EQUIPMENT FOR OUR SOLDIERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3197, 23 June 1915, Page 34

EQUIPMENT FOR OUR SOLDIERS.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS ORGANISED. Since the outbreak of the war the pupils of the Otago schools have maintained a keen interest in the doings of our soldiers, and have in many ways contributed to their needs. For some time it has been felt that, if their work had been better organised, the help given by the schools could bo materially increased, without unduly interfering with the ordinary school work. With tliis cud in view, the Teachers’ Association in “Dunedin recently approached the Education Board with a view to giving the needlework programmes a more practical turn. This has been officially sanctioned, and a forward movement has begun. ' For the purpose of ascertaining the immediate needs of the Otago Women’s Patriotic Association, one of the inspectors last Friday interviewed Miss W. Downie Stewart (president of that body), wilh the result that on Saturday morning he and Mrs S. M. Park and Mrs Macfic, representing the association, met a large body of fcihalo teachers, representing every city and suburban school, and laid before it a scheme in which the girls of the primary schools might be able to render valuable assistance in the equipment of our soldiers. Considerable interest was manifested by all present, and the matter is being taken up with praiseworthy enthusiasm. The question of supplying the material and sowing machines was fully discussed, and the staff of one of the schools represented personally guaranteed the amount needed for the purchase of two machines, which were delivered the same afternoon. We understand that the committee of another school has also made arrangements for the purchase of two machines. As a result of the appeal for assistance in the purchase of material, another schoo.l will to-day make a start on £5 worth of Dowlas handkerchief material and towelling. In a day or two it is probable that the -'description of tha articles most urgently needed, with directions for making them, will bo issued to the schools, so that all pupils desirous of making something for the men who are going to fight the nation's battles will have an opportunity of doing so.