“Within the Veil"

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 11, 1 December 1948, Page 3

“Within the Veil"

MRS. FRANCES D. SMITH, GORE UNION On Monday, November Ist, White Ribboners in Southland found it hard to believe that Mrs. Smith, who had, just tluee days before, taken a lead* in** part in the Annual District Convention at Invercargill, had been taken from us by the hand of death. She had passed away in her sleep during Sunday irght. Mrs. Smith had been for many years President of the Gore Union, and was still holding that office. Her greatest work for the Union was in the Cradle Roll Department, of which she was Dominion Superintendent for a number of years. Although handicapped by deafness, she carried 01. in every field of Christian work, beins a faithful member of the Methodist Church. She will be greatly missed by the people of Gore, where she and her late husband (who passed away last year) were held in the highest esteem. “People are going round looking stunned,” was one comment heard in Gore on Monday. Those who heard her speak on Friday will not soon forget her message. MISS AGNES AITKEN PEARSON TIMARU UNION A lifetime of teaching was the service Miy A. A. Pearson gave to South Canterbury, and particularly Timaru. Her death in the middle of October, at the age of 85, will be regretted by many former pupils of Timaru Main School, where Miss Pearson laboured for a large portion of her life. The many telegrams and letters received by her sister are a tribute to the influence Miss Pearson exercised in her quiet, unassuming manner. She also gave long sen ice as a Choir member and Sunday School teacher at Trinity Church, and was a valued member of the W.C.T.U., being Treasurer of the Sailors’ Rest for many years. I MRS. LONGBOTTOM, AUCKLAND UNION A devoted member of long standing in the Auckland Union recently received very suddenly, the “Home Call.” Mrs. Longbottom was of a very quiet, retiring nature, but so true to the Temperance Cause and W.C.T.U. She had reached the age of ninety years, and through failing sight was unable to attend the meetings regularly. She was with us at the “Pay-up" Social, and presented her us'ial gift. She was

looking forward to attending the reception at the District Convention, but on that very atternoon her funeral service was held at the Grey Lynn Methodist Church. The large gathering of friends and the many beauti ui wreaths were a tribute to the esteem in which siie was held. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” “Her heart was pure, her hope was sure." MRS. E. CHADWICK, HENDERSON UNION It is with the deepest sorrow that Henderson reports the passing of their much-loved President, Mrs. L. Chadwick, who passed away suddenly at her home on October 30th. it can truthfully be said of her that she died in harness. Although her health had been very poor for some time, which prevented her going out, she conducted the meetings at her own home. She has been our faithful President for ten years. Her sweet presence will be sadly missed at the meetings. Her fine Christian character, her kindness, courage and unselfishness endeared her to all, and leaves behind a happy memory. Our cause has lost a devoted and faithful worker, whose place will not -easily be filled. Her passing is a great loss to the community, but the influence of her life will be felt for a long time to come. Our sympathy goes out to her sister, Mrs. Dickinson, in her sad loss. MRS. FRANCES RYDE, OXFORD UNION In the passing of Mrs Ryde to Higher Service, the Oxford Union has lost a foundation member who, through the long years, never lost her faith in, and enthusiasm for, the work of the W.C.T.U. In her seventeen years as President much valuable work was done in the district. Her efforts, ably supported by her late husband, in connection with the catering for the local Show, were highly successful, due largely to her organisation and personal influence. Her simple faith and trust in God did much to keep the atmosphere, wherever she worked, sweet and helpful. Owing to failing health in later years, she was unable to attend the meetings, but our love for her was very sincere, and her continued witness in her home was always real and alive. The whole district will be the poorer now she is at rest, but her influence will live in our hearts always.