PRESENTATION OF BADGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16870, 7 June 1918, Page 6

PRESENTATION OF BADGES.

SOLDIERS' MOTHERS AND WIVES.

A i i xc riox of particular interest to Auckland mothers and wives of men on service took place at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, when badges issued in connection y.'ith the Women's National Reserve scheme wore presented by the Countess of Liverpool to a large number of mothers and wives. The attendance was verv large, the conceit, chamber being filled, and the success of the ceremony testified to the keen interest of Auckland women in the effort being made bv the reserve to bring together those whose sons and husbands are serving at the front- The function was attended bv Mrs. W. E. Massey, Mrs. J. H. tluuson. and Mrs. D. McLean, hen. president, and president of the Women's National Reserve, while scats on the platform were also occupied by Mrs. F. Fit-ehet-t, president, the vice-presidents and meinbeis oi the Mothers and Wives' Reunion Committee. The guests were welcomed by Mrs. McLean, and a preliminary address given by Mis. I'. Fitchett, who said it was hoped that every mother and wife of a soldier or sailor on service would apply for a badge, the presentations of which would he he'd once every two month.'. Similar functions held in Southern cities for two years past had proved most successful. All applications for badges must be made to the reserve, and after verification these would be publicly presented.

The Countess of Liverpool, in expressing pleasure at being present,, said she had attended several meetings of a similar nature in Wellington, and congratulated the reserve on having introduced the same piojcct in Auckland. She hoped that the badges would prove a I nk of sympathy and bond of union between the "mothers and wives of those who were 'Lieing the perils of war together. 3 _ Her Excellency made the first, presentation of badges to Mesdnmes A. \V. Averili 0. M. Nelson, and \V. J. Napier, members of the honorary committee, after which some 200 mothers and wives were received on the platform by Her Excellency and presented with their badges. During the afternoon a most en lovable concert programme, arranged bv Mesdameti Paume and Hansard, was given, this ineluding orchestral items ".Mr?. Pawson Miss Ava. Symons and Mr. Poore. songs by Mrs. Quigley, Miss Page, Messrs. £. Drake and Wallace Atkinson, recitations by Messrs. MoEhvain and George Warren and a Jute solo by Mr. Poore. The afternoon concluded with refreshments, served bv members of the honorary committee, Mrs. Dawson being in charge of the arrangements.