MOTHERS’ UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 February 1940, Page 11

MOTHERS’ UNION.

MEETING IN GARDEN A beautiful sunny afternoon after weeks of unpleasant weather made the first meeting this year of All Saints' branch of the Mothers’ Union a particularly delightful one when members met yesterday in the lovely garden of Mrs H. G Bagnall’s home in Te Awe Awe Street. The programme was mainly an informal one, those present being happy to have the opportunity to sit on the lawn under a spreading oak tree and converse, or to wander among the gay flower beds ablaze with dahlias, marigolds, petunias and late, roses. A diversion was caused by an amusing tape-cutting competition, which was won by Mrs Bottc-her. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames R. Carruthers, A. Hunt.' W. It. Bigham and J. P. Stubbs. Canon G. Y. Woodward thanked Mrs Bagnail for her hospitality on behalf of the members. Mrs Bagnail, lie said, had entertained the Mothers’ Union at their opening meeting for a number of years, and be believed it was a joy to her as well as the members. He reminded the gathering that the patronal festival, the Annunciation, would not tall on March 2o this year as that would be Easter Monday, but was transferred to April 2. The Mothers’ Union would celebrate with a corporate Communion and it was hoped to have a special preacher. There would be a dinner afterwards, and music by the Mothers’ Union choristers, also a play presented by Rev. de Candole. Canon Woodward went on to survey the prospects of the coining year, saying that if anyone understood the meaning of war it was a mother. The members would all be expected to help by sending comforts to the forces and in many other ways they would be called on to add all their weight and power to help win the war. Several members had alreiuy promised to assist with tiio supper at the Maori Camp, and the choir would give items at a concert. Everyone must help to win the war to stop aggression and bring lasting peace. Mothers who had to give their sons must be brave and remember that all were warriors for God. King and country. Canon Woodward exhorted his hearers to pray earnestly that the war would soon end in for the British Empire anti its seplendid ally, France, also for that magnificent little nation, Finland. Mrs A. Pritchard gave an account of the visits paid to the Hospital by herself and Mrs H. Rouse. These visits were much appreciated and Mrs Pritchard appealed to members for magazines to give to the patients. Mrs Crowley had agreed assist with the hospital visiting, and' Mesdamcs Ratcliffe and E. Pees were appointed visitors for the following month. The secretary (Mrs C. ‘E. Metcalfe) reminded members of the annual meeting.