W.W.S.A.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 290, 2 April 1941, Page 5

W.W.S.A.

FIRST AID CLASSES LADIES ENTHUSIASTIC The local branch of the Women'? War Scrviec Auxiliary has enlisted, the aid of the St. John Ambulance Association, end last night over 70 ladies were present at the Council Chambers to receive instruction in First Aid. The St. John Association has for some time been holding classes, but with the formation of the Women's Auxiliary it was asked to cope with many more trainee's

Last night the President, Mr A. J. Canning, was in attendance and briefly addressed the ladies. He referred to their suggestion that they be given tuition but not asked to take an examination. Mr Canning stated that there had been some conflict of instructions regarding this procedure from the central authorities, the most recent information being from the Auckland Centre, which stated that unless ladies were willing to qualify then it Avas not worth the time in taking the classes.

However, Mr Canning stated that he and his committee wished to do all possible to assist the Auxiliary and would take it upon themselves to give the assistance asked. Ther«s would be, lie added, some difficulty in handling the country areas although Dr Marka, and Mr Carting had agreed to take charge of those districts, while Mrs Annstrong concentrated on the toAvn.

However, it was hoped to some' how overcome the travelling difficulty and Mr Canning assured the ladies that every endeavour would be made to give them the best training possible.

MEETING AT EDGECUMBE

A meeting attended by representatives of Edgecumbe and surrounding districts was held in the Edgecumbe Hall on Thursday. Mrs W. b Gow presided and after explaining the purpose of the meeting, introduced Mrs K. Armstrong, Chairwoman of the W.W.S.A. district committee. Mrs Armstrong detailed the objects of the W.W.S.A. which em braces all types of Avork which avomen might be called upon to perform in an emergency. First Aid and physical culture courses are es* sential. Mr C. H. Brebner addressed the meeting oil behalf of the Hom,i Guard, expressing that body's Avillingness to help the Auxiliary by sending instructors for drill and marching. After some discussion it Avas resolA'ed to form a sub-branch in i'dgecumbe. An energetic committee Avas elected comprising Mrs W. B. Gow (president), Mrs Grey, Mrs Cowie, Mrs Butler, Mrs: Le Lievrc and Mrs Snelling. This committee to be augmented by two members from Thornton, AAvakeri and Otalari if those centres decide to join ihe Edgecumbe sub-centre.

The following ladies offered their services as physical culture instructors : Miss Plaice, Miss Ratliff, Miss M. Gow, Miss M, Goldsmith, Miss J. Law, Miss M. Simpson and Miss Le Lievre. Votes of thanks were massed to Mrs Armstrong and Mr Brebner for their helpful addresses.

The newly formed Edgecumbe subcentre of the W.W.S.A, will hold its first meeting to-night.