VICTORIA LEAGUE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19423, 7 September 1937, Page 13

VICTORIA LEAGUE

GISBORNE BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION OF. OFFICERS The annual meeting of the Gisborne branch of the Victoria League was held this afternoon. the election of officers resulted:— President, Miss A. L. Rees; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames L. Balfour, T. Terry, R. F. Gambrill; hon. secretary, Mrs. G. A. Nicholls; hon. treasurer. Mrs. T Y Cuthbert; committee, Mesdames I. J. Quiglev, W. H. Chrisp, W. M. Jenkins, P. Barry, H. Holmes. D. McKeague, H. H. De Costa and J. McDonald. Reference was made by the president to the death on Friday of Mrs. John Deans, a daughter of one of the early settlers of Canterbury and the president of the Canterbury league. She was a lady with wonderful organising ability, and a vote of condolence with the relatives, through the Canterbury branch, was passed, all members standing in silence. Growth of the League Miss Rees reviewed the work of the branch since its formation 24 years ago. There had been a tremendous growth of the league, but now she wanted to look to the future, she said. She would like to see the youtli branch fostered and an independent men's branch set up. The main branch had been set up in England 3G years ago and now had a membership of 18,000. The main branch was taking on extra work and in connection with that Miss Rees read a letter she had received from Miss Drayton, in which it was stated that there were developments that would lead to a tremendous growth in the work in the future. Mention was made in the letter of an endeavour to interest business firms in the work of the organisation, the work of the league's hospitality committee in forming an alliance with Empire societies, and the youth movement. When there was a youth rally in May a message from the King stated that the Empire was a great partnership in which all worked together for the common good. His Majesty concluded his message by saying that the chief moving force was friendliness. What the Empire Stood For Dictatorships were referred to by Miss Rees. Hitler had made changes in Germany, Mussolini had been said to be the deliverer of Italy, and Stalin had been said to have brought to Russia a state of advancement. The spirit had formed those countries into nations, but it was a spirit that could not last as it denied personal liberty, continued Miss Rees. The British Empire stood for unity, and many, whatever their creed or national outlook, were satisfied to be under the Union Jack. The president then read her annual report, and in seconding its adoption Mrs. L. Balfour mentioned the hospitality of the Home office extended to New Zealand visitors travelling in England. The motion was seconded and carried. In presenting her report, the treasurer Mrs. T. Y. Cuthbert. said that receipts totalled £220, £l4B of that amount being derived from the Coronation Ball. The major items on the expenditure side of the account were: Coronation Ball expenses, £BB 14s; King George memorial donation, £6O; Miss Drayton's expenses, £2O. The membership totalled 223. The report was adopted, and a vote of thanks was extended to the auditor, Mr. M. J. White. A report of the magazine committee was placed before the meeting by Mrs. Thompson, who concluded by extending thanks to Miss Rees, Mesdames Cuthbert, Cotterill and Baty. Mrs. Quigley read the report of the junior branch. The reports were adoDted. The president read a letter from a past secretary, Mrs. W. A. Smith, now of Dunedin, wishing the league well during the coming year.