WHY GROW OLD?

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 April 1939, Page 2

WHY GROW OLD?

(By Josephine Lowman)

It doesn’t matter which side of the bed you get out on if you know how to get out. You may awaken feeling that all is not right with the world. You may be very sleepy and lazy. You may mutter to yourself that the only reason you ever get a holiday is because it makes it possible for you to come back and be a bigger and better slave. You may be imbued with all of these grumbling sentiments, but if you will go through the routine of exercises I describe for you, you will get out of bed with your bright disposition and your optimism intact. It is uncivilised to awaken too suddenly, to leap out of bed, and while still half asleep, to grope about for your clothes. Why not set the alarm for 20 minutes sooner than you actually have to leave your downy couch? If everyone would do this, it would promote happy moments at breakfast. When you first awaken stretch and yawn as thoroughly and lazily as possible. Then do the exercises I give you in this series. Here is another one. Slide off the edge of the bed until you are leaning on the bed with your hips. Rest both feet on the floor. Keep your knees straight and lie back on the bed. Rest your arms on the bed over your heads. Stretch backward as far as you can. Feel the muscles of the abdomen pull? Now raise your trunk, touching your ankles with your hands if possible. Slowly lower the trunk and arms backward until you are lying on the bed again. Each time your arms return to the position over your head. Remember the stretch while in this position.

Theh meeting opened with the Creed, followed by the report for the year. The balance sheet was read and adopted. For the forthcoming year Mrs A. M. Wells was elected president and Mrs A. J. Baker, secretary. The vice-presi-dents are Mrs Mead and Miss Hunt; and committee, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Donnie and Miss N. Wells.

She also sang several folk songs. This proved very interesting and entertaining, and was very much enjpyed by all. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Hopkinson The competition, "Best flower in my garden” was won by Mrs Winstanley, Mrs McKenzie being second.

Miss Hunt spoke of the good work done by the retiring president, Mrs Mead, during her two years of office. Tribute was paid to Miss Ellis for the splendid work she has done for the branch, holding the office of secretary since its inauguration. It is largely due to her interest and efforts that it has been such a success, and she will be much missed from the district.

The prize for the greatest number of points in the comeptitions was won jointly by Mrs Robinson and Mrs Downie.

During the year nine meetings have been held at the homes of members and competitions have been keenly entered into. Three girls attended the Education Week, the branch helping with their expenses. It has been a good year financially £6 6s having been sent to the Community Chest. The branch had the honour of wining the rose bowl donated by Mrs Hild3 r ard for branch competition. On Ist October a most successful dance was held at Foxhill considerably augmenting the funds. Cakes for raffle were made by Mrs A. Wells and Mrs J. Mead, and a cushion by Miss P. Mead. A package of Christmas gifts was received from the Returned Soldiers’ Depot. Wellington, the majority being sold and a parcel of cigarettes embroidery cottons and stamped material was sent in response to the Makagoi Leper appeal.