VICTORIA LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 46, 18 November 1936, Page 4

VICTORIA LEAGUE

Annual Meeting and Book Tea There was a most encouragingly large attendance at the annual meeting and book tea of the Wellington branch of the Victoria League, which, presided over by Lady Buckleton, was held in the Pioneer Club rooms yesterday afternoon. As is customary on this occasion, all the members brought books aud magazines, which will be made up into parcels and sent away to people iu the backblocks, lighthouses, aud other out of the way places, where they are very acceptable.

On the stage with Lady Buckletou were Lady Myers, Lady Luke, Mrs. J. A. Doctor, Miss Amy Kane, Mrs. C. Corrigan, and Miss Thompson. The annual report, in which it was stated that Ibe year had been most successful aud eventful, and oue of considerable progress, was read by Lady Buckleton. Statements contained iu the report included the following: “We were advised by the parent league that His Majesty King Edward has consented to become patron of the league throughout the Empire in succession to the late King.” “A successful book and magazine evening was held during the year, and a large amount of good reading matter donated and distributed to people. A bridge party was held in July, when the sum of £lB was made toward the acquisition of a room or office. This has now been acquired, and is room 425, on the fourth floor of the D.I.C. building. It is hoped that members will use the room as a meeting place, leave books and magazines there for constant distribution to the country, hospitals, and lighthouses, and generally find it a useful asset to the Victoria League in Wellington.” “For some months past the visit of Miss Gertrude Drayton, C.8.E., general secretary, London headquarters, has been anticipated with pleasure, and preparations made for her tour through New Zealand. .Miss Drayton will arrive at Wellington on December 2, aud the league will bold a reception in her honour.”

“During the year 30 members goingoverseas have been given letters of introduction, which included some to South Africa, aud Australia, as well as to England. The membership now stands at 242, of which 20 are lifemembers. The number of new members this year is 43.”

Mrs. J. Bow, chairwoman of the young people’s branch, read a report of the activities of this new branch, which displayed much enthusiasm aud promise for even better things next year. The balance-sheet, which showed a good credit balance for the year, was read by the honorary treasurer, Miss Amy Kane. Mrs. J. A. Doctor announced with regret the resignation of Lady .Buckleton as president, and proposed that she be made patroness of the Victoria Deague in Welliugton, so that even though she might not be able to give so much of her time to the work, she would still be with them to give inspiration and enocuragement. This was unanimously carried and Mrs, Doctor, who has acted as deputy-president, was elected in Lady Buckleton’s place. She present-’ ed a charming Victorian .posy to Lady Buckleton as a mark of appreciation from the committee.

Miss Thompson’s resignation as honorary secretary, was also received with deep regret. She hud, Lady Buckleton said, done noble work for the league as honorary secretary for a number of years, and she was presented with a gift aud a posy as tokens of gratitude from the members. Mrs. Brown was appointed secretary in her place. Another resignation received was that of Miss Amy Kane as honorary treasurer. Mrs. C. Corrigan will act in this capacity, and Miss Kane was elected a vice-president with Lady Luke and Mesdames M. H. Chatfield and J. MacKenzie. A new office was created, that of chairwoman, to which Mrs. J. Bow was elected. Another office which has been found essential since the work increased, a books and magazine convener, was assigned to Miss Thompson, and Miss McLean was elected children’s correspondence secretary. This correspondence among children of different countries has only recently been started by the league in New Zealand, ami so far has proved most successful, the children showing great keenness to have pen-friends overseas. The committee were elected as follows: Mesdames Corliss, Cbarlesworth, O. Corrigan. Hanna, Laruaeh, GrayHassell. McKenzie. Meadows, I’ow, Tripp. Robertson. Warburton, FerrierWatson. Yaldwyn, M. Anderson, Cramond, Graham Robertson, Misses A. McLean and Forsyth. Before afternoon tea was handed round by the committee and helpers. Lady Myers, who was a delegate to the general conference of the Victoria League held in London last June, gave a brief talk about happenings and points of interest in connection with the conference. A song by Mrs. Pengelly was very much appreciated, aud thanks were expressed to Lady Buckleton for taking the chair.