MOTHERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20918, 27 July 1933, Page 3

MOTHERS' UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Mothers' Union of the diocese of Christchurch was held yesterday afternoon in the schoolroom of St. John's Church, Latimer square, Bishop C. West-Watson presiding. In his address Bishop West-Watson spoke of the renewal campaign which the Church Army proposes to conduct during the first six months of next year. He emphasised that at the present time the people of New Zealand were trying to find out whether by ;o-operation they could do something [or each otner, and he thought there was a special openness during the present economic crisis to a message 3f a new life —God's life—and it was in the thought of that life that the Mothers' Union was strong. "The call to renewal will be a call to the Mothers' Union to give a more faithful witness to themselves and to their leighbours. He emphasised the fact ;hat the Mothers' Union was vital to :he parishes, for it permeated that fortress on which church life was auilt—the Christian home. "The finest. ;hings are not what we say, but the examples shown by Christian life in ;he home where members of the famly live in order and unison," he said. The executive reported a total membership of 2454. One new branch lad been formed at Templeton, 35 jrarrches had gained in membership, 17 had lost, and 15 had remained stationary; 17 branches had linked vith English branches, lonely mothers tad become linked with town branches, md 11 mothers living in scattered parts jf the West Coast were cared for jy Mrs West-Watson. During the year activities had in:luded a reception to Lady Bledisloe it Bishopscourt, a "quiet day" service at St. John's Church, the annual estival and service conducted in the Cathedral, and a garden party at Sishopscourt, which had beea at-

tended by about 900 members. Mrs A. Peverill and Mrs Hendries were specially thanked for their work for the garden party. At the request of Mrs West-Watson a short paper on the Bible-in-schools movement had been written by Miss Blanche Sanders, and had been read at branch meetings, and Mr L. M. Isitt had addressed a well-attended meeting of members at Bishopscourt on the same subject. Mrs Powell had been elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation, owing to ill-health, of Mrs Wynn-Williams. Mrs Harold had been appointed official visitor to the Essex Home, Mrs Rodgers to St. Helens Maternity Home, and Mrs Christian to the public hospital Mrs J. C. Bradshaw (diocesan secretary) expressed the hope that country branches would arrange for more of their town representatives to attend council and secretaries' meetings and so keep in close touch with the various activities of the union. It was reported that 1187 copies of the "Mothers' Union Journal" had been circulated, 62 "Workers' Papers," eight "Mothers in Council," and 138 "Mothers in Australia." Mother Eleanor reported two devotional meetings of the union held in the Cathedral this year. In her report of the religion in the home committee, Mrs C. Hendrie stated that the work was progressing steadily. Help was still needed in the work, and it was hoped that at the next council meeting suggestions might be forthcoming for planning the programme for next year. Mrs E. C. Willis presented an encouraging. report of the invalid members' prayer circle. Seven new members had joined, and a request had been made for leaflets by nine prospective members, making a total membership of 38. Donations sent in had defrayed stamp and stationery expenses and tram fares. In her report of the Girls' Friendly Society, Mrs H. J. Marriner said that after much careful consideration and with great regret, the advisory ooard and the council had found it necessary to close the Girls' Friendly Society Lodge. It had been sold and the money well invested until such time as it was

deemed possible and suitable to baSd or purchase another hosteL Thank* was expressed to Messes J. J. Tbcsnson and Charles Bean for their advice and help. Miss Baker, who had given years of service as matron of the lodge, will shortly join the community of the Sacred Name. Mrs W. G. Roberts, Mothers' Union delegate to the National Council • of Women, gave a report of the council's activities during the year. Mrs H. G. Livingstone reported a difficult year for the library committee, but interest in the library wa* being sustained, she said. Thanks was expressed to Mrs Wynn-Williams for the time and interest she had given to the work. The watch committee report, given by Miss E. J. M. Cardale, stressed the importance of the raising of the marriage age in New Zealand. Mrs M. Christian reported the number of the visits made to the hospitals, and the report of the Mothers' Union Book Club was given by M»-s N. White. The Rev. F. B. Redgrave, in moving the adoption of the report, urged all branches to take up the question of the raising of the marriage age, for the objects of the union were to uphold the sanctity of marriage, and to awaken in all mothers a sense of responsibility in regard to the training of children. He emphasised the devotional side of the union meetings, and pointed out that the third object of the union was to organise, in every parish, a band of women who believe in the power of prayer. Mrs J. Cracroft Wilson, one of the oldest members of the union, seconded the adoption of the report, and complimented the treasurer (Mrs A. E. Galwey) on her comprehensive state ment, which showed a credit balance of £73 12s 10d. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs Revell and helpers. Hava you anything to sell—Do you wish to buy? 11 so a snail advertisement in the classified sec* tion of "The Press" will be all you need. 12 words Is, three insertions 2» 6d. —«