Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1947 LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 17, 16 April 1947, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1947

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

COMING OF AGE PARTY REPRESENTATIVE AUCKLAND GATHERING _ The 21st birthday meeting of the League of Mothers was held on March 25 in the Auckland Town Hall, when over 2000 women attended. Delegates were present from as far south as Otago. The Whakatane branch was represented by Mrs Metcalfe, president, and Mrs McKenzie, secretary. The meeting was presided over by Mrs H. V. Jered, Auckland Provincial President, and associated with her on the platform, was Her Excellency, Lady Freyberg, the Mayoress of Auckland, Mrs J. A. C. Allum, and thirty executive members of the League of Mothers.

A greeting was read from the Lady Alice Fergusson, of Scotland, who was responsible for the foundation of the movement during her stay in the Dominion. It was on the Bth April, 1926, in the Y.W.C.A., Auckland, that the first meeting was held. Today there is a very large membership, with branches all over the Dominion.

The League has helped to break down social barriers and women in all spheres of life are welcomed as members, with the. common aims and obects of the League in mind; namely to uphold the sanctity of marriage, to impress parents with a sense of their responsibility, and to form a fellowship of mothers which will strive for high ideals in the home, and seek to lead their children in purity of life and steadfastness in character.

Lady Freyberg addressed the gathering, saying how happy she was to be present. The indefinable thing called “atmosphere” in a home was referred to by Her Excellency. The true home maker knew how to create the atmosphere of peace, contentment and happiness, which was so evident in some homes, and lacking in others. With the inevitable aftermath of the world war, there was a greater need for peace and happiness in home life today. As fajr as the upbringing of children was concerned, added Lady Freyberg, one had the help of the Plunket Society which was doing such magnificent work, but apart from the physical well-being of the child there was a great deal on the spiritual side, for which the nation turned to the mothers in the homes. Much applause greeted the conclusion of this splendid address. Mrs W. C. Utting, past Auckland president of the League of Mothers, expressed the thanks of all present to Her'Excellency. . The singing of the, Doxology and the National Anthem brought to a close a very excellent gathering. Organ music was supplied by Mr Trevor Sparling, while Mrs T. McKnight, contralto, and Mrs John Maning, soprano, also entertained.