WOMEN'S AUXILIARY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXX, Issue 13623, 22 April 1942, Page 4

WOMEN'S AUXILIARY

LENGTHY COMMITTEE MEETING NOMINATIONS FOR VACANCY At the last meeting of the committee of the Women's War Service Auxiliary held in the Borough Council Chambers, there were present Mesdames Stenhouse (chairwoman), Beale. Hardley. Hardwick. Johnson land Christian (secretary). Apologies were received from Mesdames Faulk- ! ner. McKenna and West. As the Katikati delegate found it impossible to attend the monthly meeting under present circumstances, and there was no other member from the sub-centre willing to attend, it was decided to accept written reports from Katikati meantime. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, after which the correspondence was dealt with. A number of the letters were from head office in Wellington clearing up matters previously under discussion. Among them it was noted that applications for the Armed Forces must be endorsed with a recommendation from the District Committee, and if possible from some outside organisation, and that any applicant who wished to withdraw her application for service in any branch of the forces must do so in writing. Another letter from head office asked the committee to desist from sending letters and telegrams in regard to uniforms, etc., as these would be supplied at the earliest possible moment.

"Don't Talk" Campaign.— The secretary read a letter from the Hon. D. Wilson, M.L.C., Associate Minister of National Service, asking that his personal appreciation be conveyed to every member of the W.W.S.A. who had assisted in this campaign by distributing posters, etc. The service had been given willingly and the task carried out most efficiently. Committee Vacancies Following upon a remit from the Canteen Group which had been sent to Wellington, the secretary read a copy of a circular sent out to all group secretaries, informing them that head office had agreed to groups nominating one of their number for any committee vacancy. Mrs Beale moved that the wording of this circular be approved, the motion being seconded by Mrs Johnson and carried. A nomination for a present vacancy on the committee was received from only one group. Interviewing Officer Mrs M. Cashmore was appointed interviewing officer for Te Puke. Aiizac Day Parade A letter was received from the Western Bay of Plenty Returned Services Association inviting the W.W.S.A. to take part in the Anzac Day parade. Service Clerk's Report Mrs Hardwick reported that during the past three weeks clerical workers had been supplied for the impressment of motor vehicles, and also for the E.P.S. office. Owing to most clerical workers being employed during the day, workers for the E.P.S. were increasingly difficult to obtain as it always fell to the same three or four married women, who, while they were prepared to do casual work, could not be there day after day. If the E.P.C. would consider employing a permanent typist either on a weekly or an hourly basis, the clerical leader could supply a suitable worker. Laundry helpers were required at the hospital, and some relief was furnished through the Hospital Aid Group, though more help would have been appreciated. Three workers had been supplied for 10 to 14 days paid work at the Post Office to assist with the issue of ration books. Group Reports "Clerical. —On Monday, March 30 four workers, Mrs McNaughton, Mrs Mealings, Mrs Kerridge and Miss Hartley, were on duty at Army Headquarters. Every Tuesday, night members of the group assist the secretary, Mrs Christian, with any clerical duties. ' During the past

I month Miss Taylor. Mrs Mealings. I Mrs Campbell and Mrs Whitta, have [assisted at E.P.S. Headquarters.—D. | Hartley ( leader)." "Warden's and First Aid Posts. — I have, to date, arranged for 23 first aid posts in various parts of the town where emergency kits will be stored, and be available immediately in an emergency for the use of a qualified woman. The duties of these workers will be allotted by Mrs Faulkner, and they will work in the fullest co-operation with our W.W.S.A. wardens. "The number of wardens is approximately 2 0 to date, in addition to the first aiders. This work can only be done slowly, as the qualifications necessary limit the number of possible women. Of these, when approached, only about one-third are willing to undertake wardens duties. However, the number is being gradually increased and I am sure all will render good service. "I would like, the approval of this committee to the appointment of three deputy chief women wardens, one each in the northern, central and southern portions of the town, so as to spread responsibility.—D. Hardwick." "Care of Children. —There is not very much to report as to new activities. Our group has concentrated on finalising all organisations in the case of an emergency. All our supplies are to hand and are being packed in different lots which will be distributed to the various bases. The Plunket Aids are helping Miss Hally on her busy days, and on a big plunket rally day when Miss Fitzgibbons required to examine, weigh, etc., 5 0 babies between the hours of 9 and 4.30, these Plunket Aids gave much assistance.—D. M. Johnson (leader)." "Military Drill. — This branch of the W.W.S.A. had quite a busy month. A unit of the company paraded in the Bonds for Bombers Campaign. On the Intercession Sunday, March 27, the company paraded and led the Auxiliary to the Town Hall, where the special service was to be held. "The attendance on the parade nights has been very gratifying, and under Sgt.-Major Lowe the training has advanced. I hope soon to see the whole company in uniform and the officers with their insignia. All N.C.O. positions are to be reviewed at the end of April. We hope to hold a Saturday afternoon parade on i April IS, and combined counter ' marching exercises, etc. —D. M. Johnson ("divisional leader)." "Omokoroa.—The above branch of ' the W.W.S.A. has nominated Mrs

Hitchcock as chairman in place of Mrs Hilie who has left this district. Four of the elder school children have been attested as members of the E P.S. and affiliated to the W.W.S.A. On the motion of Mrs Hardwick. seconded bv Mrs Beale. Mesdames O'Brien. G. Faulkner and H. Thompson were appointed deputy chief women wardens. The reports were received, and the meeting closed, the election for a committee member, and the presentation of the report from the Women's Representative Committee being held over.