WOMEN'S MOVEMENT

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 60, 6 February 1931, Page 2

WOMEN'S MOVEMENT

STRATFORD MEETING ENTK'UIASTIC PROCEEDINGS The women's movement for relief! measures in Stratford was given a good start yesterday afternoon, when over a hundred women attended the meeting called by the Mayoress, Mrs. Thomson. Proceedings were of an enthusiastic nature, and the necessary committees were set up. Apologies were received from a large number of ladies, who also forwarded offers of all possible help. Mrs. Thomson presided. Clarfon Call fort Help The Mayor, Mr. P. Thomson, in opening proceedings, said the country was faced with a tragedy which was appalling iu its suddenness and in the loss of life and property it entailed. The very nature of, the tragedy meant that there was a clarion call for help—help in the way of financial assistance, accommodation for those rendered homeless, provision of food, and provision of clothing for men, women and children. It might be thought that as the disaster happened dur-

ing the day everybody concerned would be well supplied, but it mußt be realised that people had lost their homes, and that for some time to come they would have no means of livelihood. There would be considerable distress to be alleviated. The call that had come from Hawke's, Bay was one that he was sure would be nobly responded to by every section of the community throughout New Zealand ; and from the attendance that day, representing both town and distric, he was satisfied that Stratford, in its response, would be second to no other district. To-day, said Mr. Thomson, many people in Hawke's Bay and other parts of the country were bereft of loved ones; and on his suggestion those present stood in silece, as a mark of sympathy. Splendid Response Continuing, Mr. Thomson said he had been delighted at the number of offers of help received by himself and Mrs. Thomson. The telephones at his house and office had, since the first news of the disaster, been almost constantly engaged in dealing with offers of help. Already a number of parcels had been received. Something might need to be done in the way of making garments from material which came in, and also in altering garments. Messrs. W. Hoskin and B. Carryer had offered to help the commitee in" con-

nection with the packing and dispatch of parcels. The Borough Council Chamber would bo available as a depot for goods, and arrangements would be made for members of the horough staff to collect parcels where necessary. Much Distress On the suggestion of the Mayor, Dr. Will Gordon, who had just returned from Hawke's Bay, made a few remarks. He said that Mrs. Malfroy had told him that already two bakeries in Hastings had been reopened. People should realise the difficulty of communicating with Napier. Napier people had to travel 14 miles to Hastings to hand in their teelgrams, which were accepted at the sender's risk, and had then to be telephoned to Waipukurau. In the midst of the Hastings business area he saw a ferroconcrete building which came through the shake absolutely intact, showing that it was possible to erect buildings capable of resisting earthquakes. Supplies of clothing might be very necessary, as the speaker could not see how a great many people could carry on during the next twelve months—even those who might be well off.

Everybody Touched Mrs. Thomson said she was very pleased to see such a large gathering, and to note the excellent response so far made. In the tragic circumstances everybody was touched, and, no doubt, had in mind what help would he extended if they themselves were afflicted. The present, meeting should appoint a committee to deal with parrels and one to supervise sewing. She had had messages from a large number of women offering help, and one woman had gathered quite a lot of material by a canvass of her street. Women in the country had been communicated with, and notices had been posted at the dairy factories. Officers Mrs. D. Steven was appointed secretary and Mrs. S. Pitt treasurer. Finance Proposal were made that those present should pay a subscription of 2s 6d or Is, but it was finaly decided that a collection be taken up. Committees The' following were appointed to the general committee:—-Miss Kirkwood, Mesdames Hoskin, Beale, Massey. Green, C. Moore, O'Reilly, W. B. Williams, Carryer, H. C. Johnson; R. Masters, A. Moon, L.Riera, Steven, D. J. Malone, S. Pitt, Haselden, North, Budge, Richards, F. Bowler, Robinson, J. McAllister, Hugo, J. C. Allen, H. T. Cooper, C. J. Hickson, C. Martin, A. Davies, Kasper (Midhurst), Guthrie (Midhurst), Piper (Lowgarth), H. C.Taylor (Ngaere), Needham (Douglas), A. W. White, Nowell (Cardiff), T. R. Anderson (Mahoe), Hine (Toko), Blackstock (Pukengahu), T. Cuthbert (Pembroke Road), Sangster (Beaconsfield Road), Marfell (Huinga). At a subsequent meeting of the general committee the following executive were appointed:—Mesdams P, Thomson (president)/ D. Steven (secretary), A. W. Budge, G. T. Beale, D. J. Malone, L. Riera and S. McAllister.

The Tntanekai's End Stripped on deck and gutted intcr'hally of every fitting of value or possible usefulness, the old Government steamer Tutanekai, now litjele more than a shell, is to meet her end this week. If the weather conditions were favourable the ship was to leave the Glasgow wharf in tow of the Janie Seddon to be taken out to a position approximately on the 100-fathom line soutlTof Turakirate Head, and there scuttled. Thus she will find her last resting place in the deep water in company with other well-known old setups, such as the Takapuna, Kiwi, Rakaiioa and Corinna. Giant Rhubarb - ~~ What is claimed to be "the toddy of them all" in the w a y o£ rhubarb leaves was grown by Mr. G. B. Dales,, of Invercargill. The "enormous leaf was of the "Giant" variety, and measured 38uT. across and 26in. from the top of the stem, which was itself then 14ft. in length. The stem had been slightly longer, but had apparently snapped off* wEen being removed from the ground". The circumference of the stem was 7in. X remarkable feature was that, although the rhubarb was" so much larger than the average, if wa s perfectly edible. The stick in question was still quite green, and if left to ripen would undoubtedly Have grown considerably.