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?