HELP FOR MOTHERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12431, 27 April 1926, Page 5

HELP FOR MOTHERS

A meeting of the , Alotliers’ Help Division was held yesterday afternoon in the Navy League rooms, where the annual report was read. The year passed lias been one of increased activity in every direction, and it must be most gratifying to the committee that tilehelpers’ assistance is welcomed in every class of home. It has been found necessary to increase the staff by the addition of an eighth helper, and in this connection we wish to thank tlie City Council for having granted the requisite number of tram passes at £lO each per annum. The staff now consists of Mrs Rose, the Misses Allman, Black, Gieddis, Lancaster, Alcllroy, Fellew, and Thomas, whose whole-hearted services have/helped many 1 tired mothers in times of stress. During the year families have been visited, of which 137 are new applicants, the majority of whom are recommended by Plunket and other nurses, who fully realise the value of the work. A residential helper is now available in cases of urgent need, and also will give evening services. The committee wish to thank the Government, AlcCarthy Trustees, and the Rathbone Trustees for grants of £l5O in each instance, also £7 7s from the Jessie Hopper_ Estate, which has now contributed £54. While formerly working as a branch of the Women’s National Reserve it has now been deemed advisable to act as a separate body, designated as “Mothers’ Helpers.” At the meeting held last September it was announced that Her Excellency, Lady Alice"Fergusson, has graciously consented to become patroness, and Lady Pomare, Mrs Contes, and Mrs Norwood were elected hon. vice-presidents. On »<Ptember 9th the committee had the pleasure of receiving Her Excellency at morning-tea at the Pioneer Club, when she heard with much interest the scope of the. work, and oftered suggestions as to future efforts.

Tlie result of jumble sales and entertainments for the year is £lO9, and £331 6s 6d has been written off for free help. The committee wishes to thank the Navy League for the use of their room for meetings', the Spiritualistic Society for use of the New Century Hall, and tlie Press.

The election of officers for the coming year is as follows:—President, Mrs JtLarcourt Arthur; vice-presidents, Mesdames Phillips Turner and Shailer Wes-' ton. Treasurer, Airs Coleridge.