LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29234, 18 June 1960, Page 2

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Branch Reports Show Progress

“We are a League of Mothers with the highest ideals as set out in our league’s aims and objects,” said the retiring Canterbury provincial president (Mrs D. G. McFadden) in her annual report presented recently. ‘‘May these ideals be with you at all times guiding you to peace and serenity in your-homes. Each mother wishes to give her child the best. But let it be a sensible best, controlled and planned.” Mrs McFadden said there were clear signs of progress in the annual reports from branches. They presented a record of the conscientious work that was being carried out. In the Timaru and Ashburton branches meetings were well attended, choirs and drama circles were active and community service was undertaken willingly. So that young mothers belonging to other branches might attend their meetings, well-organ-ised creches had been made available. At some meetings as many as 16 children were cared for. All Canterbury branches continued to show enthusiastic interest in an Italian orphanage to which six cases of clothing were sent this year. Five cases of clothing were also sent to Korea. This work was accomplished through the Save the Children Fund.

Members gave valuable assistance to fund-raising programmes organised by various other women's associations and choirs and drama groups went to entertain groups of aged people. A large number of delegates from Timaru, Ashburton and city branches were present at the meeting where a message of congratulations was received from the Dominion president (Mrs Montgomery Spencer). Mrs W. Grant, paying tribute to the retiring provincial president, Mrs D. G. McFadden, spoke of her able leadership and untiring efforts to further the work of the league. She also spoke of the work of Mrs H. C. L. Pruden as provincial secretary for the last seven years, and presented gifts and flowers to the two officers. • In recognition of her work for the League of Mothers since its formation in Canterbury 10 years ago, Mrs W. Grant was awarded life membership of the provincial executive. Officers were elected as follows: . . President, Mrs W. H. Harvey; immediate past president, Mrs D. G. McFadden; vice*president, Mrs H. C. L. Pruden; secretary. Mrs R. W. Shipley; treasurer, Mrs A. Mason; supplies secretary, Mrs J. F. Heyward; magazine secretary, Mrs P. C. Cornish; magazine correspondent, Mrs O. L. Clayton: delegates to National Council of Women, Mesdames W. H. Harvey and D. G’. McFadden: scattered members’ secretary, Mrs A. M. Hope, Ashburton. Branch reports were given and four new branch presidents were welcomed.