MOTHERS’ UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 16, 16 December 1937, Page 13

MOTHERS’ UNION.

DEDICATION CEREMONY. Prior to the monthly meeting of the All Saints’ branch of the Mothers' Union, held yesterday afternoon, a service was held in the church at which a brass tablet was dedicated to the memory of the late Mrs Florence Beatrice Tucker, who had been a parishioner of the church and a member of the Mothers’ Union. In performing the dedication ceremony, Canon G. Y. Woodward said that the late Mrs Tucker had been a true Christian woman, living ever in the presence of Christ, believing in His sacramental teaching and His living personality. She had shown an extraordinary love for the church, and the closing of her life of service was a tremendous loss to the parish. The tablet was then unveiled,- with a hymn and prayer.

TRAVELS IN ENGLAND. The girls’ clubroom was decorated with sweet peas when the members met to hear a brief address by Canon AVoodward of his recent visit to England. On behalf of the Mothers’ Union a welcome back was conveyed to Canon and Mrs Woodward, by Mrs E. Davvick, enrolling member. Messages from friends and relations of members, whom lie had visited in tho Old Country, were conveyed by Canon AVoodward, who also brought greetings from branches of the Mothers’ Union in England. • Giving a brief account of his impressions of the Coronation, the speaker saicj, that lie and Mrs AVoodward were fortunate enough to secure seats in AVestminster Abbey, while the Misses Woodward had very good seats near Buckingham Palace, where they had been able to see the procession both on its departure and on its return. Seats in the Abbey' necessitated the wearing of Court dress, which had to be hired from an embroiderer s for the day. Here the robes which were to be worn by Queen Elizabeth and the little Princesses were seen. On the morning of the Coronation an early start was made for the Abbey where, from a good position, the entrance of the procession was seen. A beautiful vellum-bound book was placed for the convenience of each of those so seated. This gave a full account of the ceremony', while another book told of the order of the procession. The most impressive moment of all, the speaker considered, was the arrival of Queen Mary. A visit paid to Edinburgh coincided with the visit of the Royal 1 amily to that city, Canon AVoodward added. Here the King, Queen and Princesses received a great reception from the Scottish people. Rows of children lined Princes Street and cheered with tremendous .enthusiasm. Later in the day, howevet, a storm arose and the garden party', at which the Royal Family were present; had to be abruptly terminated. In conclusion, Canon Woodward said that he had been very proud to have been able to attend the Coronation of a great King over a great Empire. On behalf of Mrs AVoodward Sind himself he expressed thanks for the warm welcome accorded him by members. - The secretary (Mrs C. E. Metcalfe) read an account of the suggested programme of the visit of Miss Kathleen Courtney (peace ambassador). It was announced that the next meeting of the branch would be held at Mrs H. G. Bagnall’s residence, and would take the form of a garden party. An announcement was also made regarding a garden party organised by Mrs I. E. Brougham tor mission funds, and members were asked to give what assistance they could towards this worthy effort.

Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames A. AVollerman, Kennedy, Drake and E. A. Taylor. The tea hostesses were Mesdames R. Butcher, 0. Dunstan. AV. Inkpen, and E. Ashcroft. Mesdames Herron and Brougham were the door hostesses. The compliments of the season were extended to members by Mrs Da wick.