MOTHERCRAFT SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20762, 3 January 1931, Page 14

MOTHERCRAFT SOCIETY.

DUCHESS OF YORK'S VISIT

NURSES' HOSTEL OPENED

[from our own correspondent.] LONDON, Nov. 27,

11.R.1T. (1)0 Duchess of York, looking very attractive and very well, performed the opening ceremony of the new Hostel for Nurses, Students and Mothers, which has been erected in tho grounds of Cromwell House, Highgate, tho London headquarters of tho Mothcrcrafl Training Society. Tho much-needed building was really completed last January, and has been in uso for some months, but until yesterday there had been no official ceremony. Tho Duchess of York, president of tho society, named her own dato for the function, and mado a gracious little speech when declaring the building open. Subsequently she mado a tour of the building, took a keen interest in the small inmates, and planted a mulberry tree in tho garden in commemoration of what Lady Gal way (chairman of the committee) justly described as a red letter day in tho history of tho society. Tho mulberry, given by Dr. Jewshury, was selected as an emblem of long life. Tho ceremony was performed in the lecture hall of the hostel, on the platform with tho Duchess being Lady Gahvay, Lady Dawson of Penn, and Mr. E. R. Peacock (honorary treasurer). David and Beatrice, respectively fourteen months and ono year, the dowager babies of tho hostel, gave tho Duchess a Victorian posy of roses, violets and whito heather in a silver paper frill, which was taken back to London to be put in the nurseries of the two Princesses. Lady Galway always makes an inspiring speech when at Cromwell House. The hostel, sho said, was the gift of youth for tho service of youth, and the result of tho appeal had exceeded all expectations—brick was laid upon brick—and all who gavo donations would have tho satisfaction of knowing that tho money had been judiciously spent. It was admirably adapted for its great purpose. Tho nurses, students and mothers loved : their new surroundings, and every opportunity would be taken to extend tho work of tho system throughout tho country. Mr. Peacock considered tho nchv building admirably suited for its work. It was to have been completed at tho cost, of something over £32,000; it actually cost £31,000. It, was opened free of debt. It was his personal privilege as honorary treasurer to bo able to announce that tho work was completed without his having to ask for any money. There was a mortgage on Cromwell House, but this did not give him causo for anxiety. Tho work of the society was extending beyond tho confines of Cromwell House, and they would be called upon to open other branches. Tho clinic "in South Kensington, —under Lady Dawson of Penn, was doing excel-lent-service; The policy of -the society was to. movo cautiously because it was felt that the standard of work done must never be lowered. So far that standard had been maintained. Tho Duchess expressed the pleasure which it gavo her to be present. Sho had been interested in tho Motherhood Training Society for many years, and she had watched it grow, and sho knew how. very much tho building was needed to help tho expansion of" tho work. She wished it continued success, and had great pleasure in declaring tho new Princess Elizabeth of York Hostel opeh. A great number of people wero present, to all of whom was extended an invitation by. Lady Galway to go over the premises and sco tho babies. Tho hostel certainly is a great acquisition. It is an attractivo building, of tile "sun-trap" I pattern, practically all tho windows. facing south. Each nurso and each student has a v.'e'u furnished room, with radiator and running water, and there is also accommodation for »:>: mothers who are able there to gain experience end instruction.