THE PRESIDENT IN SOUTHLAND AND OTAGO DISTRICTS

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 4, 1 May 1949, Page 7

THE PRESIDENT IN SOUTHLAND AND OTAGO DISTRICTS

Following on Dominion Convention, Miss McLay, Dominion President, made use of her opportunity while in the South Island, to visit several Unions, and generally to further our work in places remote from bigger centres. Good results were secur. d and encouragement was gained front the welcome contact in places where the work may be inclined to Hag as leaders lay down their work and new ones are not always readily forthcoming. At Invercargill, Miss McLay visited the Unions, also meeting young people in Sunday Schools, Bible Classes, Christian Endeavour Societies, and in week-night services. Ministers of various churches became interested in our Youth publications, the “ Beacon ” and “Y.P. Supplement.” At Winton, a good public meeting was held at which Miss McLay spoke. The Union there is strong and keen, numbering 35 members. Mrs. Wilson, President of the Gore Union, whose accident during Convention at Timaru, caused some concern, is well, and is happy in the co-operation of her Union members; and Miss McLay had opportunity there for work. Visits to liluff, Mathura, Wyndham and Edendale showed that organising work is greatly needed. This need is felt very strongly in other places, and a full-time work awaits the right woman. At Dunedin, three young, new members were initiated. At Oamaru, members of the Waimate Union were present at the Union meeting, when Miss McLay was the speaker, and gave an inspiring talk on the early temperance workers, urging members to hold on to the spirit which inspired them, and to keep Oamaru “ dry.” At Timaru, on March 15th, a small “Y” group was formtd, undtr the Supermtendency of Mrs. K. Walker. The members comprising the group are tremendously keen and good results are anticipated. On the 16th, an opportunity was made for a number of friends and supporters of the Temperance cause to meet Miss McLay at the home of Mrs. Hugh Denson. The guests were much impressed by Miss McLay’s capability, versatility and wide knowledge of temperance affairs, and were very bth to sec the guest of honour depart. Two new members were initiated. Miss McLay reached home on March 18th.