TAIERI WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 25

TAIERI WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION.

THE PRESIDENT HONOURED.

While the members of the Taieri Women's Patriotio Association were assembled in the Coronation Hall on Monday at a meeting and making arrangements tor the welcome home social to returned soldiers, a very pleasant ceremony took place. The labours of the association, with the close of the war, are drawing to a finish, and the members decided to recognise the good work of the president (Mrs Quelch). Since the formation of the association Mrs Quelch has spared neither time nor pains to carry out the business connected with it. Mrs A, Johnson, one of the vice-presi-dents, on behalf of the members, said that as that would be the last meeting >of the Taieri Women's Patriotio Association, she had been asked to make a few remarks. For nearly five years they had been meeting under the presidency of Mrs Quelch, and all agreed that during that time she had conducted the meetings with great tact and ability. It had been a great personal sacrifice that Mrs Quelch had left her home and little ones to conduct the affairs of the association. Very few would ever know the full.extent of time which Mrs Quelch had given whole-heartedly and unselfishly for the welfare of our seedier boys.—(Applause.) The members of the association felt they could not let the occasion pass without showing in some slight manner their love and respect for their president and their appreciation of the manner in which she had presided over them. It gave the speaker much pleasure in handing over a gold wristlet watch. They all trusted that she would be long spared to wear it, and that it would remind her of the pleasant feelings that had always existed amongst the members of the Taieri Women's Patriotic Association".—(Applause.) Mrs Quelch, .who was completely taken by surprise, fittingly returned thanks. She referred to the happy relations that had always existed amongst members, and said she would treasure the gift as long as she lived. Had it not been for the hearty cooperation of her fellow members she could not have accomplished what had been done.

The function closed with the singing of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow."