TOC H WOMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 149, 27 June 1933, Page 9

TOC H WOMEN.

lamp-lighting ceremony.

FIE ST OCCASION IN CITY.

Since the world came to know of a certain house at Poperinglic where they lighted a lamp, the name of Toe II has been associated with service. Out oi that movement, largely for men, arose a similar one for women. It was called the Toe II League of Women Helpeis, or by way of a nickname given by '"Tubby" Clayton, the Toe II padre, the Toe Emmas. . In Auckland the Toe H is already well known, and on Friday her Excellency, Lady Blcdisloe, will bring_ the women before the notice of the city. She is to light their lamp at the first butliday festival. The ceremony will take place in the Pitt Street Methodist Church. Though it will be the first birthday festival, it will not be the first birthdaj, for the movement in Auckland is three vcars old. Her Excellency is the patroness in New Zealand ° f the movement. Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of York, is the world patroness. The light to be kindled in the Pitt Street church is a rush light. Ihe loc Emmas observe certain rules of service; and, according to those rules, the. Auckland movement has not yet reached branch service, when it would have a lamp of its own. The festival means simplv a fresh consecration for another Year's service. The light, kept guarded in the Toe II rooms, is for ever kindled, symbolising the continuance of service. That women should play a part in Toe II is not strange, for women have always worked for that spirit which would "conquer hate" and end the strife of the ages." The creed of the Toe Emmas is briefly expressed in the words of "Tubby" Clayton: "To help the association known as Toe H, to further its ideals and objects in every way possible, and to carry those ideals into the lives of women and girls, striving to think fairly, love widely, witness humblv, build bravely." The "symbol held by the full branches of the society is the Lamp of the Magnificat, a small lamp cast in bronze, with tho Greek monogram "Chai Ro" standing up from the handle, and the words '"My fSoul Doth Magnify the Lord" round the top. i