TWO FINE INTERESTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 18

TWO FINE INTERESTS

VICTORIA LEACUE-TOC H

A visitor, interesting to both the Victoria League and Toe H League of Woman Helpers, was the guest of the committee and hostesses of the Victoria League in their .charming room in the D.I.C. Building yesterday afternoon. The room, with its soft cream and green colouring, was well set ofJ by beautiful hydrangeas and other flowers which adorned the tables (already covered with dainty white embroidered cloths) and which were placed in vases round the walls. A delicious afternoon tea was provided by committee members, and was much enjoyed.

After a pleasant description of the fine hospitality given to overseas visitors by the Victoria League in England, which was well mentioned as the outstanding society for personal friendship and hospitality, Mrs. Edwards spoke of her pleasure in meeting Miss Drayton (London secretary) at 'Queenstown, where they enjoyed an expedition up Lake Wakatipu to Paradise, and had an opportunity of

talking together about the work done in England and the results of Miss Drayton's successful tour round a large part of the Empire.

Mrs. Edwards, who is an enthusiast about Toe H and the fine work done I by the association and the League of Women Helpers, which is a most helpful auxiliary to Toe H and which has a small but very "live" branch in Wellington, spoke interestingly of the inception of Toe H at Poperinghe during the war, and of the fact that the name is simply, a contraction of "Talbot House," the name of the place where ■ the meetings were first held. The open hospitality, the fact, that as soon as any man entered Toe-H he ceased to have any rank but that of a friend, and the possibility of there being a period of real quiet and rest, and prayer, if wished, were all told vividly by Mrs. Edwards, who was a war-worker, and not speaking only from hearsay. Although the original Talbot House at Poperinghe had been taken back by the owner after the war, it had been bought since by Lord Wakefield and given to Toe H. Similar houses for rest and quiet had been established all over Great' Britain, these taking about 30 men each, all of whom gave service of useful kinds when they were not able to pay for board and lodging. No one was asked to do anything, and Mrs. Edwards added earnestly: "It.is a real community, and a very Christian way of living." "POINTS OF THE COMPASS." "The four points of . the compass"' which ruled- the members of Toe H were as follows: .Think fairly; love widely;.witness humbly; build bravely. The latter meant that every person must build a little corner of the Heavenly Kingdom round themselves, and therefore be a help and an inspiration to others. . Mrs. Edwards, then spoke of the League of Women Helpers and of the

vivid interest taken in it by the present Queen Elizabeth, who, as Duchess of York, lighted the lamp for the women at All-Hallows Church, the centre of Toe H religious activity in England, as well as of the practical and most kindly work done. When Mrs. Edwaz-ds was leaving lor her tour the Duchess (as. she was then) asked her where she was travelling off to this time, and when she said "New Zealand," she spoke of her liking for the little Dominion and sent a kindly message particularly to the womenkind.

"The League of Women Helpers has its 'habitat' at Noi 87 Wellington Terrace," said the speaker, "and Miss Riddick is the honorary secretary. It is a happy little place, redolent of kindliness and friendship. There is the lamp and the little chapel for those who wish quiet time for thought, and there is bright and cheery welcome and entertainment in other rooms. The league exists simply as 'helpers.' Money is not available, but kindly help and interest is, and women and girls in Wellington who belong do many kind actions and bring joy and thankful hearts to many who need friendship."

Mrs. Edwards • urged those present to make the League of Women Helpers better known, and asked all who were able .to join to do so. Lady Bledisloe, who had lighted the lamp lor Wellington, was a regular helper in London, with unfailing interest in the" League and its work. She also had sent a loving message to the Wellington workers whom she remembered well. Lord Bledisloe is a leader in the Toe H world at home.

Mrs. J. A. Doctor (Victoria League president) introduced Mrs. Edwards personally to those, present, and a very delightful meeting concluded with questions and talk about these two fine societies.

Mrs. Doctor stated that a special meeting would be held soon for the Victoria League hostesses, and that pleasant plans for the winter would then be made.