HOSTESS HOUSE

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 123, 3 November 1941, Page 2

HOSTESS HOUSE

ESTABLISHMENT AT PAPAKURA FIRST ANNIVERSARY SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT Hostess House, Papakura, established a year ago, observed its first anniversary yesterday. A large number of women throughout New Zealand have cause for gratitude to the sponsors of a scheme which has enabled them, at a very nominal charge, to stay near their menfolk in the Papakura military camp. The demand for accommodation has varied in both number and length of stay, and during the vear there have been approximately 1850 daily bookings, quite a number of these being Maori women, who have been very popular with the other guests. Mothers, sisters, fiancees and young wives, children and even babies, have travelled^ from all parts of the Dominion to stay at the house for varying periods. The first of its type in New Zealand, the house was opened by Sir Ernest Davis, then Mayor of Auckland, on November 2of last year. Its object was to make provision for the women relatives of soldiers encamped at Papakura. The idea of such an establishment was first conceived by Mrs W. R. Wilson, w r hose energy and enthusiasm were largely responsible for the advent of Hostess House. The National Patriotic Fund Board was approached and this organisation bought the house, which Ts situated in large grounds a short walking distance from the camp. The Auckland Provincial Patriotic Committee provided the funds* for repairs and painting, while business firms and private donors assisted with the furnishing. , . . The welfare of the guests is m the care of the hostess, Mrs Gunn, who has been in residence since the opening. The house committee at Papakura, under the chairmanship of Mrs H. C. Baulf, with Mrs E. A. J. Busing as secretary, takes a practical interest in all the details of the house, supplying household necessities when required and also taking responsibility for the upkeep of the large garden, which is such an asset to the building. In addition, two members of this committee are responsible each week for relieving duty when Mrs Gunn is absent. The administration of the building is supervised by a committee of the Young Women’s Christian Association with Mrs W. R. Wilson as chairman. The house has been most successful in its first, year and the many letters of n-ratitude received from guests who have stayed there, together with the many repeat visits paid, are ample proof that the establishment has a , definite use in the patriotic field.