CORDIAL GREETING

Evening Post, Issue 30, 4 August 1936, Page 15

CORDIAL GREETING

MRS. HOLLAND WELCOMED

The Diocesan Council of the Mothers' Union held a very pleasant morning tea at St. Peter's Club rooms this morning, when Mrs. Holland (wife of the Bishop of Wellington) was the guest of honour. The room was charmingly arranged with tables set for tea and decorated with vases of spring flowers.

Among those assembled to greet Mrs. Holland were Mi Js. Sprott (ex-president of the M.U.), Mrs. Balcombe Brown (acting president), Mrs. Wallis (district organiser), Mrs. Hansell (vice-presi-dent), Mrs. Dickerison (diocesan secretary) , arid members from a distance included Mrs. Buck (Christchurch), Mrs. Tremewan (Wanganui), and among the wives of local clergy were Mrs. Bullock and Mrs. H. E. K. Fry.

Mrs. Holland, who was accompanied by' Mrs. Percival James, was in a brown flecked tailleur, and brown...felt hat, Mrs. James wearing black with a black fox collar.'

Mrs. Balcombe Brown, in giving a most hearty greeting to Mrs. Holland, spoke of the good will and interest she

was going to find among all members and branches of the Mothers' Union. She alluded to the occasion when Joshua took over the leadership of the .Israelites from Moses, and was told to "be strong and of good courage" and then the blessing and support of the Almighty would be given him. She then asked Mrs. Sprott to add her welcome, as having been such ' muchloved worker for the Mothers' -Union for so many years.

Mrs. Sprott spoke" of these years, which she said had been so happy, and during which she had realised that the work of the union was both useful and beautiful. In the Old Testament the people were always looking for good and for happiness to come, and although the world was at present in the throes of many troubles, she was one who looked forward with hope and | cheerfulness to the future. She saw many signs that were all to the good, and said that she particularly looked for good things from the young parents and : homes which were being formed now.

< Mrs. Sprott assured Mrs. Holland that she would have a very happy time among the. members of the Mothers' Union. She added a word about the "grandmothers of the nation." She was sure that they had a part to play, for they were not required to carry on the active work, but could take time for prayer. As the earthly bodies faded. the spiritual bodies advanced, and they were able to do this happy duty which w,ould be of the greatest service to those they loved. She concluded with a few more words of cordial welcome.

Mrs. Holland, in reply, thanked all for their, great kindness, and for the promise. of prayers which she valued greatly., She had done work for the Mothers' Union in England, and was assured of its value. She had not done much speaking so far, but was prepared to help wherever she could. She concluded with special thanks to Mrs. 1 Sprott.

Mrs. Holland was then given an opportunity of meeting the other members of Council and speaking a few words to each, and then morning tea concluded a pleasant function.