OVERSEAS LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 108, 31 January 1935, Page 2

OVERSEAS LEAGUE

Evening Reception to Mr. Teeling

Masses of red, pink and apricot shaded gladioli and bowls of African daisies from which hung trails of asparagus fern, gave a cheery touch to the palm lounge of the Hotel St. George last evening when the executive committee of the Overseas League gave a reception in honour of Mr. William Teeling, a member of the league’s London Council, who is engaged In a world four in the interests of the organisation. Captain AV. H. Hartman was in the chair. There' was a large attendance of members of the Wellington branch, all of whom listened to Mr. Teeling’s remarks with the greatest of interest. The guest of honour was welcomed by the president of the Wellington branch, the Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Myers, who stated that Mr. Teeling was the first member of the headquarters council to visit New Zealand, and who briefly outlined the aims of the league.

Mr. Teeling gave a brief sketch of the activities of the league both in England and in the various parts of the British Empire. He pointed out that the Empire had a great need for some non-political, non-sectarian organisation that could help to make people realise the necessity of working for the benefit of the Empire alone. From personal observations, he was convinced that there was no likelihood of the Empire ever breaking up. At the same time ho had noticed that in some parts many young people were in no way interested in the welfare of the Empire. He had been asked if it would take another war to strengthen the bonds which held the colonies to the Motherland. He certainly did not think that such a course was necessary, but again repeated the necessity for some non-political organisation to give the required publicity to the activities of the Motherland and the various colonies. England, he added, was in the position that she must have the support of the colouics, and vice versa. Such an organisation was the Overseas Leiigue, the objects of which were entirely patriotic.

Mr. Teeling added that before he left England he spoke to the Duke and Duchess of York, whose desire it was that the league’s membership should grow considerably before its jubilee, which falls this year. The Prince of Wales had also expressed a similar desire. The league, Mr. Teeling concluded, was definitely flourishing, and had now decided to have a junior section.

During the evening pianoforte solos were given by Mrs. Ivan Wilsou, and vocal items by Mrs. Isabel Robertson and Miss Monica Malfroy. The reception concluded with supper, which was served in the lounge.

Among those present were;—Mrs. G. W. Forbes, Lady Myers. Mrs. C. E. Macmillan and Miss U. Macmillan, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Malfroy, Mr. R. 11. Nesbitt, Miss Amy Kane, Miss Bella Myers (Auckland), Dr. and Mrs. Heywood, Mrs. and Miss Carter, Dr. and Mrs. Macdonald Wilson, Miss Eleanor Pharazvn, Mrs. Sanderson, Mrs. Frank Myers, Mrs. I’. Bulte, Mrs. Baillie, Mrs. Gerald Wilson, Mrs. Howard. Misses Margaret and Diary Butier, Mrs. Claridge, Miss Daisy Isaacs. Miss Mona Brien, Miss Florence Penney, Dr. and Mrs. Oscar Jacobsen. Mr. and Mrs. 11. Chapman, Mrs. Cherbury, Miss Gladys 'Watkins, Mr. and Mrs. IV. R. C. Oswin, Mrs. Bennie, Mr. P. T. Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Reid, Miss Moya Ilempton, Mr. 11. li. Boyle (corresponding secretary for London headquarters), Mr. E. Elgar, Mrs. Herbert Kirkcaldie, Mrs. AV. S. Pearce, Ml's. Carter.