LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1940, Page 5

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

MASTERTON BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT Following is the annual report of the Masterton branch of the League of Nations Union, to be presented at the annual meeting in the Women's Division Rest Room, King Street, on Tuesday next, at 8 p.m.:—"The branch membership is now 73, plus two corporate members —the W.D.F.U. (Masterton) and .the Carterton Women's Labour League. During the year three members have been lost through departure from Masterton. They are Mrs. D. A. Cameron, Messrs. A. E. Bate and Angus Ross, all of whom have been transferred to other branches. A fourth loss was due to the death of Mr. F. Hunn, who had been a member since the inception of the branch in Masterton. Mr. Hunn had the work of the League very much at heart and his loss will be greatly felt.' . . . Two jumble sales were held, resulting in the raising of £lO and £5 respectively. A challenge by members of the Peace Pledge Union to a debate, “That war under any Circumstances is Unjustifiable." resulted in a win for the negative, by the League of Nations Union team, by a narrow margin. Mr. G. R. Sykes acted as judge. “The Rev. E. J. Blamires represented the League of Nations Union at Amsterdam last August at a Youth Peace Congress. Mr Blamires has not yet returned to New Zealand, but when he does it is hoped that he may be able to give an address. . . . The International Youth Congress, which was to have been held in September was cancelled owing to the outbreak of war and the general feeling of uncertainty. "Two delegates represented the Masterton branch at the annual conference which took the form of a Summer School held under pleasing surroundings at the Frederick Wallis “House. Lower Hutt. They were Mesdames E. IVL Engstrom and D. A. Cameron. Mrs. T. R. Barrel’ also attended for part of the lime as an observer. Mrs. Engstrom gave a report to the council emphasising her appreciation of the opportunity to attend and also of the high intellectual calibre of the various speakers. The Summer School lasted for two days. On the first day. remits were discussed and the second day was devoted to addresses on various subjects connected with the League of Nations, followed by discussions. The subjects were, "The Political Work 01. the League." "Technical Work of .the League." "Reorganisation of the League,” “Principal Requisites of Lasting Peace.” "A wreath was. as usual, laid on the Soldiers' Memorial on Anzac Day. “All Dominion dues have been met throughout the year. A number of subscriptions are overdue. During the year varied correspondence has been dealt with and literature received included the A.B.C. of the 1.L.0.. Viscount Cecil's booklet, a children's book of plays., and a school history of the League of Nations as used in the Australian schools, where work . for the League is especially well maintained. The report is signed by Miss M. E. Barrel', hon. secretary.