports have not appeared in the month they expected, but they will all appear in due course. The news will be just as interesting as though it came out earlier, and it makes a real difference to our business manager if we can save this space on the particular page given to the reports.

1 am sorry to have to refer to the mistake made in quite a number of instances in reporting annual Meetings. Reports on the year's work are often sent along, it is quite out of the question for these to be printed. If all Unions sent this along at least twice the number of pages would need to be used. It should be realised that the work of the Unions is reported monthly, and does not need to come again to the paper at the end of the year. The names of officers elected should be included, but please, not those of superintendents. Space is the trouble once again. It should also* be remembered that if an address has been given containing something of really unusual interest and value to our readers, it must not be put into the ordinary monthly report. A little “Special” report should be given, o* a “High Light” made of the most outstanding parts.

It should not be necessary for any reporter to say that the Minutes were read, or that the Pledge was repeated, or that afternoon tea was served. These things are “routine,” and have no value or importance as “news.” Union reporters should be told of this.

I have to thank several members for sending articles of real use. These are most welcome. Departmental Superintendents do not make as much use of our columns as they might. At least ore paragraph or article should come from every Superintendent, telling, once in the year, something of how her work is going, something she is doing to further it, or suggesting some line for Unions to follow. Such contributions as these are most helpful, and will be very gladly welcomed. I am glad to say that very few Unions now make the mistake of sending advertisement matter to me instead of to Mrs. Grigg, our Business Manager. The Money s»de of the "W R.” be ongs to the Business side. 1 am no business woman, to my shame be it confessed, and so I am grateful for being spared everything pertaining to that part of our work.

The “BEACON" still rather weighs on my spirits. The almost entire lack of response from those for whom it is prepared and published is depressing, and it is difficult to keep up any real feeling that it is doing a job that is ‘ worth while either for the “Y” members themselves or for our work in general. It may be advisable to make some change in regard to tinpart of our publication. To the Dominion President, the Youth Director, and to the Past Presidentwho have responded to Mr. Chambers's request for an article during the year. I wish to express my ven* warm appreciation. They have been most helpful. It is not possible for me to know what value the “Beacon” lias for our young people unless they themselves take some part in it. and make some effort to establish contact with the Editor about their work. Nothing would be more gladly done than this part of the paper if it could be felt that it was of any use to anyone.

The “Y.P” Supplement continues to he used quite extensively. The “Rechabites’ Corner” supplied by Mr. Carpenter, District Secretarv for Canterbury, is helpful, and ensures a larger sale for the sheet. Children might be encouraged to send in little bits of news or letters for it. Other children enjoy reading them. I have to apologise for the late arrival of last year’s prizes for the painting competition. This was due to a misunderstanding, and was rectified, this year prizes going out very quickly after the awards were made by Miss Mkinson. We owe Miss Atkinsor sincere thc\ks for judging the children’s efforts. The “Animal” serieseem to have >een popular. *To our I usineSs Manager, Mrs. 1 irigg, I cannot adequately express my gratitude. Her help during the year has been splendid. In addition to her most exacting duties she has gone to the printers each month to make suggestions and alterations regarding the “set-up” of the paper. This has been done with her usual efficiency, and lias made my work easier.

Our printers, Messrs. Wright ami Carman, have done their best for us, as in past years. Staff shortages make their work difficult, and the delay m the issues appears to be unavoidable. I have to thank them for their courtesy and patient endeavour to please us at all times, and for the -good work they have turned out for us-