ST. HELEN’S MATERNITY HOSPITAL

Southland Times, Issue 17966, 6 March 1917, Page 2

ST. HELEN’S MATERNITY HOSPITAL

A meeting of ladies was held on Friday evening In connection with the proposed St. Helen’s Maternity Hospital campaign!, Mrs Jas. Baird presiding. The meeting was addressed by Rev. R. M. Ryburn, who, in a most sympathetic speech, pointed out the benefit the home would confer on those whose means are limited and showed that the liberal support accorded to every patriotic scheme might well be extended to this, whose object was the conserving of the life and health of mothers and children. He then conducted the election of officers and a committee, to organise collecting, in the town and in the country. The officers are:—President, Mrs J. Baird; vice-presidents, Mesdames McParlane, Pearce and Hanan; secretary’, Mrs P. Lillicrap; treasurer, Mr Walker (Town Clerk). An excellent committee was elected and Mr Ryburn left amidst wellearned applause when the newly constituted society settled down to consider the practical question of raising the money required. Gratification was expressed at the announcement that Mr J. E. Watson had promised £IOO to start, and it was decided that several of the leading business men should be called on for subscriptions. Suggestions were asked for, and a free discussion followed. Three schemes were finally decided on, via., to seek the aid of the churches and other societies, to use collecting cards, and arrange a street collection (if possible) on Saturday, 24th inst. To enlist the

country, letters are to be sent to the Town Councils and Boards of each of the townships, asking them to organise for themselves, at centres of the districts round them; or to secure an audience of women, representing these places to meet in their town on a Axed day, when a speaker from Invercargill will address them and give any assistance possible. ■