Pahiatua W.C.T.U.

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 44, 20 February 1941, Page 4

Pahiatua W.C.T.U.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held in JSt. Paul’s Schoolroom last week, Mrs. H. Paterson (president) being in the chair. Considering the fact that some members were still on holiday, the attendance was good. Correspondence included acknowledgment of Christmas parcels sent to the New Plymouth W.C.T.U. Seamen’s Rost, with accounts of social and gift evenings given to the men of several vessels, some of whom had been months at. sea without entering a harbour. Regret was expressed at the loss of two members, Miss Cody and Miss Ritchie, by removal from the district. Being "Frances Willard" Day, extracts were read of the founding of th| W.C.T.U. by that great and noble woman, of the reforms in education, in politics and in social life, which she was tho means of bringing about. It was pointed out how many and varied were the memorials to Frances Willard, ono in particular claiming world-wide attention—the beautiful marble statue in the Statuary Hall at the Capitol, Washington, D.C., at the opening of

which the then President of the United States said that Frances Willard was worthy to stand among the immortals of all time, for he had heard her voice and knew of her labour for the freedom of her people—freedom from the combination of vice and drunkeness. In the discussion that followed mention was made of the existence of a Frances Willard memorial tree planted in ono of tho public gardens in Christchurch by the Linwood W.C.T.U. branch in that city.

Afternoon tea was served by the president.