W. W. S. A.

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 66, 22 March 1944, Page 2

W. W. S. A.

At the first general meeting of members of the Women’s War Service Auxiliary for this year, Miss C. Warburton, chairman of the district committee, presided and offered a welcome to the large number present. She called on the leaders to present reports of the various activities. For the canteen section Mrs. J. 11. Whyte said the work was proceeding satisfactorily and had now become a matter ot routine. An average of 250 members was used each month which meant contacting over 60 a week and all this work was done by the leaders who deserved much credit. Reference was made to th.o good service rendered in serving refreshments to men on furlough arriving by throe trains and the appreciation expressed by the men and Mr. .J. R. Hardie, secretary of Zone D Committee. Canteen members were also lending a hand in the collection of waste paper, papier macho work and A.N.A. Club and Lounge. A report was read from Mr. S. J. Parkes, controller of Waste Material in appreciation of the excellent work of the transport members and helpers which had resulted in a large increase in tonnage sent from Palmerston North. Probably no more difficult and fatiguing work was being undertaken by any section than by Mesdames R. Melville, Wallace Cook and Jones, as drivers of the truck and the other members assisting. Many expressions of appreciation had been received from business people of the example set in this voluntai y war effort. Mrs. O. King reported for the papier mache group, that about 90 articles, including breakfast trays, bowls, tumblers, splints and a foot bath had been made and members felt a satisfaction in being concerned in this real war service. Mrs. A. A. Langley outlined the service available through the Friendly Bureau for minding children of soldiers’ wives, cutting lawns for wives of servicemen, etc. Mrs. J. Fisher, as convener of the gardening group, paid tribute to the work of Mrs. Honour, who had grown tomato seedlings to provide 317 tomato plants whldh had produced an excellent crop. This was only one example of Mrs. Honour’s splendid help. The garden had been entirely self-supporting since its inception and Mr. O. Chamberlain, agricultural instructor, had given much helpful advice. The year's crop had In eluded sweet peas, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuces, onions, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, broad beans, marrows, cucumbers, radishes, cabbages and cauliflowers. The A.N.A. had been pro vided weekly with salads In season, in eluding three to seven dozen lettuces,, cucumbers, 401bs. tomatoes per week, potatoes and carrots. Miss Ladyman, company leader, presented a report on hospital visiting, IS9 visits having been paid in 26 weeks, paying tribute to the members who had undertaken this duty and to those who had contributed comforts and periodicals. Sgt.-Major A. W. Chapman, drill instructor, spoko of his pride in the achievements of the members and his desire that the company should appear in strength on Anzac Day. Miss Warburton Voiced appreciation ol the work being carried out and the good offices of the leaders. There was a short demonstration of marching under Sgt.Major Chapman, the px*esentatioii of vocal numbers by the Singing Circle, in charge of Mrs. I. Richard, and Gir, Guides presented a play produced by Miss J. Judd. Supper was served by a subcommittee of leaders, under the direction of Misses Ladyman and Torstonson and concluded a pleasant evening.