A GREAT DAY FOR THE LADIES

Opunake Times, 2 August 1949, Page 3

A GREAT DAY FOR THE LADIES

Jew plunket-restrooms opened MISS IIABEL HOWARD, MINISTER OF HEALTH, OFFICIATES : i t ■' Yesterday was a great day for the district and the ladies the weather remained fine for tie official opening parracuiany, i f sc i iecvu i e , when the Eon. ?T/ll h M Mabel Lard, officially opened Opu&T e new fhmtet and Bedrooms. Approximately 500 residents toed out for the occasion, and warmly welcomed the minister d offSl lartv as they took (heir seats on the platform inside ?he fenced area of tire building and beneath draped empire flags.

A pleasing diversion, as she Minister left .her car outside .lie new restrooms, occurred when Mrs. Thompson led several ladies in a traditional Maori welcome. tt TT '.. Tne : Mayor, Mr; R. H. Hughson, in (introducing and warmly welcoming Miss Howard and Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Corbett, M.P., and other members on the dias, said the long awaited moment had arrived and Opunake was en fete for the occasion.,He spoke wiitli pleasure of Miss Howard's willingness to attend and paid a sincere tribute to those loyal committees who sponsored appeals for Restroom funds, and of the buildings imineasureable value to the community. Mr. Hugh.■on also publicly thanked Mr. G. C. Clduston, Opunake's former mayor, and Mrs. Clouston for their work in promoting the move for a restroom in the town and commended Mr. Clouston on his early initiative and foresight in fostering the project. ; Mr .Clouston said he had hoped it'would be completed during his term but it was a real pleasure to see a dream realised. Outlining the reason* for the delay before the building was finally built he spoke feelingly of the manner in which the ladies had rallied in the drive for funds to meet increased building costs, stating that the target Mas exceeded by £2OO approximately, which ensured a well-furnished nncl appointed building. "Today is a red-letter day for Opunake and the building will be a boon and a blessing to the ladies of the district," lie added in thanking all those, "good people" who worked so hard. 1 Mrs. J. A. .Stevenson, President of the Opunake Plunket Society, also endorsed the remarks of welcome to Miss Howard and • especially thanked Mr. H. R. Collins for hiis tireless work, and many others whom she named, and'thanked the W.D.F.F. for the donation of two settees. Mrs. Stevenson, particularly referred fo Plunket work, and advcsed listeners that a photograph of the late Sir Trubv King, founder rf the plunket movement, was hung f in the new plunket, rooms as a tribute to a fine public benefactor and as a reminder and inspiration to all to continue his great work. Mr. S. Farquhar (Egniout Comity Council) deputising for the County Chairman, Mr. W. C. Green, who was unavoidably absent, said he was sure there were many very happy women in Opunake today, and he added his congratulations to that enthusiastic band of ladies who their colours to the mast" ind never lowered them until their efforts were assuredly successful. Mr. J. S. Hickey, Chairman of the Opunake Electric Power Board, said that Miss Howard would no doubt appreciate the spirit which actuated the people of this district to provide themselves with such a valuable amenity. "We appreciate your presence today and we ask nothing of you, well, except perhaps Hie one little thing—l didn't use the word "polisher"—he added, m the general laugh.ter in which Miss Howard heartily joined. A humorous, but hearty and sincere welcome was expressed bv Mr. Kapo Ratahi (on behait of the Maori people) who touched noses with Miss Howard iin the traditional Maori method of greeting. His remark that "the heart of Taranaki was Opunake" and <if you go to New Plymouth, Hawera or other towns your find a "different nation," set a happy note.

Mr. E. B, Corbett, M.P., remarked particularly on the evidence of great and binding cooperation between Maoris and Pattellas in tlie very fine effort behind the achievement. In earlier years when businesses were open for six days of the week, Mothers were able to leave ihe younger children with the elderones or friends and do their shopping on Saturdays, but he thought there would be no return to a longer business week and the need for such amenities was

greater than ever today. Disagreeing with a remark passed '.« a speaker at the luncheon, Mr. Corbett said that those who were most likely to abuse the privileges and benefits of a public restroom were those among us who did not contribute to -.lie effort, buf, he felt that Pakeha and Maori leaders of the district would aga'n combine to avoid any such occurrence. Miss Howard's Remarks Miss Howard expressed warm appreciation of the welcome extended and pleasure at being able to visit Opunake, which at first she thought might not eventuate through family illness. With a knowledgeable interest and a lifelong association with plunket activities, the minister, emphasised the great selfless work of plunket throughout New Zealand in the interests of mothers and children's health generally. Stating that she understood that roofing for the building was diverted on the occasion of the Hamilton Tornado disaster, Miss Howard said that the ladies would not resenf the delay under those circumstances. "I would ask that you all act as a vigilant committee to look after this fine builddng," she added in agreeing tliat today a dream has come true. "I remember when they -ave me Sydenham electorate, part of my dad's old electorate, so I know just how you feel," concluded Miss Howard before accepting the keys from the Mayoress, Mrs. R. PI. Hughson and opening the door. After an inspection, Miss Howard returned and said "You must have a fine, builder in Opunake to get such a building for the sum mentioned—its a gem."' The minister was generously applauded uid the ceremony terminated witli the National Anthem, after which the public inspected the interior of the building. f . Tastefully furnished and attractively decorated with flowers* for the occasion, rooms were indeed cosy and comfortable and the admiring remarks of all who were present must have been keenly satisfying to those ladies responsible.

Those* in the official group were Miss Mabel Howard and her secretary, Mr. and . Mrs. E. B. Corbett, M.P., Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Hughson, Mr. S. Farquhar, Miss Welnipeihana district nurse), Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hickey, Mrs. W. Roach, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Clouston, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Julian and Mr. Kapo Ratahi.