FORCES' LOUNGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 272, 16 November 1943, Page 5

FORCES' LOUNGE

FOURTH BIRTHDAY

FOR WOMEN

NATIONAL, PARTY WOMEN MEET

Two months after war broke out, the Women's Organisation of the National party established its lounge for the forces in Yorkshire House, O'Connell Street—and it has been on the job ever since. This splendid record of voluntary service has not figured spectacularly in the limelight, but its greatest reward has been the appreciation of "the boys" —recipients of the labour of love which these women have performed so untiringly. The fourth anniversary of the opening, which took place on November 13, 1939, was celebrated this afternoon at the Farmers', when voluntary helpers were entertained to a musical programme and afternoon .tea. The president, Dr. Hilda North croft, welcomed the guests. She said that up until November 13 of this year 432,000 men had passed through the- lounge. The 400,000 th man had been presented with a wallet at the beginning of July. Mr. G. M. Smith, divisional chairman of the Auckland Division of the National party, thanked the women for their effort, on behalf of the division. A play was presented by the Penwomen's dramatic circle depicting the first voting by women. Other items, were given by Mrs. McKnight (vocalist), the Melody Maids and Mrs. Bollard (pianist). Some of the women volunteers have been working at the lounge since it was established. Eleven constituencies take week about. The lounge itself is non-party, men of all creeds being welcomed.