W.R.N.S. INSPECTION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1945, Page 3

W.R.N.S. INSPECTION

LADY NEWALL'S VISIT Her Excellency Lady Newall, accompanied by Miss Norah Walton, paid a visit' of inspection to the W.R.N.S. quarters attached to the Devonport naval base yesterday. The tour was conducted by Miss Joyce Duthie, superintendent of the W.R.N.S. in Auckland, who then took her Excellency to the W.R.N.S. living quarters at Mount Victoria. They were met by Fourth-Officer M. Morten, and a visit was made to the cook's galley where Lady Newall shook hands with the four W.R.N.S. cooks who were on duty. After seeing the lounge Lady Newall asked Miss Duthie what measures were taken to help the W.R.N.S. in their leisure time, and expressed pleasure that they could learn dressmaking, music and a choice of four languages, as well as other subjects, through the Army Welfare Service. Lady Newall also wanted to know if the girls took an interest in current affairs and was informed that the W.R.N.S. had a good libi'ary with a wide range of literature and were supplied each day with newspapers.

On returning to the naval base Lady Newall, accompanied by Miss Duthie and Commander J. C. Elworthy, R.N., inspected a parade of W.R.N.S. She chatted informally to each girl. Sir Cyril and Lady Newall visited the sick quarters and then had lunch at the officers' mess. Later in the afternoon they visited Takapuna and Mechanics' Bay.