LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1941, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

MASTERTON BRANCH ACTIVITIES IN PAST YEAR. ITEMS IN ANNUAL REPORT. The membership of the Masterton branch of the League of Nations Union now stands at 66, states the annual report. One member who was on active service overseas had been' made an honorary member for the duration of the war. The report expresses regret that Miss Barrer had to resign as secretary, as muph of the success of the branch was due to her indefatigable efforts. A suitable presentation was made in recognition of her services and a letter sent to her expressing the council’s thanks and best wishes. ‘’Undoubtedly,” the report proceeds., “the progressive activity of our branch this year has been the work done in connection with the scheme set on foot as the result of Mr Leigh Hunt’s visit and lecture to bring orphaned British children to New Zealand for adoption. Great praise is due to the special committee and in particular to Mrs R. Page, the president, set up to carry out this project. Owing to the difficulties of transfer the project is held in abeyance for the present.” The report stated that it was hoped to arrange a meeting to be addressed by Brigadier Green, of the Salvation. Army, on the British Orphan Adoption Society. Two interesting lectures were given during the year, ,one by the Rev. W. Asher on the work of the league, and the other by the Rev. J. T. Holland on “The Peace of Tomorrow.” After referring to the conference proceedings the report stated that a wreath had been placed on the Soldiers’ Memorial on Anzac Day and £lO had been sent towards the upkeep of Chinese refugees. Money had also been donated to provide for parcels to be sent to soldiers. The* branch had co-operated with the Red Cross Society and patriotic activities. A recommendation was made to the incoming council that its representatives on the Red Cross and Patriotic committees be instructed that any form of gambling would not be acceptable but that every help would be given to other means of raising money. It was felt that the raising of money by gambling was not in accord with the ideals of the league. Tire acting hon. secretary, Miss Dodds, who presents the report, expressed her thanks to the president. Mrs T. R. Barrer, and to-members of the council for their co-operation. The annual meeting of the branch will be held tomorrow night at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms, at 7.30 o’clock.

“LITTLE MEN.” Skilfully modernising Louisa May Alcott’s immortal classic for presentday audiences, Gene Towne and Graham Baker offer a thoroughly entertaining picture in their production of “Little Men,” which will be shown tonight at the State Theatre. A talented cast, picturesque settings, and a screen story that abundantly blends romance, drama, comedy and suspense are presented in this version of the famous book. Kay Francis as Aunt Jo and Jack Oakie and George Bancroft as an amiable pair of crooks head the group of featured players, with young Jimmy Lydon as Dan, Ann Gillis as Ann and Charles Esmond as Aunt Jo’s husband, v Professor Bhaer giving brilliant performances along with the interesting work of “Elsie,” the acting cow. Going back somewhat earlier than the book, the film begins with the unwilling adoption of Dan, then an infant, by the swindling Major Bundle (Bancroft).