LEAGUE DF MOTHERS

Evening Star, Issue 24016, 15 October 1941, Page 10

LEAGUE DF MOTHERS

RAVENSBOURHE BRANCH Thu final meeting of the year was held on Thursday evening, Mrs Cairney presiding. A welcome was extended to Mrs Miller, relatives of local soldiers, members of the Mothers 1 Union, and representatives from Opoho, Central, Port Chalmers, Mornington, and lloslyn League of Mothers. Mrs Miller, of the Chinese Mission, was the speaker for the evening, and the audience was privileged to hear an inspiring address on the life of the Chinese people both in New Zealand and China. In. her opening remarks she said that to-day mothers are the most important people in New Zealand, and the good influence fostered in the home is reflected back by their sons overseas. The speaker told how the refugee Chinese women in Dunedin adapted themselves to their .new environments. Mrs Miller explained that the Chinese were not a native race, but were very highly intellectual and took their own religion very seriously, practising their ancient customs. Since the war with Japan there is a greater understanding between the British officials and the Chinese, and Hongkong has proved a haven for Chinese women and children. Mrs Newey arranged the following most enjoyable programme:—Choir, ‘Kentucky Babe,’ ‘Glow of Evening,’ ' E Pari Ra,’ and Maori ‘ Rhythmic Song’; playette, ‘The Spinsters of Lush ’ —Mesdames Dawson, McKenzie, Manly, Bain, Murdoch, and Woodhoilse; trio. Mesdames Naylor, Middlemass, and Walker; duet, Mesdames Naylor and Middlemass; solo, Mrs Edmonds. Mrs Ballantyne proposed a comprehensive vote of thanks to Mrs Miller and the performers, while floral tributes were presented to Mrs Miller, Mrs Cairney, Mrs Newey, and relatives of soldiers. Port Chalmers Branch, Mrs Cassie presided over a happy gathering of members and friends of this branch, including visitors from Opoho, lloslyn, Kailkorai, Central, St. Clair, Caversham, Ravensbourne, and the Mothers’ Union at the annual social evening. Mesdames Watson and Thomson were in charge of an enjoyable programme, which included vocal solos, duets, elocutionary items, humorous sketches, and games. Mrs R. N. Hoskin’s, who had celebrated her golden wedding, was congratulated and presented with a floral spray. Members were reminded of their day in the patriotic shop on October 17. A dainty supper was provided by members of the committee. The thought for the month was “ The knowledge of ignorance is the beginning of education.”