CRADLE ROLL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 4, 18 May 1945, Page 5

CRADLE ROLL REPORTS

PARTY AT NAPIER Our C.R party was a great success. Happy mothers and bonny children filled the Hall. Proceedings opened with the singing of the Doxology and the C.R. superintendent, Mrs. Donnelly, took the Devotions. * A short, but v ery enjoyable musical programme followed, those taking part being Beth Atherfold, pianoforte solo; Ruth Prebensen, elocutionary items, and Beverley Prel>ensen, songs. Mrs. Pointer acted as accompanist. Mrs. Ryan s|>oke earnestly to the young mothers present, re guiding the young feet in the way tiiey should go. AH present expressed regret at the absence of the president, Mrs. Lewis, on account of ill-health. Afternoon tea was much enjoyed, particularly two large decorated ice-cream cakes that took the hearts of the children by storm. Sweets were dispensed later and a very happy afternoon was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem.

PARTY AT WAIHI. On April a very pleasant afternoon was given by the Wailii Union for the Cradle Roll members. Several mothers with their little people were present. The chair was taken by Mrs. Stewart, Vice-President, leaving the President, Mrs. Brown, free to play accompaniments. Devotions were taken by Mrs. Stewart, and some de lightful musical items were given. The district president, Mrs. Christian, th**n gave a talk on the function of the mother in leading and training the child in the direction of the hic.iot and best thing*, emphasising that no parent could live the child’s life for him. nor could the parent compel or force the child to live his adult life according to his or her ideas. What could be done was terribly import it, all the same, and no influence would ever I* strong enough to erase that of the mother w’ho by example and training started the little feet in the right wav The W.C.T.U wished i< help mothers in this by giving them the opportunity of promising to teach their children that total abstinence was the I rest start they could make towards living a good and useful life. The future lay in the hands of the children and our responsibility ; s to fit them for all that is involved in building well. Thanks were expressed by Mrs Stewart. A wonderful tea was dispensed to the mothers and children

DARCAVILLE PARTY. The Annual Cradle Roll party was a very gratifying function with 2* adults and 36 children present. At the opening meeting Mrs. Roberts, distric* president, gave a very interesting and thought-evoking address. Tne president, Mrs. lolly, read a sweet consecrative serv ice for the seven new members who were added to the Cradle Roll during the year. The real party spirit was evidenced as the children, each wearing paper hats, were seated

at the attractively arranged and wellladen tea table, a large birthday cake occupying the centre. The “Bring and Buy” stall to help inaugurate the organising fund was well fatronised. The afternoon tea was in the capable hands of Mesdames Dul>ery, Dreadon and Koxlmrgh. Capt. Smith, of the Salvation Army, has been appointed superintendent of the Band of Hope.

PARTY AT WINTON. This was held in the Sunday School Hall on Saturday, April 10th, Mrs. Dixon, the superintendent, being in charge. The party was opened by an impromptu item, a song by Lois Campbell and a recitation by her brother, lan. All the children joined in tiny tot games and songs. Ice-creams, soft drinks ami biscuits were in ample supply and were served freely among the children. All present were treated to afternoon tea and ice-cream. In conclusion, the president thanked all hel|>ers, also the mothers for coming along with their children. She also asked for their continued support by enroll.ng their children on the Cradle Roll, from this to the Band of Hope, thence to the “Y’s” and on to the W.C.T.U. -itself. Mrs. Fraser rose in appreciation and assured Mrs. Thompson that the cause was a very good one and she felt that the mothers would do their share by encouraging their children in the \\ ( II