LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 91, 15 October 1934, Page 15

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

KELBURN BRANCH MEETS

AN INTERESTING ADDRESS

An interesting address on the subject of "Public Speaking" was given by Miss K. Forde at a recent meeting of tho Kclburn branch of the League of Mothers. Mrs. B. L. Dallard, president, was in tho chair, and tho hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion by tho flower committee (Mesdames W. Thompson, Kirk, and Rutherford), was crowded with members and friends. Representatives from kindred branches were cordially welcomed, and expressed their enjoyment of the proceedings, especially referring to the friendly and sociable spirit which pervaded the meeting. Votes of sympathy were passed with Dr. Elizabeth Bryson (provincial vicepresident) and Mrs. Mooney and the relatives of Miss N. B. Riley in their recent bereavements. The provincial annual report was read by the secretary (Mrs. Chas. McPhee) and Mrs. Wilfred Andrews sang several delightful numbers and received a warm vote of thanks. Miss Forde, in her address, said that tho most effective way to develop the art of public speaking was to derive true inspiration from reading aloud eloquent speeches from literature. The lessons of failuro and success must.be studied, and, above all, feeling and meaning must dominate. "We must remember," said the speaker, "that beauty is not dimension, 'consider the lilies.'" The easy, natural manner of a really artistic speaker was the result of years of experience and study, and, though it appeared to be simple, was the highest form of that art which concealed ■art. Words should be fow, simple, sincere, touching, and dignified. Misa

Forde quoted some lines from a Maori speaker's address: "Man holds the strings of life but for a moment and then tho bird returns to the forest of love." A nervous temperament was one of' the greatest gifts bestowed on man, and was the natural inheritance of all great artists, who learned to harness and control this nervous force. Miss Fordo quoted the late Edward Fitzgerald, who for eloquence and fire was one of New Zealand's most gifted speakers, and who said: "In tho hands of men entirely great, the pen is mightier than the sword. Take away your sword, States can be won without it." The speaker concluded by saying that personality was even greater than powers of expression, as was shown in the lines: "Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them."

A hearty vote of thanks to Miss Forde, proposed by Mrs. Tait, was carried by acclamation, all present expressing their appreciation of her address.

Tho presentation of flowers to Miss Forde and Mrs. Andrews brought a successful meeting to a close.