"AT HOME" TO VISITORS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 121, 18 November 1939, Page 18

"AT HOME" TO VISITORS

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

DAY AT THE EXHIBITION

The Dominion and provincial executives of the League of Mothers had a happy inspiration when they, decided to engage the lecture hall in the Women's Section at the Centennial Exhibition and be "at home" for a day to all members of the league visiting Wellington for; the Exhibition. This "at home" took 'place yesterday, and the hall was crowded in the afternoon for the official welcome, which was extended by Mrs. Charles White (Dominion president) . and ■ Mrs. H. H. Cornish (provincial president). The guests included visitors from, many parts of the Dominion.

The hall looked gay,,;;having been decorated with flowers for^the occasion by the members ; of the ?Lyall Bay branch, and photographs; and literature concerning the league' Svere displayed on small tables. •. Mrs. White extended a special welcome to Lady Elliott (ex-Dominion president) and Mr. Lesley .* Wall (Dominion; honorary secretary.), •* saying that the league was thankful; to - have them safely home/after their tours abroad. Althpugh the league had been in existence only; 13£ years,' said Mrs. White, it'was; making- itself felt.in the life of the country. Jt ; .wasa fine organisation, because, thanks to the founder, Lady Alice Fergusson, it had fineldeals, and it-had loyal, alert, and enthusiastic members who would not let it down. •,.',-., •..."■. Mrs. White invited the guests to,inspect the photographic records of the history of the league, ■''■ and, .referring to some of the old photographs, v she said: "Don'ti let our hats« put you off. It's' amazing the headgear we' wore even ten years ago!" ' ' - i Speaking of the league's/part in war work, Mrs. White said that women's main . responsibility was in , keeping the homes going. "Many1 of you have sons in camp,"_she concluded. "I pray that they may be given leave -and that you will have them with you, in yoixr homes on Christmas Day. My very best wishes to you all." .. /Mrs. Cornish spoke mainly of the league's war work; She said that this should lie chiefly in offering homes or giving a touch of home to the men in camp. This work was to be properly organised with the help of Mr. Victor Jones, of the V.M.C.A. ; As a souvenir of the occasion, the visitors were asked to sign a,visitors' book. The first name in it, was that of her Excellency Viscountess Galway, who had paid a surprise visit to vthe League of; Mothers in the lecture hall during the morning when she had been on a tour of inspection of the Women's* Section.