WOMAN'S WORLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24748, 23 November 1943, Page 5

WOMAN'S WORLD

PLUNKET APPEAL HELP OF WOMEN PENSIONERS In order to weld together the 72 branches of the Plunket Society in New Zealand, and to further the health work begun by Sir Truby King 37 years ago, the Dominion Council has decided to publish a quarterly resume of the society's activities, the first number of which has already appeared under the title of "Plunket News." In this issue a considerable amount of space is devoted to the burning question of help for mothers, and mention is made of various points particularly emphasised by the council's deputation when it waited recently on Dr. Findlay, private secretary to the Minister of Health. Its recommendations included the exemption of girls from direction to essential industry if they were helping mothers with .large families, and the necessity for lifting the monetary restriction on women pensioners ' who could help such mothers.

The last suggestion is of special importance. It is pointed out that it is now almost impossible to secure any domestic help except from women in th'o 10-f3O age group, but a large percentage of these women are pensioners whose pensions will be affected if they accept work. They are reluctant to incur this penalty, even although they may otherwise be willing and able'to help. If women pensioners were allowed to earn without restriction when assisting mothers of families it would make a large number of helpers available. THE PIONEER CLUB The monthly meeting of the New Zealand Descendants' and Pioneer Club was presided over by the president. Mrs. E. Johnston, who gave an address on topical affairs. Interesting reminiscences

and experiences enlivened Mr. S. Langmuir's talk on the subject of surveying in the early days in Taranaki, and Mrs Mary Miller spoke on the Motherhood of Man Movement. NINETY YEARS OLD Believed to be the oldest resident of Helensville, where she arrived 62 years ago, Mrs. C. H. Spinley celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday, when a large gathering assembled at the Helensville Agricultural Hall to do her honour. A family reunion, attended by live sons, three daughters, 30 grandchildren and ;53 great-grandchildren, was followed by a public reception, when representatives from the Town Board and other local bodies were present. The chairman of the board, Mr. Jack Stanaway, presented Mrs. Spinley with a bouquet and also paid a tribute to her late husband, who was at one time secretary of the Agricultural Society, chairman of the Town Board and a member of the local school committee. The Ladies' Church Guild, of which Mrs. Spinley has been a member since its inception, also made her a presentation. SOCIAL NEWS Mrs. C. A. Jelfery, of Wellington, who has been at the Station Hotel for a few days, left yesterday for Russell. Bay of Islands. Mrs. A. A. Vinson, of Auckland, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. A. Teague, Te Puke, has returned home. ENGAGEMENTS Ewlng—Fraser,—The engagement is announced between Garth John, only eon of Mr. and Mrs. K. S. Ewing, of Stratford, and Shirley May, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Fraser, Taipuha, North Auckland. Jones—Blott.—The engagement is announced between Stuart David Jones (Second X.Z.E.F.), younger son of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Jones, 00 Marsden Avenue, Dominion Road, and Olive May, youngest daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. F. 13lott. 133 Queen Streel, Northcote.