EXECUTIVE MEETING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 4

EXECUTIVE MEETING

Women’s Unemployment Committee The Mayoress, Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, presided at the first executive meeting for this year of the Women’s Unemployment Committee. It was reported that in December and January, 55 domestic, IS factory, one shop, and five office workers were placed, but it was significant that no suitable applicants were found for 67 domestic, four factory, and three shop situations. Applicants were industrious in seeking work and request was made for the payment of eight registry office fees and two fares to the country, which received prompt attention. The number claiming relief in December was naturally low, 34, but in January this was increased to 51, a fact which can be attributed to the knowledge that the bureau is an occupation centre, rather than a relief depot. Women and girls atending are workers who desire to fill their time profitably at either shorthand, typing, sewing, or cooking, and who are willing to give such time in return for the benefits received.

The Christmas bonus granted by the Unemployment Board was paid to 22 recipients, and Christmas festivities were successfully carried out. Christmas dinner was served on December 24, followed by a “high tea” and a concert, for which the thanks of the committee are due to Madame Bligh and her party, which ineluded Mrs. Lundius and the Misses Ngaire Coster and Joyce Bligh. Forty-five attended the dinner and 50 the tea. Paper caps were provided by the Spinsters’ Club.

The scheme whereby unemployed nurses are utilised In the service of relief workers’ homes where the occupants are experiencing illness or domestic, difficulty, is filling a read need. Nine cases were attended over the holiday period and these included attention to several ante-natal and aftercare patients. A letter was received from the Pioneer Club notifying the committee of Miss Katie’s impending world tour, and appointing Mrs. Mcßae in her place. In view of Miss Kane’s valuable work as hon. secretary over the past two and a half years, it was unanimously decided to grant her leave of absence and to accept Mrs. Mcßae as a member of the general committee. Mrs. Jamieson reported that the standard of work sent in to the shop was being maintained and it was with pleasure that the committee received her decision to continue as convener of the shop committee. The shop aims particularly at helping relief workers’ wives, who are enabled to supplement their husbands’ relief pay by various handcrafts. i