Husbands Guests At League Of Mothers' Meeting

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 9

Husbands Guests At League Of Mothers' Meeting

One of the most enjoyable combined birthday party and “husbands" evening held by the Wanganui branch of the League of Mothers, was that which took.place on Thursday night in Christ Church Parish Hall.

With the plattorm decorated with bowls of flowers and foliage lor the occasion, the hall was tilled with members and their husbands and visitors from other organisations. The president, Mrs J. P. Morrison, in welcoming all present, specially mentioned the menfolk and also gave a cordial welcome to the representatives of sister organisations. Two members, Mrs. Vinten and Mrs. Blackmore, who had been absent lor some time owing to illness, were welcomed back. Mrs. Morrison was presented with a spray by Mrs. H. Taylor. An excellent programme, arranged by Mrs. H. Bellringer, was thoroughly appreciated and all the artists responded to recalls. Items were as follows: Pianoforte solos, Mr. R. London; songs, Mr. C. Blight and Mr. J. Reid; violin solos. Mrs. A. Lawford, songs, elocution and monologues, Mrs. G. A. Payne, duets, Mesdames E. Wills and H. Bellringer. The accmpanists were Mrs. R. H. Tizard, Mrs. E. Wills and Miss Margaret Blight. Mr. J. Dash, principal of the Technical College, the speaker for th? evening, who was introduced by Mrs. Morrison, gave a thought-provoking talk on Home and School as complementary factors in the child’s early education. After outlining fundamental differences between the controlling factors in home and school with soecial reference to the presence in the school of the force of “public opinion” and school spirit, he outlined what he considered were the essentials in home atmosphere, stressing that the home is the all important factor. Sensible discipline was essential. This demanded concurrence ol both parents in the course of action decided upon and an unwillingness to be talked out of that decision. The speaker advocated the development in the child of an early recognition of the fact that life will present many difficulties which must be faced up to and of the fact that we must not live to and for ourselves alone, but as members of a community which expects acceptance of certain laws of conduct and of some element of service for the common good,. He advcated close contact between home and school, which contact was generally to little and too late. The speaker pointed out the problems of the absence of the mother from the home, saving her presence is most important to the child. The mother who goes out to work thinking she is helping <Jie industry of the country is not helping her child. For a child to go home to an empty home is not good. Under these conditions he is almost homeless. The background of the noise of the radio when a child was studying, was also referred to by the speaker, and said how the children can concentrate is beyond understanding. Again stressing the influence of the home on the child Mr Dash stated that outside the home the teacher is the greatest influence.

Mrs Morrison thanked Mr Dash for his excellent talk, and presented Mrs. Dash with a bouquet. In paying a warm tribute to the committee and members for their whole-hearted cooperation, the president said it was most gratifying To the committee to have such a large gathering. She thanked Mrs. Bellringer for the wonderful programmes she always provided. Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Morgan for the flower arrangements and the tea conveners. Thanks were expressed to the artists for the appreciative items given. The ladies who contributed to the programme were presented with sprays. The door hostesses were Mrs. E. W. E. Carter and Mrs. A. S. Guthrie. The enjoyable evening concluded with the serving of supper.