PROMINENT AUCKLAND WOMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 109, 10 May 1930, Page 14

PROMINENT AUCKLAND WOMEN.

MRS. J. B. MACFARLANE, 0.8.E

Ever since the war years and during that long time of agony and pain, the name of Mrs. J. B. Macfarlane has been well known for the splendid public service which 6he has rendered. In the war time she o» the executive of the Women's Patriotic League, the convenor of the Ministering Committee, and all who had anything to do with public work will remember how untiring this committee was in meeting the returned men on the wharf and helping them and their dependents, often weary and heart-sore, who waited hours to' meet a ■ broken soldier. When the - ■■■.•■■■ Red Cross was started Mrs. Macfarlane was on the joint committee formed of the British Red Cross and the St. John Ambulance, and was one of the official visitors at the annexe. The work of the Victoria League has claimed her energy for many, years, and as chairman of the Ever-ready Committee Mrs. Macfarlane has done consistent and un t i ring work in the street collections, in helping at the bazaars for various organisations and in keeping up the supply of garments which are sent to aid backblocks mothers who are vitally in need of assistance. This is not work that attracts public notice, yet what must be the blessing poured out by the grateful mother who, with a brood of little ones and little ready money, receives a bundle of children's garments all ready to put on her flock. Mrs. Macfarlane has been the president of the St. James' Free Kindergarten for some years, also work which is not at all spectacular, but which fulfils a very useful niche in the city. For many years Mrs. Macfarlane worked hard in the interests of the Navy League, and when the different naval units touched at this city was never failing in helping to entertain the men. Recently she has organised the Epsom and the One Tree Hill districts for the obstetrical appeal. These districts have raised the quota required. The Empire Ball, which is one of the events of the sjcial season, is another work to which she has devoted much time and thought. She is now helping to make this year's function another great success.