QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Q.--Why should our Union be auxiliary to the Provincial Union?
A.--We are convinced that the affiliation fee and the reasons for
requiring it have not been properly understood by our Unions. They
have said, Why should we pay 6-1/4 cents per member, quarterly, into
the Provincial Union fund. We answer, Because without it the
Provincial Union could not exist.
Q.--Why should it exist?
A.--Because there is strength in united effort. If local Unions here
and there in isolated places exert an influence for good, a large
band of workers sending their representatives to a central place to
consult together and devise method? for the extension of the work
throughout the Province will certainly wield a greater power, and do
more good. All our church organizations, our various charitable and
reform associations are based on this principle, and the wisest
politicians assure us that system and organization is worth more to
their party than argument or brilliant speeches. Union is strength.
As the delegates from local Unions come together to discuss matters
of interest pertaining to the work, to devise plans and to compare
notes, a new confidence is gained, a more enlarged view is had of the
temperance field, and a more intelligent understanding of the general
need. Then, too, it is impossible for the workers thus to come
together without realizing the benefit that results from the
interchange of thought and ideas, and from the influence of mind on
mind, and the inspiration thus received is imparted by them to the
home Unions, and all are helped.
Q.--What is done with the money?
A.--In 1883, $95 were paid into the Provincial Treasury of Ontario
Unions, by local Unions, as affiliation fees, which sum covered
merely the postage account of general officers and expenses of
committees. All other expenses of travel and of the convention, about
$200, were met by collections at the convention, and by special
contributions, Mr. Gordon of Ottawa sending a cheque for $50.
We need also an _organizer,_ who shall be able to give her
whole time and thought to Union work, who shall organize new Unions,
and visit all regularly. These needs cannot be met without money, but
if our thousands of temperance women in Canada will make this a
personal matter to see that 6-1/4 cents are sent each quarter to the
Provincial Union, we shall soon be in a position to employ an
organizer, and thus do better work.
Q.--How shall we distribute Literature?
A.--Divide the place into districts, each lady or two ladies taking
a district. Have these districts as small as possible. The visitors
will visit every house in their district regularly, leaving suitable
literature, as they will soon ascertain something of the tastes and
needs of those whom they visit. Sometimes the pledge book may be
presented and members solicited for the Union. A book from the Loan
Library of the Union may often be lent where a leaflet might not be
appreciated.
Another way is to send through the post office to those whom you
wish to reach.
Sometimes, our ladies have stood at the entrance to factories,
foundries and large establishments giving a leaflet to each man as he
came out. "Advantages of Temperance" is a very good small leaflet to
be given in this way.
On all our fair grounds there should be a stand of temperance
literature.
In hospitals much of this work should be done. Many have leisure
there, recovering from illness, that they never find outside its
walls, the heart is softened and ready for the dropping of the seed,
and the door stands open for the entrance of right influences and
loving sympathy. In gaols, in depots, barbers' shops, post offices,
steamboats, anywhere we may obtain permission let it be done, if
possible, by our ladies themselves.
In Sabbath School Libraries ask permission for the Union to send a
few good temperance stories, or, better still, let a suggestion be
offered to the librarian or committee on new books to purchase some
temperance books as additions.
Q--How shall we raise money for our work?
A.--First with the "Finance Card." Take a Union of 20 members, their
membership fee brings them in $10, of this $5 goes to the Provincial
Union, so they have only $5 left. They will want more. Now let each
member take ten finance cards, and from among her friends and
acquaintances ask ten to contribute something monthly to the funds of
the Union, suppose it be only 5 cents each per month, that will be
from ten persons 50 cents per month, or $6 per year. If each one of
the twenty members should get no more than this, they have then
$120.00 per year coming in for their work. It needs a little thought
and attention, but it pays.
Apron socials are popular and generally help to increase the funds,
as there is always a demand for useful aprons.
Pound socials have been successful also. To this each person
contributes a pound of something useful, all of which is sold by
auction during the evening, causing a good deal of amusement.
An evening with a celebrated author is very much in vogue now, and
is helpful in many ways. For instance, an evening with Dickens is
observed in the following way: A number will personate the leading
characters in any of Dickens' works, talking only in language and
tone suited to the character, the invited guests ascertaining from
his acquaintance with Dickens just where they belong. This can be
done with or without costumes. Light refreshments are served by the
Dickensites during the evening. The usual fee taken at the door. New
England Kitchens may be made to bring in something to the funds. Here
you will need several old-fashioned dressers, the shelves furnished
with rows of plates, the more old-fashioned the better, and
everything to make it look like a real New England Kitchen.
Refreshments will be doughnuts, pumpkin pie, brown bread, pork and
beans, and such like. It would pay to have it in a city for two or
three days, open at the dinner hour.
Floral Festivals pay very well in the early spring, before people
generally are supplied with plants. Let the room be nicely decorated
with evergreens, flags and bunting, small booths arranged similarly
trimmed, in which the flowers and plants shall be placed, some music
furnished, 10 cents admission charged, refreshments and plants extra.
The plants can be bought by the 100 at a very cheap rate.
If at all possible, let all our social entertainments be opened with
prayer.
Q.--How shall we help in Scott Act work?
A.--Most of all by the faithful distribution of temperance
literature, and by providing funds for its purchase. By educating the
children in regard to it, giving them at their Band of Hope meetings,
in simple language, the reasons why every one should work and vote
against it. Many a father has been won by his child.
By selecting articles on the subject, and having them inserted in
the daily papers.
By praying for its success in your church prayer meetings, and
encouraging others to do the same. By prayer as a Union, and by
private prayer. By looking after every branch of the temperance work
more closely, so that every influence may be brought to bear on all
classes and conditions of society.
Q.--Can ladies be received into our society without signing the
pledge?
A.--The suggestion has been made that such be received as "associate
members" or "well-wishers" having every privilege except the vote.
Q.--When scientific temperance instruction is introduced into the
public schools, what remains for the committee on that subject to do?
A.--To see that the _law_ is _enforced._ The schools should be visited
at the hour when this study is on the programme. Conscientious teachers
will welcome your presence.
Q.--Should the executive of a local Union arrange and finally decide
matters without consulting the Union?
A.--The report of the meetings of the executive should be read at
each regular meeting of the Union. Every member has a right to
object, or to ask for explanations and the report will be amended,
received or rejected as the Union shall determine.
Q.--Shall accounts be paid without the sanction of the Union?
A.--Certainly not.