NAVY LEAGUE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 April 1938, Page 4

NAVY LEAGUE

TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT. SCHOOLS’ SPIRIT OF LOYALTY. The twentieth annual report' of the Masterton branch of the ladies’ auxiliary of the Navy League states: “Your committee have much pleasure in submitting the following report and balance sheet. Since our last annual meeting we have lost, by death, two of our vice-presidents, Mrs W. H. Jackson and Mrs F. E. Cockburn-Hood. Mrs Jackson had been a vice-presi-dent of the Masterton Branch of the Navy League since its inception, and until a short time ago had taken a very active part on the committee, and her valuable work will always be remembered and appreciated. Her tragic death last October was deeply regretted. Mrs Cockburn-Hood also had been vice-president of this branch for many years, and although she had not been able to take a very active part she was always interested in the work. We extend our sympathy to the relatives of both Mrs Jackson and Mrs Cockburn-Hood.

“Our membership numbers are as follows: —Life members 15; 10/6 members 18; 5/- members 131; 2/6 members 2; total 166. Our school membership for 1937 numbers 176, including the following schools: —St. Matthew’s School 49; Solway College 45; Hadlow Prep. School 35; Fernridge School 13; Solway 8; Newman 8; Matahiwi 7; Mauriceville West 6; Wairarapa High School 2; miscellaneous 3. “We thank the teachers of public and private schools for the spirit of loyalty they have shown in enrolling members and we again congratulate Matahiwi School and Hadlow Preparatory School, and St.. Matthew’s Collegiate School on having 100 per cent membership, the former for nine con- r secutive years and St. Matthew’s School for the second consecutive year. Our work in the schools was again curtailed and greatly hampered by the Education Board’s decision to allow Navy League Lecturers to entei’ schools after school hours only. We have done what we can to overcome this difficulty, by visiting one primary school after hours on each day during Mr Darroch’s annual visit, but it is impossible to go very far into the country, and, consequently, there has been a decrease in the number of school members. As our work in the schools is so restricted, we should be grateful if all members would do their utmost to make known to the public the aims and objects of the Navy League, and thus assist in the work of propaganda. Mr Darroch visited Masterton from November 8 to 11 and addressed the pupils of ten schools and presented Long Service Badges. Three geographical posters were presented to the schools having 100 per cent membership. Mr Darroch was also guest of honour at the Rotary Club on November 11 where he gave an interesting address. “It was decided last year to take a more active interest in the work of the Seamen’s Missions in Wellington by collecting magazines and books. A large collection of reading matter was forwarded to Wellington in October, and a most grateful letter of acknowledgment was received from the Missioner. In this work, too, we would be glad of help from our members. Gifts of books and magazines of all kinds would be much appreciated and if sent to the Secretary will be forwarded to Wellington. As there was fortunately not so much distress in the district, as in former years, the usual appeal for garments was not made. We gratefully received a gift of some very beautiful knitted garments for infants, which were handed to the Plunket Society for distribution. Again we wish to thank Mr A. D. Low for auditing the books, Mr J. V. Gordon for receiving subscriptions, Mr R. H. Williams for much help, and the Press for their unfailing courtesy .and assistance.—Belle Vallance, President.