VICTORIA LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 2456, 8 May 1915, Page 11

VICTORIA LEAGUE

o ANNUAL MEETING. There was an attendance of about ninety at the annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the Victoria League, which was held last night in the Art Gallery, Whitmore Street. Dr. Martin presided, and there were also present the Minister of Defence (the Hon. Jas. Allen), Mrs. Massey, the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Luke), Miss Coates, president, and members of the executive. The annual report, already published, was read by the secretary, Sirs. Chatfield. Mrs. Luke presented a balance-sheet showing receipts £106, and a balance of £51, half of which had since been paid to the Belgian Fund. A further statement showed that Miss Coates and her band of workers had received £91 and numerous other gifts for patriotic and relief funds. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. Jas. Allen) moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, and made an interesting speech, which is reported elsewhere. The Mayor seconded the motion, and spoke oil the groat work which has devolved on Mr. Allen since the war broke out. The Defence Department officers were also doing a great work at the present time. . He paid a tribute to the nurses New Zealand had sent to the front. When the Empire brought the war to a glorious peace, he said there was no doubt tho Empire would come together as a whole. He thought everyone's energies should be turned to bringing that peace about. He thought Mr. Massev's offer to send mechanics Home to help produce munitions of war was a good idea, and said that there were hundreds of men here willing to go Home for that purpose. Our duty was to come to the aid of the Empire in every way. The report and balance-sheet were adopted with acclamation.' The Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy congratulated the league on the splendid work done for tho soldiers. They should all feel proud of the work the soldiers were doing, and each one of them should make a resolution to do something for the great cause. How could they look on those Ion? lines of soldiers leaving for the front, or look on the long lists of honourable wounded, without admitting they should do something? It would be an everlasting disgrace for anyone to have to admit that they were doing nothing. There was one thing at least they could do, that was to pray for their soldiers and the successful accomplishment of their cause. He was sorry that he could do nothing in the way of fighting, but he asked the treasurer to accept a little donation towards their, work. (Applause.)

Professor Sommerville also addressed the meeting, and Mr. C. R. Smith moved a vote of thanks to the speakers, which was seconded by Mr. C. P. Powles and carried by acclamation.

A number of musical .'toms were given, and tho meeting conjludod with the National Anthem.