MORE INTEREST SHOWN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 171, 22 October 1941, Page 5

MORE INTEREST SHOWN

PLUNKET SOCIETY AFFAIRS

BRANCH TO CARRY ON The determined effort of those few remaining active executive members of the local branch of the Plunket Society to stimulate the practically defunct interest in Whakatane was well rewarded when yesterday afternoon about 60 ladies met at the Parish Haill. The town had been circularised to the effect that the branch was threatened wiith collapse and at least, when apologies for absence were added, it was encouraging- to find' that approximately one hundred were determined to keep the good work going. It was notable, however, that of the number present, not more than half were women who avail themselves of the services of the nurse and, considering that the number of mothers on the nurse's roll is 180, it is evident that there are many yet to be made more interested in the work. With a strong committee formed and difficulties well aired, doubtless those others will soon be converted into members who not only avail themselves of the advantages of the Society, but also will undertake their share of the responsibility of maintaining the valuable organisation. Difficulties Explained In opening the meeting the president, Mrs C. C. Soutliey, reviewed the financial position quickly dispelling any impression there may have been that the Society was fully supported by the State. Of the £500 turnover of a year only £120 was received from the State by way of subsidy with approximately a similar amount to be received from district quotas. Thus to keep the finances in anything approaching a satisfactory position the local executive had to find £250. Unfair Criticism At the conclusion of the last financial year the position had been desperate a £50 credit balance having been absorbed and a debit shown. The few remaining executive member who made a special effort to raise funds came in for some unfavourable criticism for so doing. This had been most unfair as those working were doing so for the special benefit of younger mothers. The criticism had followed the holding of a house-to-house canvass, which was instituted when the total required was not obtained from U garden party and a street collection. However, the finances had been reestablished. Few Members Financial At this juncture the president remarked on the low percentage of financial members pointing out that of 180 on the roll only 41 Avere financial for this year. It was also pointed out that the subscription of 5/- "was an annual obligation and not a full time membership fee. Donations could be made in addition if desired and would be welcomed. "Sir Truby King wished the fee to be as low as possible so that membership Avould be within reach of all," remarked Mrs Southey. Six Month's Working The president continued to read a statement of receipts and expenditure for the first six months of the current year, this revealing a debit balance of £1 19s sd. She also presented the estimated receipts and expenditure for the ensuing half year as follows: — Expenditure: Salary £132; Cleaning £8; Karitane £6 2s; Rangitaiki travelling £7 10s; Sundries £8; Superannuation £6; Telephone £3 10s. £186 2s. Receipts: Head Office Subsidy £62, Quotas —Opotiki £18; Taneatua £9. £89. Committee Elected At the conclusion of Mrs Southey's address, and following a motion being carried to maintain the branch,; the following executive committee was electedi Mesdames C. C. Southey, Zinsli, S. S. Shapley, Cairns, L. W. Luxton, C. Kingsley-Smith (existing committee) Dixon, Dockray, A. Bridger, R. Morpeth, C. Wallace, C. G. Good, Kendall, Riddell, C. G. Caislcy, N. Fisher, L. Raynor, J. Partridge, T'imbs and Runciman. Fund Raising Suggestions Several suggestions of ways and means of raising funds and ensuring the collection of members subscriptions* were made and discussed, the meeting striking an enthusiastic note, and all present undertook to further the interests of the branch to the best of their ability.