LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 36, 11 October 1946, Page 5

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

MONTHLY MEETING 1 INTERESTING ADDRESS Mrs Metcalfe presided over a very good attendance at the last monthly meeting of the League of Mothers, opening proceedings in the usual manner .with all joining in the League Hymn followed by the League Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. Two new members were enrolled, Mesdames Johnston and Jessop. As at the October meeting a collection in aid of the Leper Fund is to be taken up, Mrs Hogg gave an interesting reading entitled “Leperland Calling” in which it was stated that the Mission of Leprosy was supporting 3,500 children. Mrs Darvill delighted all present with two solos, “Alice Blue Gown” and “Changing of the Guard” ably accompanied by Mrs Breward. The speaker for the day was Mr Metcalfe who spoke on conditions at Hongkong and Shanghai where he was interned for 4 years. Accommodation, he said, was very Crowded and the life was monotonous with insufficient food. Many suffered from ill-health. The internees had access to a good library, and organised concerts and games, and also combined Church Services. They learnt to break down prejudices and live in harmony. When peace came to Shanghai on August 11, all internees joined in singing the National Anthem of the Allies. Planes began to drop food, but, ■ the speaker concluded it was not until he reached Perth that he had his first decent meal. He was later flown to Sydney, thence to New Zealand where he is now recuperating after his ordeal. Afternoon tea which was served, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a happy meeting to a close.