G.F.S.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19177, 7 December 1927, Page 17

G.F.S.

Election of Officers,

ANNUAL MEETING.

WORK OF PAST YEAR. Bi-liop We-t-WaUon presided over a large attendance at the 4oth annual meeting of the Girls' Friendly Society, held yesterday afternoon. Those present were members of the Council, associates, and members of branches from all parts of Canterbury, and the Revs. E. K Maiden, W. H. Orbell, A. H. Acheson, and C. E. Perry. The balance-sheet showed that the credit balance was £306 Os lOd (cash £•5, Union Bank £146 16s 3d, Bank of New Zealand £7 lis lid, P.O. Savings Bank £146 IDs Id). The balance carried forward from the previous year was £ -; 40 9s 10d Donations had totalled £2O. The annual report stated-Council meeting? have been held regularly oil the second Tuesday in each month, and have been well attended, 'lhe resignation of Mrs F. Dunnage, representativG ot the Mothers' Union on the Council, was received with regret; Mrs Galwey was appointed to fill her place. To keep the country branches in closer touch with the City branches, representatives from several have been appointed on the Council; Mrs Holland represents Kaiapoi, Mrs Olivers, Hororata, and Mrs luder. Little River'. There are now 13 branches in the diocese, with 300 members, 35 hon. associates, and 56 working associates. The Kaiapoi branch, one of the oldest in the diocese, has been temporarily closed this year, but arrangements have already been made to open it next year, when it is hoped it will enjoy the success of previous years. A branch, too, at Hinds, will also be opened early in 1928. Great appreciation has been expressed at the Council meetings of the outside work done by the meml>ers of the various branches. Avonside has this year made nightgowns and pyjamas for the Cholmoncleley Home; Little River has already provided two ccts for St Saviour's Orphanage, and has paid an instalment on a third; Lyttelton has worked for St. Saviour's Orphanage; West .Lyttelton has made quilts for the Babies' Home, Sumner; Woolston has worked for St. Saviour's; Papanui and Hororata for St. Saviour's and St. Anne's; Shirley lias clothed an orphan; and Sydenham has dressed dolls for the White Horse and has made a jubilee gift to the Church. At the same time those in England have not been forgotten. The members of the Sydenham branch sent for last Christmas a frozen lamb to the White Horse, a home conducted by the G.F.S. in the very poor part of London, and the Sydenham candidates a parcel of beautiful dressed dolls for the children of the White Horse. Letters expressing appreciation of both these gifts were received from London. A donation was also sent from the Council towards the -rebuilding of the Southampton G.F.S. Lodge. On September 13th, a brass tablet to the memory of the late Mrs Jane Scott was unveiled in the hostel chapel. There was an exceptionally large attendance of associates and members present, the ceremony being conducted by tho Very Rev. the Dean, who spoke of the line work done by Airs Scott right up to the time of her death.

The day of intercession for the work of the Society throughout the world was observed on September 20tli. A number of members were admitted into the Society by Mr Fitzgerald, who also accepted on behalf of the Council, a copy of the picture, "'The Light of the World," the gift of Mrs Carrington. This has been hung in the clnipel of the Lodge. Thanks are due to Miss Farris's sowing party, which met regularly to mend the hostel linen; to the Rev. 0. Perry, Chaplain of the Lodge; to Miss Baker, matron of the Lodge; to members of the Council, and to all those who have sent gifts and donations to the Lodge. The hostel report stated that during the year there had been an average of 40 permanent girls and 142 casual visitors. Many of the latter were immigrants, who received a welcome to the Dominion The literature report stated that the demand for literature had not been so great as in previous years, but more badges for members and secretaries' badges had been issued. A supply of very fine literature was to hand for next year. Pounded In the Victorian Era. Bishop West-Watson, in putting the motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said the G.F.S. was born in the late Victorian era, over 50 years ago. Very far remote that period seemed now. It was not an easy thing for a Society formed in such a periofl to adjust itself to the new century and new ideals into which it had been flung. Unless there was something better to put in its place, they should throw their weight into it. It had a workl-wido organisation, and its work among migrants did an immense amount of good. He was certain the hostel was on right lines, and ho hoped its influence would be extended to many more girls who felt the loneliness of going out into the world on their own. His Lordship said he hoped that the Society would regain some of its formor strength. It should be much larger, and friendly co-operation with tho Bible Class movement might be advantageous. Tho report and balance-sheet were adopted.

The election of officers resulted: — President, Miss Bromley Cooks; vicepresidents, Mesdames West-Watson, C. Bean, C. Croxton, and H. J. Marriner; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mrs C. H. Wagstaff; literature associate, Mrs L. Pickles.

Tho Bishop was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for presiding. A vote of thanks to the president and Council was carried.