VALUABLE WORK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 70, 24 March 1941, Page 3

VALUABLE WORK

MR. SEMPLE'S TRIBUTE.

WOMEN'S CORPS PRAISED

"Xo longer can we regard N'cw Zealand as a happy group of islands, far enough from the world's centres to be safe from danger and free to develop its own way of living without fear of violence." -aid the Hon. 15. Semple, when he reviewed the Women'* N'ntional Service Corps on the parade ground at Putlaud Street on Sat unlaw

"To-day «e must be prepared to defend our-selves and. all of n* will he called upon to make sacrifices, hut you will all agree that they are well worth making. 1 am most encouraged by the evidence you have given me to-day of the ofTiciencv of vour organisation. I do not think that there is anything like it anywhere in Xew Zealand, and Auckland should be proud that you have shown the wav.''

Mr. Semple went on to -av that he had already heard a great deal about the valuable work which the corps had done. and he felt sure that whatever the work which the members were called upon to do. in conjunction with the other defence forces, it would be carried out efficiently. "I feel that 1 must congratulate vour ofliccrs. and your commanding officer in particular, upon your smart ness," he continued.

"I hat 6 peaks well for their discipline and shown that you must have done a great deal of hard work already. 1 am sure that your organisation will be an inspiration to the women of this country, and when in the near future the Home Defence units parade in Auckland with tho equipment which we are proud to have made here in Xew Zealand I want, yon to take your place anionothem.

'•I don't want to s tart anv rivalry between inon aii<] women." added the Minister, "but r must sav. after iiavin* scon you this afternoon,'that I do not think r t „y | )o) i v tlf ~l en ( ~) Il]d have dono bette'.-, and that, speaks well for cverv one cit you. particular] v for vour eominaiKlmj: ofTu-er and those responsible for your training." At the conclusion of his address Mr Semple took the salute as the parade marched past. le<l l. v the commanding officer, Miss D. M. Hawkins. Some 200 officers and members of the corps, under the leadership of Mis,? jy M. Hawkins, attended .St. Matthew's Church for the special service of intercession on Sunday morning. The parade fell in at the Civic Square and marched to the church.