CURRENT NOTES

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24187, 21 February 1944, Page 2

CURRENT NOTES

Women workers who repair bulletproof aeroplane gasoline tanks at one United States Army air base are quipped with oxygen masks, and officials say the recent innovation is cutting repair time in half, says a publication issued by the United States Office of War Information. The patching is done by small women who crawl through a narrow opening into the tank. Formerly they had to crawl out again every four or five minutes or risk suffocation from strong fumes within the tank. The masks were tried out because of the‘ill-effects of ethyl acetate used in preparing the tank for patching. All women in uniform are getting closer to the war, according to Miss Joan Begg, director of the Young Women’s Christian Association in the Middle East. Miss Begg has travelled by aeroplane and jeep from Eritrea to Algiers, from Tripoli to Bagdad, to see that service women behind the lines have at least a tent over their heads. Sometimes she houses them in lorries parked in the desert or in a bombed building. Residenfs of Culverden and members of the Culverden branch of the Red Cross Society provided and served tea for more than 400 men at the Welcome Club on Saturday, when members of the Christchurch Business Girls’ Club were responsible for the supper. On Sunday a Similar number was entertained at tea and supper by the staff of the Grocers’ United Stores, and a concert programme was presented by the Seaside Songsters, under the direction of Mrs Scrimshaw. Mrs Ebert was the accompanist. The National Council of Women invites all women to hear Mr J. W. Mawson speak on Town Planning this Thursday at 7.45 p.m. in Chancery House, the Square. —6 Treasure Exhibition Broadcast from 3YA. Tuesday. February 22, 7,15 p.m. Listen please to Plans for Rebuilding in Melanesia. —6 FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY METHODIST WOMEN’S AUXILIARY A presentation of thank-offerings for blessings received during the year were made at the fifteenth anniversary meeting of the central branch of the Christchurch Methodist Women's Missionary Auxiliary. Mrs J. Manchester presided in the absence of the president, Mrs R. Dudley. After devotions a musical programme was presented by Mesdames B, Hutchens "nd L. Simpson and Miss Boyd. Candles were lit on a birthday cake, the gift of Mrs Andersoh. Mrs W. Moor cut the cake. FREE KINDERGARTEN CHRISTCHURCH ASSOCIATION Mrs H. T. J, Thacker presided at the monthly meeting of the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association, and congratulated members on the success they had attained in their work during the last year. In her report, the principal (Miss R. Wilkie) said that kindergarten rolls were full to capacity, and she stressed the need of further accommodation. Additional grants for the training of students had been allocated by the Department of Education, said the report. NEWS OF N.Z. PRISONERS OF WAR tP.A.) WELLINGTON, February 10, The Prisoners of War Inquiry Office states that reports dated the end of November from Stalag XVIII A and from Stalag VIII A towards the end of December indicate that the clothing needs of prisoners of war from New Zealand had been met by the arrival of large consignments from Geneva. Notifications concerning New Zealanders from Italy numbered 91 last week, transfers to Germany being 89. escaped to Switzerland one, and safe with the Allies one, making total transfer to Germany to date 2328, escaped to Switzerland 86, safe with the Allies 195, unaccounted for approximately 980.