VICTORIA LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21746, 31 March 1936, Page 2

VICTORIA LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Victoria League was held yesterday afternoon in the Jellicoe Hall, with Mr C. G. McKellar presiding. In the absence of former president (Mrs John Deans) and the chairwoman (Mrs Bean. 0.8. E.), Mrs E. G, Hogg welcomed the guests. The platform, where members of the executive were seated, was effectively decorated with hanging fuchsias, palms, ferns, and bowls of mixed flowers, and on small tables were arranged vases of nasturtiums and dahlias. Mrs Hogg apologised for Mrs Deans, who had been unable to attend owing to Illness. Progress of Work Miss M. Skoglund (siecretary) read the annual report, as published in “The Press” on Saturday, and Mr McKellar, acting for the honorary treasurer (Mr J. D. Fairhurst), presented the financial report, which showed a credit balance of £l7 11s lid. In moving the adoption of the report Mr McKellar said the total of 2740 books, newspapers, and mazazines which had been sent to lonely settlers in Canterbury and Westland, lighthouse keepers, backblock schools, unemployment camps, and the Chatham Islands, showed the great increase in the league’s work during the year. He was sorry that more men did not attend the league’s meetings. Those who had attended the recent Dominion conference in Christchurch could not help but be impressed by the work of the league, not only in Christchurch, but throughout the Dominion, he said. Mr E. G. Hogg, who seconded the adoption of the report, said that the Victoria League was the scarlet thread of kinship which bound the Empire together. Members should be proud to belong to a league which had done so much in the past *nd held such possibilities for the future. He thanked the women who had helped to make the recent conference so successful, especially Miss Skoglund. He regretted the absence of Mrs Deans. It had always been a great pleasure to come in contact with her at the league meetings, where her kindness and humour had endeared hMV to rmpmhprs

Tribute to Mrs Deans

Mrs Hogg said tnat sne was distressed at having to take Mrs Deans' place, for she knew how anxious Mrs Deans had been to attend the meeting. She wished to acknowledge the great debt which' members owed to Mrs Deans both collectively and individually, for they- had always been able to trust to her wisdom and kindliness when difficulties arose. On numerous occasions she had -lent her garden for the league's parties, and had entertained at her home many strangers who had had no other recommendation than the Victoria League. Mrs Hogg expressed heartfelt sympathy with Mrs Deans in her illness and wished her a quick recovery.

Officers Elected

Mrs J. Mowbray Tripp was elected president and other officers appointed were: Vice-presidents, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Lady Acland, Mesdames John Deans, W. S. Bean, 0.8. E., E. G. Hogg, J. F. . Studholme, H. T. J. Thacker, J. G. L. Vernon, Miss Rose Tabart, and Dr. T. Leslie Crooke; secretary, Miss M. Skoglund; honorary treasurer, Mr J. D. Fairhurst; committee, Mesdames Morton Anderson, J. H. Hall, J. W. Beanland, George Hanmer, H. Hennah, C. C. Davis, F. L. Scott, Endell Wanklyn, Rossmore Cracroft Wilson, Misses C. Gosset and Barbara Gould. The country representative will be appointed later.

President's Address

In,a short address Mrs Tripp paid a tribute to the work of Mrs Deans, who had been elected president of the league in 1921, an office which she relinquished in 1930 to Mrs E. G. tiogg, who held the position until March, 1933, when Mrs Deans was again elected president. During that 12 years' service for the league Mrs Deans had earned the gratitu.de and affection of her fellow members. It had been with deep regret that her resignation had been received, but in her capacity as a vice-president it was hoped that the league would still have her. wide experience to guide it in deliberations. Members should be proud of the bonds which held them together. "We should ever remember the la3t words of King George V., 'How is' the Empire?' and must be able to give back from this outpost of Empire 'All is well,'" said Mrs Tripp. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr McKellar for acting as chairman. Afternoon tea was served by the committee and Dr. T. Leslie Crooke gave much pleasure during the afternoon by playing pianoforte selections.

PANTRY PARTY

An afternoon party in honour of Miss laable Grieve, who is soon to be married, was given by Mrs Malcolm Grieve (Godley avenue). The guests brought gifts for the pantry of , Miss Grieve's future home. The guests included Mesdames Grieve, Condy, Pearson, McGarry, Grieve, Misses H. Francis, D. Ferguson, H. Grieve, E. rergusson, June Grieve, H. Brown, I. Brown, and Masters W. Grieve and B. McGarry.