THE WINTER’S NEEDS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20296, 4 May 1934, Page 9

THE WINTER’S NEEDS.

Efforts of the Women's Auxiliary. “ I think there will be a good deal of sickness this winter,” said Miss M. G. Havelaar, who presided over a meeting of the 'Women’s Auxiliary of the Mayor’s Relief of Distress Fund. "The effects of what in' many cases has amounted to under-feeding for many years now, will be .apparent this winter. It is the mothers and older people who will be affected, as the children are usually looked after properly.” On account of the prevalence of illnesses, particularly measles, in the city at present, Adjutant Wood, from the Salvation Army, and other relief depot workers present at the meeting, urged the need of collecting clothing immediately for convalescent people, who needed warm garments to protect them from the cold. Miss Havelaar reported that the Mayoress (Mrs D. G. Sullivan) would also be very busy this winter' in her work of supplying layettes for the babies of poor parents. She needed barras in particular, made by the Plunket pattern, so that they could later be turned into petticoats. “We have just completed the first month of our activities, and, naturally, we have not very much to show for it.” reported Miss Havelaar. *' It always takes a little time to .‘•et an organisation like this going again. I have had already' urgent appeals from the depots, asking me when we can begin our distribution. It is our intention to distribute what we have to the five depots which have been allotted to us within the first week of June.” Though it was a fact, said Miss Havelaar, that there was more work to be had this winter, with consequently a little more money, the item "clothing” could be added to few budgets. It was reported that a band of ladies, led by Mrs J. D. Hall, who last year made "so many warm quilts, were ready to begin their work again. The question of wool this year was rather a serious one, and country friends were asked to see whether any odd pieces could be spared. A generous offer to have the wool scoured and teased free of cost had been made.