SOLDIERS’ WIVES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9738, 14 August 1917, Page 7

SOLDIERS’ WIVES

A CLUB PROPOSED DISCUSSION AT A PUBLIC MEETING. A meeting was held yesterday afternoon in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, called by the Women’s National Reserve, to discuss the formation of a club for soldiers’ wives- The • object for which it is to bo formed, as laid down in the initial announcement, is: To provide a room for the use of soldiers’ and sailors’ wives and dependents, where they may find sympathy and friendship in their loneliness, and practical help in their difficulties. Various sections will bo maintained, including: (1) A sawing guild, where their own material may bo brought, and where they may be Shown how* to cut, make, and repair garments. For this section the use of a sowing machine has already been promised by the Singer Sowing Machine Company. (2) A creeliOj where the children who must necessarily come out with their mothers may be oared_ for, and where we hope later to receive the children of wives who must go out to daily work. _ (3) A voluntary aid ■ section, from which helpers might visit the homes of wives who desire help, but who find it impossible to come to the club. Dr Platts-Mills presided, and associated with her on the platform were the Hon. G. W. Russell and Mrs Russell (president of tho hon. branch W.N.R.), Mrs W, F. Massey and Lady Ward (vice-presidents), the Mayoress (Mrs J. P. Luke), Mr C. EStatham, M.P., and Mrs Porter (organising secretary), Mrs P. O. Corliss (hon. secretary), and several wives of members of Parliament. In opening the meeting, Dr Platts-lMills briefly explained the objects of the proposed dub. Tho reserve never forgot tho object for which it was formed, that was, supplying women to take tho places of men gone to the war. They had organised 10,000 women for different branches of work, but they had to wait until the demand for tho. services of these women was received. Meantime, the reserve bad devoted time to other needs. Soldiers’ mothers were being entertained monthly,, in response to many requests for something to be done for them, and now this scheme was proposed. The reserve had hoard from many wives of soldiers-that their * lives, now their husbands had gone, w.ero . very lonely., These were busy women, who had no time to make friends outside their own homes, and so file reserve thought to establish a room where wives of soldiers could meet, and whore their children could be taken care of. They did not want to interfere with any existing organisation, and the Help and co-operation of other' societies would be asked. Later, the speaker said, she hoped they could , establish a .hostel, where wives of soldiers could stay, and have their children with them. ■ The club would he strictly non-political, and membership be confined to wives and widows of soldiers. r The Hon. 1 G. W. Russell moved: ‘That this meeting heartily approves and endorses the action' of the Women’s Reserve to form clubs for wives of soldiers and sailors, and will support the scheme in every way,” Mr Russell said he was glad of the action of the W.N.R. in organising teas for the mothers of soldiers, but while doing all they ooiild for tno mothers It must bo remembered that nothing was too good for the wives of men who had' gone to the front. All these men had gone voluntarily, and all should be glad tp do anything ifor those they had left behind. He could asstire the meeting that the Government looked with sympathy bn the. effort. Expenditure would be incurred, but more than money—sympathy—waswanted; and that was why this was a woman’s matter. Already as Minister for Internal Affairs, he was granting the rent of an office, where these women could go and consult the Reserve officers in any difficulty. ■ This was for three months; but he was sure that the experiment would prove so successful that it would be continued, and the Government would not see the deserve “stuck’’ for want of funds. Organisation was needed, and Mr Russell recommended a strong committee of representatives of soldiers’ dependents, who could divide the city into districts and get into touch with every woman whoso husband was at the war. They must * remember that the woman needing assistance most was often the last to ask for it. While speaking, Mr Russell said he would like to make it known, that free admission, nursing and attendance was given to wives of soldiers at any of the St. Helens hospitals throughout New Zealand; moreover, they had priority of admission, and if they lived too far away from such hospital, railway fare to the nearest town and back would bo allowed them. He also stated that all tho public hospitas were open to soldiers’ dependents, and the W.N.R. should send anyone requiring assistance to the hospital, and. if payment is asked for, then the Minister for Public Health should be communicated with, as all those who could not afford were entitled to free treatment. In conclusion, Mr Russell thanked the women for tho way they had helped the ■ Government through the trials connected with the war during tho last three years. Mr C. E. Statham also spoke, approving of tho scheme proposed by Mr Russell. In Dunedin the Reserve had found there was very little they could do, and ho was sure they would take up this scheme with great heartiness. He felt that the womenfolk left behind had really a harder time than the men who went to fight. Mrs Hanan, who is secretary for tho committee which is to organise the club, spoke also of the objects. The Reserve, she said, had assisted every patriotic object during the last two years. ' Many letters had been received from mothers, thanking the Reserve for the monthly teas. She hoped they would be able to , increase their usefulness by looking after soldiers’ .mothers who were ill or in distress. ’ Now the .wives were friendless rand lonely, and the Reserve wished also to help them. She spoke of the objects to bo attained, and hoped that all who could would donate gifts, furniture. pictures, and anything that would make the rooms cheerful and comfortable, Mrs J. P* Euke seconded Mrs Russell’s motion. Women’s first thoughts had been for the .men going away. They had worked for them in the trenches,. . and when sick or wounded; now they must think of those left behind. She-felt that those getting the most benefit from

the -war should put their hands in their pockets and help their less fortunate sisters. The, club room would fill a gap in their lives, hut would not do all. She was sure the best panacea for the anxiety of the present time was work, and women meeting at a club would find others in like or even worse straits than themselves, and find comfort in extending sympathy to one another. The motion, proposed by Mr Itussell, was Put to the meeting, with tho words “and widows” added, and passed unanimously. . Dr Platts-Mills said apologies Had been received from Her HxoeUcnoy the Countess of Liverpool, the Prime Minister,, and Sir Joseph Ward, who were unable to attend. .Mr Massey had written, heartily approving or the proposal. The president said they toped to get two rooms, or even three. preferably near Courtenay place, and she hoped.to hear m a day or two from anyone who would give the Reserve the use of rooms lor this purpose, or would give the rent of hiring such rooms.