30TH BIRTHDAY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25181, 12 May 1947, Page 2

30TH BIRTHDAY

WOMEN’S AUXILIARY OF NAVY LEAGUE On Saturday next the Women’s Auxiliary of the Navy League in Christchurch will have completed 30 years of sustained usefulness in the city, where it has become an important unit in social and patriotic activities. The auxiliary was formed in 1917 as a connecting link between the league and its Women's branch. At a public meeting held on May 17 of that year in the St. John Ambulance rooms, then situated in Worcester street, it was decided to form the auxiliary and Mrs Alexander Boyle, who had been president of the women’s section, was elected president of the newly formed group. The late Mrs William Williams was chosen as chairwoman of the committee of the auxiliary and amongst other members were Mrs H. T. J. Thacker and Mrs H. S. Batchelor. The duties of secretary were undertaken by Mrs A. H. Rothenberg, who had acted in the same capacity for the women’s branch, and Mrs Henry Wyatt, now president of the auxiliary, became associated with the league for the first time and has continued to work in its interests ever since. When Mrs Rothenberg some time later relinquished the secretaryship, Miss L. Creswell was appointed in her place and is still in office. During the years of war, the auxiliary played its part generously in caring for the needs of men of the Navy, in entertaining naval personnel and visiting those in hospitals. Now members are continuing their work and are providing food and clothing for the dependants of naval mpw.in Britain.