WOMEN’S NATIONAL RESERVE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 March 1928, Page 5

WOMEN’S NATIONAL RESERVE

HAWERA BRANCH. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Hawera branch of the Women’s National Reserve was held last evening in the Hawera Borough Council Chambers, when the following members were present : Mesdames E. A. Parey (president), Stevens, Laing, Harding, Shaw, 'Henry, Hoddle Hawkins, Hobbs, Old, Frisk, Miss Corrigan, Miss Harvey, and Miss A. Ballantine (secretary). The president congratulated the Hawera branch upon the successful year just concluded, after which the annual report was read by the secretary. The report read as follows: The afternoon kiosk at the cycle sports was run by the reserve and the results were very acceptable to the funds. The work involved and the difficulty of transport for the Motor Cycle Sports raised the question as to whether we should do this work as an organisation, and by general consent it was decided that as our finances were good we would not undertake work so far from town. This year, when the request came from the Motor Cycle committee, after consulting several of the reserve, the request was declined.

The reserve was asked by the Hospital Board and the matron to assist with the afternoon tea at the opening of the new hospital. The members entered into the project with their usual zeal and the chairman and membens of the board together with the matron, sent grateful thanks to the reserve.

Poppy Day. —The Returned Soldiers’ Association, as usual, gave the entire management of Poppy Day to the reserve, and with the very valuable assistance of the Boy Scouts all the poppies were sold by one o’clock. Renovating the Rest. Room.—lt was decided that the rest room, might be made more attractive, the furniture, cushions, curtains, etc., were very shabby, so a committee was set up to renovate, and the results achieved were splendid. The reserve is greatly indebted to Mr Old for bis valuable help and advice. Mother’s Day.—A very pleasant afternoon was held in the Soldiers’ Club, at which there were a large attendance. Mrs Barbour gave the address, and musical items made the afternoon pass pleasantly. Many of our guests gave grateful thanks, and hoped these afternoons would continue. , Klectric Light Company’s Dance.— The president was asked by the Electric Light Company to accept the special lighting effects the companv had used on a previous occasion, and hold a dance for our unemployment funds. This gift was accepted, and the results were very helpful to our funds. Distress and Unemployment.—Every year the reserve finds that it is being steadily 'drawn into social work, and last winter and even this week, we have our urgent cases. Groceries, wood and coal were given to twenty cases. Underclothing to an old man, who was out of work, and clothes to his wife. A night’s lodging lias had to be provided for several men passing through Hawera, who were absolutely penniless. A case of distress came from Awatuna and this was referred to the women’s branch of the Farmers’ ‘ Union, hut later clothes, groceries, etc., were sent by us. A family of eight children were assisted; on enquiry it was found that they were just on the verge of starvation, so groceries, milk and coal was sent in immediately. The husband got workin Eltham and the family were assisted there and are now doing well. Several other cases needing urgent assistance were successfully treated. Porirua. —A case of hooks and wilting materials and a box of cakes am: jam were sent to the Superintendent of the mental hospital and a grateful letter of thanks had been received. Violet Day.—Three boxes .of must beautiful violets and flowers together with two cases of vegetables were sent, to Wellington for Violet Day for the funds of.the Residential Nursery, and the thanks of the committee has been received. , President’s Afternoon. —flt is always with the greatest, pleasure that vve look forward to a social afternoon given by the president to the reserve. This personal touch is much appreciated by the members. Garden Fete.—The reserve was asset! to supervise the afternoon tea at the garden fete held at the central school for funds, this was done and t':e school committee were very grateful for our help. • The Dixon Banner. —Two stalls were held at the Dixon Banner sports, hut the results were not as good as we had thought. Armistice Day.—There was a good | attendance at the afternoon held by the reserve in the Soldiers’ Chub on Armistice Day. A record of the names ; of those attending was taken and will | be helpful for future occasions. Smile Queen. —The reserve was asked to distribute gifts from the Smile

Queen for Christmas and parcels were sent to the hospital and every poor child we could think of was remembered. We all enjoyed making up the parcels. Soldiers and Graves. —The Borough Council was asked to take over the weeding of the graves, which it decided to do and tlie Girl Guides are putting flowers on every week. The thanks or the reserve are extended to the Borough Council for donations for the rest room attendant. The Hawera. Municipal Band’s donation, and the Electric Light Company, Airs I/O veil for flowers and the Press' for publicity given during the year. Tlie president returns thanks to the members for their loyalty and service during the year. A vote of thanks was also accorded Mr C. D. Arlidge for his services as auditor during the past year. ’.The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— President, Mrs E. A. Pacey (re-elect-ed; : vice-presidents, Miss Corrigan and Mcsdames Stevens and Henry; treasurer, Mrs Harding; secretary, Miss A. Ballantine (re-elected).