ST. LAURENCE’S MOTHERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 264, 6 November 1937, Page 2

ST. LAURENCE’S MOTHERS’ UNION

SECOND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED INTERESTING TRAVEL ADDRESS The St. Laurence branch of the Mothers’ Union celebrated its second birthday party cn Tuesday afternoon, when visitors were present from Christ Church, All Saints, Wanganui East and St. Barnabas’, Durie Hill branches. There was an attendance of about eighty. The gathering commenced with a most impressive service in the church, conducted by the vicar, Rev. R. Godfrey. After the special office for the Mothers’ Union, the vicar gave an inspiring address on the responsibility of parenthood, stressing that while accepting the joys of parenthood we must also accept its great responsibilities and begged all the mothers present to see that in their own homes God was put first, and that children should be brought up in a religious atmosphere during their early years. On adjourning to the hall, which had been made bright and attractive with vases of Iceland poppies, Mrs Godfrey welcomed all the visitors and thanked them for coming along to make the party a success. She said what a pleasure it was to all to see the growth of the Mothers’ Union. People were beginning to ask what was the Mothers’ Union, showing it was making itself felt in the community. That seemed only a natural thing if each member conscientiously upholds the object of the Mothers’ Union, the chief of which is to uphold the sanctity of marriage. Apologies were received from Mrs J. C. Wickham, Miss Tizard, Mrs A. H. JBogle and Mrs C. L. Boss. During the afternoon much appreciated items were given by Mrs O. Warnock (songs), Miss Phyllis Taylor (elocution), and Mrs Ansell, who played pianoforte solos and also the accompaniments.

The speaker for the afternoon, Miss J. Hume, who was introduced by Mrs Godfrey, gave a most interesting talk on “A Ramble in Europe,” interspersing her address with many delightful and amusing episodes. Miss Hume said that New Zealand and New Zealanders were quite well known in Britain, a fact contrary to what was thought. Everywhere she went in London were posters advertising New Zealand butter and lamb. Many wealthy people used New Zealand lamb, but did not like to state that it was Dominion frozen lamb. They used it because it was cheaper, but would not admit it because the meat was not home grown. People overseas were occasionally confused concerning New Zealand and Australia, for they do not realise that the countries are separate. The English people thinl? the New Zealand accent is more British than the Australian accent. New Zealanders had much more initiative than the British, but less culture, and were more progressive in every way, especially in the matter of cooking.

The English housewife had no conception of the wonderful labour-sav-ing devices of the New Zealand kitchens. It was pathetic to see the number of city people that go to the parks to see the pigeons and birds. Many of them had no other way ot seeing the things of nature. Here in New Zealand we had that joy. In the large cities were beggars of every type, this being a scar of the old?r civilisation. Miss Hume then described the beauties of the English countryside and said that the beauty of the Old Country was the cultivated type with centuries of culture behind it, and the speaker compared it with the wild beauty we know in New Zealand. ~

When you go to Germany you feel as though you are among your own people, for the Germans are very' much like English people, said Miss Hume, who continued by saying that they were a simple, kindly and honest people. The women, who had mostly blue eyes and bright complexions, used no cosmetics at all. She said that the love of the German people for Herr Hitler is to be expected as he had arisen at a critical time in the history of the country and the people reverenced him for what he had done for the country, but it was doubtful if Herr Hitler could keep his promise to the country. The speaker mentioned that the tomb of the Unknown Soldier—unlike the one in Westminster Abbey, which could go almost unnoticed—was a raised tomb set ik a separate building, and has four candles always burning, one in each corner. Miss Hume described the difference between the meals in England to those of Germany, and told her hearers something about the shops and how they were in the form of galleries. Starting on one floor, one could look up and see the articles on the various floors. Most of the lifts are made of glass and as one travels up one can sec which floor to alight at. One of the things that gave the towns a home-like look was to see the red and gold lettering on a wellknown chain store. Speaking of opera, Miss Hume saia it was a tremendous pleasure to her. Opera in Germany begins at 6.30 p.m. When patrons arrive their coats and umbrellas are taken by attendants. Although lhe opera begins early there are half-hour intervals” when the audience go out to the promenades, where they can have a meal if they wish. The most interesting thing is that everyone takes a score and follows the music, even the children ot ten years old are seen following the score. In Russia there was a great deal of poverty, but the common people were enjoying a freedom they knew nothing of under the old regime. The same avenues of employment were open to women as to men. Even old women occupied positions as caretakers for the various departments in public buildings. Women’s work has been made possible by the large number of creches for children and the system of massed meals. There are some things that cause confusion to the uninitiated traveller, one being the train travelling with its lack of separate sleeping compartments for the men and women. Another inter-

esting thing was the amusement park for the people, where the latest amusement was a parachute novelty, installed to make the people airminded. The speaker concluded bysaying that with all the superficial difference, that human nature is much the same, whichever country you are in, and it was necessary that there should be the spirit of sympathy and understanding amongst the masses before organisations for world peace could hope to be successful. Mrs Godfrey thanked Miss Hume for her interesting and graphic account of her travels and presented her with a bouquet in appreciation. Bouquets were also presented to Mrs J. R. Young and Mrs A. McPhail, who had been good enough to come out and address the Mothers’ Union on various occasions. A very enjoyable afternoon tea wai served and the vicar cut the birthday cake which had been made by Mrs C. L. White and decorated with the linked chain and emblem of the M.U. Before the cake was cut the two lighted candles were blown out by little Bernie Clarke. A small piece of cake was sent to every sick member. Mrs Godfrey thanked all who had helped to make the afternoon a success and paid a tribute to the members of her own branch for the help they had given her in this, her first year.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE MOSSTON MEETING The November meeting of the Mosston W.I. was held in St. Agnes’ Hall on the 2nd, Mrs Stilborn presiding over a good attendance of members. After the New Zealand Anthem had been sung and the “Aspirations” repeated, the record of the previous meeting was read by Mrs Denman, and correspondence dealt with. Miss Kinkead read the financial statement, also the statement in connection with the recent social. Miss Gordon gave Lhe motto, “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” Permission was given to the singing circle to hold a social afternoon on December 2, and members were asked to bring some small for the Jubilee Home. It was decided to give the musical afternoon at the Jubilee Home the week following next meeting, the day to be announced later. It was decided to hold another social and dance on the fourth Tuesday. Mrs Cameron gave a report on the council meeting at Westmere. It was

decided to take out an insurance policy on institute property. During the social half-hour the singing circle sang “Hark! Hark, the Lark,” and “Pokare Kare Ara.” A roll callwas “Sing, say or whistle.” The hostesses, Mesdames Haar, Brodie and McFarland, served a refreshing afternoon tea. The president moved a vote of thanks to the singing circle, and Mrs Shaw. The following were the competition results: — Bowl of roses, Miss Sears 1, Mrs Franklin 2, Mrs Kiddle 3. Best rock cakes, Mrs Stilborn 1, Mrs Brodie 2, Mi ssSears 3. The singing of the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close.