the business meeting, at which we received into our ranks two new members and one transfer member. Our president accomplished a new speed record by closing the meeting promptly at 3:30 p. m. without missing one order of business; it was a good move, sister, and we will try it again on similar occasions. The next order of business was the presentation of our beautiful flag; to say beautiful is speaking mildly. It is magnificent, it is costly, and the most edifying sight to see this carried to the Division room by our district deputy and past president, Sister Sewell, and I am sure as chairman of this committee she feels deeply gratified to think that her labors bore fruit, and that her efforts brought forth such a hearty response from the members. We have proven to her beyond a doubt that we have the livest Division under her jurisdiction, if not in the United States. We lead the way in big things, we have established a reputation that no other Division can dispute, and we intend to retain it. Too much praise cannot be given other members of the committeeSister Lacy in charge of refreshments had everything in first class shape. In presenting the flag there were ten sisters dressed beautifully in snowy white, each carrying a smaller flag; as they entered the Division room from right and left entrance they separated and formed two lines in the center of the room, Sisters Darling and Tolbert in the lead. Sister Wells seated at the piano played, and "yours truly" sang "We'll Rally 'Round the Flag, Girls." Every member chimed in the chorus, and at that moment Sister Sewell reached the altar carrying the beautiful stars and stripes, and with well chosen words she presented the flag to White City Division. Again Sister Wells with that cheerful face and sunny smile pealed forth the second verse; everyone sang louder and with more enthusiasm than before; for, sisters, one cheerful face in the Division room will keep everything warm and light within. Sister Wells has held the office of musician for twenty years, always willing and considerate to all. Sister Wells may leave the city this coming spring, but she will be with us always. We will never miss that kindly face until she's gone from us (our loss may be some other Division's gain). After Sister Sewell placed the flag in position, everyone arose and pledged allegiance. Sister Kroy recited a pretty poem entitled "Your Flag and My Flag." Your humble servant then sang "The Star Spangled Banner" and the members forgot we were having grand opera at the Auditorium. They all remained to join in the chorus. I could also hear a sweet voice whistling-this was Sister Dean. I'm very sure everyone enjoyed it. Next on the program were very fine violin selections with piano accompaniment by Sister Draper. All this time we could see Sister Sewell standing in the ante-room with a large birthday cake with twentyone candles. This was from our president and was "some" cake. We then wanted to hurry things through and during the passing of refreshments we sang "Auld Lang Syne." Our president, before closing, called for a toast. The scribe responded with the following to our presidents: "Give three cheers for our past presidents, Give three cheers for Sister Kroy, Her heart is large, her mind is clear, Everybody cheered. We had one visitor, Sister Jewett, district deputy and member of Elkhart Division. We are always pleased to entertain any member of the L. A.. Sister Jewett, come often. We missed Sister Partridge, district deputy and member of Juanita Division, who, I think, was out of the city attending to duties of her office. Sister Partridge always comes with a cheerful, happy smile, and next to the sunlight of heaven, what is more pleasing? Sisters, we felt your presence. We were about to close and I jokingly asked Sister Sewell what title I might confer on her. She answered, "Why, leading lady, of course." So let it be from this day forward. We are all so willing to place this title to the befitting one, and surely Sister Sewell has given to White City Division her, time, attention and, most of all, her good will to make it the banner Division, which I think all the past presidents, Pinney, Combs, Hollingsworth and Kroy, have given to us the best they could extend. The past year has been successful. Sister Kroy has filled her chair with grace, dignity, and impartiality, and we look forward to a year filled with pleasure. Our president-to-be, Sister McMahon, is a charter member, an active member and thorough in all her undertakings. has the good will of each and every member. She Just a few words to my brave companions of White City Division. Come to meeting, re-enter your Division chamber and rest yourself from the fatigue of divers superficial diversions. It comes to my mind often, why do members absent themselves when every opportunity, educationally and socially, is offered to you by the officers? If anyone has misgivings about attending, bear in mind that your presence at least once a month will mean a great deal to those in whom you have entrusted the destinies of your Division. Each meeting will mean more if we have a better attendance. Come up and meet your friends, voice your grievances, state your compliments, and note the result. In conclusion, allow me to say that the highest compliment has been paid me and I deem it the greatest pleasure to be selected by the Division (from our large number) to write this article on the proceedings of our twenty-first anniversary. I will all the time give to White City Division the best I can extend to make each and every meeting a "perfect day." My heartiest greetings for a very happy and prosperous new year. MRS. THOMAS C. BRODERICK. Fort Worth, Tex. The Divisions and Lodges with their ladies' societies representing the four organizations in Fort Worth have decided to hold a grand union meeting at Fort Worth, Tex., on April 10, 11, 12, 1917. Invitation is most cordially extended to the members of our four organizations and the ladies' societies throughout the jurisdiction to make themselves our most welcome visitors at the coming meeting in April, assuring them that both Fort Worth and our members will accord them the most hearty welcome and entertainment on this occasion. M. F. BARNETT. Trenton, Mo. Tinsman Division 206 is still in a flourishing condition; five new members and four applications out since our last letter. We held our election of officers at the specified time; all were re-elected but correspondent. I was greatly disappointed in not being able to attend the convention in St. Louis; Sister Meranda going in my place brought back many interesting notes. We are having splendid meetings, good attendance and a nice social time. Best wishes to all L. A. and O. R. C. Divisions. VIOLA BAYNE. Bloomington, Ill. Juanita Division 66 started the fall's activity by giving a spoon party to the eight new members. Each one was presented with a souvenir spoon, with name and number of the Division inscribed on it. Our families were invited and we passed a very pleasant afternoon together. Sister Partridge of Chicago, our district deputy, was our guest. Music and contests furnished the amusements for the occasion, after which we sat down to a splendid supper prepared by the committee. It is just such little social gatherings that draw us closer together. At this time Sister Campbell was presented with an emblematic pin, as she was soon to leave us to move to California. We shall miss her so much in the Division meetings, and also in the social club, of which she was president. The next event of any importance was election and an election, no matter what kind, generally arouses more or less interest. Suffice it to say nearly every member in town was present and some of our out-oft-own members were here. What interesting meetings we could have if all would turn out as well at every meeting and not only once a year. There are few changes among our officers. The guard, junior sister and executive committee are the only changes, all the others being reelected for another year. We are growing, not by leaps and bounds, but a slow, healthy growth. Our last candidate was initiated at our first meeting in November. Sister Partridge of Chicago was here for that occasion. On December 14 we held our annual bazaar and penny social at our hall, and it was a success financially. Soon it will be Christmas time again. with its holiday cheer and its message of peace on earth, good will toward men. While there is turmoil and disturbed conditions in the labor world in our own country, and war and bloodshed abroad, let us stop amid the hurry and stress to listen to the song the angels sang, of peace on earth, good will toward men, and maybe soon brighter days will dawn for mankind. May we not only have the Christmas spirit at this time, but all through the year. At this time of year one can't but give a retrospective look over the past year and wonder whether we have grown any mentally, or spiritually, or if we have accomplished that which we set out to do. If not, the new year will soon be with us, with all its opportunities for loving service and to make a new start and new endeavors to do that which the Master would have us do. We know not what the new year has in store for us, whether joy or sorrow, but we do know that we cannot drift beyond God's love and care. I wish all the Auxiliaries and O. R. C.'s A good new year to one and all, Oh, may you ne'er have cause to mourn, To one and all, both great and small, A hearty good new year. MRS. JESSIE PRESCOTT. Grand Rapids, Mich. When you read this, the golden opportunities of the past year will be numbered with the past; and how sad if we have let them go by without helping someone whose burdens were heavy and hearts were sad. The future is before us, let us have a nobler purpose for ourselves and try to make the world better for having lived in it. We are all hoping for a bright and prosperous new year. In it lie great possibilities for the future, so let us all get at one end of the rope and all pull together and see how useful and happy we can be. At our first meeting in September we had a school of instruction. After a few remarks the school was turned over to our grand president, Sister Moore. During Sister Moore's talk all was attention, as her words of advice and years of experience are surely very instructive to us all. If we as Auxiliary members could live up to the high and noble womanly standing laid out by our grand president, we would have great success in our undertakings, and our work would be a pleasure. On November 15 Sister Barrett entertained the crochet club at her home. Those who were there surely enjoyed the afternoon, also the refreshments. You The later part of November we were invited to dinner and public installation of officers of Oatley Division 102. don't see much in The Conductor about Division 102, but they are very much alive and a lot of jolly good fellows. Come and meet them, you will be very welcome. Of course, we are ever ready to accept invitations of this kind, and the enjoyable event took place December 10 in Knights of Pythias hall. Brother McKenna, chairman of the dinner and the program also, says he is an amateur at the business; if he thinks he is, I won't venture to say what he will be when he graduates. About one hundred and fifteen of the happy family marched into the banquet hall, where the long tables were set and decorated with roses and chrysanthemums; here a favored us with several vocal selections. Sister Aspinwall's son gave two very appropriate recitations. We had remarks from Brother Lyons, and also Brother Grout of Division 119. Last, but not least, Brother Williams, chief conductor of Oatley Division 102, with suitable remarks presented our incoming president, Sister Westover, with a very generous check to be used for the benefit of Rapid Transit Division 45 for the coming year. Sister Westover, in behalf of the Auxiliary and with a deep feeling of gratitude, accepted the check from our bighearted brothers. At 4 p. m. we all left, feeling the day had been well spent and all hoped to meet often on like occasions. Wishing all members a happy new year, I will retire and turn over the pen to my successor. MRS. L. W. GRIFFIN. Logansport, Ind. So many times I hear some sister say, "I looked for a letter from our correspondent this month. Why don't she write?" Well, your correspondent has not been doing her duty as she took an obligation to. She is similar to many of our members who have taken an obligation to endeavor to attend all meetings and then let the first little excuse keep them away. The summer has been very warm and possibly has kept many of our members from the Division room. As the autumn days have brought cooler weather, we hope to settle down to a general routine of business, and our one wish is that our many indifferent members will be so inspired by this ideal fall weather that they will come out and be real live members and boosters. We are always sorry to note in the reports from our grand president that so many sisters have grown indifferent to their Order. Can it be the sister's fault, or can it be the meetings are cold and the officers indifferent? Sometimes new members are disappointed. Why? Because beautiful ritualistic we don't give our sumptuous work the time and study that we should. We should at all times be prepared to do good and ritualistic work, make the initiation impressive. When we secure new members we should keep them busy and interested. Make them feel they are very important factors. They will then make good permanent members. chicken dinner was served us, with all as One great thing to be remembered is that we are one large sisterhood. There should be no line drawn between the North, South, East and West; that is, United States, Mexico and Canada. When we say Ladies' Auxiliary to the Order of Railway Conductors of America, this means you! Many sisters forget at times they live in America. The contest for making money for our flower fund was closed in April and was a great success, socially as well as financially. The contest was on less than two months and we turned in one hundred and forty dollars to the floral fund treasury. The losing side was loyal to the end and entertained the winning side in a royal manner. Sunday, June 13, being the annual memorial day, the railway Orders and their Auxiliaries assembled at the First Christian church for joint memorial services. The address was very appropriate and impressive, and in solemn thought we realized how strong the tie should be which unites the members of these great organizations. How true are the words, "In the midst of life we are in death, and no man knows its day or hour of coming." Our needle club has had several delightful gatherings at the homes of Sisters Dalzell, Groh, Hartsock, Kuhn, Murphy and Ramp. Sisters Myers, Osborne, Reder and Reyburn entertained the club in July with a picnic at Riverside Park. Sister Paul, our member in far-away Arizona, was a guest of honor. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent by all who attended. In October the Division entertained at the home of Sister Burns with a farewell party in honor of Sister Berkshire, who was leaving the city for her new home in Gary. We are sorry to lose Brother and Sister Berkshire; they will be sadly missed by their Divisions. Sister Berkshire is musician of our Auxiliary and Brother Berkshire is an active member. also secretary of O. R. C. Division 110. We wish them good luck, prosperity and happiness in their new home. We have had a great deal of sickness the past year. We are very sorry for all the afflicted ones and hope they will soon be restored to their usual health. There has been much sorrow in our Division. Many members have had to part with loved ones. Sisters Brough and Grimp each were called upon to part with a loving daughter. Sisters Riddle and Osborne each lost a beloved son, and many sisters have lost a father, mother, sister or brother. We extend our sym pathy to the bereaved families and may our heavenly Father watch over all the sorrowing ones. Another short year has hurried us on toward eternity. Whether we have acted our part in this great battle of life as we should, we feel that we have tried even if we have missed and lost. We who have been spared and left to mourn for our loved ones must turn our thoughts away from grief, despair and wails while the day lasts, for eventide with us will soon come, and all of us, sooner or later, must go. May we all look forward, and prepare for "that beautiful land of Somewhere." Our annual indoor picnic was held November 8; this day is always remembered by all who are fortunate enough to attend. We meet as one large family with a good old-fashioned picnic dinner and every one has a jolly good time. On the same date we had our election of officers. Sister Zorger was re-elected president and Sister Cotton was re-elected vice-president for the third term, which goes to show Sister Cotton is ever ready to assist the president in the discharge of her duties. Owing to sickness she was called upon many times the past year. Brother Tom Hart, we thank you for the tribute paid the Auxiliary in the July Conductor and wish all O. R. C. brothers' thoughts were along the same lines. Too much cannot be said of our sister grand president; she is one of the noblest and truest of women, stands for all that is good for one and all. We are very proud of Sister J. H. Moore and have a right to be, for what the Auxiliary stands for today and its growth, is directly due to her never-tiring and efficient work for the past twenty years. We hope that our grand president at the next Grand Division meeting will be able to make one of the biggest reports yet made. To enable her to do this, every Division must work -yes, every individual member must do her duty. We hope for a prosperous new year for all Divisions. Now, sisters of Bridge City Division, we want you all to resolve to attend at least twelve meetings in 1917; we miss you all, so come more often and help make a prosperous year for Division 42. MARGARET A. ZINK. The Order The editor does not assume responsibility for the ideas expressed by correspondents. Personalities, intolerant expressions, detailed descriptions of entertainments or funerals, lists of officers and committees, lengthy memorial tributes, and matters of purely local interest can not be used. Write on one side of paper only. Communications will not appear unless the name of the author is furnished us. cations should be in this office not later than the 15th of the month. Brandon, Man. A Brandon Division 464 held its election of officers for 1917 on November 12. few changes were made in the officers of the Division, and the Division looks forward to the new officers doing as good work as the retiring ones. Brother J. W. Buckley succeeds Brother E. F. Cooke as chief conductor, who was only absent from his office six meetings in 1916. The newly elected officers for 1917, along with the remaining old ones, look forward to all the members doing their part, attending all meetings whenever possible, and not let all the work fall on a few of the regular attendants; keeping in view that it is to their interest to attend the Division meetings, thereby giving their support to the officers for 1917 as they did the officers for 1916. Visiting brothers are always welcome. Keep in mind, brothers, that Brandon Division 464 meets the second and fourth Sundays each month at 14k in the I. O. 0. F. hall. C. M. DALES. Los Angeles, Cal. Communi Santa Fe Division 634 is still forging ahead and held its election of officers on November 12. Real fraternalism reigned supreme and, recognizing his parliamentary and executive ability, the Division elected that old war horse, who is always on the job, Brother T. L. Roberts, as chief conductor to succeed our grand old Brother F. M. Van Way, who so ably filled the chair since the organization of this Division. With the beginning of 1917 I would respectfully urge upon all members the importance of attending meetings, as important questions are arising at all times which necessitates the views of every member. When the attendance is lax we are not in a position to discuss matters intelligently. Brothers, get behind your officers and encourage them-try to make the ensuing year a banner one. Our installation of officers will be held December 10, and as our previous gathering of this character was a tremendous success, we anticipate a similar good time on this date. Business is exceedingly rushing on the Santa Fe Coast Lines at the present time, and all the brothers are being kept very busy. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. FLATWHEEL. Oakland, Cal. The joint ball given by Division 283 (B. L. E.), Lodge 53 (0. R. T.), Lodges 71 and 850 (B. R. T.), Lodge 143 (B. L. F. & E.), and Division 364 (O. R. C.) on Friday evening, November 24, 1916, in the Oakland Civic Auditorium, was the largest and most successful social affair yet held under the auspices of the railroad brotherhoods on the Pacific coast and, probably, in the United States. The magnificent auditorium, with a main hall capable of accommodating three thousand couples, was comfortably well filled early in the evening, and by ten o'clock was taxed to its utmost capacity, by an assemblage of railroad folk and their friends, which did our Orders proud. Arrangements for the ball were in the hands of a general committee composed of appointed committeemen from each of |