LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1939, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

MASTERTON BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING. 'EFFORT TO BE EXTENDED. The annual meeting of the Masterton branch of the League of Nations Union was held last night, the president, Mrs T. R. Barrer, being in the chair. There was a good attendance of members. Reviewing the activities of the past year, Mrs Barrer said that the financial membership had increased- from 55 to 83, 6 of whom, however, had been transferred. There were two corporate members. After referring to the lectures and debates held during the year and to the splendid organising work of the secretary, Mrs Barrer said that the finances were in good order in spite of the large amount spent in assisting refugee children. Letters had been received from an adopted refugee child stating that he was so very, very happy that he now had good foreign friends; from the International Christian Committee giving particulars of a 1000-acre settlement scheme for Spanish refugee children in Columbia, and from Madame Chiang Kai-Shek expressing gratitude for New Zealand assistance. The sum of £5 had been given to the Spanish Refugee Fund per the Mayor of Masterton. To keep up that monetary assistance as well as the usual overseas and Dominion dues the branch could not rest on its oars and it must extend its efforts. There were never so many opportunities for helping to build up a spirit of international goodwill. The birthday of the League of Nations Union would be celebrated in London in October next and it had been suggested that each branch or district should have some form of celebration. Gifts to London headquarters were also invited. Thanks were due to the secre-. tary, treasurer, auditor, members of the council and the Press. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Mr J. Robertson, M.P.; vicepatron, Dr J. A. Cowie; president, Mrs T R. Barrer; vice-presidents, Mrs Miller, Miss Tankersley, Dr T. L. Parr, Mr T Jordan, the Rev E. J. Rich; secretary Miss M. Barrer; assistant secretary! Mr D. Fairbrother; treasurer, Mr G. R. Sykes; hon auditor, Mr Cunningham; council, Mesdames Engstrom ana D A Cameron, Misses A. Brown and Stilburn, the Revs D. McNeur and T. V. Pearson and Messrs D. Fairbrother, A. Ross, C. R. Goudge, R. I. Wadhams, R. N. Shaw, Esler, G. W. Morice and W. A. Clarke. It was decided to hold a jumble sale early in June. Songs were contributed by Mis Speight, who sang “Jerusalem” and -What a Wonderful World it Would Be” and by Mrs Moss, who contributed “The Red Rose of England" and “Keep on Hoping.” Mrs Miller Hope played the accompaniments.