September Meeting of St. Andrew’s Ladies’ Guild

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 229, 27 September 1940, Page 5

September Meeting of St. Andrew’s Ladies’ Guild

HELPFUL TALK BY MISS L. MONTGOMERY Members of St. Andrew’s Church Ladies’ Guild found pleasant relaxation yesterday afternoon when the September meeting was held in the Memorial Hall with the usual large attendance and well-arranged programme. Mrs. M. Aitchison presided and offered a warm welcome to old and new members and visitors, expressing the hope that all would enjoy a pleasant afternoon.

The decorations carried out by Mrs. J. Galland evoked many appreciative remarks, the stage being adorned with largo bowls of golden narcissi and purple irises. On the tables throughout the hall were vases of hyacinths and bluebells, the president’s table having one exquisite bowl of sulphur azaleas and polyanthus with maidenhair fern, and another of flame tritonas, lachanalia, tulips and fern. A letter of appreciation for a fine contribution of clothes for refugees from the guild was read from Miss M. Jones, assistant secretary of the United Guild, and the secretary, Patriotic Shop committee, solicited further assistance in taking duty at the shop—after some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mrs. Brown, to offer help in February of next year in view of the fact that the Presbyterian Assembly and conference of the P.W.M.U. would engage the attention of members before Christmas.

The action of the executive in sending Christmas parcels to 15 boys on active service was unanimously endorsed and also their action in appointing two delegates to attend the meeting called to set up a district committee for the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, an explanation of which was given by Miss M. Grant, the convener.

Pleasure was given to the company by Mrs. N. McCrea with vocal solos, her accompaniment being Mrs. R. Donald, and by Dorothy McKcgg, fresh from her success in Wellington, with a musical monologue, accompanied by Miss R. Penman, and recitation. In thanking the artists, Mrs. Aitchison offered congratulations to Dorothy. Mrs. McCrea was later prevailed upon to contribute another vocal item. Importance of Foot Care

The speaker for the afternoon was Miss L. Montgomery, who gave a most helpful talk on “Care of the Feet.” In these days when so many women earned their own livings, it behoved them to keep fit and to look fit, said Miss Montgomery, and the most important part of their make-up was their feet, which should be given every care and attention. Foot trouble brought lines to the face, and no woman could be bright and cheery if her thoughts were on her tired and aching feet. Miss Montgomery went on to speak of the causes of foot troubles which were largely brought about by interference with the movements of the feet and joinfs through improper footwear. People moved their hands and fingers, but failed to give the same exercise to their toes. It was marvellous what a little exercise would do, Miss Montgomery said. She suggested that at least 80 per cent, of the women did not give their feet proper exercise. Taking up wrong positions when standing or walking caused interference with the nerve circulation, and all these things brought about toxic conditions, ingrowing toenails, etc. Many women to-day tried to do too much and this caused continuous weariness and consequent foot trouble. Being overweight could cause corns and callouses or wearing stockings that were too tight or seamed down the sole of the foot could cause just as much trouble. “Take heed of the stockings you wear,” the speaker counselled. Theso primary causes produced weakness of the muscles, then the ligaments weakened and the bones and arches gave way. Tired feet were a signal that care was needed and then it was unwise to go without attention. Tho cause of general weariness, headaches and even backaches could be traced to foot trouble. Then there was nothing for it but to rest and to give up some duties and pleasures. If women would only become more foot conscious, there were lots of troubles that could be cured in the early stages. Miss Montgomery dealt with what is commonly called “flat” foot, explaining what happens to tho arches of the feet, bringing bunions, corns and callouses when neglected. Much could be done by the patients themselves by rest and regular exercise for strengthening the feet. Court shoes with high heels were largely the cause of foot trouble. Dropped arches caused blood vessels to bo nipped and so brought pain. Nature then put up a protection in the shape of a callous, which in its turn caused further trouble. Miss Montgomery recommended bathing the feet three times a week in warm water to which a handful of tho coarsest salt was added for foot comfort. A stiff foot was never a happy foot but a handicap, and the best way of exercising the feet was in the bath when they were relaxed under water; ankles should also be exercised. Miss Montgomery said women should exercise the greatest care in their choice of shoes, which should not bo tight and narrow with high heels to spoil the balance. Unfortunately, most women chose for stylo rather than comfort. When a suitable fitting was found it was wise to adhere to that and buy several pairs at a time. A moderate heel broad fitting, straight iuuer line, and particularly lace shoes, would be found the best choice. Shoes that were too large could be just as harmful as those that pinched. Slippers were tho * worst possible wear for they gave a. false sense of comfort and had no support—these should be reserved for tho

bedroom /Only. It was a mistake also to keep old shoes for working in the gardens. In the early stages it 'was : possible to treat bunions, Miss Mont- : gomery mentioned, this being a common complaint with women. When tho ■ joints become inflamed, rest was recommended. The necessity for securing treatment for verneca was stressed and it was mentioned that children allowed to wear rubber shoes too much often suffered from this tiresome trouble. Mrs. Wilkinson conveyed the vote of thanks to the speaker, which was endorsed by the president. Tho usual thanks to the artists, hostesses and tea helpers were conveyed aud Rev. J. Hubbard, M.A., 8.D., closed the meeting with the Benediction. Door hostesses were Mesdames J. Hubbard, G. A. Forrest and S. Bradfield, and those serving tea were Mesdames A. 11. Mills, A. J. ’Tucker, E. ■ Glendinning, W. M. Smith, A. G. Ball, ! C. J. Rowley, McLeod, J. A. Mitchell, Lightbourne, R. Irwin and C. Screech.