LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Hutt News, Volume 9, Issue 26, 4 December 1935, Page 5

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

LOWER HUTT BRANCH. The linal meeting for 1!>35 of the Lower Hutt branch of the League of Mothers was presided over by Mrs H. D. Bennett, vice-president. The Mar ' approach of Christmas was celebrated by messages of goodwill to the large attendance of members and by appropriate music while a profusion of 'lilies * provided a beautiful setting. Com- ' hymns and carols "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "The First Nowelt"" and the choir's rendering of "As With Gladness" "Carol for Christmas" nnd "Tho Gift" invoked 'the .spirit of" Christmas. • A flying visit from two delegates to the Dominion conference, Mrs. Why to provincial secretary, Auckland, and and Mrs MacGregor, provincial weretiny, Otago, served to show the widespraed scope of the league, and friendly greetings were exchanged. Afternoon tea, served in the usual efficient manner, was followed by a very illuminating talk on "Festive and General Cookery" by Mrs Clark, B.H,Sc, The Art of Cooking, In introducing her subject Mrs Clark _ remarked that, having disobeyed the natural luws, we must bear tho burden . of ills that could be avoided, as 90 per cent of sickness was really dietetic. New Zealand women, in the main, wcro said to be parochial, and reluctant to accept new ideas which, if carried out, would mean a lessening of the burde,i of preparation for the festive season, and would be a real contribution towards better health by simplifying the diet of the Christmas menus. This would mean a certain courago and a readiness to adapt ourselves to new ways with food according ■to tho considered itndings of modern homo science, The festive appearance of the Christmas dinner could, and ought, still to bo retained, but wc ought not to emulate 'the Christmas dinner of a country plunged in the depth of winter. She suggested an easily prepared and suitable dinner would be simp'lo told dishes such as beef roll, meat set in aspic jelly, fresli vegetables and salads followed by nuts, fruit and milk, instead of puddings. ' Less meat, more cheese, eggs and milk, some uncooked vegetable and fruit every day, and meals taken in quiet surroundings and in perfect harmony wcro advocated as being most beneficial -to health. The purpose of food was primarily to give health, secondly a psychological pleasure. Just as the world advances in all spheres, so science revealed to women in the home' a new point of view towards the preparation of foods in the home. "Wo as women must endeavour to mould 'public opinion against such prejudice as may arise whenever we suggest anything new," the speaker concluded. ' Mrs. Charlesworth moved a very hearty voto of thanks to the speaker. Members are reminded of the final neeling of the Stokes Valley League .vithin the Institute on December 3. A bus will leave Hutt Tost Office ut 2