WOMEN’S NATIONAL RESERVE

Evening Star, Issue 16050, 29 February 1916, Page 7

WOMEN’S NATIONAL RESERVE

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING, The first of a series of meetings hold for the purpose of making the women of Dunedin conversant with the aims and objects of the women’s branch of the National Reserve was held at Anderson Bay last evening. There was an attendance of about 70. The chair was occupied by Mrs Dutbie, who pointed out that •women -all over were doing their duty in assisting to npholckthe honor of their country and in nursing the sick and wounded. Women, therefore, had done -much, but they ought to do better in time to come, and in this direction the women of New Zealand should take their part. Miss I. M‘Lean (president of the Reserve) was the principal speaker. She explained the object of the women’s branch of the National Reserve in a clear and forcible manner. Their aim was to serve the Empire by compiling an accurate register of all women prepared to undertake some branch of work whereby they might set free for active service the men at present employed who desired to enlist. Branches would be formed and controlled by an executive committee. Miss M'Lean explained the nature of the classification as set out in the register cards. She said some women in Dunedin were inclined to smile at tlie In France the women were doing the work, and were not sriiiled at. In England 2,000 women letter carriers were employed last' Christmas, 600 women were acting as tram conductors and letter carriers in Birmingham, and large numbers were working in the munition factories. Many of these women were the daughters of dukes and earl|. In New Zealand 50 women were employed in the various branches of the Bank of New Zealand to take the place of clerks who had gone to the front. The insurance companies and merchants were also employing women in their offices. Referring to the efforts made by the late Lord Roberts, Miss M’Lean spoke feelingly of the manner in which he had urged the people of England to wake up to the necessity for preparing for war, but now all regretted tha.t he wag not listened to. Germany, as they knew, was fully prepared for war, and had' been preparing for it for the past 40 years. Every man, woman, and child had been classified prior to the war. and at present had work to do in connection with the war. The women of New Zealand had not' done much so far; indeed, the only women who had done their duty to the Empire in the present crisis were the mothers who had given their sons to the Empire willingly and cheerfully. It was, she urged, the duty of the women to come forward and do* all the work they could of the men who had gone to the front and bo help their comrades. Mips M‘Leah contrasted the conin New Zealand, where they were living in luxury, going to picture shows, and practically getting everything they wanted, while their sons or brothers had to_ endure hardships suffered at Gallipoli, where their ‘boys had by their gallantry placed the name of New Zealand on the Empire’s - scroll ot fame. (Applause.) They asked the women to come forward and enroll their names as members of the National Reserve, and then, when - God gave them victory, they would feel that they had done their duty. Miss M’Lean, in a spirited appeal, asked those present to come forward and give their services for the honor of their country and for the sake of those who had fought and died in the execution of their duty. (Loud applause.) Several came forward to sign the registration card in response to Miss M’Lean’s appeal. Mrs Cameron moved—" That a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Mrs Duthie for presiding and to Miss M’Lean for her lucid and able address.” Mrs Bridgman seconded it. The proceedings opened and closed with the singing of the National Anthem. A meeting will be held this evening at fhuth Dunedin, in St. Andrew’s Hall, Bridgman street.