AMONG THE DEPARTMENTS

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 4, 1 May 1948, Page 2

AMONG THE DEPARTMENTS

MORE CONVENTION GROUP FINDINGS I— Bible in Schools. Leader, Mrs. Chesswas. 1. In a preliminary suggestion, Mrs. Chesswas thought that every opportunity should be taken to assist in this work. Findings were: 1. Where* such a committee w'orks, Unions should have representatives on Bible in Sclwols Committee. If such a committee functions in the district, a Social Afternoon once a quarter could be held when information on Bible in Schools could be given. 2. Essay Competitions on set subjects could be held in schools for the different standards, with outside judges. These could be written during school hours or at home, so long as the words “This is my ow*n unaided work” are attached. 3. The Nelson system is used in a large number of schools, but the daily “five minutes” is being favoured, teachers and elder scholars taking this. 4. Members of the W.C.T.U. would be useful for the Nelson system. It is necessary to have a convener for each school for this. We suggest a roster where our members would assist when called upon. 5. Members arrange a special prayer time for the Union. ll Sabbath Observance. Leader, Mrs. Chesswas, Findings! 1. That we should so live our own lives as not to be a stumbling-block to others. 2. That we should remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. 3. Church parades are recommended. 4. We realise that the subject is very controversial. In many cases Sunday Schools and Bible Classes meet in the morning, and the rest of the day is free. Organised games are played and championship tournaments are arranged. Refusal to play on Sundays involves real sacrifice for many young people. Efforts should be made to prevent such fixtures. Protests should be lodged with City Councils, etc. Hl— Maori Department. Leader, Miss C M. McLay. Finding*: 1. Maori Unions are interested. One Union member gives Bible lessons in Pa School. 2. Unions could help by sending parcels of clothing and enclosing literature. 3. Unions should tr> to enrol Maori members, encouraging them to form their own Unions later. 4. Send “Y.P.” Supplements and back numbers of “W.R.” 5. Hold home meetings in Pas. using literature.

6. Contact missionaries and work with them and through them send literature. Held clothes sales. Give talks on our work, IV— Home Meeting*. Leader, Miss McLay. Suggestion*: Appoint a Superintendent. Hold meetings in the homes of sick or shut-in women. Have prayer and a talk on our w'ork. Hold meetings in different parts of the district. Enrol members and secure Cradle Roll names. V— Notable Day*. 1. Appoint Superintendent. Observation of the “Days” increases interest in Union work. 2. Prepare well ahead. Use papers, Education Bureau and Dominion Library books, such as “Frances Willard,” “T. E. Taylor,” “Crusade.” “One of Australia’s Daughters,” etc See notice below. Vl Legal and Parliamentary Department. Following on the greatly regretted resignation of Miss Henderson from the Legal and Parliamentary Superintendency, Convention appointed as her successor, Mrs. Chesswas, of Aramoho, to whom -enquiries and information relative to her work should be sent in future. VII— Peace Department. Leader, Mrs. Mackie. Finding*; 1. Bibles, not bombs for tomorrow’s woiid. This is a challenge Christians cannot ignore. We have spent billions on bombs; by spending a few millions on Bibles we may ensure Peace undergirded and fortified bv the Christian Gospel. 2. It is suggested that a polyglot petition for Peace be started, urging the need of the wo r ld for freedom from future wars 3. Make plans for constructive work and keep “World Brotherhood” ever before us. 4. Whenever and wherever possible seek for speakers who have a complete understanding of International Relations during our Peace month, which the United Nations Assembly has asked for the month of June. 5. Have sympathetic articles printed in our Official Organ. 6. Every woman be urged to organise, agitate, educate and pray for Peace to be established on earth. Otic of the first lessons taught us by the years of Peace is that Peace based on International Justice cannot be achieved by statesmen without convinced and unanimous opinjon. 7. Each Union should have a Peace Library keeping up-to-date books on Peace, and all International affairs, with a Peace Superintendent in every Union.

8. This Department has worked in close co-operation with UNESCO and UNRRA. We should press for reduction in armaments by International agreement. 9. Parents should work for Peace by encouraging exchange of stamps, penfriends, etc. 10. There should be a closer scrutiny of films depicting war scenes which do not co.iduce to thoughts of Peace. VIII —Work Among Seamen. 1. It is suggested that soldiers, sailors and airmen be invited to our homes in ports of call and taken to Church Services when possible. Temperance work to be done also. 2. Help with knitted goods, “ditty” bags, etc., is always needed 3. Send suitable reading matter always removing any liquor advertisements first.