MOTHERS' UNION

Hutt News, Volume 15, Issue 37, 4 March 1942, Page 5

MOTHERS' UNION

3> The first meeting lor IIM2 of tin? >St. James's branch of the Mothers' Union was held recently, when Airs i.'Yy presided over a large attendance of members. Arrangements were made for members to spend a day at the Frederic Wallis Home on Tuesday, March 21th, instead of Wednesday, 2;lth. There will bo a celebration of Holy Communion in the chapel al IO.;;i) a.m. Owing to the black-out and transport restrictions, the members were asked to consider the advisability of changing to an afternoon meeting, suggestions to be put forward at the next meeting. Mrs. Crookcmlen delighted all present with her elocutionary items. Mrs. J. W. Andrews, the speaker for the evening chose as the title for her address, "Mothers in the home in war time." In opening her talk Mrs. Andrews said what a privilege it is to have- a home and family to look after. She read an extract from a speech made at the Plunket conference in which the effect of noise upon young children was discussed. This showed the great need for parents to cultivate calmness and an atmosphere of security in the home which is so accessary to help the child build up a reserve of strength. The speaker emphasised the danger of making the way too smooth for families, because it is felt they may have so much to face. It. is the parents' duty to armour them to meet grim realities, by building character and teaching them (hat. the greatest happiness comes over the road of endeavour, and give them a concrete ideal embodied in their parents. Mrs Andrews concluded her talk with a poem, "What a Mere Man Said." A very sincere vote of thanks was passed, and the meeting closet! with the National Anthem.