MAUNGATAPERE.

Northern Advocate, 14 October 1918, Page 1

MAUNGATAPERE.

The monthly meeting of the Maungatapere branch of the Auckland Women's Patriotic League was held on Wednesday lasst. Mrs Wharfe occupied the chair. A fair attendance was recorded and a good deal of business matter discussed. Since the last meeting two delegates to the Auckland meeting of the central executive, Mesdames Stevens and Markham, have been able to gather a large amount of valuable information to the branch. Both ladies spoke warmly of the splendid organisation as it exists in Auckland. 'The 5s parcels, they stated, are of splendid value, some probably exceeding Bs, and they are packed and dispatched with the utmost expedition. The meeting was more,than pleased with the result of the delegation and the fact that both delegates had borne their own expenses was considered a gracious act. A resolution embodyng feelings of appreciation was passed. A letter was submitted from the Auckland League containing a request from the Mayoress, Mrs J. H. Gunson, to inform the local branch that she has received a letter from Mr C. A. C. M. Walker (secretary of the Citizens' War Chest Fund, Sydney) in which he speaks in warm admiration of the women of New Zealand in connection with the Dominion gift scheme. Mr Walker states that two Sydney soldiers who recently returned from Mesopotomia told him that the New Zealand soldiers there were the envied of all the troops. "Wherever New Zealand soldiers were," he added, "New Zealand comforts found them and our Commissioner in Egypt has been specially asked to report on whether anything more can be done for our Australian boys, seeing that evidently you are able to reach your men, no matter how far away they may be. Your work has nothing but praise from all that see it, and as you can imagine I see many hundreds of soldiers throughout the year." Next to the expressed appreciation of our New Zealand men, no testimony to the value of our Dominion gift scheme could be more convincing than the above from Australia's fighting men. Other business matters occupied considerable time. It was reported that the saleyard luncheon last Monday, conducted by Mrs Stevens and Mrs Hy. Phillips, realised £4 lis 6d, also a donation of £1 was gratefully received from Mr Ernest Armstrong. A euchre party was held during the week and the League benefited to the extent of £1 13s. A strong committee was formed to control the forthcoming Paddy's Market. Stalls were allotted and general interest is being aroused. Expressions of sympathy were extended to three different families who have recently sustained loss at the front. Those concerned Were Mr and Mrs J. Wilkinson, whose son Reg. was killed in action; Mr and Mrs Woodward, who also lost a son; and Mrs Charlie Nicholson (now resident in Whangarei), whose husband has made the supreme sacrifice.