PLUNKET SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 215, 11 September 1929, Page 11

PLUNKET SOCIETY.

The committee of the Plunket Society entertained Mrs. Irwell, who arrived in Auckland by the Aorangi, at morning tea at the Karitane Hospital, Mount Albert, yesterday morning. Mrs. Irwell was acompanied by her niece, Miss Foster, and Mrs. David Nathan, whose guest she is at Manurewa. Mrs. W. H. Parkes (president of the Plunket Society) and Miss Eileen Partridge . (secretary) met the guests at the headquarters in Symonds Street, and, after spending a little while there, they were taken to the Karitane. Hospital, where they were shown over the building. Airs. Irwell, who has been associated with extensive welfare work in London for many years, was very impressed with what.ehe saw. In a brief and interesting talk she told her hearers of her pioneer work in Whitechapel, and also the creche work when it was- first started. She sketched the meaning of "home helps," and explained how the idea originated and what a great success they were. Under this scheme capable women would get employment for a certain time during the day helping mothers and their very young babies. The great thing was to find the right person, one who was willing, careful and clean for this position.

In response to a request, Mrs. Irwell told of the progress of Plunket work in Palestine, and spoke of the great reduction in infant mortality there. There was so much to overcome, she said, and superstition was among the worst of the difficulties. The nurses had to be super women, and had to speak English, Yiddish,' Hebrew and Arabic. They were doing a wonderful work. A vote of thanks to Mrs. Irwell was moved by Mrs. Parkes and carried by acclamation. Tea was served.in the dining room by the matron and staff of the hospital. Spring flowers made delightful decoration around the room. Amongst those who were present were: Lady SinclairLockhart, Lady Nolan, Miss Eileen Partridge, Mrs. J. Frater, Mrs. A. St. Clair Brown, Mrs. E. S. Whitley, Mrs. Donald 00-ilvie Mrs. E. G. Whitley, Mrs. F. Fitchett, Mrs. Whitlock, Mrs. C. M. Fowlds, Miss Woodhead, Mrs. Worrall, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Mason (Sydney), Mrs. Cowell, Miss 1-tobb, Mrs. Wilkinson, Mrs. .Gentles, Mrs. P. McClatchie, Mrs. Crawford (Wanganui), Mrs. Hooper.