MOTHERS’ UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 93, 19 March 1936, Page 9

MOTHERS’ UNION.

ALL SAINTS’ BRANCH. The annual meeting of All Saints’ branch of the Mothers’ Union was held yesterday afternoon in the girls’ clubroom. Rev. Canon G. Y. Woodward presided and there was a fairly good attendance.

The report, presented by Mrs N. J. Metcalfe, stated that the branch had met eleven times during the year, and the attendances hud been well maintained. Visitors had been welcomed from Eastbourne, Otorohanga, Ashburton, and Mt. Albert (Auckland). One member had been transferred from Tinwald. The branch had affiliated with tire Manawatu branch of the National Council of Women, and Mrs BridenJones had been appointed representative. Two m 1 nbers had visited the Hospital every month, and the visits had been greatly appreciated. Several .new members had been admitted. A visit had been received from Mrs_ Buck, the branch’s representative on tile Diocesan Council. Members had contributed to the presentation to Mrs Sprott, the late diocesan president. Tlie report thanked all speakers who had given interesting and lielpful talks, and those who had contributed vocal and instrumental items. The hostesses were thanked also, as was Mrs A. J. Hunt for arranging the programmes, and Mrs Rush, for acting as organist. Speaking to the report, Canon Woodward said that the year had been an excellent one. He referred to the ideals of the Mothers’ Union, and said that members had a very high standard to live up to. This year was the diamond jubilee of the union, which was founded by Mary Elizabeth Sumner 60 years ago in an English parish. The union stood for the consecration of motherhood. and was one of the greatest factors in the religious life of the world. Canon Woodward impressed on those present the privilege of belonging to the union. He congratulated Mrs Metcalfe and members on the report, which was then adopted. The balance-sheet revealed a credit of £2 7s 3d, and the treasurer (Mrs Eckerslv) was congratulated on her work. It was decided to donate £1 Is to assist with church repair matters. The following officers were appointed: Vice-presic 1 * nts, Mesdames H. G. Bagnall, E. Dawick and Martin; secretary, Mrs Metcalfe; treasurer, Mrs Eckersly ; committee, Mesdames Brougham, Davey (Kairanga), U Ax. Langridge, Bowden, H. G. Schwarz, E. A. Taylor, Remvick, and Bidden Jones; music arrangements, Mrs A. J. Hunt; tea convener, Mrs Mellor. Mrs Bidden Jones was elected delegate to the National Council of Women for a further year. There is no president for the branch, as the constitution stipulates that the vicar’s wife should be enrolling member instead. In connection with the Girls’ Educational Week, to be held in May, a letter was received asking if the union would afford hospitality to visiting girls. Those willing to do so were rcquested to let the secretary know. Canon Woodward reminded members of a garden party which Mrs Brougham is to hold shortly at her residence in South _ Street. The purpose of the function is to raise funds to send a “tuck box” to Melanesia.

Canon Woodward suggested that, in view of tlie diamond jubilee of the Mothers’ Union. the branch should hold some special function. In England, he said, a Mothers’ Union pageant is to be held in July. It was decided to carry out the vicar’s suggestion. , , Mrs H. E. Bennett was welcomed back to the branch by Canon Woodward Mrs Bidden Jones suggested thrft a Fellowship of Mothers should be formed to encourage the young married women and mothers to attend the branch. Canon Woodward said the question was a very vital one. A committee was formed to go into the matter, and consists of Mesdames Briden Jones, Renwick, and Dale, who will act with Mrs Woodward and Sirs Metcalfe. Mrs Briden Jones reported on the recent meeting of the Manawatu branch of the National Cpuncil of Women. A party is to attend the Mothers’ Union festival to be held at Wanganui next Wednesday, and the mothers anticipate a pleasurable and interesting trio. The ladies in charge of afternoon tea were Mesdames E. A. Taylor, J. Ax. E. Dawick, and H. Dawick. Canon Woodward urged the mothers to bring along their friends, to the meetings.