Convention News

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 2, 1 March 1949, Page 5

Convention News

dominion officers elected Dominion President: Miss C. M. McLay, Rotorua. . Dominion Vice-President: Mrs. H. $. Toomer, Nelson. Dominion Recording Secretary : Mrs. V. Underhill, Blenheim. Dominion Corresponding Secretary: Miss J. Atkinson, Wellington. Dominion Treasurer: Mrs. G. Gibbs, Dunedin. “White Ribbon” Business Manager: Mrs. j- H. Grigg, Wellington. “White Ribbon’ Editor: Mrs. I*. X. Christian, T?uranga. “HOLY COMMUNION” In the quietness, we are assembling for our Convention Communion Service; always a tune of refreshing to which we look forward. Solemn and peace-giving words are spoke* l ; hymns of tender significance are sung to beautiful organ music; and the meaning of what we do is again told to us. The Rev. Mr. McKenzie speaks of our Union’s function as one member of the Body of Christ; and of the possibility of our having a special task ;o perform. “It may . be,” he says, “ that to prick the conscience of the Church, may be that task allotted thus.” There is no mere sentiment about the message. It reminds us of our high calling; and ot'Dur uselessness without the sfense of the presence and constant help of Him Whose servants we are. Our place in the Church Universal is spoken of; and the responsibility which is ours becomes more real and clear. We receive the tokens of “ His dying love once again, and renew our vows of dedication to our Lord and His Service. Strengthened and humbled, we pass out into the glorious sunshine and into the Hall of Convention, where w’e arc soon at work again. THURSDAY MORNING A pause is made while we are told that a member has suffered an accident, which may, or may not prove serious; and our prayers, led by Mrs. Hictt, rise on her behalf. Study Groups are formed for the consideration of the Departmental Reports. “ White Ribbon ” reports are read and adopted. Noontide is soon here, and the luncheon interval comes. “SERVICE OF MEMORIES” This Service is a time of tender and poignant remembering. It is like another Communion Service —the Communion of Saints. A band of white ribbon passes all round the room, and • s held in the hand of everyone present; it brings us all into its embrace; and as it passes on its way, we sing softly, “ All round the world." Our President reads the 23rd Psalm; and we sing the fine Memorial Hymn. As we stand, holding the ribbon, the sadly long list of names of “Those whom here we see no more ” is read

by the President Prayer and praise rise from all hearts as we think of * these “companions in the way,” and realise that they serve Him still. What more fitting close to such a service could there be than the singing of “! know that my Redeemer liveth,” as Mrs. Tait sings it? The deep silence that follows reveals much more than any applause could ever do. The days now pass along rapidly. Reports and the firdings of study groups are taken, and appropriate remits are dealt with at the close of discussions. We are having the unwonted luxury of morning as well as afternoon tea; and very welcome it is. Talking is dry work and even the most Spartan determination to resist temptation wilts before the deliciously hot and refreshing tea, and dainty morsels of food so generously served. Devotions are taken by our Maori delegation one day; and very touching it is to hear the familiar words of Scripture read by Mrs. Aupouri Joseph; and the hymn which follows sung in Maori. The prayer is in Maori, but we all join in the Lord’s Prayer with full hearts. Mrs. Toomer leads them another day, and sneaks of our Lord’s specially manifested characteristics as He moved among the men and women about Him; and leads us to a place of humble self-examina-tion. Miss Lovell-Smith is with us on Thursday, and it is good to see and hear her as she discusses “ Films.’ VV’e are to see something about these in the Literature Advertisement in these pages in future. OUTING The week-end is here. A delightful outing to W r aimate, the hometown of our old and valued friend, Mr. George Dash, occupies Saturday afternoon. Four large buses convey us thither; and we are greeted with the music of the Salvation Army Band; and very heartening it is. A sumptuous afternoon tea is served by the Waimate ladies in the Presbyterian Church Hall, during which Miss Kirk gracefully expresses thanks to our kind host and hostesses; for Mr. Dash has provided this pleasant refreshment A walk rn the beautiful among the masses of flowers give*, us great pleasure; and the time passes all too quickly. We are soon on our way back to Timaru; where we gratefully prepare for a week-end of quiet and rest after some hard-working days. BANNERS AND AWARDS The presentation of banners is always interesting. Perhaps the absence of some that should be here is interesting too. This time, the awards were as follows:

Little White Ribboner* Largest percentage of increase: .Uotueka. Largest District Cradle Roll: Auckland (1,673). Largest Cradle Roll (Union of 13 to 30 members): Ist, Springlands (292); 2nd Hamilton (283). Largest Cradle Roll (Union of under 13 members): Grey Lynn (193). Membership Highest percentage increase : Maungakaramea (71J%). Largest numerical increase: Hamilton (18). ‘White Ribbon” Largest number of new subscribers: Riccarton (31). (Silver Vase) Largest number of subscribers: Riccarton. (Unions under 20) Largest percentage increase: Warkworth (8095-). Handkerchief Competition Hand Embroidered: Ist and 2nd, Mrs. Allely, Northcote Union. Hand made edging: Ist equal, Mrs. Musk, Tauranga; Major Simpson, Linwood; 2nd, Mrs. Swift, Lower Hutt. Judge's Special Price Mrs. Swift. Thrift Ist, Mrs. Sawden, Brooklyn. 2nd, Miss Thompson, Dannevirke. Lovely handkerchiefs have been sent in for this little competition; an * made a mo 1 creditable show. Their sales have realised quite a good sum for Headauarters. Thanks are expressed to all who have entered; and also to Mrs. Maymey, who kindly judged them. The presentation by the President of a “ Thirty Years’ Service ” Badge to the Vice-President, Mrs. Riett, was a touching and pleasant little function. Musical honours were spontaneous. Mrs. Hiett’s response was characteristic of her always lofty thought and idealism.