Willard Home Birthday Celebrations

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 108, 9 May 1945, Page 2

Willard Home Birthday Celebrations

Mrs. K. McDonald (vice-president) presided in the unavoidable absence of Mrs. E. C. Barnett at the 26th birthday celebrations of Willard Children’s Home on Saturday. Among those present were Mesdames E. Nathan, J. A. McLeavey, C. F. Spooner, Messrs J. A. Nash, C. F. Spooner and J. A. McLeavey, all of whom were members of the committee when the home was inaugurated 27 years ago. Welcoming those present Mrs. McDonald said the home had had another successful year, due to the generosity of the public. The work had been excellently carried out by the matron (Mrs. Buckley) and the sub-matron (Miss Curtis). Improvements contem plated included the erection of a playshed for the older children. Mrs. McDonald thanked all who had made gifts to the home and said the work must go on. She was especially grateful to Mrs. H. Scott, of Christchurch and formerly of Palmerston North, who had sent a beautifully iced birthday cake. Mr. Nash traced the history of the borne since its inception. Its erection had been first proposed by Mrs. Nathan and the late Mrs. P. Crabbe, he said. Then Mrs. A. Martin came to their assistance and, at the end of two years, after a good deal of work, it had been possible to purchase the property on which the home still stood. The late Mrs. A. E. Collins had been an indefatigable worker during her term as president. The home served a magnificent purpose and the spiritual side was not overlooked. Tho end of the war in Europe was approaching, ho went on, and there would be many services of thanksgiving, but in all these they should remember those who had suffered. In the jubilation they must not forget those who would have a lonely peace. Rev. F. S. Ramson paid a high tribute to the conduct of the children in the home. It was, he said, a pleasure and a joy to be with them. The home was very successful and he wished it well. Mr. Ramson also conveyed greetings from the All Saints’ Home. Messrs Spooner, McLeavey and J. H. Stevens also spoke, congratulating the home on the steady progress it had attained. Mr. Ramson led those present in prayer. Afternoon tea was served to those present and the birthday cake cut.

News of tho death of Mrs. Dorothy May Lawson, wife of Mr. A. G. Lawson, Lankston Avenue, which occurred on the morning of Sunday, April 29, came as a great shock to her many friends in the citjy. Mrs. Lawson had only been ill for a few days but anxiety about her condition necessitated sending for relatives, and Mr. Lawson was also seriously indisposed at the same time. The late Mrs. Lawson was a coinmittco member and former president of tho Manawatu County Club and a valued member of tho A.N.A. danco committee. Her sweet nature won for her. the affectionate esteem of all who were privileged to know her. A "wealth of floral tributes bore eloquent testimony of the place she held in the regard of a wide circle of friends and the sympathy felt for the bereaved husband and relatives.

The women’s section of the National Party met at tho club rooms with Mrs. W. F. Field presiding. She welcomed several new members of tho committee, a special greeting being accorded Mrs. L. Plimmer, tho newly-appointed treasurer, and Mrs. Batchelor, a member of the West End branch. Reports were given by Mesdames Briden Jones (electorate committee), Field (National Council), Everiss and Tyrell (joint conveners for the bridge afternoon), and Miss Warburton (club committee). The bridge afternoon had been an outstanding success and thanks were accorded the conveners. Arrangements were completed for tho holding of a fair in the club rooms, particulars to be advertised later. Stallholders were appointed and the secretary (Mrs. D. Black) and the president said they would be glad to receive any offers of assistance to ensure the success of the project. The financial statement dis-

closed a very satisfactory position. Mrs. Field called on Mrs. Bosworth to accept from the women’s section a donation of £1 for the prisoners of-wai fund, and £5 was handed to Mrs. G. Watchorn for the parcels fund of the war work section of the party in Palmerston North. Under the direction of Miss McGregor parcels had been sent regularly to members of the Forces whose names had been handed in by committee members, and some very ap preciative letters had been received. Mrs. Watchorn presented a report of the activities of the sewing circle, which showed that good work was done at the club when members met every Tuesday afternoon for tho purpose of sewing for the refugees. The executive appointed for the month consists of Mrs. Hartog and Miss Deßoles, who will act with the president, secretary and treasurer, in the event of any emergency and fix minor details in connection with the advertising of the forthcoming fair. Mr. 11. Miller, provincial organiser for the party, gave an address and congratulated the women’s section on its enthusiasm and ability in keeping the National flag flying in Palmerston North. He stressed the need for increased membership, and urged those present to endeavour to enrol at least one or two members each month for the women’s section. Mr. Miller was accorded thanks.