FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIX, Issue 88, 4 November 1938, Page 2

FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS

DIGGERS' MARKET AT SOUTH-

BRIDGE

WOMEN'S AUXILIARY'S DRIVE

FOR FUNDS

Since its formation some time ago, the Women's Auxiliary to the Southbridge sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association has been a very energetic organisation, and has started well on its career of assisting ex-servicemen. Yesterday at the Southbridge Town Hall saw the concluding stages of a big effort to raise funds, especially for the relief of sick and distressed ex-servicemen, when a Diggers' market was held. Much organising and preparatory work was required to bring the scheme to fruition, but all members of the organisation and willing assistants co-operated in the task and the result was yesterday's successful bazaar.

Stalls had been erected around the interior of the main hall and were gaily decorated. The stage too, was transformed, tastefully arranged bowls of spring flowers Being placed on the table and in other suitable

places. There were five selling stalls, as well as sideshows, while in the anteroom refreshments were served, and there were the usual appurtances to a well-organised fair. Those who assisted uTthe stalls were:— Variety, Mesdames Dugan, Ford, Cartwright, Condey, and Cooper; produce, Mesdames McClure, Ballagh, J. Anderson, R. Lambie, and Miss Graham; sweets, Mrs Paterson, Misses Doak and B. Palmer; cakes, Mesdames J. Coe, Hight, T. W. Brooks, and Miss Brooks; flowers, Mrs L. R. Barnett and Miss B. Rookes; bran tub, Mesdames Rowan, Fisher, and Miss C. Carter; tea rooms, Mesdames Love and Carter, Misses J. and C. Willis, C. Bishop, and L. Worner; side shows, Mrs G. Burt, Messrs G. B. Couch, T. J. Carter, J. Anderson, and McClure.

At the opening ceremony, the president of the auxiliary, Mrs Couch presided. Associated with her on the stage were Miss Wilson, who performed the opening ceremony, Mrs L. R. Barnett, patroness of the organisation, Mrs E. W. Hunt and Mrs R. F. Pilkington, secretary, all of whom were presented with bouquets.

Mrs Couch first of all read a telegram from the Hon. W. Perry, Dominion president of the Returned Soldiers' Association, wishing the effort every success. An apology was received from Dr. Hunt, who was unable to be present.

Mrs Couch said that she desired to thank all members of the auxiliary and all others who had assisted them in the fine effort made in the v pre-

paration for Diggers' markejt, and all who were assisting that day. She also wished to thank Mrs Barnett for the very keen interest she had^ always taken in the work of the* auxiliary, and in the affairs of the R.S.A. generally. The chairwoman also mentioned the splendid services rendered to the cause by the secretary, Mrs R. F. Pilkington. Her ;j^_ duties had not been light / but she had^ done excellently. Mrs Couch then asked Miss Wilson, a~ of Christchurch, to declare the market open. Miss Wilson had served as a nursing sister in Egypt and England during the war arid was at one time matron at the Walton-on-Thames military hospital where New -W Zealand soldiers were treated. Miss Wilson said that she deemed it a privilege and an honour to be present. She understood that the auxiliary had recently been formed and the women were to be congratulated for what they had done in taking up the cause of the returned men. In Christchurch, the women's auxiliary raised a good deal of money to assist the sick and distressed i ex-servicemen. It was hard work and it was up to the people to give the local auxiliary every support. Miss Wilson said that she would like to compliment theY district upon the fine hall it possessed. This was » her first visit to Southbridge and she was pleased with what she had seen and the hall had exceeded her expectations. She also congratulated the auxiliary upon the fine display made in the hall. In declaring the Diggers' market open she wished every success to it and all work on behalf of returned men, who through no fault of their own,, required help, and she also hoped that the auxiliary and the returned soldiers, would have a happy future. There was a good attendance of the public at the opening ceremony and the stall holders were soon busy. Among those who visited the hall during the afternoon were Dr. and Mrs H. T. J. Thacker and a party from Christchurch.