PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 22, 23 December 1944, Page 6

PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

■» The last meeting for tho year of the Manawatu Women's Patriotic Committee was held in the Mayoress's room. Public Library Buildings. Present; Mrs A. E. Mansford in the chair, Mesdamos M. I P. Sorensen, S. G. Norlhey, K. S. Manning, K. McDonald, J. H. Nash, W. M. Moore, R. II Spencer and G. C. Spen- j ccr (lion, secretary and treasurer). Apo- j '.ogies for absence, were received from Mrs j E. C. Barnett and Mrs S. J. Parkcs. The sum of £4OO was allocated to the next j major patriotic appeal. Hospitality Commitrae.—Mrs Na*h _ re- r ported that thb. committee would go into recess until the end of February, 1945 Members had visited the soldiers' ward at the Hospital to enquire whether soldiers required hospitality and the results did not warrant further visits; 3370 servicemen had been given hospitality since the club, commenced in June, 1942, Prisoners-of-war Association.—Mrs Spencer reported a vote of sympathy having been passed with Mrs Moore in the ill ness of her mother. Mrs Spencer moved as a -recommendation to the committee, that, preparations bo made for the homecoming of repatriated prisoners of war by building up a fund for the purchase of parcels to hand to tho boys on their return. A donation of £1 was received, from Miss Moncton. Shop Committee.—Mrs McDonald repented that the total shop receipts In November 30, 1944, were £19,911 6s 5d with an expenses account totalling £294 15s l£d. The receipts for November were £SOB Is Md. The secretary reported limt the roster wan full for co-ring the shop in February, 1945; the roster for March was fillinc rapidly. Knitting and Hussif Branch.—Mrs Manning reporied that 75 articles were packed during the month, made up as follows: —8 pairs Air Force sox. 9 pairs khaki sox, 8 Cranwell scarves, 4 sleeveless pullovers, 6 pairs mittens 5 khaki scarves, 2 Air Force scarves,'2 Air Force, long sleeved pullovers, 7 balaclavas. 24 hir-sifs. Mrs Manning thanked members and auxiliary helpers lor tho considerable number of knitted articles that had come to band during tie year. The total number of articles made by the committee and helpers is 13,872. " „ , Parcels Committee.—Mrs Northey reported that the committee would commence packing the next quota of parcels on January <C 1945. Numerous letters of appreciation were received from membeis of the Forces who had received parcels packed by the committee. One from Sifter Eileen Gordon Elliott serving in a British Hospital read: "I wish to thank you most sincerely for the parcel which has just arrived, ft has followed- me from Egypt to England, and then here to Italy. Evervthing is in perfect order, and I am delighted with it. It is the first patriotic parcel I have received, and therefore doubly appreciated. I know that you will be glad to hear about the cake. One of my young lads had a birthday; he has lost on? arm and-a leg and is still very ill, but well enough to enjoy a party we had for him. I wish you could have seen his face when he said, 'Sister, this is the first hirtfidav party that I have ever had and I shall' never forget it.' Tho tin of fruit I gave to a boy who had lost both his legs. I do thank you for making it possible to give these boys some things; they are so grateful and they seem to have, so litt'.e. Although I often wish to be with my own people in the New Zealand army, f shall never regret having joined the British Army; these Tommy lacls are magnificent." Sister Gordon's letter prompted individual members of the parcel? committee to contribute money that further parcels might bo sent to Sister Gordon to distribute. A donation of 5s was received from Mrs Borham for the parcels fund. Lady Galway Guild.—Mrs Sorensen reported that a vote of sympathy was carried with Mrs Ashworth in tho loss of her daughter. A circular 'from headquarters requested that all guilds concentrate on the provision of warm clothing for di.spatch overseas. The gui'.d is to service the A N A. Canteen from' February 16 to 18. The guild raised £94 19s 2d when serving the patriotic shop in November. The resignation of Mrs 11. Scott from the hospitality eomm'Jtec, the parcels branch, the decorative committee, and the general executive was received with regret. Each chairman thanked her committee for lovaltv and co-operation during the year, and" extended the season's greetings. A.N.A. House Committer. —Mrs Northey reported for the canteen committee; 379 icas and 40 suppers were served during November, this being an increase of 33 over the previous month. Miss Smart was ' elected an auxiliary member. Mrs Mathias entertained the members to morning tea. the o.gunisations doing voluntary, service in the club during the month were the parcels committee, Happiness Club, St. David's Guild, and the Sunshine Club. Mrs Scoon was thanked for a donation of gooseberries for jam making. Dance Committee.—Miss Gillies reported that the attendance for the month was was 2047. The receipts were £l2O 9s 9a and the expenditure £BB 14s 4d. In view of the fact that genera] Christmas leavo was given the troops the committee decided to close the dance hall from December 17 to January 7. By courtesy of the commanding officers, the Air I'orcc Band recently returned from the Pacific attended the ballroom ae guests of the club, 'lhcy contributed dance items which were much appreciated. Miso Bcsworth reported that tho Ohakca Air Force was providing transport to and from Palmers- , ton North on Saturday nights. Lounge report: Aire Cooper reported 43 teas were served in November; 81 persons used the lounge during the month, this committee went into recess 011 December 16 until such time as its services are again needed. Airs Parkcs reported for the A.N.A. week in the Patriotic Shoo, llic takings were £lO9 lis. • Music group.—Airs Mansford reported that the last week-end in November was a bi" night in the lounge as recordings for broadcasting were being taken. Each chairman paid a tribute to the help and encouragement given to her particular branch by Mrs Mansford during the year Tho next meeting -of the executive will be the second Thursday in February Mrs Mansford on behalf of /one "D"" thanked ah present for the work thev and their committees had clone durinn-' the vear and extended to ail the season's greetings. Mrs Northey on behalf of all present extended greetings to Mr and Mrs Mansford.