VICTORIA LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26127, 1 June 1950, Page 2

VICTORIA LEAGUE

ANNUAL REPORT “The work of the Christchurch branch of the league has gone steadily on, and many parcels of clothing have been sent to England during the year, for which letters of thanks' have been received,” says the fortieth annual report of the Victoria League, the membership of which is now 867. The Canterbury League had been much interested in the gift of blankets from the Victoria League in New Zealand to Their Majesties. The Queen attended the rooms in London to accept the gift, and l Mrs Gladstone Ward represented the branch on that occasion. Among the activities, for the year were luncheon meetings which have become popular with members. On. these occasions members had heard interesting addresses by persons from overseas ancT different parts of the Dominion.

In August Lady Freyberg was entertained at the home of the president (Mrs J. Mowbray Tripp), Park terrace, where members of the committee were presented to Her Excellency. “The Victoria League is now in possession of its own rooms in Cathedral square- which are being redecorated and refurnished for use by members as a club room where visitors may be entertained.” the report continues. “This is costing much, and in addition the rent has been doubled.”

‘.‘During the year 35 primary and secondary schools have contributed io the correspondence scheme which is an important branch of the work.” according to the report of the secretary (Miss M. A. Ray). “In addition to schools, links for students, nurses and other adults have been established throughout the Empire. Included in these are men and women who hope to make their future home in New Zealand. In all 713 names have been recorded, with 406 completed links, the majority with Britain. It was encouraging to receive recently a list of names from a boys’ secondary school in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South Africa.

“A welfare committee for immigration hospitality tries to make available to new settlers the services of the organisations interested in assisting and advising them and generally enabling these migrants to be satisfactorily settled in and absorbed into the community.”