OTAGO WOMEN’S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 51

OTAGO WOMEN’S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION.

A mooting of the committee of this association was held on the 19th inst., Miss M. Downie Stewart in the chair. Sympathy was expressed with all those who have lost relatives in the war. In view of the continuance of the war, which has made it desirable to have suburban and country committees organised and affiliated to the Central Committee, it is thought advisable for the affiliated committee to recommend a member for election to the central body. Encouraging reports were received from Mrs Capstick as to the success of the street appeal for tobacco, etc., and from the ladies in charge of selling sweets at the recent concert, the total proceeds of which amounted to close on £6O. The association, in conjunction with the Old Boys’ Committee of the Ota,go Boys’ High School, extends a very hearty invitation to the returned soldiers, their relatives, and the general public to look through the Soldiers’ Club, in Moray place (late Dr Hocken’s residence). The club will bo thrown open for inspection, and the public can then judge what form their donations may take. Afternoon tea will be provided _by the women of the association at a nominal charge, and the proceeds will go towards furnishing the club. Until Monday there was a shortage of workers at tne Early Settlers’ Hall. There is .plenty of help now, and plenty to do for ail who can got a corner to work in. A meeting of the Lady Liverpool Committee was held on Saturday,_ when arrangements were made for receiving and entertaining the invalids who are to arrive by the Tofua and the Willochra. All that can be done for these men is to give them a hurried welcome and see that they are properly provisioned on their trains. The invalids who belong to or are intending to remain in town will be entertained at the Kensington Drill Hall on Sunday. About 1500 have to be catered for, as each man has the privilege of inviting two friends. To help in the providing, the association asks from the public gifts of homemade sweets, pickles, scones, and jam. also lettuce and other saladings. Those who intend to assist in this way are asked to notify the association on Thursday, so that the ladies may know what they will need to order. All donations except the saladings must be at the Early Settlers’ Hall on Friday. The lettuces may come in later, but the association asks that it be told what is to be brought. The members of the association -wish to convey their sincere thanks to the school children for their work over a long period. It is very highly valued. The special efforts are also much appreciated. A little while ago the association asked the children for comforts for the soldiers, and members of the association say they do not know what they would have done but for the response made by the children. Up to date 3000 face cloths have been made and sent in, and the Otago schools have also provided socks, balaclavas, service bags, button bags, tea towels, scarves, and housewives. On many occasions the association did not know where the next lot of goods was to come from, and a consignment from the schools would put matter's right. The association also heartily thanks the teachers for showing the children how to do the work. As to the waistcoats, 4500 of them, each stamped “ Best wishes from the women of Otago,” were sent away on Tuesday, and the balance on .Friday.