ELECTRICITY AND THE HOME

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21656, 14 December 1935, Page 3

ELECTRICITY AND THE HOME

FURTHER USB ADVOCATED

The great possibilities electricity presents in the future, particularly ’in the home, were urged by miss Gladys Sharp, of England, who is at present touring the Dominion. Miss Sharp, who is a member of the executive of the English Electrical Association Women, yesterday afternoon gave an address to members of the women’s organisations in Christchurch. Miss Sharp outlined the tremendous amount of work, her association was doing in furthering the use of electricity, and urged the women of this country to form a similar organisation. “Our association came into being more than 11 years ago,” stated Miss Sharp. “There was already a women’s engineering society, but this dealt only with technical matters. When our organisation was formed we had only one small office and the staff consisted of one director and a secretary who worked without pay; now we have a very commodious office in London with a permanent staff of 25. There were 55 branches when I left England, with a membership of more than 12.000. These branches extend over the whole of Cleat Britain, from Inverness to Land’s End.

“The offices in Regent street also contain a housecraft room and a women’s club room. The association is divided up into eight areas similar to those specified by the Central Electricity Board. There are also affiliated societies in Holland. Sweden, and Australia.

“The main objects of the association are to interest householders in the use of electrical appliances and to demonstrate the cleanliness and labour-saving which result from the greater use of electricity,” continued Miss Sharp. Problems like smoke abatement are also the special interests of the association.

“The members are divided into three classes, the housewife, the demonstrators, and the domestic teacher. To the housewife is taught the big advantages obtained by the installation of electrical plant. She is also shown how to carry out simple repairs, a practice I hear which is not allowed in this country. We also act as an information bureau to girls who are seeking a career in the electrical business.” ‘

EUCHRE PARTY, AND DANCE The entertaining ability of the social committee of the New Brighton sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association is well known, and has been greatly appreciated by a large number of regular patrons who have attended its socials during the year. There was a very large attendance at the euchre tournament and dance organised by the committee, held in the annexe of the New Princess Theatre. Prizes for cards were won by Mesdames L. Gray and W. Cattermole, Miss V. Harwood, and Messrs J. Cusack) and F. Power. A competition was won by Mr L. Richards. For dancing, the music was played by the Pacific Dance Band. A Monte Carlo dance was won by Mr F. Booth and Mrs W. Brimmer and Mr F. O. Ormandy was master of ceremonies.