WOMEN'S REAL PART IN WAR

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 127, 22 February 1941, Page 6

WOMEN'S REAL PART IN WAR

Miss Evelyn Gardiner At The Pioneer Club A rallying talk to women was given at the Pioneer Club. Wellington, yesterday, by Miss Evelyn Gardiner, of the Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company, who, with four leading fel-low-members of the company. was'tendered a reception by members of the club. Coming so recently from England, said Miss Gardiner, she felt privileged to share everything offered by the sanctuary of New Zealand. She reminded her au'dience, however, of the distinct possibility of the violation of that sanctuary and isolation which was enjoyed at present. It would be a comparatively easy matter for an enemy to do irritating, if not extensive, damage to the country, causing serious disruption and demoralization, if we were not fully prepared. “Have you got your plan ready,” asked Miss Gardiner. “Is each of you ready to do your spot of work, and know what is required of you?'’ Women, she said, were taking a great part in the war. in fact it was the first time women had ever been able to play a real part in war. “Our men are fighting this war for us.” said Miss Gardiner, and. quoting the case of a mother who was reluctant to let her son go to war, she asked where England would lie today if English mothers had been reluctant to let their sons go. "It is up io us women." said Miss Gardiner. "Women must talk victory, live victory, and act victory. Above all let ns be prepared.” Miss Gardiner was accompanied by Misses Viola Wilson, Peggy Shea. Sara Gregory and Phyllis Curnow. They wore met by the president of the club. Miss Amy Kane, and Mrs. C. E. Adams. Mrs. W. 11. Gledhill and Mrs. F. Ross, vice-presidents. The reception was held in conjunction with a “Bring and Buy” afternoon for the club’s patriotic welfare fund for sending parcels to the men of the forces overseas. This event was a financial success and the stalls were very well patronized by members and their friends.