NELSON WEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 12 April 1939, Page 2

NELSON WEST

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AN ENJOYABLE YEAR At the annual general meeting of the Nelson West Townswomen’s Guild, Mrs Gustavel presided and extended a welcome to old and new members. The minutes of the inaugural meeting were read and the financial statement presented, also the annual report of the secretary (Mrs M. V. Stewart) and the report of the various

The result of the election was as follows: President, Mrs Gustavel; lion. sec. Mrs M. Stewart; hon. treas., Mrs Newport ; committee: Mesdames R. Watson, W. Conibear, Shale, Goodman, Hastie, O’Donnell, Condell, Thomas, Haase, Sherwood, Richardson and Bennett.

The guild thanks the followng ladies who actgd as scrutineers, Mrs K. Farmer and Miss Tomlinson.

Afternoon tea was served by the follow, ing hostesses: Mesdames Carlyon, Smallbone, Cussen, Gbbs and Woodward, un der the supervson of Mrs O’Donnell.

The aiinual report presented by the hon. secretary Mrs M. V. Stewart, was as follows :

“The inaugural meeting was held in the Oddfellows Hall, Waimea Street, Nelson on the 20th May, 1938, for the purpose of forming a second Townswomen’s Guild in Nelson. Mrs H. At more presided and introduced Mrs J. Pow, of Wellington, c-fiicial organiser of Townswomen’s Guilds in New Zealand, who spoke on the aims and objects of the movement which were (1) To encourage the education of women to enable them as citizens to make their best contribution towards the common good ; (2) To serve as a common meeting ground for all women, irrespective of creed, party and race, for education, including social intercourse. Mrs Pow then declared the guild formed.

“The election of officers resulted as fellows : —President, Mrs Gustavel ; vicepresident, Mrs R. Watson; secretary, Mrs VV. Stewart; treasurer, Mrs K. Hobbs; committee: Mesdames Shale, Thomas, Hastie, Conibear, Murray and Goodman. The guild to meet on the first Friday of each month.

Eight guild meetings have ben held during the year, with a good attendance at each, members taking a keen interest in all the meetings. Eight general committee meetings and theree special committee meetings were held during the year. “During the year the following circles were formed :—Handicraft, playreading, musical, exploring, bridge and folk dancing.

• “The handicraft circle (Mrs Conibear, convener), has had a very busy and instructive time in the making of sea-grass stools, trays, hairpin work, smocked aprons, quilted cushions, brass and pewter work.

“The play-reading circle (Mrs Shale, convener), held some very interesting afternoons in the production of readings for the monthly meetings and a one act play for the Christmas party. This circle ha a been most unfortunate in losing the splendid services of Mrs Bray as secretary and typist. We wish Mrs Bray every success in her future home in Invercargill . The musical circle (Mrs Murray, convener), did some very good work, and members were sorry to lose the services of so good a leader through illness and home ties. Mrs Bray w’as also pianist for this circle, but we are pleased to state that Mrs Brunt has kindly consented to take her place. “Mrs Newport, convener of the exploring circle arranged some interesting and pleasant afternoons for the members during the year.

“The bridge circle (Mrs Temple, convener) held weekly meetings and members have become very enthusiastic. “The folk dancing circle (Mrs U. West, convener) has only just commenced operations, but members are keenly looking forward to future enjoyment. “The entrance fee for the circles is Is for one circle and 2s for two or more.

“We have to record with regret the resignation of our treasurer, Mrs K. Hobbs, at the latter part of the year owing to her removal from Nelson. We wish Mr and Mrs Hobbs every success in their new venture and a pleasant time in Matainuta. Mrs Newport has kindly consente 1 to take over the duties of Mrs Hobbs. ‘‘The following addresses have been given during the year:—‘Travel Talk’ Mrs R. Watson; ‘Friendships’ Mrs H. Atmore • “A trip to the Holy Land’ Mrs F. W. O. Smith; Tlayreading and Acting’ Mrs U. West; ‘Wool from the sheeps back to the shop counter’ Mr F. Huggins.

“A card evening was held in the Recha bite Hall in August. Those attending spent a most enjoyable evening, but it was a disappointment so far as numbers were concerned.

“In September, Mrs Gustavel (president) ami Mrs Stewart (secretary) attended the annual conference in Wellington. “On several occasions throughout the year, members have assisted in the selling disabled soldiers' goods, and various street collections.

“Several members have suffered bereavements and others serious illnesses, and the sympathy of the guild has always been extended to them. At one of our

meetings a collection was taken to assist Sister Gill and Sister Males of the Nelson Hospital staff, who lost all their personal belongings in the tragic fire at that institution (Nurses’ Home). “Before concluding I would like to tender thanks to those ladies who contributed towards the harmony and success of our meetings by way of musical items, songs, recitations, etc., to those who donated gifts for competitions to raise funds for the guild, to those who placed cars at the disposal of members for conveyance to the various Christmas parties held in the country districts during December, to the “Nelson Evening Mail” for their unfailing courtesy in publishing our monthly reports, to Mr Gustavel and Mr Hay for auditing the balance sheet, to Mr Conibear for services rendered, to Mrs Gustavel (president) and Mrs R. Watson (vice-president.) who ‘carried on’ during Mrs Gustavel's illness, to members of the committee for their loyal co-operation and help, to Mrs Bray for her services at the piano, Mrs O’Donnell, our afternoon te» convener. Mrs Shale, door hostess, Mrs Newport treasurer, also the ladies who helped with the afternoon tea throughout the year, and to any others who have in any way assisted to make our meetings so happy and enjoyable.”