SOLDIERS' WIVES AND MOTHERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1586, 14 March 1919, Page 2

SOLDIERS' WIVES AND MOTHERS.

ENTERTAINED BY THE W.N.B. “Are there any new arrivals present? ’ ’ was the question which naturallj suggested itself as one surveyed the gathering of soldiers’ wives and mothers at the Addington Trotting Grounds yesterday afternoon. Amongst the 500 odd that were being entertained by the Women’s National Reserve, one thought to find at least a few of those -who had stolen the heart of Mr Anzac while on active service, and who had arrived in New Zealand as Mrs Anzac. Nobody seemed to be quite clear on the subject, however, but later on, when the circle narrowed to watch the presentation of prizes by her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool, at least one Mrs Anzac, of England, was identified —a freshcheeked girl, a little shy and strange yet in her new surroundings, but a very fine type of young womanhood, and very interested in all the doings of the day. Fortune favoured the occasion, and bestowed upon it one of the perfect autumn days that we may fairly look for now, and the short tram run out to Addington was happily accomplished by the big collection of wives and mothers. An impromptu sports programme, under the charge of a few members of the C.D.C., filled in time until the arrival of her Excellency, who w-as received by Mrs Wm. Wood, president of the Women’s National Reserve, accompanied by several of her members, and presented with a blue and white bouquet. Tea was served immediately afterwards, members of the reserve wait- j ing on the guests, who were accommodated at small tables in the tea kiosk. At the conclusion of tea, Mrs William Wood spoke a few- words of welcome to the gathering, and introduced Lady Liverpool. Her Excellency expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present, and to meet so many mothers and wives of soldiers. Her sympathy had been with them over the sad -years of war, which had united everybody in a common bond of sympathy and suffering. She hoped that everyone would keep together in the future, and learn to know each other better. An adjournment was made afterwards to a siinny spot on the lawn, where the prizes won in the impromptu sports programme were presented by her Excellency. Articles of homely domestic use had been provided, and the mother of the small girl who received a large earthenware pie-dish will doubtless find it very useful. The tiny tots who had had races earlier in the day received their prizes “on the field”—dolls and similar toys suitable to —their tender years. The special trams which had been requisitioned for the afternoon conveyed their passengers back to town afterwards, everyone having evidently enjoyed the afternoon very much. Mrs William Wood (president of the reserve), Mrs H. .1. Raphael (president of the city branch), Mrs Evans (secretary), Miss Bromley Cocks (treasurer), and all other officials and members were indefatigable in looking after the entertainment and comfort of the guests.