United Guild Formed For Refugee Work

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 187, 9 August 1940, Page 8

United Guild Formed For Refugee Work

MAJOR MRS. DICK’S EXPLANATION

Convened by Major Mrs. Dick, n public meeting held in the Salvation Army Social Hall last evening drew an attendance of between 200 and 300 women of the city.

Opening the meeting Mrs. Dick made a statement whreh she said would serve to shorten discussion and also to explain very briefly the reason for certain modifications of tho proposal that would be made to the meeting. All those present would know that the advertisement calling the meeting for that evening stated that the object of tho meeting was the formation of a branch of tho Lady Galway Patriotic Guild. This advertisement was inserted in the papers as the result of information supplied to three members of the executive "who travelled to Wellington for the express purpose of obtaining it from the secretary of the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild. They were now given to understand that the information supplied to them did not coincide with the views of the National Patriotic Council. If it were the desire of those present to continue with their enthusiastic sewing and other work that has been so cheerfully and excellently undertaken up to the present time, it was- desirable in tho setting up of a guild for the purpose, that the name by which they wero to bo known, meanwhile, should contain no reference to the Lady Galway Guild and further that the word patriotic should not be used. In making this statement Mrs. Dick said she felt she should say that the ladies concerned were justified in considering that the source from which their first information was received was authoritative. Mrs. O. A. Small was voted to the chair and called upon Mrs. W. F. Field to present a report of an interview between Mrs. (Major) Dick, Mesdamos Field and Jacques and Mr. Stewart, general secretary of the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild at Government House on August 2. The proposition before the meeting, Mrs. Small said, was that a guild should be formed to be named the " United Guild” meantime. This was duly proposed, seconded and carried without dissent. It was intimated that further information would be sought to clear up the position so far as the previous report was concerned. Mrs. Dick was unanimously elected chairman of the guild, Mrs. Small then handing over charge of the meeting to her. Voicing her appreciation of the confidence shown in her Mrs. Dick said she I could not express her thanks iyIt was unanimously agreed that tlio old committee be elected en bloc with power to add, Mrs. Whyte paying tribute to the excellent spadework and ; organisation in evidence at the work- | room. ! Mrs. Dick said there was nothing to hinder the progress of the work and goods would be sent forward to Welj lington as before. The cause was too great to wait for a name and the members must be busy, she said. It was announced that the workroom was still available in the P.D.C. and an expression of appreciation from the meeting is to be sent to the management. A lengthy list of guilds and organisations contributing during the past month was read to the meeting and it j was explained that there wero many individual contributors, j Mrs. Dick reported that in 27 cases ' sent away there had been 4400 articles and Mr. Stewart, general secretary of the Lady Galway Guild, had said they were second to none. All the women had united in this effort as one great sisterhood, Mrs. Dick said, and there had been nothing but complete harmony. She thanked the members for all they had done. They had been Christian women endeavouring to uphold the highest standards and she felt they would maintain the same high ideals the Empire was fighting for which was really peace. Paying a tribute to the chairman, Mrs. W. G. Black said since patriotic work began in Palmerston North, Mrs. Dick had been in the forefront of it. Her enthusiasm, her sincerity, her unassuming manner and her qualities ot leadership had proved an inspiration to those who worked with her. She hai endeared herself to all. The speaker moved that this public meeting of ladies record appreciation of the services rendered by Mrs. Dick in this city and express its complete confidence in her, sincerely trusting that she and her good husband would remain in Palmerston North for many years to come.—■ The motion was enthusiastically carried. Mrs. Dick returned thanks for tho support accorded her. Fourteen names were added to the existing committee of 40 and the committee met later to arrange a rota of helpers.