HEARTENING MESSAGE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 250, 21 July 1942, Page 2

HEARTENING MESSAGE

Lady Newall’s Talk To Wives Of Officers When her Excellency, Lady Newall, visited the W.0.5.0. Club in Wellington yesterday afternoon, she met and talked with each member personally. Mrs. Montgomery Spencer, president, warmly welcomed Ladj' Newall, who received a lovely sheaf of spring flowers on her arrival, presented by Mrs. E. Puttick. The gathering was held in the United Services' Club, the women present being wives of officers serving overseas. Miss Nora Walton accompanied Lady Newall, who gave a short talk that was both heartening and purposeful. Her Excellency said it was good to see the feminine side of a masculine ■ club. She had heard of the hospitality the United Services Club had so often extended to visiting officers, and was delighted to have the opportunity of seeing the premises. As the wife of a serving officer for 17 years, Lady Newall said she knew how anxious wives must be at this time when their husbands were away with the forces, and she would like members of the W.0.5.0. Club to know her heart was very much with them. As intelligent women she knew they would adapt themselves to circumstances with high courage and good cheer, carrying out God’s purpose and believing in His infinite love. Home morale, as New Zealanders would say, rested on good common sense, Lady Newall went on. It was nourished by freedom, faith, enthusiasm, and belief in the rightness of our cause; The enemy might try to break morale by endeavouring to sow jealousy among our Allies, to send us sailing on a sea of depression, but by keeping steadfast and calm, morale remained unshaken. 'There was no time for boredom these days. Hearts and minds were stirred to constant action, war jobs clamoured to be done, and a good, healthy fatigue ended a busy, full and useful day. Her Excellency commended the industry and energy of New Zealand women at all times. Bowls of wattle decorated the rooms. Afternoon tea was served at the conclusion of the gathering.