HERE AND THERE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 4, 6 January 1944, Page 8

HERE AND THERE

Writing from the Middle East to the Patriotic Fund Board's bulletin, Lieu-tenant-Colonel F. Waite pays'a tribute to the New Zealand hospital visitor, Mrs. R. Blackford. "Not only does Mrs. Blackford bring the men cigarettes, sweets, and papers, but she shops for them in Cairo and writes to their people in rjew Zealand. If the mothers of New Zealanders knew the value of Mrs. Blackford's < work, they would be eternally grateful," he states. Mrs. Blackford was formerly Miss Olive .i Strachey, of Christchurch. j Hostel for Maori Girls. "When Maori girls come from the country into our cities to find work not only are all surroundings and conditions totally different, but they are without their friends," said the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, at the opening of the Maori girls' hostel at 9 Cleyeland Road, Parnell, Auckland. "It is essential, therefore, that they should find in the city not merely shelter, but a real home with friendship and love," continued the Minister. He expressed his appreciation of the co-operation of the Maori people, as represented by the United Maori Women's Welfare So-, ciety, and said that it gave further assurance of the success of the venture. The hostel was officially opened by the Mayoress, Mrs. J. A. C. Allum, who paid a tribute to the Women's Christian Temperance Union for providing accommodation for the girls. The building, which is a two-storeyed residence, was acquired and furnished by the Women's Christian Temperance Union. There will be accommodation for 20 girls, and the hostel will be undenominational.