LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 September 1939, Page 8

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

CARTERTON BRANCH. ADDRESS ON GARDENING. ("Times-Age” Special.) The September meeting of tne league of Mothers was held in St. Andrew’s Hall yesterday, when Mrs R. H. Every presided over an exceptionally good’ attendance. The meeting opened with the singing of the National Anthem. The president stated that she had offered to the Mayor the services of the League of Mothers to assist with any essential work. This action was unanimously approved by members. The annual provincial meeting of the League is to be held in Wellington on September 30. and an invitation to be present was extended to any members who might be in the city on that date.

It was announced that Mr-W. Martin, headmaster of the Carterton District High School, would be the speaker at the October meeting. It was decided that Fathers’ Night be held on November 16 at the Masonic Hall. Mr Brian O'Brien is to be the speaker. Tne thought for the month, “Be Yourself —God Made But One of You,” was given by Mrs H. T. Leete. During the afternoon the choir rendered two items, which were greatly appreciated. Mrs Knox Gilmer, Wellington, the speaker for the afternoon was warmly welcomed by Mrs R. H. Every, and presented with a shoulder spray. Mrs Gilmer’s subject, “Gardens and Gardening,” appealed to all, and she was listened to with close attention. She spoke of the message of hope conveyed to her in her garden, as she observed the new life springing up all around her. Many parts of the world were represented in our gardens—rhododendrons from India, almond blossom from Japan, irises from Spain, wattles from Australia, and bulbs from the Mediterranean. Ail these fragrant flowers were growing side by side in perfect harmony, conveying a wonderful message of peace and contentment —a great contrast to the turmoil and strife amongst the nations today. Mrs Gilmer dealt with gardening in Carterton, and assisted several members with their problems. She stressed the advisability of not overcrowding gardens, but growing flowers that would bloom most prolifically, such as rhododendrons, axaleas and lilies. During Mrs Gilmer’s stay in San Francisco she received instruction in the arrangement of flowers from the Japanese, who make a primary study of their bowls, and their fill them with appropriate flowers. The wealth of flowers in America was stressed by the speaker—in the winter glorious blooms being brought from California and Florida by special aeroplanes. Mrs Gilmer gave vivid descriptions of Holland in hyancinth and bulb time, and of Potsdam, where she saw the New Zealand maple and cabbage tree. In Mrs Gilmer’s opinion the raising of young plants, such as daphnes and boronias for export to Australia was becoming an important industry in New Zealand. The speaker urged gardeners to plant extra rows of vegetables to provide essential food for troop boys in camp and for children’s homes. Mrs Gilmer very kindly brought seeds and plants for members. Mrs Keenan thanked Mrs Gilmer, on behalf of the members, for her interesting .and inspiring address, and for her thoughtfulness in bringing so many plants and seeds. Members showed their appreciation by warmly applauding Mrs Gilmer.