THE LEAGUE OF MOTHERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20403, 4 November 1929, Page 17

THE LEAGUE OF MOTHERS.

FAREWELL TO THE FOUNDER. The farewell tendered to Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson in the Wellington Town Hall by the League of Mothers was a wonderful tribute to her as the founder of the league, ami a proof of its power in drawing women together with one object, thus fulfilling one of the ideals of the league. There' must have been well over a thousand women present, and their keen interest in the occasion and their appreciation of the founder were very fine to witness. Representatives of the 16 branches in the Wellington Province were present- the presidents and secretaries forming a guard of honour in the hall, where Lady Alice was received by Mrs. J. S. Elliott (the newly-chosen Dominion president), Dr. Elizabeth Bryson (who has been district president), and the provincial secretary (Mrs. C. White). The hall had been artistically decorated by members of the Hutt branch with masses of arum lilies. These, with flags, formed the decoration of the entrance to the hall, while the stage was draped at the back with black curtains, with large bowls of arum lilies in front, centred by another of vivid Iceland poppies. The Mayoress, Mrs. G. A. Troup, was on the stage, to which the guest of honour was conducted, as well as the officials of the league.. Speeches were made by various representatives of the league, and Mrs. Elliott handed to Her Excellency a Bible bound in fine brawn morocco. This contained an inset leaf, on the front of which was an appropriate inscription, beautifully illuminated, and a charming miniature sketch of New Zealand coastal scenery by Mr. Marcus King. The reverse side of the leaf was ornamented with Maori scroll decoration, and the aims and objects of the league were set out in beautiful illuminated script, the work of Mr. Alexander. The presentation of a floral ship to Her Excellency was a charming inspiration. The ship represented the League of Mothers, which Her Excellency had launched into the sea of life. Its little white flags were each named for the branches, and symbolised their obligation to keep the ship afloat; the wireless installation represented the connection with Her Excellency through the Scottish Union, on which she would represent New Zealand; the tiny electric | light symbolised the lighthouse branch, which brought in those who performed such a necessary and life-saving work on the coasts of the islands, and also the light which Lady Alice had left for the guidance of the mothers in her league. It was added that the little ship was loaded to "Plimsoll mark" with good wishes for the future, good health, anil happiness for Their Excellencies and family, and the flowers, roses, forget-me-nots, and pansies were expressive of the sentiments they represented. _ Future branches were even provided for by a special flag. The name of the ship was j "Haere-tonu," meaning united progress.