BENEVOLENT WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24250, 16 April 1942, Page 2

BENEVOLENT WORK

ONEHUNGA SOCIETY Founded during the Maori War in 1863, and the oldest women's organisation in the Dominion, the Onehunga Ladies' Benevolent Society held its 79th annual meeting yesterday. Archdeacon T. H. C. Patridge presided. The annual report, presented by the secretary, Mrs. F. C. Soar, mentioned that there had nevor before in the history of the society been so few necessitous people on the books, largely due to State provision of Social Security benefits and pensions. During the year some 650 weekly orders for milk, coal and groceries were issued, while special Christmas cheer was provided for 34 families. The financial report submitted by the treasurer, Mrs. G. Harrison, I showed that the judicious investment of several bequests made by past members and supporters had placed the society's funds in a position to meet any reasonable demands which less favourable economic conditions in the future might make upon them. The following officers were elected:—President, Mrs. T. H. C. Patridge; vice-presi-dents, Mrs. J. H. Wathew, Mrs.- T. J. G. Neill; secretary, Mrg. F. C. Soar; treasurer, Mrs. G. Harrison; investigator, Mrs. T. J. G. Neill; auditor, Mr. A. G-. Houldsworth; honorary solicitor, Mr. E. G. Cowell; committee, Mrs. R. Buchanan, Mrs. J. E. Green, Mrs. J. Park, Mrs. A. 3. H. Dow, Mrs. A. G. Houldsworth, Mrs J. E. Cowell, Mrs. H. Poote. Mrs. M. A. Straw. Mrs. G. Tregidga, Mrs. J. Black. Mrs. A. Garside, Mrs D. Hickman, Miss V. Burden, Miss K. Morton, the Misses J. and E. Bower.