W.W.S.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22183, 29 January 1942, Page 3

W.W.S.A.

Making Of Camouflage Nets Staffing Of Emergency Hospital At the monthly meeting of the Women's War Service Auxiliary, there were present Mesdames E. G. Kerr (chairwoman), R. B. Haft, N. S. Hawkes, T. E. Holdgate, R. D. Kihg, R. McAlister, D. Newlands, M. S. Raymond, A. Shortlahd and H. D. Bannerman (hon. secretary). Mrs Kerr welcomed two new members, Mrs Shortland, representing the St. John Ambulance, and Mrs King, representing the Red Cross Centre. Several bales of twine for making camouflage nets have come to hand, also needles, and this work will be commenced immediately. Individuals and societies wishing to help should communicate with Mrs Priest, Trafalgar Street, or with the Auxiliary Office, where a telephone has now been installed. Headquarters advised that it Was forwarding the first consignment of uniforms ordered some time ago. Registrants who wish to order uniforms should fill in application forms at the office as soon as possible. Badge brooches are also obtainable at the Auxiliary Office. Messrs Marra and Timmins were congratulated on the success of the candidates they prepared for the Automotive Society of Engineers’ examination. Thanks were received from Law and Order E.P.S. for sewing done, from Transport E.P.S. for the allocation of 12 women drivers, from the Army Department for clerical help, and from the Chief Postmaster for assistance in the Health Stamp Campaign. In connection with the establishment of emergency hospitals, linen equipment has had to be prepared quickly and the Auxiliary has organised 18 local guilds to do the necessary sewing at the Public Hospital. Mrs King reported on the voluntary staffing of an Emergency Hospital, and clerical assistants were allocated for hospital work. Group Reports Reports from Group Leaders were received as follows: Land Corps: A very fine type of girl has responded to the call for help on the land to take the places of men released for active service, and five girls have been placed to date. Signalling: Qualified girls are helping to train A.T.C. units at the Post Office; 12 signallers have been posted for emergency service, and three have been transferred to the Dispatch Corps. Semaphore training and military drill will commence in February. Cycle Corps: All girls have been posted to their emergency stations, and gave a very good account of themselves at the area try-out. The Dispatch Corps is doing a job that requires courage, fitness and initiative, and more girls of this type are Urgently required to register for emergency work. Fire Patrol: The members of the group trained last year will be tested at the end of this month; a large class of new registrants began classes last week; the business premises have set up separate patrols under the W.W.S.A. and 40 trained personnel have been zoned over the town. Plunket Aids: Arrangements have been made for an emergency clearing station for mothers and babies at the Centennial Rooms, for a creche at “Balgay,” Gleniti, and if necessary for another at “Otiritiri,” Gleniti. Plunket aids have been posted for duty in each town area, but more are still required. Training classes will begin next week for new registrants, and It is hoped that the attendance will be large. Each area requires more women to register who have homes where they can temporarily accommodate and care for homeless children, or the children of mothers who have been called back to nursing or other emergency duty. Canteen: Preparations for dealing with a state of emergency are well in hand, canteen workers having been posted to the seven First Aid Clearing Stations and to W.W.S.A. Headquarters, and section leaders and welfare workers to each area of the town. Owing to the great increase in clerical work, Mrs F. C. Smith was appointed assistant secretary. As all active members of the Women's Auxiliary are expected to have a knowledge of First Aid, registrants are advised to enrol at once for the classes which are being arranged by the St. John Ambulance to commence early in February.