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VICTORIA LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING, The thirteenth annual meeting of the Ota<go branch of the Victoria League was held i<i tho Stuart llall yesterday attenioon, and was very largely attended, the hall being well tilled. The Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) ptt-sided. 'i'lie Mayor taid we gloried in tho wonderful heroism ot t.lu: Empire's soldiers and in the splendour ol their achievements. But many luul "gone west ' and made tho great sacrifice. They fought they suffered they endured, they died—tnat tile Empire might live With reverence and gratitude we gave them honour. In the midst of battle, in the din of conflict tl'oy found peace. And oil this Empire Day wo thanked our noble dead for all tlieir bravo and splendid deeds. We had no words to express the debt wo owed, tho love we felt towards those who nobly fighting, nobly fell. Wo could only stand and in the hush and silence feel what words cannot utter. Tho aumeiica then stood in silenco for several seconds. Hi? \\ orslxip, in moving the adoption of the rwport, said the report showed good woik, quietly and unostentatiously done, and disclosed the magnificent, self-sacrilicing do votion that had been displayed by the workers, especially the women. To him one of the most marvellous and inspiring lessons that this war had taught us was tho noble part that tho women of the Empire had taken in the work of winning the war. Whilo the men of tho Empire went to battle, the women were doing their share in a splendid manner. Their work had added lustre to tho fair name of women, and would ever bo an inspiration and incentive to those who wero imbued with lofty ideas of duty and patriotism. The women workers of tho league had not sought to advertise themselves, but wero content quietly to serve the Empire and tho men who wero saving it The balance sheet showed that with tho exceedingly small income of ££0, they had been able to do « considerable amount of educational work, and had administered the affr.irs of the league with great economy. That day they were celebrating Empire Day, which had come to be regarded as our great Imperial Anniversary, our Festival of Empire; the day above all others in which we dwelt upon the glories of our Empire and determined to maintain the position of the nation as the eavous of humanity and the embodiment of chivalry. Tho story of the growth of our Empire was one of the most wonderful and glorious pages in the world's history, and perhaps the nost notable epoch in the 19th century, when under that sovereign whose name this league bore, millions of men of every race, colour, and creed gladly pledged their allegiance to Britain. Out, of this present war, there would, he believed, rise a greater Empire, for there had been forged new links of Imperial love and new chains of Imperial unity. From the pages of our nation's history one great truth stood forth —that the British people wero never stronger, more resourceful, never greater in courage or stouter of heart than when things looked blackest, and they had their backs to the wall. Tho German War Lord never made a greater mistake than when he thought the British Empire was decadent, and tho old fighting spirit was dead. Our hearts thrilled with admiration for those heroes who toad gone to carry out the sternest and the noblest task that ever man had to do. By their chivalry and valour, by their devotion to duty, by the beauty of their sacrifice, our gallant knights of freedom had taught us the true nature of mainly virtue and unconquerable patriotism of the British people. On this Empire Day wo had a more cheery vision than last year. We were nearing the goal, and the radianco of victory was upon our faces. We wero on the edge of the promised land. That day they were marching steadily, surely if slowly, along the death crowned road to victory. To-day tho song of victory was in tho hearts of our fighting men, and tho litany of despair was chilling the lips of the foe. There was no reason for depression. The sky might appear to be cloudy, but the sun of victory was waiting to burst through.

The Rev. R. S. Gray, in seconding tho motion, said ho esteemed- it a privilege to pay a tribute to their late Queen. He was not at all sure that the statement that Queen Victoria was a product of her day was correct. It was known that she took a very decided stand in support of certain principles, and she maintained those principles. The greatness of our Empire was not measured by the extent of our territory, by the force of our army, or the irresistible strength of our navy. There was one thins which we could truthfully say, and that was that no facts which caused us to enter tho war would ever bring a blush of shame to our cheek. It was a proud boast to belong' to that Empire. Nations must be judged, as men and women should be judged, by their motives, not by their performances. In connection with this last test which had oome to us, we could: truthfully say we had come through it well. The question of the Empire to-day was to call •into life the theories that we talked about. to-dav seemedi to bo a conflict between the nailed hand and the mailed fist. We should be determined to abandon unworthy acts and unworthy motives. He congratulated the society on the good work performed during the year. Mr W. Downie Stewart, M.P., congratulated ' the last speaker on the very exceptional military performance of his son, who left tho dominion as a private, then earned stripes, was granted a commission, a,nd had risen to the rank of captain-adjutant. He had been granted the Military Medal, and his _ latest success was the earning of the Military Cross. Mr Stewart referred to the activities of the league, and concluded by expressing the hope that the various theories advanced regarding co-ordination of the various leagues, which aimed at advancing tho Empire, would be studied persistently towards solution. The motion was carried. Mr P. R. Sargood moved the election of office-bearers as follows:—President, Mrs Sim; vice-presidents—Mrs Theomin, Mrs E. C. Reynolds, and Miss Burt; treasurer, Mrs Fergus; secretary, Miss Jackson; Executive Committee—Mesdames P. R. Sargood, Cohen, J. W. Smith, and »ivian, Misses Stewart, Begg, Ross, Macassey, Burton, Williams, Chalmer, and J. Cooke; Council—Mesdames Bowler. C. C. Graham, Messrs G. M. Thomson, W. Burnett. P. R. Sargood. W. T. Monkman, D. Rcid. and C. G. White; hem solicitor, Mr C. G.° White: hon. auditor. Mr W. T. Monkman! Mr Sargood eulogised the good work done bv tho office-bearcrs daring the past vear. When war broke out the league was drawn into the vortex of war work, and members have_ associated themselves with other mtriotic organisations. Ho wished it understood that the Victoria League was not a women's league, but had its membership listopen to men. Mr C. G. White seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Justice Sim a vote of thanks to the Mavor for presiding, and to the sponfcrrs. This was carried' by acclamation.

Afternoon tea. provided bv the lady wimoe.rs of the league. was handed round

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19180525.2.14

Bibliographic details

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 5

Word Count
1,229

VICTORIA LEAGUE Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 5

VICTORIA LEAGUE Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 5