ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 262, 1 August 1929, Page 6

ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

annual meeting The annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the English-speaking Union was held in the Dominion Farmers Institute last night. Mr. A. L. Hunt, who presided, apologised tor the absence of the president, Sir Frederick Chapman, who was unable to attend, also Mr. Matheson and other members. The annual report, read by the secretary (Miss Kenrick) stated that the past year had been the most active since the inception of the Wellington branch. The membership had increased by 73, there being 330 members. Among the activities of the year had been luncheons to celebrate the signing of the Kellogg Peace Paet, to the Sydney University debaters, to officers in charge of British public school boys, reception to Commander Bvrd, cabaret and bridge evenings on November 1 and May 28, lectures on Captain Cook by Sir John Findlay, and on the Antarctica by Mr. A. L. Hunt. Social courtesies had been extended by the executive and other members of the Union to visitors from England, United States of America, and Australia. Special tribute was paid to the work of theSocial Committee under the leadership of Mrs. Bennie. An At Home had been held on the last Friday of each month, and the following find given addresses: Mr. Elsdon Best, Mr. A. L. Hunt, Miss Winifred Guy, Mr. Johannes Andersen, Mrs. Denton Leach, Miss M. MeLean, Mrs. de Castro, Miss E. M. Black, and Mrs. Shaw. The success of the cabaret evening was due largely to the work of the Ladies’ Committee.

Out of the revenue of the year the arrears on land mark subscriptions to the extent of £25 4s. had been paid to headquarters. Letters of introduction to Dartmouth House and branches in Australia and the United .States had been given local members during the year. The union was becoming a potent influence throughout the English-speaking world. England and U.S.A, reported a great increase in membership. There were eight branches in England and 39 in the States. The improving cordial relations between the Governments and of the U.S.A, and Great Britain and the projected conference between President Hoover and Mr. Ramsay MacDonald was -fraught with great possibilities. The visit of Commander Byrd and his officers to Wellington had been the outstanding event of the year. All looked forward to a happy reunion on the return of Commander Byrd and his party from Antarctica next year. The executive expressed their gratitude to the chairpian. Mr. A. L. Hunt, for the way in which he had given bis time to the interests of the union. They also express regret that the secretary, Miss Kenrick, was obliged to resign owing to leaving Wellington. In proposing the adoption of the report Mr. Hunt spoke of the objects of the union, which were, firstly, the promotion of peace, which the union felt could best be done by friendship between the British and the people of United States of America. 'When the' Leagu of Nations was fully functionin;, there might be no further need for th English-Speaking Union, but until thin time it was very necessary to promote a flourishing union. The election of a man like Mr. Hoover to the Presidency of the United States was a very hopeful sign towards world peace. The Pact had already been successful in holding up hostilities between Russia and China. Whether it would succeed in preventing them altogether we could not say, but what had already been done was hopeful. It was a good thing to sec that the British quota of immigrants to the U.S.A, had been increased. What the English-Speaking Union would like to see was a distinction between English-speaking and other immigrants to America. Mr. Hunt spoke of trade interests with America, and quoted Sir Henry Drummond’s speech as showing the American viewpoint during the wjtr. He urged that the members increase the union’s strength, and that qn endeavour be made to establish branches in other towns of Nqw Zealand. He expressed regret that Sir Frederick Chapman could-not see his way to continue ns president, and expressed the Appreciation all felt for Sir Frederick’s services to the union. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. On the motion of Colonel Corrigan a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Hunt for his great services to the organisation. The Rev. Dr. Pinfold seconded the motion, which was carried. Votes of thanks were passed to Sir Frederick Chapman for his past services, also to Miss Kenrick for her services as secretary, regret being expressed at her leaving the union. She was elected an hon. member of the branch for the coming year. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, His Excellency the Governor-General; vice-pat-rons, Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Right Hon, J. G. Coates, Sir Frederick Chapman; president. Sir William HallJones: vice-presidents, Bishop and Mrs. Sprott, Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Sir Heaton and L.ady Rhodes, Sir John and Lady Findlaay, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Troup. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry, Dr. Platts-Mills, Mr. G. Shirtcliffe. Mr. C. D. Morpeth, and Mr. H. F. Johnstone; executive committee. Mesdnmes, Bennie. Preston, Leigh Hunt. Carter, Heighway, Ffiteh, G. H. Davidson. Gillon, Miss M. Neumann. Miss A. Kane, Messrs. A. L. Hunt, Matheson, Ffiteh, Frit, Greig. Clabburn, Morpeth, Corrigan. Anscombe.