USUAL ACTIVITIES MAINTAINED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 126, 30 May 1941, Page 4

USUAL ACTIVITIES MAINTAINED

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS'

REPORTS

Although patriotic work is coming foremost in the endeavours of most women's organisations, the usual activities are also being maintained, as is shown by the following reports of recent meetings of the League of Mothers:—

The Eastbourne League of Mothers combined its seventh birthday with the May meeting, the president, Mrs. Shearer, welcoming a large attendance cf fathers, mothers, and visitors, also Mesda^ies Cornish, Young, and Vance (provincial executive), and Mrs. Sargisson (Petone branch). "The Development of the Child" was the subject cf an instructive address given by Dr. A. G. Butchers. Items were given by Mrs. Stuart, Mrs. Beveridge, and the league choir.

At Johnsonville, the meeting celebrated the occasion of the fifth birthday of the branch, when Mrs. Robert Hogg presided over. a large attendance and welcomed many visitors, including members of the provincial executive. Mrs. Kelsey, and Mrs. Rollings, and also representatives of the Mothers' Union, Patriotic Society, Red Cross Society, Johnsonville, Ohariu, and New-

lands Women's Institutes, and the W.C.T.U. Mrs. E. M. Berrington, of Dunedin, gave an address. Mrs. Kersley and Mrs. Rollings also spoke briefly, and songs were sung by Mrs. Willman. The birthday cake, cut by Mrs. Kersley, was decorated by Mrs. McIndoc.

When everyone was so busy with the essential things of everyday life and spiritual needs were left in a corner, it was a privilege and pleasure to address a meeting where a spiritual and happy atmosphere prevailed, said Mrs. Catherine Stewart, M.P., when addressing members at Karori on the subject of "Life." Nothing good was lost in this world, she continued, so people should remember that by their conduct they impinge on others for good or evil. Songs were sung by Mrs. Johnsen.

Miss Nelle Scanlan was the speaker at the Stokes Valley meeting. Her talk was mainly on war work. Mrs. P. Smith gave a musical monologue, Mrs. Cording being at the piano.

At Moera-Waiwhetu several new members were admitted by the president, Mrs. D. Wedekind. A large parcel of knitted goods was handed in to be forwarded to the Patriotic Committee, and members responded eagerly to an appeal made for ditty bags. Mrs. E. Coventry, J.P., secretary to Ihe Society for the Protection of Women and Children, gave a talk on the work of the society. Recognising the sanctity of home as paramount, the League of Mothers in particular could appreciate the practical work of the Protection Society in keeping together and safeguarding many homes liablg to be wrecked from within.

"Child Psychology" was the subject of an interesting lecture given by Mrs. Grenfell at the meeting of the Johnsonville branch. Four new members were admitted and before tea songs were contributed by Mrs. Phillips and the choir, and recitations by Miss Dawn Hooper.

Mrs. B. ■L. Dallard, presided at the meeting of the central branch, and her mother, Mrs. Inglis, gave an inspiring address on the need for prayer. Songs were sung by Mrs. Esau. At another recent meeting of this branch Mrs. Dallard was the speaker. She read extracts from the "International Council of Women Bulletin," which showed the wonderful work being clone throughout the world by the women of the council. Musical items were given by the league choir.

There was a very large attendance at the meeting of the Seatoun branch when Mr. Barton addressed members on' "Relations Between England and America," describing a movement which had originated in Australia during the past 18 months, and was now being introduced in New Zealand as the "British and American Co-opera-tion Movement," with the object of fostering friendly relationships between the two peoples and developing a kindly understanding of the points of view and ideals of each. Songs were sung by Mrs. Blake, Lyall Bay.

At Lyall Bay-Kilbirnie the hall was decorated with chrysanthemums by Mrs. Neil for the "Mothers and Daughters'' evening, when a very large attendance was welcomed by the president, Mrs. Tilyard. Miss Nolle Scanlan was the speaker and members' daughiers who contributed entertaining' items were Misses Jean Russell, Susan Fredric. and Joan Wallace. The choir also sang, and supper was served by the com mil tee. Miss Joan Neil, on behalf of the daughters, thanked the hostesses.

Members instead of the committee organised the programme for "members' day" held recontiy by the Eastbourne branch of the League of Mothers, when Mrs. Dunn presided and Mrs. Travers was secretary for the occasion. Mrs. Shearer (president) conducted the admission service for new members and a novel entertainment was given by Mesdames Bennett and Beveridgc, also songs by Mrs. Clark and Miss Goodwill.

Benefits to be derived from gardening were described at a recent meeting of the Eastbourne branch of the New Zealand Union of Townswomen's Guilds, Inc., by Mrs. Nelton Butler. Another feature of the meeting (at which Mrs. Robinson presided) was a demonstration of beading evening bags, and of utilising felt, by Mrs. J. B. Findley,