RETURNED SOLDIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 86, 13 April 1940, Page 10

RETURNED SOLDIERS

ANZAC DAY TEA AR RAN GEM ENTS A LTERED Representatives of women's organi isations attended a meeting called [ yesterday for the purpose or discussj ing arrangements lor entertaining the ’ returned soldiers at afternoon tea iol- ! lowing the Anzac Day service. Mrs. ,J. J. Scott, in the absense through • sickness of the Mayoress (Mrs. W. J. Rogers), presided and explained the reason for the meeting. The opinion had been expressed that, during the war, the tea should be discontinued and later reorganised under new arrangements. Mrs. C. R. White, secretary of the Mayoress’ Anzac Day Committee, spoke on the matter, saying that a letter had been sent to the various women’s organisations re the matter. After discussion, it was decided to hold the Anzac tea in the Victoria Hall for the returned soldiers only, as this gives them a chance of meeting together tor a social hour. Speaking on the question, the Mayor CMr. W. J. Rogers) said he thought it was an excellent idea. The function had grown out of all proportion and the helpers felt it was getting a very great burden. It was a pity to disappoint the soldiers and as the tea was just for returned soldiers on parade, they would be given a ticket for the gathering. It was found difficult to handle the function at the Drill Hall and if the ladies would consider it on the new basis the council will be grateful. In the light of present arrangements it was thought advisable to make the alteration, said Mr. Rogers, and he assured the ladies the full co-operation of the council. Instead of separate tables for the organisations it was unanimously agreed that the ” community tables was a better idea and this was decided upon, a floral committee was I appointed, comprising Mesdames Douglas Earle, Wagstaff, A. McPhail and J. Shanks. I It was also decided that the coun- | cillors’ wives, with two helpers—and Ino more—from each organisation be appointed to assist.at the tables, and passes to be issued only to those appointed helpers. Organisations assisting the Mayoress and councillors’ wives are the Townswomen’s Guild, National Party (women’s branch), W.D.F.U., Women’s Institutes, Labour Party (women’s branch), St. Vincent de Paul, Victoria League, Plunket Society, Y.W.C.A., W.C.T.U., and Women’s Co-op. Guild. Arrangements were finalised and a vote of thanks passed to the chair.