W.C.T.U.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 136, 9 May 1940, Page 12

W.C.T.U.

WELFARE OP CHILDREN. The monthly meeting of the Wo- , men’s Christian Temi>erance Union 'was held on Tuesday afternoon, proceedings commencing with devotional exercises conducted by Miss M. Sutherland, followed by the temperance fact, aho presented by Miss Sutherland. A welcome was accorded Mrs Scott, after her long absence, also to the visitors, Miss King (great-niece of Airs Lee-Cowie), and Mrs Sinclair, president of Opotiki branch, who expressed her pleasure at being present and gave a greeting from Opotiki. The chief business discussed was. the proposed banquet to be hold this month, to which representatives of other organisations were to be invited. The president said that at the present time the great need was for the spirit of co-operation and friendliness, and that on this occasion this spirit could Ibe encouraged by emphasising the points on which all organisations agreed, rather than those upon which they differed. It had been decided that a representative from each organisation should briefly explain the ideals for which they stood and she thought that it would be found that practically all were working towards the same ends, though in different ways. She said that' after the banquet the programme would consist of short talks by representatives of various organisations, and musical items. The chairwoman for the occasion would be Airs H. Paterson, Dominion vice-pre-sident. Two songs by Aliss King were much appreciated, the accompaniste being Miss L. C. Thompson. The speaker ‘was Airs Dick, of the Salvation Army, who chose as her subject the nursery rhyme “Little Bopeep.” “80-peep” was a shepherdess, and had a flock. to tend, and should not therefore have been asleep. As often happened, she had advisers to say what she should do and what she should not do. They gave bad advice. They said “Let them alone and they, will come home by themselves.” The mother was the shepherdess of her .children and the home and could not afford to sleep on duty, said Airs Dick. She could not neglect her,flock by letting them alone, but had to be ever on the watch for their welfare and to direct them always along paths that were right and safe. She referred to Elisha and the woman of Shunem, to whom Elisha (on meeting her after an absence) said“ls it well -with thee? Is it well with thy husband? Is it well with the child?” Women had first to see that everything was right with themselves, and that every duty in the home was well and faithfully done, and also to give every care for their husbands and children. But in caring for their physical and mental needs they must not overlook-their souls. How could they do this without themselves learning of the Great Shepherd, and revealing Him by their daily actions to their households? A ‘i 'Airs Renton' .expressed thanks;to 'Airs Dick for her helpful and inspiring address, her remarks being endorsed by acclamation. The' meeting was brought to a .close with prayer by Mrs P The tea hostesses were Alesdames J. Candy and R. Allen, _ and Alies E. Thompson. !