Mothers’ League To Welcome Governor

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29992, 29 November 1962, Page 2

Mothers’ League To Welcome Governor

Thirty-six years ago, the League of Mothers was founded in New Zealand by Lady Alice Fergusson, who remained deeply interested in the work and progress of the organisation until her death in Scotland in 1958. Next Tuesday her son, the newlyappointed Governor-General of New Zealand (Sir Bernard Fergusson) will address the league at a welcoming ceremony, which members will give their Excellencies in the Wellington Town Hall.

"News of this function has •roused almost unprecedented enthusiasm among hundreds of members, because it will serve to revive and bring closer memories of their beloved founder," said the Dominion president of the league (Mr W. Grant) yesterday. "Attending this meeting will be members from all over New Zealand, including foundation members of branches which Lady Alice Fergusson opened, as well as Maori members. "Although some of the eight provinces have held special money-raising functions to help with the fares of their members, most are paying their own way.” she said. More than 100 Canterbury members of the league will make the trip to Wellington to attend the function.

Though the meeting will be held near the busy Christmas season, Wellington and Hutt Valley members had done magnificent work in providing hospitality in the homes of league members for all who requested it More than 150 visitors had been placed, while the remainder would go to friends or hotels, she said.

As Dominion president Mrs Grant will welcome their Excellencies, and Mrs H. Karekare will present Lady Fergusson with flowers. A foundation member of the league (Mrs S. O. English) will also extend a welcome before Sir Bernard Fergusson gives his address. A combined choir of 200 members of the league from many parts of New Zealand, including 27 from Canterbury, will contribute to the afternoon's programme. In the evening, visiting members of the organisation will be the guests of the Hutt Valley-Wairarapa province of the league at an informal gathering.