LEAGUE OF PENWOMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 219, 16 September 1930, Page 11

LEAGUE OF PENWOMEN.

On. Fridayafternoon' Mrs. Gordon Robertson, a member recently returned from England and the Continent, gave an interesting account of her experiences. The address was no mere recital of places visited,~but dealt with the intellectual impressions received. Instead of, ."travelling, libraries," as they have sometimes in the back country, Mrs. Eobcrtson met 'with "travelling subscriptions." . The taking- out of a subscription in ,a library entitled the holder to library privileges in all other, places. Wireless is 'a tremendous force in England, and the speaker mentioned some of the fare provided: "Talks on Books," by Lady Sackville West; lecturettes on "Electric Lighting,", by Sir . Oliver Lodge, and "Points of View," by H. G. Wells. These were, brilliant and stimulating. .vl * "

]\lrs. Robertson was particularly impressed by the peace movement, headed by . such, . women as . Kathleen Courtney; Jane Addams, 1 Maude Rovden, E. 'Pethwiclc Lawrence, Margaret Bondfield, Dr. Jacobs, and other members of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. These women, by writing, lecturing and organising, were doing all in their power to counteract the glamour, pageant and literature of war, by encouraging the glamour, pageantry and literature of peace. A poignant little poem by Ethel Sidgwick, beginnihg "Killed on the 21st," was read.. "The international appreciation and understanding of the art, literature and music of other . nations," said, , the speaker, "would go far towards creating a peace psychology." Several interesting literary ' characters Were touched upon. Young Lawrence Meynell, winner of the Har i op's prize with "Mockbeggar," is writing . brilliant . detective ' stories. He works mainly in the subconscious, and gets, his characters often .froin the village public house. His chief diversions are 'taking loifg tramps'.with Fathef Knox and collecting rare .editions^ Mrs.; Robertson drew an intimate picture of Sir Ernest Benn, of the famous publishing house in Fleet Street, sitting in his vast, quiet office, with his coat off, absorbed in business. . . Sir Ernest: Benn is a philanthropist, and the foremost exponent of individualism. The archaeological specimens of . the British Museum, the. Music .Festivals of England and the" Continent, the wonderful salons in Paris, the music of. the churches, the architecture, and sculpture, the opera," Mrs. Robertson vividly portrayed for her audience.. Mrs. Viator Macky, vice-president,: presided.;' _ : : * '