Cuba Street Methodist Ladies’ Guild

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 291, 9 December 1936, Page 15

Cuba Street Methodist Ladies’ Guild

; SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED The Cuba Street Mothodist Sunday school Toom presented a festive appearance yesterday afternoon, when the Cuba Street Methodist Ladies’ Guild held their final and annual meeting for the year. Rev. A. Blakomore was in the chair.

Gay marigolds, carnations, Christmas lilies and hydrangeas wero effectively arranged in vases, while suspended across the stago were bright novelty Christmas decorations. After the devotional services conducted by Rev. Blakemore, Mrs. P. J. Meller (retiring president) took the opportunity of welcoming all members and visitors present and also of thanking members once again for their loyal support during her term of office. Sympathy in the passing of her daughter was expressed with Mrs. M. Pitcher, members standing in silonco as a mark of respect. Annual Report. The report stated that the year just closed had been one of marked progress and achievement and the atmosphere of Christian fellowship which pervaded the meetings made them a joy to all who attended. The average attendance for the year was 34 with a roll number of 48, which was an increase of seven on the previous year’s roll. Rev. and Mrs. Blakemore had been welcomed and had brought with them such a spirit of friendliness and comradeship that they had been an inspiration to all. Several changes in the officers had taken place since the last annual meeting. Mrs. Blakemore had replaced Mrs. H. L. Richards as vice-president, Mrs. A. E. Eisher replaced Mrs. Candy as treasurer, and Mrs. A. Boniface replaced Mrs. Richards as delegate to the National Council of Women. Owing to altered circumstances, Mrs. Dale found she was unable to attend committee meetings, and Mrs. Budden was appointed in ner place. Early in the year Mrs. Ferguson was welcomed back after her long absence from Palmerston North.

It was with regret that the passing of Mrs. Inkpen, a valued member, was recorded.

During the year many bright and interesting programmes had been enjoyed. One of the greatest efforts of the guild was the spring fair, which realised the sum of £4O 2s. It was decided to donate £35 of this to the Church trust funds. Visits had been exchanged during the year with the sister guild at St. Paul’s Church. As the president, Mrs. Meller, had expressed her wish to retire from office, members desired to place on record in the annual report deep appreciation of the services she had rendered to the guild during her five years as president. Thanks were tendered to all who had in any measure contributed to the success of the year’s work. Eev. Blakemore congratulated the members on the report, which indicated that the guild was a live one. Also it was a guild which was not just content with, raising money but which strived to develop the social and spiritual side by having speakers on their monthly programmes. Deference was made to the largo membership by Rov. Blakemore, who concluded by expressing his appreciation of the loyal and faithful work done in the past year and trusting that the ensuing year would be one of similar good service for God and the church to which they belonged. [Financial Report.

The financial report presented by Mrs. A. E. Fisher revealed a satisfactory state of affairs, the balance- in hand being £9 8s 2d. The annual report and the balancesheet were duly receivod and adopted with little discussion. In commenting on the financial report ) Eev. Blakemore paid tribute to the excellent manner in which Mrs. Fisher had kept the books. Election, of' Officers. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: —President, Mrs. G. G. Haneox; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames P. J. Meller, A. Blakemore, T. B. Hodder, A. Ferguson; secretary, Mrs. Boyes; treasurer, Mrs. A. E. Fisher; delegate to the quarterly board, Mrs. Winton; delegate to the National Council of Women, Mrs. A. Boniface; committee, Mesdames F. Budden, J. Candy, F. W. Dorsett, Allsop and J. A. Pedersen. - , Bev. Blakemore moved that a vote of thanks be accorded tho retiring officers. This was carried with acclamation. A pleasing incident occurred when Mrs. Haneox took the opportunity of making the presentation of a crystal cruet set to Mrs. P. J. Meller in recognition of the splendid services she had rendered to the guild, and of the excellent manner in which she had guided the guild through a difficult time. Mrs. Meller briefly returned thanks. Mrs. Meller presented the £35 donated to the Church trust fund to Mr. G. G. Haneox, who, with Mr. T. B. Hodder, represented the Church trustees at the meeting. In returning thanks, Mr. Haneox paid tribute to the generous way in which the.' guild had always assisted the trustees.

A donation was also made to the infant Sunday school, Mrs. A. Boniface returning thanks on their behalf. Tangible recognition was made of the untiring assistance given by Mr. Cresswell throughout the year. During the afternoon Mrs. O. Doel delighted with, vocal solos and Miss Gwen Hancox gave pleasure with elocutionary items. A dainty afternoon tea was served by the hostesses, Mesdames T. R. Hodder, Newman and Dorsett (convener).