MORNINGTON PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 17368, 2 June 1920, Page 9

MORNINGTON PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION

DISBANDING CEREMONY. The Morniugton Women's Patriotic Association, who did Mich good work during the war period, wae formally disbanded yesterday afternoon, the ceremony taking place in the Mornington Presbyterian Church schoolroom. Miss K. Geerin was in the chair and associated with her were Miss Burt, Messrs Statham, M.P., W. Davidson, and the Revs. W. Trotter and F. G. Oummihg. Miss Geerin said they had met there that afternoon to close the work which had been carried on. so successfully for the past years, whilst the terrible wax raged. Their association must have been typical of hundreds of other associations throughout the British Empire, doing the same work whilst the men and* lads went to repel the fc*. When they looked back upon that dark period when every few weeks their lads, sous, brothel's, and husbands left our shores, and travelling thousands of miles to keep the foe at bay from "wrecking our glorioujs Empire, it was wonderful to remember how our women diagvdsed their sorrow and worked calmly on doing their best to cheer the boys at the front with various comforts. How many times the stitchoa most have been worked with heart pangs, not knowing that the £exb ting at the doorbell would be an awful message telling that a loved one had been wounded or paid the supreme sacrifice to keep his womenfolk safe at home. The brave patience and unfailing courage of these women was a splendid testimony to the women of our Empire. Now that the great struggle was over and the British Nation had vindicated its right to Tale over its own people she trusted that never again would it be -necessary- to take up arms in warfare. The work was over, and it was with pardonable pride that the women cculd ,look back upon the work accomplished and the good feeling that existed and still existed among the womenfolk of Mornington. Those who stayed behind keeping the, home fives burning* against the days when" war would he no more, were as brave and self-sacrificing on their particular battlefield as their dear one fighting in those far-off land?, and she hoped that they would all try to live lives worthy of the noble self-sacrifice shown by these brave women and their gallant sons. Miss Gerrin concluded by thanking them individually and collectively for the great assistance that they had rendered "the association during the war, And she had great pleasure iu wishing them all happiness and prosperity in the future. Mr Statham, M.P., on being called upon to say a few words, said that it had been said that a nation was judged by the respect jfc paid to its women. Before the war New Zealand had a. great respect for its women. During the war and after they held their womenfolk in greater respect, if that was possible, than before.. These women who had done work during the war had not looked for any reward, but the lime would com 9 when they would get it. They had the consciousness that they had done their duty, and they could look back on those dark days and have the satisfaction of knowing that they had done the.'? work truly ana well. Although they were breaking up he knew that they were glad that there was no more need for their association. Mr W. Davidson (liead master of the Mornington said that, although the war had beei a terrible calamity, it was not altogether void of gain. The children especially had learnt to think of others. The women during the war had been wonderful ; they werj optimistic when things were at their worst. Women had shown that they could do almost anything that the men could do ; their organisation and ability had been marvellous. They owed to the women of that society and kindred societies a very great debt of gratitude. If a time did t come again when their services were needed he was sure they would rise and do again as much as thoy had done in the past. Mr Camming said he spoke on behalf of the workers in the City, and they had a very high opinion of the Mornington So-' eiety. He "went on to say that if he talked to the soldiers about the war they would not sav a word about their experiences; but it he spoke about the work of the women they could not give praise enough. He eulogised Miss Geerin's patriotic work, and concluded by saying that when the records came to be written the women would have pride of place. Miss Burt, on behalf of the Otago and Southland Women's Patriotic Association, ai*o spoke on the good work of the Mornington Association, and how the main centre was very grateful for all the hill association had done. Miss J. Burt read a letter from Miss Stewart, who was unable to attend the meeting, in which she added her thanks to the Mornington Association for their loyal and invaluable support. The Rev. W. Trotter said that but for the women the men could not have done as much as they did. They had learnt that the Empire was worth dying for, and he hoped that they would realise that it was worth living for. They were still patriotic, and he eaw no reason why they could not turn their activities into other channels. During the proceedings afternoon tea 'was handed round, and Miss L. Stevens gave a dance and Miss E. Smith contributed a song, Mrs J. L-ecch acting as accompanist.