BADGE REUNION.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1280, 12 August 1922, Page 5

BADGE REUNION.

OF WOMEN’S NATIONAL RESERVE

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH

A Badge Re-union of the members of the Te Awamutu branch of the Women’s National Reserve was held in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, and was numerously attended by members, wives, mothers, sisters, and relatives of the returned soldiers. The hall had been artistically decorated for the occasion, and. .presented ‘a very pretty spectacle. The walls had been heavily draped with ithe flags of England and her Allies, 'and the display, besides being a fitful reminder of those countries which had stood true to us in the dark days of trial and sorrow, was distinctly appropriate, since' the Reserve had been brought into existence during the Great War, when the field for activity by the ladies was extensive and the demand for their services in every patriotic movement almost insatiable. In these times when the banners of war have been furled, and the drums no longer beat nor the cannons roar, the field i.s somewhat circumscribed, but nevertheless, the National Reserve has been by no means inactive. It has assisted in many deserving movements, notably in Wellington, and has also striven to be the means of social intercourse and assistance to the female relatives of those who served their King and country. The President’s Address.

After singing the National Anthem, Hi's Worship the Mayor (Mr L. G. Armstrong) opened proceedings in a few wtell-chosen and on behalf of Mrs Wm. Taylor, who was suffering from a severe cold, read the following presidential address : “ I am very pleased to see so many friends, both old and new, with us today. Unfortunately, owing to illness and other unforseen circumstances, our Re-union whs not held last year, 'Which was regrettable, and we all hope that it will not happen again. I am sure we 'National Reserve women deem it an honour, as well as a pleasure, to meet and entertain, mothers and wives of returned soldiers, not forgetting their sisters and other relatives. We were requested by Women’s National Reserve, Wellington, to try and hold these functions yearly, and so keep in touch with each other ; as long as a mother or a wife of our returned soldiers are alive. These National Reserve women from our Capital City are a fine body of workers, and are always doing something to lighten the burdens of life for those less fortunately situated. The following are just a few of their doings, which are far-reaching: Classes were held for teaching cooking, home nursing, and a band pf girls and women were enrolled, who were willing to take a position in a homo where a mother was hard pressed, and had difficulty in securing help. They are definitely intent on elevating the work of household help to its true plane of dignity and importance. ‘Violet Day’ is an annual institution that is the only call our Te Awamutu branch has had. We responded with a fine collection of flowers, and though Te Awamutu is a small place, word came that its contribution was second to none. This year another big Case of flowers and holly was forwarded. So far no returns for 1922 have come. I should like to thank heartily Mesdame® Andrew, Wallace, Bockett, Dawison, A. Henderson, Hutt, Kirkham, and Peate ; Misses Bockett ■and Hutt for contributions of flowers. In 1921 “ Violet Day ” realised over £4OO. This fund is for the upkeep of the Residential Nursery in’ Wellington, now in use for some time. They started with five cots, and, speaking from memory, I believe they now have twenty-seven. Trained nurses are in charge. Children from all over the North Island are eligiLlfe for admittance. The idea ls that when a mother has to go into hospital to take charge of her child for a fortnight or month if necessary, and ,-o relieve her of an anxiety, and so help towards her quick recovery. A reasonable charge is made, which is based on the income of the Tathbr, soeciaHlarrangemeutS being '-njade for returned soldiers’ children. The Women's,-National Reserve approached the'Government, and obtained leave 'to design and have struck .mothers' dhd wives’ badges, which.are the only offipai. nnes in New Zealnd. Onlv ti e bare cost of production is charged. I sincerely hope that you all will enjoy this afternoon so much that you will all return to our next Re-union.”

Mayor’s Address. The Mayor added that though the original idea prompting the formation of the Women’s National Reserve had vanished, it was apparent that they had ether fields of usefulness to exploit. The magaifiec i; work which they had accomplished during the war period was recognised by all and by the soldiers, their relatives and the.* general public held in grateful remembrance. He particularly commended the work being carried on in Wellington under the auspices of the Women’s National Reserve, of which Mrs Colonel Porter honorary organiser. Such hospitals as those inaugurated for the care of the children were much needed, and it spoke volumes for the Women’s National Reserve that such an institution had been established, and that under its auspices the beneficial scheme was expanding, much to the satisfaction of all concerned. He realised that a wide field existed for their activities in such work, and in commending their "enterprise, wished them every success.

Music and Competitions.

Thereafter afternoon tea and dain r ty refreshments were partaken of, being followed by music and competitions. Mrs Hooper opened with a pianoforte solo valze by Chopin, and was followed by Mrs J. Oliphant, who sang “ Sometimes in Summer ” and “Songs For You.” Mrs L. G. Armstrong rendered “The Cradle Song,” Mrs A. Bach “ Waiata Poi,” “ E Moe Te Ra,” and “I lost my Heart in Maoriland,” Mrs Wilson, ‘Violets,” and Mrs 'H. B. Walker, “ Summer,” “Iu my Kitchen” and “Wait.” Mrs T. D. Thomas and Miss Ahier played ihe accompaniments. During the afternoon a number of competitions'were held, with the fol-

lowing results:— Competition, open to all comers: Miss Bockett’s tray cloth, won by Miss Rene Andrew; while the second prize, a basket of whaeatmeal, donated by Mrs I. Owsely, was secured by Mrs P. W. Peate. .Guessing the number of beans in a bottle.. the competition being open to ;Wivos, mothers, and sisters of returned soldiers : The first prize, a tray made by a returned soldier, went to Mr's Hall and the second trophy, a tin of home-made potted meat, given by Mrs Owsley, was won by Mrs Bond. Weight of basket of lemons:Mrs F. Quin won the first prize, a picture donated by Mrs Taylor, while Mrs JO’Sullivan secured second and was ' awarded the basket and the lemons, also provided by Mrs Taylor. Number of peas in a bottle: Mrs Skinner won the first prize (a tea cosey donated byV Mrs Armstrong), and Mrs Kerr the second prize (a glass dish presented by Mrs Taylor). Altogether a most happy Re-union was spent, and members will ba able to look back to their 1922 gathering with pleasant recollections. That many similar social re-unions will be held is their fervent wish. Great credit is due to the President (Mrs Wm. Taylor) and the secretary (Mrs A. Young) for the excellence of the arrangements, a feiri which eiir.:v:S. a successful function.