MOTHERS’ UNION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 284, 16 November 1923, Page 5

MOTHERS’ UNION.

DIOCESE OF WAIAPU. '

The annual meeting of the Mothers’ Union of the Diocese of Waiapu was held in St. John’s Schoolroom, Napier, yesterday afternoon, the Very Rev. Dean Mayne presiding. The secretary (Mrs. Henley) reported for the year as follows: -“Owing to the bad weather and the influenza epidemic all branches seemed to have suffered and the attendance at meetings in most cases was not up to the average. Several branches have changed secretaries, notably Takapau, where Mrs. Fred Hall had to give up for domestic reasons. We w’ill miss her very much, as she was both businesslike and capable. Her successor, Mrs. Arthur'Thompson, is very keen. Mrs. Glass, who has been secretary at Dannevirke for many years, has also resigned and her duties have been taken up by Mrs. Ewart Anderson, who is most energetic and interested in the work. During Mrs. Gordon Williams’ absence from the Otane branch, Mrs. Rough is carrying on the duties of secretary, while Mrs. Wigg is acting for Clive. I would ask the branch secretaries if possible in future to send in their membership fees, when sending in reports for home publication, as I cannot present a faithful balance-sheet when several branches have still left fees unpaid. In comparing the membership with that of last year, I find that it has increased from 429 to 450, St. Augustine’s leading with a membership of 67. This report especially is most encouraging, showing an/average attendance of 42, and a keen interest in the primary object of the union. The Gisborne branch is. making great progress. The laying of the foundation stone of the new Mary Sumner House in London on July 18th was a red letter day in the history of the Mothers’ Union, and the accounts from Mrs. Sutherland, our overseas correspondent, and also in papers are inspiring. A cable sent to the council from this diocese on the day ‘With you in spirit—Waiapu,’ was greatly appreciated. The ‘Golden Book,’ proceeds from the sale of which are to go towards the building fund of the new M.S. House, has been in great demand, and many copies have been ordered. The money received towards our M.S. Memorial from this diocese, £lB 18/-, was sent Home to Mrs. Maude last month, with a request that a suitable brass alms dish be obtained in London, and the remainder of the money put into the building fund.” The balance-sheet showed a credit of £4 5/li. , • J The following officers were elected :— President, Mrs. Sedgwick; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames C. H. Maclean (Hawke’s Bay), H. W. Williams (Waiapu). Ruddock (Tauranga). Mrs. E. W. Henlev was elected honorary secretary and treasurer and literature secretary. Mrs. Hansard was appointed the representative of the G.F.S. and Deaconess Sanders a member of the executive ex officio. Mrs. Turner Williams was elected corresponding secretary for the scheme to keep in touch with mothers in th backblocks and 1 young mothers unable to attend meetings.