MOTHERS UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11826, 2 December 1901, Page 5

MOTHERS UNION.

H.R.IT. PRINCESS HENRY OF BATTENBURG AT PORTSMOUTH. A conference of tho Winchester diocesan branch of this society took place in October, in the Portland Hall, Soutlisea, the chair being occupied by Mrs. Sumner, central and diocesan president of the union. The gathering was honoured by the presence of Princess Henry of Battenburg, who broke her journey to Gowns in order to come. A large number of members and other ladies, as well as several of the clergy of the neighbourhood, also attended. After the Bishop of Guildi: ,d had opened proceedings by reading certain prayers. Mrs. Sumner expressed, amidst the deep silence of a standing audience, on this the first occasion of meeting since the death of Queen Victoria, the deep sense of sorrow of all those who belonged to an organisation of which she was the patron. The announcement that Queen Alexandra had consented to occupy the position thus left vacant was received with satisfaction. A paper was read by the Hon. Mrs. Pelham, dealing with the individual work of subscribing members, in which the speaker dwelt, with special impressivencss, upon the responsibility which rested upon mothers with regard to the instruction and guardianship of their sons. The Archdeacon of London pointed out how the Mothers' Union might best support temperance principles in home and society, while Mrs. Barrington Browne urged the need of warning daughters as well as sons of the danger" of alcoholic indulgence. Amongst other speakers was Mrs. Pruidnll Davidson, who, in a few well-chosen words, acknowledged the deep debt of gratitude owed by all connected with the Mothers' Union to the Bishop of Guildford and Mrs. Sumner. The conference was preceded by an early celebration at St. Judy's Church. Soutlisea, as well as by a later service, at which the Bishop of Guildford was the preacher.