NATIONAL CANDIDATE ADDRESSES WOMEN

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 September 1946, Page 9

NATIONAL CANDIDATE ADDRESSES WOMEN

AFTERNOON FUNCTION “Women have a far greater knowledge than men of the shortages which wo are putting up with to-day," said Mr. E. W. Merewether, National Party candidate for Wanganui, when referring to the import restrictions at a gathering of a large number of women members of the Wanganui branch of the New Zealand National Partv at a social afternoon held yesterday in Dustin's Reception Room. Mr. Merewether, who was introduced by the president of the women’s division, Miss E. Newton, dealt with many matters exercising the attention of the people of New Zealand to-day. Shortages of essentials, secondary industries, import restrictions (which were not a war measure but imposed in 1938 k the housing problem. and taxation were some of the matters dealt with. Taxation, Mr. Merewether said, was crippling the country. Although the war had ceased over 12 months ago, we were faced with more taxation than ever before. Mr. Merewether referred also to the overloading of Government departments, and gave as

an instance the Prime Minister’s Department, which had a staff of six in 1935 and 150 in 1946. He referred Io the terrific increase in the debt of the country, the mismanagement in State industries, and the overriding of judicial decisions, mentioning the recent case of the Land Sales Cc/mmittee discussed in the House. Mr. Merewether urged his listeners to take serious thought between now and the election, to choose between Socialism, which meant the supremacy of the State, with the people as

servants of the State, and individual freedom. He paid a tribute to Miss Newton for the stand she had taken over the education question. Mr. A. C. Seivewright, organising secretary, also spoke.

Miss Newton thanked the speakers and those who had contributed to the enjoyable programme, also Mrs. T. Hine, for carrying on the work of the women's committee during the past few months.

Opportunity was taken to congratulate Mrs. I. Cameron, who attains her 82nd birthday cn Friday, and she was presented with a posy by Miss Newton, who spoke of her work for the National Party. Mrs. A. Paul endorsed the president’s remarks, and Mrs. Cameron suitably replied. Enjoyable elocutionary items were given by Mrs. Alan Brown, violin solos by Mr. W. McCaul, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. McCaul, and songs by Mrs. Al hoi Pearce, with Miss Newton as accompanist. Afternoon tea was served.

NURSED IN TWO WARS

POPULAR MATRON MARRIED The wedding took place quietly at St. Jude's Church, Lyall Bay. On Saturday afternoon of Miss E. M. Lewis, R.R.C., of Wellington, former matron of the hospital ship Maunganui, and Mr. William George Rudd, of "Benopai" Station, Marlborough. The bride served overseas with the R..N.Z A.N.S. during both World Wars, and for the intervening 20 years was matron of the Blenheim Public Hospital, of which Mr. Rudd is a board member. The Rev. J. A. Jermyn officiated at the ceremony, and Mr. E. J. Carter ga »e the bride away. Miss Lewis chose a frock and coat ensemble in a becoming shade of opal green for her wedding, and a small matching hat trimmed with ostrich tips to tone. She wore a corsage spray of orheids and a deep red rose, and carried an ivory-covered prayer book. She was attended by her niece, Mrs. G. W. Burtt, as matron of honour, wearing a navy and white ensemble with hat. to match. Her flowers were in blue and cream tones. Captain C. A. Eckford attended the bridegroom.

A reception, which was altended by about 70 guests, was held at. the Hotel Waterloo, those present including relatives. close friends and representatives of the medical and nursing professions.