TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 202, 27 July 1937, Page 2

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

ADDRESS ON GUILD AFFAIRS. AIMS OF MEMBERS. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Townswomen’s Guild was held in the Empire Hall yesterday afternoon, Mrs A. E. Mansford presiding over a large attendance. Mrs J. Pow, of Wellington, president of the centr/ executive of the New' Zealand Union of Tow'nsw'omen’s Guilds, was a guest of honour and gave an address on guild work. New' members welcomed were Mesdames C. A. Garrick, M. Richards, M. Gatley, M. Louisson, .M. E. Penny, Rowdey, J. Gillion, E. M. Robertson, A. Ax, R. Ferguson, B. Harlick, W. Moffatt, W. Davies, R. I. Ram, E. M. Hunt, I, I. Dalzell, L. M. Signal, D, Larsen, E. Giles, and Miss V. Eagle. Vocal solos, “Not Understood” and “The False Prohpet,” were contributed by Miss L. McDonald. The Glee Club rendered two items, “Old Folks’ Medley” and “John Peel,” under the direction of Mrs W. Bigham. All these items were greatly enjoyed. The accompaniste was Mrs H. Pierard. Mrs Barsanti, in proposing a vote ol thanks, said that Miss McDonald had given great pleasure with her singing, and that the Glee Club had accomplished a marvellous amount of work in a short time. Circle reports were presented, by Mrs G. Lyne (gardening), Mrs E. W- Drake (arts and crafts), Mrs Spraggon (drama),• Miss M. Grant (civics), and Mrs Howley (music). Mrs W. S. Woodroofe gave an account of the birthday party held by the Hastings Townswomen’s .Guild, at which she had represented the Palmerston North Guild, and Mrs \V. G. Black described the visit she. and four other members paid to the Wanganui Guild s birthday celebration. Both reports proved thoroughly interesting. Mrs Pow said that she had been greatly interesetd in the circle reports, and impressed with the items contributed and the large number present. Organising work always gave her fresh heart and courage enough to push forward, and if the Palmerston North Guild were any criterion of how the guilds would progress in New. Zealand, then they had a brilliant future. She referred to the formation of the "Wellington Central Guild and the guilds at Lower Hutt, Kelburn, and Brooklyn. In their guilds they had to have loyalty to officers and to each other — loyalty and unity w'ere the main principles. They were out to help each other, and knowledge was imparted unselfishly through the circles. Jealousy must hot be allowed to creep in. They must endeavour to work for the general good, and there was nothing a body of women could not do if they set their minds to it. Friendliness was another important feature of the guilds; they should meet each other with a smile instead of a frown. Mrs Pow pointed out that all guild members met on common ground as one “family” of women. The charitable side must not be forgotten, as to be charitable to those less fortunate Mis one of the most blessed things in the world. Mrs Pow urged guild members to get into the ranks of those women who lived in one environment all the time, and to utilise the guild and circles in taking these women out of themselves. They should all have civic pride and endeavour to assist in the advancement of their city. The organisation was only in its infancy and had great possibilities. When Ladv Cynthia Colville had come to New Zealand, she had asked the speaker to assist in furthering the movement, Mbs Pow said, and she intended to do organising' work throughout the South Island. She pointed out that if a guild became too large it became unwieldly, membership in England being limited to 200. In conclusion, Mrs Pow congratulated the guild on its beautiful floral decorations, and also commented that the interchange of visits between guilds had a beneficial effect. Sbe was granted pennission to adopt the guild song used in Palmerston North for all the guilds in New Zealand. Mrs Spraggon thanked Mrs Pow for her address. The ladies responsible for the decorations were Mesdames Gillott, G. Lyne, Cranston, and Humphries, and Miss Iveats. The stage had been arranged with a profusion of flowers and greenery, and the tables were also adorned with flowers. The door hostesses were Mesdames J. Barsanti and Spraggon; the tea hostesses, Mesdames Howley and G. Lyne, and Miss M. Cranston ; and the helpers Mesdames A. E. McCormick, M. McEwen, D. McLeod, J. McLeod, N. McNeile, and E. Newman.