HAPPY REUNION

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25736, 23 February 1949, Page 2

HAPPY REUNION

LADY BUCK AND MISS FANNY WILSON In the 1914-18 war two women, Miss Fanny Wilson, of Christchurch, and Mrs (now Lady) Buck, of Honolulu, worked together for the benefit of soldiers. Last week they met again in Christchurch, and renewed a friendship that had been begun more than 30 years ago. Yesterday. Miss Wilson gave a tea party at the Canterbury Women’s Club in honour of Ladv Buck, and her guests included several women who had done war work oversea during the first world war.

Miss Wilson recalled that early in that war she was sent as matron to a militarv camp for 600 men at Hornchurch. It was then not a very cheerful or happy place, and she was asked to suggest improvements. She asked for a massage department and a hospital hut. and Mrs Buck, who had done much valuable war work in Egypt, was sent 'by Miss Thurston to be housekeeper at the burses’ quarters. “I would say she was one of the world’s best housekeepers.” said Miss Wilson. “She had personality, thet, and initiative: she had a gift for training servants, and she was a wonderful help to me.” In addition. Miss Wilson said. Mrs Buck visited lonely New Zealanders, and did numberless acts of kindness. For her war work she received the 0.8. E. Ladv Buck, who was accompanied by Mrs Ross, of Honolulu, chatted with the guests, and exchanged reminiscences about persons and events of the war years.