to an excellent tea, at which the Hon. Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. Musgrave, and several other ladies, kindly assisted. Tea was followed by the display of a magic lantern, and a performance of music concluded the evening's enter

tainment.

PRESTON R. D. BRANCH.-A ladies' meeting was held in the Town Hall, on Wednesday afternoon, November 12th, Mr. William Birley (The Larches), presided. Canon Armstrong, Rural Dean, read Prayers, and afterwards gave a short address upon the duties of employers to their employées, stating also that it was the aim of the Girls' Friendly Society to encourage mutual sympathy between classes, and also to aid the Members to become thrifty, useful, and good women. The Branch Secretary read the report of the Preston R. D. Branch since its commencement in 1878. Mrs. Birley spoke a few words in introducing Miss Pitcairn, upon the large scope for the good work of the G. F. S. among the factory girls of Preston. Miss Pitcairn, Eccles (Diocesan Referee), read an interesting paper upon the work of her own Branch, with suggestions for more efficient work from her experiences. Mrs. Vandeleur read the Workhouse Report, and Mrs. Filliter the paper on 'Registry Work.' Mrs. Firth proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Pitcairn for her ready help and practical suggestions. The books and papers of the G.F.S. were sold to those present, and a collection realised 17. 125.-Dec. 3rd, a servants' afternoon meeting with a tea was held. Some of the Associates addressed the girls, and with conversation, work, and some reading the afternoon passed very pleasantly.-The Members of the Ashton division gave an entertainment on the evening of Dec. 22nd. A programme consisting of songs, carols, and recitations, was most creditably gone through. The proceeds were devoted to the Preston R. D. Branch Fund.

AMERSHAM AND CHESHAM BRANCH.-The second anniversary passed off very successfully at Chesham, on November 13th, 1879. The Associates and Members from Amersham were conveyed to Chesham in vans, and, as it was a beautiful afternoon, they enjoyed the three miles' drive very much. At four o'clock, a capital tea was provided in the Chesham National School, and then Lady Chesham gave the bonus to those Members who had gained one; the Rev. J. Russell afterwards showed in a magic-lantern many lovely views of different places in Italy and Switzerland that he had lately visited. At seven o'clock, a special service was held in St. Mary's Church, when the Rev. J. Hargrove, of Harpenden, preached a practical and useful sermon from Proverbs, iii. 6. The Offertory, amounting to 27. 45., was sent to the Sunning Hill Central Home of Rest Maintenance Fund.

LACOCK BRANCH.-This Branch held its first festival on Friday, November 28th. The Branch only started on the 1st of January, 1879, and the Members number but forty as yet. Of these many have been transferred, or are in situations too far off to allow of their coming out to tea on a dark November evening, but a party of sixteen was able to assemble in the Infants' Schoolroom, which was prettily decorated with wreaths and mottoes. The tables were made bright and pretty with hot-house flowers and plants, and a large party of Associates and friends of the Society were present to wait upon the Members and to show their pleasure in the gathering.

When tea was over, the Vicar, Branch Secretary, Lady Registrar, &c., addressed the Members in turn, after which there was singing, which was so greatly enjoyed that much regret was felt when it was found necessary to break up the party so that the girls might get home in good time.

HOLY TRINITY (TWICKENHAM) BRANCH. The second annual festival was held on December 5th. It began with service in Church, when the Special Service for G. F. S. was used, and an impressive address on 'Womanliness,' was given by the Vicar (Rev. D. Anderson), from 1 Peter, iii. 4. Tea was then provided in the Schoolroom by the Vicar, the tables being tastefully decorated with flowers by the Associates. After tea, premiums were given to eight Members for good service. The party were then entertained by one of the Associates appearing in disguise as an old woman, with a basket of presents for each Member, which caused great amusement. There were sixty-five Members present. A sale of needlework (the result of the sewing-class), for the benefit of the Sick Fund, was one of the attractions of the evening.

TENBY BRANCH.-On the 30th of December, a tea The was given to the Members and their mothers. tables were prettily decorated with flowers, evergreens, Premiums and crackers, an iced-cake in the centre. were given to three Members, consisting of a Reference Bible and two church services, three Members received interest on savings. Five clergymen were present; the Rector gave an address, mentioning the advantages of G. F. S. Membership; the Senior Curate did the same, and kindly proposed a vote of thanks to the Secretary for her devotion to the work. A Christmas hamper was taken round; music, singing, and games completed the evening's entertainment, which concluded with the hymn, 'True friends,' &c., prayer and a blessing.

BISHOPS STORTFORD BRANCH.-The second annual festival took place on August 5th, at High Wych. About fifty Members and nine Associates, with other friends, met in the Church at 4.30, for a short service. The Vicar (Rev. H. Frank Johnson) gave a kind and earnest address, after which the whole party adjourned to the Vicarage garden and sat down to tea, which had been prepared on the lawn. Before separating, premiums for long service, one grant for illness, and the bonus on savings to seven Members, were presented. Mr. Oswald, in the name of all present, then returned thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for their kindness and hospitality. The party broke up about seven o'clock, and returned home much pleased with the enjoyable afternoon they had spent.

EAST BURFORD R. D. BRANCH.-The first annual festival took place at Abberley, August 5th. The Associates and Members assembled at 4.30, in the Schoolroom, where tea was provided. The room was prettily decorated with flowers and ferns, together with a scroll bearing the motto of the Society. About fifty ladies and girls were present. At 6 o'clock, a special service was held in the Parish Church, followed by an address by the Rev. W. Rayson, Vicar of Lindridge, who took for his text Isaiah, xxx. 15, and spoke of the necessity for quiet, persevering effort in all real work, applying the subject specially to the newly-established Branch. The

money received at the offertory was devoted to the General Fund for Homes of Rest.

HALIFAX BRANCH.-The annual festival took place on the 5th of August. About 120 Members, with Clergy and Associates, were conveyed by train to Hebden Bridge; and after a pleasant ramble in the woods, had tea together in the National School, which was kindly lent by the Vicar. A hearty service was held in St. James's Church, Hebden Bridge, at 6.30, and an excellent address on Christian Unity was given by the Rev. G. Sowder. The whole party returned home safely by nine o'clock.

HORSHAM BRANCII.-The annual festival was held on August 6th. The proceedings commenced with a service in the parish church at 3.30 p.m. The Rev. J. F. Cole addressed the Members with great earnestness and kindness from the text 1 John, iv. II; there were fifty-seven Members present. After the service, the whole party repaired to Arun Lodge, the residence of the Rev. E. Willis. Tea was provided in a neighbouring schoolroom, after which the Members were addressed by Miss Hurst (Branch Secretary pro tem.) on the advantage of each of them having a savings' bank book; she also dwelt upon the principle of co-operation of Members with their Associates, and concluded with an account of the 'Homes of Rest,' and mentioned if any of them at any time liked to offer the smallest sum and bring it to their Associates it would be forwarded to the special fund for this purpose. The result of this was most gratifying, an immediate collection being commenced among the girls, which amounted to 95. 1d. After a few words of kindly encouragement from the Vicar (the Rev. Canon Hodgson), the Members returned to their games, which they kept up till eight p.m. They then assembled on the lawn, and the evening was concluded with the G. F. S. hymn, True friends help each other.'

PUTNEY BRANCH.-The first annual festival of this Branch, which numbers eighty-eight Members and fortyseven Associates, took place on August 8th. A special service was held in St. John's Church at three o'clock; the Service for Festivals was used, and an excellent address given by the Rev. J. K. Booker. At the conclusion of the service, fifty-seven Members, under the care of the Working Associates, went to Kew, where tea had been provided. The day was very fine, and the gardens thoroughly enjoyed. The party returned to Putney at eight o'clock, very much pleased with their holiday.

LLANELLY BRANCH (CARMARTHENSHIRE).-The first festival was held on August 6th, at which most of the Members were present. At six o'clock the Members assembled at the National Schools, kindly lent by the Vicar, where a substantial tea was provided, prettily decorated with flowers. After the tables were cleared, the Vicar's wife read one of the Society's pamphlets, and a paper to the girls on the privileges and duties of Members, which was followed by some practical words by the Rev. J. Jenkyns and the Rev. A. Britten. During the rest of the evening the Members were entertained with music and singing, kindly contributed by Associates and friends, and after a few encouraging words from the Vicar's wife, the evening was brought to a close by all joining in the Society's hymn, 'True friends help each other.'

CORRINGHAM R. D. BRANCH.-This Branch celebrated its first festival on August 7th at Kirton, Lindsey. There was a choral service at St. Andrew's, when the Rev. R. E. Warner, Rector of Snetterby, gave an address, both stirring and interesting, in the course of which he explained the mutual duties and privileges of the Members and Associates. After service all adjourned to the Vicarage, where an ample tea was provided, the tables being skilfully decorated. Then several games, concluding with the ever-popular country dance, 'Sir Roger de Coverley,' were heartily enjoyed. At seven o'clock short addresses were delivered, and after singing the evening hymn the company dispersed. There were about fifty present, including several of the neighbouring clergy.

WITHAM BRANCH.-The first annual festival held at Witham on the 7th of August was attended by seventyfive Members and twenty-seven Associates. A short service was held in the parish church at 3.30 p.m., the address being given by the Rev. A. Snell, vicar. After service, all went into the Vicarage garden and fields, kindly thrown open for the festival. Tea was laid out under the trees on several small tables made gay with plants in pots and piles of fruit. After tea, the Vicar presented twelve Members with premiums, recently gained for good service. Two young dres smakers and four older Members received each a book, as a reward for good conduct during the past year. Then the party dispersed, some to the field for games, many to a stream hard by for a short row, whilst others sat under the trees, &c. At 7 p.m. a bell summoned them all to the Vicarage, where, after singing 'True friends help each other,' and partaking of some fruit, good nights were said, and the various groups went home to their respective parishes.

OUNDIE DEANERY BRANCH.-The annual festival was held at Warkton, near Kettering, on August 7th. The girls, numbering between forty and fifty, with about twelve of the Associates belonging to the Branch, assembled in the schoolroom at 2.30 p.m. It was a beautiful day, and most of the party had driven several miles from villages round. The proceedings commenced with a shortened service in the church, and a brief address to the girls by the Rev. Horace Waller, Rector of Troywell, in which he reminded them of the objects of the Society, and of the encouragement and help it afforded to those who were desirous of resisting the temptations which all meet with in the battle of life. They then adjourned to the Rectory garden, where tea was prettily laid out on a long table, everything having been most comfortably arranged by Mrs. Stobart, wife of the Rector of Warkton, who had kindly invited them to meet there. After tea, the girls walked through the pretty avenues of the Park to Boughton House, and on their return to the Rectory garden they had supper before starting homewards. The afternoon was most enjoyable, thanks, in a great measure, to the hearty welcome given to the whole party by Mrs. Stobart and her family. This Branch of the G. F. S. was only formed in January, 1878, and the girls are already beginning to feel the advantages and pleasure of belonging to the Society.

STORRINGTON IV. R. D. BRANCH.-On the 8th August this Branch held its first festival at Ferring.

Seventy-eight Members, ten Working Associates, and a few Honorary Associates, were present, and all assembled in the church for service at five o'clock. The sermon was preached by the Rev. G. W. Pennethorne, and was listened to with the greatest attention. After service the party sat down to tea, provided for them by Mrs. Pennethorne in the school-room; and when this was over all adjourned to the Vicarage garden for games. The girls spent a most happy evening, and the party dispersed about eight o'clock.

WYESIDE BRANCH.-On Tuesday, August 12th, the annual gathering was held at Eardisley Vicarage. Eighty Members and fifteen Associates were present. Proceedings began at three o'clock with even-song in the parish church, and a most suitable and simple sermon was preached on the occasion by the Rev. R. Hyett Warner, vicar of Almeley. Service over, the party assembled in the Vicarage garden, where tea had been prepared, and all sat down together. Tea concluded, the Vicar of Eardisley spoke a few words of kindly welcome to the assembled maidens, reminding them of the blessedness of membership with Christ, and the sacredness of all work done in His service. During tea the piano had been brought into the garden, and did good service, first in accompanying the hymns, True friends help each other,' and 'Oh! happy band of pilgrims,' with a few songs, and then in acting band for the rest of the evening.

OLD WINDSOR BRANCH.-On August 12th the Members had their annual festival, meeting at the Rev. W. H. Rooper's, Ouseley Lodge, Old Windsor. The afternoon commenced with a special service at the parish church, at which about seventy Members were present. There was a very impressive address by Mr. Rooper, in which he spoke of the origin of the Society, and how wonderfully it had spread from a small beginning, and had supplied a want long felt. He went on to remind his hearers that good servants make good mistresses, and said a Member should have the same feeling that a member of the Roman Republic used to have, and who never would do anything to disgrace the nation of which he was so proud. He then concluded his address b alluding to the benefit the Homes of Rest were to sick and overworked. The congregation then adjourned to Mr. Rooper's house. Under a tent on the lawn a plentiful repast awaited them, kindly presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Rooper and their family, to which about 100 neighbours and friends sat down. After tea the Rev. T. Harwood, the vicar, addressed the Members. Afterwards the company seated themselves in front of a raised platform, and presently appeared a conjuror attired in a fantastic costume. He performed many curious and wonderful tricks, which were highly appreciated by a most attentive audience. The pleasant entertainment then came to an end by each Member being presented with a framed text.

SUTTON DEANERY.-The annual festival was held on the 13th of August, at which were present some 450 Members from the eighteen parishes in the Branch, and thirty-seven Associates. Service was held at All Saints, Maidstone, at three p.m. The Rev. J. M. Braithwaite, vicar of St. Michael and All Angels, preached an earnest and practical sermon from the text, 'Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.' The Mem

bers afterwards partook of an excellent tea in the Corn Exchange. The tables had been decorated with plants, and the scene was an animated one in the extreme. After tea the Members went in procession to Mote Park, the use of which had been kindly granted for the occasion by the Earl of Romney and Lady Howard de Walden. A considerable time was spent in the beautiful gardens and grounds, and a visit paid to the vineries. At about seven o'clock the party adjourned to the park, where numerous friends and visitors were assembled. Various games were indulged in, and refreshments were served in a large tent. During the evening the band of the 1st Kent Rifle Volunteers played an admirable selection of music. At about eight o'clock the Members assembled in front of All Saints' Vicarage, and were addressed by Archdeacon Dealtry. The proceedings soon afterwards closed with the singing of the Doxology.

PEVENSEY III. BRANCH.-The annual festival of this Branch was held at Uckfield on 14th August. The proceedings commenced with the special service in church, and an address by the Rev. G. G. Maclean, M.A., vicar of Nutley, after which the Members, to the number of 105, were regaled with tea on the Rev. E. T. Cardale's lawn. A very happy afternoon was spent in games, with an exhibition of conjuring tricks by Capt. Davis, R.N., fire-balloons, &c. Before they separated, the Rev. E. T. Cardale addressed the Members.

SUNNINGHILL BRANCH (including parishes of Sunninghill and Sunningdale).-The first annual festival was held on August 19th. The Members and Associates assembled at Sunninghill church at three o'clock for the special service for G. F. S. festivals, and a short but excellent address was delivered by the Rev. W. C. Raffles Flint, vicar of Sunningdale. The address was followed by an offertory for the Central Fund of the Society, which amounted to 37. 75. 6d. Owing to the incessant rain, the tea, which was to have been held in the grounds of Frognal, took place in the Sunninghill reading-room. Forty-five girls, and the two inmates of the Sunninghill Central Home of Rest, sat down to a tempting-looking repast, chiefly provided by the Associates of the Branch, twelve of whom were present. Before leaving the table, the Toast for the Last Cup of Tea' was sung with great spirit, and then grace was said by the Rev. W. C. Raffles Flint. Games of various kinds were played, and glees were sung, till 6.30 p.m., when the girls returned to their homes, having enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon in spite of the unfavourable weather.

GRIMSBY AND CLEE BRANCH.-The annual festival was held on August 18th. There was a choral service in the parish church, and an address by the vicar (the Rev. J. P. Young). It was too hot to be out of doors, but more than fifty Members and Associates sat down to tea in the Vicarage, and amused themselves afterwards with games of different kinds.

Notice.

As the Central Council decided in October that a small charge should be made for the insertion of Branch Festivals in Friendly Leaves for 1880, priority is given to those which have been paid for. Those sent in before the charge was made, will be inserted as space permits.

HOMES OF REST-GENERAL FUND.

It is desired to collect, by degrees, a Homes of Rest Fund, to secure admission for our Members to Convalescent Homes where payment is required. We think many of our Members may like to help their sister Members by subscribing small sums for this object. The smallest donations, from ONE PENNY upwards, will be received with pleasure, and may be forwarded to

HON. LADY (B. C.) GREY, Fairmile House, Cobham, Surrey. They will be acknowledged each month in the Magazine. The following are gratefully acknowledged :

DONATIONS TO HOMES OF REST

Donations should be sent in before the roth of the month, to ensure their acknowledgment in the next number of FRIENDLY LEAVES.

Branch Secretaries and Associates in the undermentioned Dioceses may apply for grants for sick Members from this Fund as follows:

DIOCESE. Chichester London.....

....

Lady Maryon Wilson, Searles, Uckfield.
Miss F. Walker, 52 Oxford Terrace, Hyde
Park, London, W.

Lichfield The Lady Mary Herbert, Styche, Market
Drayton.

The Lady Jane Levett, Wychnor Park,
Burton-on-Trent.

Peterborough Mrs Milman, the Governor's House, H. M.
Prison, Holloway, N.

Rochester

Miss A. Goodrich, Prospect Villa, Central
Hill, Upper Norwood.

The Lady Florence Barnardiston, The Ryes,
Sudbury, Suffolk.

Winchester.. Miss E. C. Orr, Cheriton Rectory, Alresford. Worcester .. The Lady Norton, Hams, Minworth, Bir mingham.

In all other Dioceses, Branch Secretaries and Associates requiring help for sick Members to apply to the Hon. Lady Grey, Fairmile House, Cobham, Surrey.

Lady Grey will be much obliged to those interested in Homes of Rest, if they will kindly send her a list of the Homes and Hospitals available for G. F. S. Members in their neighbourhood.

She has several Letters for the Walton Convalescent Hospital at her disposal for the use of G. F. S. Members.

Home of Rest opened by Mrs. E. N. Buxton, Buckhurst Hill, for two Members, at 75. per week.

Letter of recommendation for National Hospital for Paralysed and Epileptic, Queen's Square, Bloomsbury, offered by Mrs. Carleton, Secretary Bath Branch.

For Homes of Rest' open to G. F. S. Members, see the G. F. S. Advertiser.

VOL. V.

From Palm Sunday to Easter Day. ROM Palm Sunday to Easter Day! Is it not the week of weeks to all faithful Christian hearts? May none of our readers let it pass without setting apart what time they can for devout meditation and prayer, and following, as well as they are able, the events of each day in this Holy Week. Some of our Members, we know, will have but little time for this in the midst of hard work and many interruptions; but remember, dear girls, it was she who 'did what she could,' that was accepted of our Blessed Master, and I am sure He will be pleased if He sees you trying at least to think of Him and of His sufferings, all through the week, and rejoicing with Him on the happy Easter Day. You will know that we have four accounts of our Lord's entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, so called from the palm-branches which were strewn beneath His feet, or carried before Him by the people. These four accounts you will find in

I wonder if you have ever noticed how often the palm-tree is mentioned in the Bible. It is one of the most beautiful of Eastern trees, and grows even in the desert, with its tall, stately stem crowned by a tuft of long, green, featherlike leaves. It has always been considered the emblem of victory and triumph. If you would like to find some texts about the palm, look for Ex. xv. 27; Lev. xxiii. 40; 1 Kings, vi. 32; Cant. vii. 8; Rev. vii. 9.

No. 43.

What a wonderful and touching sight that must have been when our Lord entered Jerusalem, the City of Peace, riding on the ass, with the little colt following behind, and all the people crying out 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' How strange it seems to think of that prophecy which was then so literally fulfilled, though the disciples did not know it at the time, in Zech. ix. 9 (comp. St. John, xii. 16). On the evening of Palm Sunday our Lord returned to Bethany with His disciples, probably to the house of Martha and Mary and Lazarus. Is it not sweet to think that He had that dear quiet home to go to, all those nights before His terrible agony and death?

On Monday, if you have only time to read a few verses, I think you will like to find the 11th chapter of St. Mark, and read from the 12th to the end of the 19th verse, which will give you the events of that day.

On Tuesday try and read from the 20th to the 26th verses of the same chapter, and observe our Lord's wonderful lesson about faith. Then on Wednesday you might read the other parable about the fig-tree, and mark especially the lesson of watchfulness which it teaches, in the 13th chapter of St. Mark, from the 28th verse to the end. On Thursday read as much as you can of St. Luke, chap. xxii. (compare Epistle for the day), and remember that it was on that evening that our blessed Lord gave the first Communion to His disciples. Think, too, when you go to your quiet rest in bed, that He was going to begin a long night of agony and suffering, and then on the next day, Friday, to be crucified-to hang