Work For W.D.F.U.

Northern Advocate, 16 March 1944, Page 3

Work For W.D.F.U.

Emphasising the great value of the services rendered throughout the Dominion by the W.D.F.U. at the North conference today, the Dominion Treasurer from Wellington (Mrs McLeavey) gave some interesting particulars. She said that Lord Bledisloe had written to the W.D.F.U. pointing out that all services were being catered for with the exception of the merchant navy and had asked if they were willing to undertake this work. The union had unhesitatingly agreed and had invited the Women’s Institute members to come in with it. Knitted comforts from home spun wool had been provided. in large quantities. Some of the men to whom garments had been issued had been torpedoed three times and had lost all their belongings, No better Christmas gift could be supplied .than a pair of knitted socks. Mrs McLeavey strongly recommended putting the donor’s name and address on the articles knitted. They had abundant evidence how men show preference for those articles, as it gave a personal touch. Training Maori Girls

She mentioned the splendid work done by the division in the matter of training Maori girl helpers in the south in a special home. The girls were medically examined and their health closely watched. They were also' subject to dental treatment. The division advanced the money for such treatment which the girls repaid when they were able to do so. These girls were allocated to homes where there were young children. When the girls had time off, the members of the union mothered them in such ways as taking them to pictures and to their homes.