VICTORIA LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 121, 18 November 1936, Page 17

VICTORIA LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING HELD

LONDON SECRETARY'S VISIT

. There was a most gratifying increase in the numbers who attended the annual meeting of the Victoria League yesterday afternoon when the lounge at the Pioneer Club was all too small to hold the numbers present. The league has been fortunate this year in extending its work in popular directions. A branch of younger people has added much to its general, interlest, and the arrival of Miss Dray ton, ' C.8.E., the popular London secretary, who has done so much for all visiting New Zealanders, is an event which is anticipated with the greatest pleasure and interest. Miss Drayton arrived in Auckland by the Awatea and was accorded a civic reception, and it was mentioned by Lady Buckleton that the Minister of Hailways has been good enough to accord Miss Drayton a free railway pass while she is in j the Dominion. This was specially applauded by all present as Miss Drayton ,has done more real Empire work,during a long period of years than most other people, and received the C.B.E. from his late Majesty King George, in recognition of her work. Miss Drayton will arrive in Wellington on December 1, and many preparations are being made for her. t welcome and entertainment. The Wellington league has also acquired a charming room in the. D.I.C. building for office work and entertaining, and Lady Buckleton urged that all members should make use of it for rest, recreation, or small parties. Great pleasure was given yesterday by the quantity of lovely flowers which decorated the lounge in all parts, and which had been kindly left for the enjoyment of the Victoria League by the Garden Circle of the Pioneer Club from their flower show the day be-' fore. On the platform were Lady Buckleton (who has resigned the j presidency of the league), Mrs. J. A. j Doctor (who filled her place as presi-1 dent during her absence from New Zealand and is the newly elected president), Lady L'ulce, C.B.E. (the senior 1 vice-president, who was cordially wel- ] corned), Mrs. C. Corrigan (recording secretary), Miss W. Thompson (hon. secretary), who is taking up different branches of work in the league, being replaced in the secretaryship by Mrs. H. Brown). Miss Thompson was cordially thanked for her good work, and presented with some dainty china as a parting gift.from the committee. Miss Thompson will superintend the children's correspondence and also undertake the hospital visiting for the league. Much pleasure was given by the announcement that Mesdames Maurice Anderson, Graham Eobertson, and Crammond had. consented to join the. general committee, and it was also : arranged to extend the number of hostesses for the year. = ' YEAR'S WORK REVIEWED. The annual report. stated.... that the year ended had been a most successful and progressive one for the Victoria League. The league was advised by the British centre that his Majesty King Edward VIII had consented to become patron of the league throughout the Empire in succession to the late King. It was decided at the Christchurch conference that "men and women students going to England be introduced to the league at Home' free of charge, and that some university body be co-opted so that the necessary particulars be obtained." This had been done through the Federation of University Women, Mrs. Boswaith being the delegate appointed for Wellington. Appreciative mention was made of the young people's branch, with Mrs. Pow as chairman, and Misses Spidy and Meadows as joint secretaries, and Miss Duigan as hon. treasurer. Lady Myers, Mrs. W. Young, and Mrs. Rodie had represented the Wellington league at the London annual conference held in June. The usual donation was sent to London towards the wreath placed on Queen Victoria's statue on Empire Bay, and the league here observed the day by placing some wreaths at the base of the statue in Kent Terrace. The first party for the league room was a great success, thp sum of £18 being realised. Thanks were given to a number of members for gifts and donations towards the furnishing of the room. Hospitality extended to t the delegates to the Empire Conference of the Chamber of Commerce was mentioned, the morning tea party held at the Art Gallery being a very pleasant and successful function. Letters of introduction had been given to 30 members going overseas, some of these to Australia and South Africa, as well as to England. The membership stands at present at 242, an increase of 43 during the year. Thanks were given to the Mayor and Mayoress for,the use of rooms at the Town Hall for committee meetings; to the Press for valuable assistance, and to Mr. Smith < jeweller, Lambton Quay) for his kind help in allowing subscriptions to be left at his premises. Thanks were also given to Miss Amy Kane, who has held the office of treasurer for several years. Regret was expressed at her resignation of the position, and Mrs. Clarence Corrigan was appointed in her place. MISS DRAYTON'S ARRIVAL. It was stated that Miss Drayton would arrive by New Plymouth express on the evening of December 1, and a reception will be given at the Hotel St, George an the following afternoon. Miss Drayton will be leaving Wellington next day for the south, but will return for a few days, when a very pleasant programme is being planned for her, including motor drives to some of. the beautiful gardens around the city and parties of various kinds. It is hoped that all members will do their best to make her welcome. A number of those present yesterday signified their intention of going to the station to meet the guest of honour. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of nearly £90, although quite a substantial sum had been expended on the furnishing of the new room and the usual Empire and local donations had been made. Lady Myers gave an interesting account of the London conference which she attended^ and at which she met many fellow-members - from various parts of the world. The only fault to be found was that there were so many reports to be given that they had to be concentrated to a rather trying extent—just a mere sketch in some cases. However, it was a delightful gathering, and parties given by Lady Jersey and other members were very charming and enjoyable. A good descriptive letter from Mrs. Rodic was read and gave much pleasure. Another new branch of work which has been begun and promises well is a correspondence branch for children. Miss Agnes Maclean consented to be the convener for this, and it was mentioned that Miss Gillies, of Palmerston North, had already sent 30 names of