LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 122, 25 May 1937, Page 14

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

LOWER HUTT BRANCH

Sunshine after showers was a happy , omen for the May meeting of the ( Lower Hutt branch of the League of Mothers when the arrangements for the afternoon were in charge of a committee of several members. Mrs. Moran, who presided over a large attendance,, made loyal reference to the Coronation and all joined in singins a verse of "Land of Hope and Glory." Visitors were welcomed from Yorkshire. Dunedin, Onehunga, Maungatroto, and Moera. Mrs. R. Y. Collins, introduced by Mrs. Kersley, was congratulated on her appointment as the new organising secretary for the Wellington Province, and intimation was, made that a branch of the league would shortly be inaugurated at Upper Hutt. A humorous sketch was presented by the Taita Women's Institute Drama Circle, the players winning hearty applause for their entertainment, and being handed a box of chocolates as a "thank you." Two solos were delightfully sung by Mrs. Gregor, accompanied by Mrs. Wedekind, and Mesdames Liebezeit and I. Taylor gave pleasure with piano duets. These ladies received dainty posies. Mrs. Craig McKenzie, who w.as also given a bouquet of roses, traced "The Drama" from its inception in the very early ages, through the various stages of development and change, and showed how the study and knowledge of this art had become an essential part of modern-day culture. The drama found its earliest origin in the Church, the clergy realising that the value of Bible story was made more vital when introduced in dramatic form. These plays, depicting incidents in the lives of the saints, though crude, were nevertheless a very sincere part of active worship. Later followed the open-air theatre and the old Greek plays which ranked among- the best that history had to offer. Gradually plays became mor# complex and the perusal of old documents relating to expenses of production, etc., make amusing reading. Afterwards came the Shakespearean period, and later the melodrama of last century when plays invariably portrayed characters and happenings far removed from the truth of everyday life. In interesting' fashion Mrs. McKenzie traversed the themes of several of the more challenging plays written by Ibsen, Bernard Shaw, John Galsworthy, John Drinkwater, Clemence Dane, Noel Coward, John Masefleld, and others, dealing with social problems and reforms, the question of divorce, racial differences, strikes, poverty, armaments, anti-war propaganda, and similar subjects. Reference was also made to the introduction and encouragement of amateur drama groups amongst the unemployed in England during the depression years. At the present time practically every church, school, and college had its play-reading circle or drama group, for it was again being recognised that the study of the drama could be a rich field of influence and inspiration. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the speaker. Mrs. Charlesworth complimented the members' . committee on their delightful entertainment. JOHNSONVILLE'S BIRTHDAY. The Masonic Hall at Johnsonville was beautifully decorated in Coronation colours and also with beautiful bowls of flowers for the first "birthday" of the Johnsonville branch of the League of Mothers. Mrs. Robert Hogg presided over a gathering of 150 visitors and members, and extended -a hearty welcome to Mrs. Kersley, Mrs. Rollings, Mrs. Cornish, and members of other branches , represented, these including Brooklyn, Ngaio, Stokes Valley, Lyall Bay, Wadestown, Kelburn, Petone, Welling- , ton South, Khandallah, Island Bay, Hataitai, and Melrose. Mrs. Rollings gave a charming little ■ talk on "Motherhood." Mrs. Hooper thanked Mrs. Rollings and presented . her with a posy of violets. Mrs. Kersley expressed her pleasure at the growth of the Johnsonville . branch and then spoke of the second , object of the league. Parents, she . said, had to realise the greatness of . their responsibility and the power of their influence in forming the character of the child. Mrs. Leadly thanked Mrs. Kersley, who was presented with a bouquet of cream roses, sweet peas, and dahlias by Mrs. Hopping. Mrs. Hogg thanked the choir leader • (Mrs. Leadly) and presented her with ' a silver-mounted baton, and Mrs. Mason, the pianist, with a shoulder 1 posy. A very enjoyable musical programme was provided. Mrs. McLen- ; nan sang two solos and Mrs. Carman 1 gave an eloctionary item. Mrs. Hooper and Mrs. Sim gave two duets and Mrs. Ingoldsby sang "Land of Hope and Glory," the choir joining in the chorus. The choir then gave three items, all being heartily applauded. The enter- ! tamers were presented with posies of '■ berries. The thought for the month was given ', by Mrs. Evans: "May the happiness that we have gained in our first year's progress grow greater as we go for- . ward through another year." The . blue and cream birthday cake given by the president, Mrs. Hogg, was greatly admired. A special vote of thanks was accord--1 ed 'Mrs. Mclndoe, who had made the bouquets and Coronation posies of wood fibre. Tea' and a chat closed a good meeting.