HITHER AND THITHER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 39, 17 February 1943, Page 2

HITHER AND THITHER

Air Force Relations Committee Meeting. A committee meeting of Air Force Relations was held in the A.F.R. Rooms on Monday afternoon. Mrs. C. R. White was in the chair. Further arrangements were made for the forthcoming annual appeal and market. Mrs. White reported that most of the women’s organisations had consented to collect at stree corners, and many women, though not members of A.F.R., had signified their willingness to assist in the house-to-house canvass, and the committee members were most grateful to these helpers. A permit was received from the secretary of the City Potriotic Committee granting permission to hold a market extending over three days. A letter was received from Mr. I. Newton, of the Technical College, that the school would send a contribution as had been done in the past. Mrs. Strauchon, of Waverley, had sent word that the W.D.F.U. and Waverley Citizens’ Sewing Committee were holding a function in aid of the Wanganui Air Force Relations annual effort and their donation to the effort would be the sum of £25. It was stated that on account of rationing it was felt that the market would not be on such a large scale as previously, and it was decided there would be no official opening ceremony, and that the market would open at 10 a.m. Final arrangements for the election of three committee members, to be held at the March meeting, were left in the hands of Mrs. A. D. Brodie (secretary) and Mrs. C. R. White (vice-president). Members were reminded that the closing da‘e for the nominations was February 22.

Kangataua Women’s Institute. The monthly meeting of the Rangataua W.I. was held in the Town Hall on February 11, with Mrs. Slater presiding over a fair attendance of members. The motto was given by Mrs. Guscott. The roll call for the day was “The most amusing incident which occurred during the holidays,” and this proved very entertaining. A competition, the best bloom from member’s own garden was won by Mrs. Slater, while Mesdames George and D. Mills tied for second place. An amusing competition was arranged by Mrs. Eades, and this was won by Mrs. D. Mills. After business matters had been dealt with the meeting adjburned for afternoon tea, which was dispensed by Mesdames Mitchell, Shields and Whishaw. On resumption, Mrs. Eades proceeded with a most interesting demonstration on the making of brooches and beads from new bread mixed with colouring, and was accorded a hearty «vole of thanks. The meeting closed with the singing of the “Institute Hymn.”

Mothers’ Helpers* Society Mrs. A. H. Mac Lean presided over the meeting of the Mothers’ Helpers’ Society held in the Victoria League rooms last Friday. Others present were Mesdames T. Latham (secretary), C. S. Ryan (treasurer), C. R. White, E. Allan. C. A. Piper, H. L. Williams, Beck, G. Nelson, and F. C. Fant ham. Mrs. Mac Lean welcomed all back after the holidays. A report of the month’s work was given byMrs. Ryan, who was acting as secretary during Mrs. Latham’s absence. Mrs. Piper was appointed to represent the society on the National Council of Women if at. any time Mrs. Ryan could not attend. Mesdames Ryan and Fantham were thanked for preparing a comprehensive report and balance-sheet, to be forwarded to Wellington with an application for a grant from the McCarthy Trust. Members of the Mothers’ Helpers offered to collect at the post ottice corner for the Air Force Relations appeal. A vote of thanks was passed to the Plunket Society for the use of the collecting tins for the Mothers’ Helpers’ appeal and it was decided to send along a small donation in appreciation. Mrs. Mac Lean thanked all who had helped to make the street day appeal such a success. An amount of just over £7O was raised. A letter of thanks had been forwarded to the management of each newspaper for the publicity given to the appeal. It was emphasised that anyone desiring help must apply to the secretary of . the society and not direct to the housekeepers

themselves. It was stated that the need for housekeepers to help young mothers, especially those in indigent circumstances,' Is very great, but the society is unable to fulfil all calls owing to the lack of funds.

WESTBOURNE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE TALK BY PRIVATE MARY CROOM One of the features at the February meeting of the Westbourne (Castlecliff) Women’s Institute, held in St. Luke’s Hall yesterday afternoon, was a talk given by Private Mary Croom, who recently returned from the Middle East. She was welcomed and introduced by the president, Mrs. F. H. Uttley, who presided and welcomed visitors and representatives of sister institutes.

Miss Croom expressed her pleasure at being present and, in referring to the very wet weather experienced yesterday, said it was seldom they had a shower of rain where she was stationed in the Middle East. She gave a graphic description of the voyage from New Zealand, the rough crossing of the Tasman, the various ports of call, then the end of the journey, where the girls were drafted to the different hospitals for their work as voluntary aids. The New Zealand hospital she went to was mostly under canvas at that time. The girls found that the uniforms issued to them were too heavy for the hot climate and they were given white uniforms for the hospital and lighter weight khaki outfits. For recreation there were clubs, a swimming pool and a skating rink. Miss Croom said the fellowship among the New Zealand officers and men is outstanding and added that New Zealand people over there are like that—just like one large family. The spirit of the boys was wonderful and they do appreciate anything that is done for them. “You have perhaps heard criticism that Egypt is no place for girls, but she had found that the boys from this country appreciated having the New Zealand gltls nursing them and looking after them.” The boys don’t like talking about their experiences, she said, but like to be kept cheerful. She saw Dr. Kenrick Christie, of Wanganui. He was doing a great job of work over there. He has a great sense of humour which is appreciated by the boys. In telling her audience how the New Zealanders remember their people and love talking of the members of their family, Miss Croom said. “Do, when writing to them, tell them the cheerful things and not about things you have to do without because of the war. The troubles here seem such trifling things compared to what they have to experience.” She urged that they do all they could to keep up the spirit of the boys when they come home. A descriotion of the hospitals, their surroundings, and the olive trees was givfn, and the hospitality extended to 'the men of the services and the

girls working over there. Miss Croom said it was a great experience meeting other people of the Allied Nations. Men of other countries expressed surprise at the great friendship between the Maoris and other New Zealand boys and the way they get on so well together. Mrs. Uttley thanked the speaker and presented her with a lovely bouquet of autumn flowers. Mrs. E. Allan, secretary, read the minutes and correspondence. Several members volunteered to assist with the morning tea at the W.I. School of Procedure to be held next week. Nominations were called for the office of president and officials for the federation’s annual meeting and Mrs. Stillborn was nominated from the Westbourne Women's Institute as president and Mrs. F. H. Uttlev for the committee. A letter of thanks was read from a local soldier overseas, who had received a parcel from the institute. He wrote that the parcel reached him while he was in hospital and the contents were greatly appreciated. Mrs. Hickman (knitting convener) reported that since last meeting the garments made were seven pullovers, nine balaclavas and 13 pairs of mittens.

Mrs. E. Butler entertained with songs and Mrs. C. J. Shaw gave a demonstration on the making of floral brooches from new bread, which wax keenly watched by the audience. The contributors to the programme were thanked and presented with sprays. Mrs. M. J. .Rush judged the competitions which were won as follows: Plum jam, Mrs. Woodley 1; best bloom from the garden, Mrs. W. Stewart 1. Mrs. Uttley warmly thanked the committee and members for their help during the past months.