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.