WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16166, 21 March 1918, Page 2

WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE.

BADGES FOR SOLDIEPS* WIVES AND MOTHERS. v An interesting ceremony .tool? placo in the Choral Hall yesterday afternoon, when tho wives and mothers of Christchurch soldiers were presented with the war badges which have been issued to them bv the Women's National Reserve. The Countess of Liverpool was present, and also on the platform wero the Mayor (Mr H. Holland) and Mrs Holland, Mrs William Wood (president Women's National Reserve), and Mr j Geo. Harper. The body of the hall was ! filled with the soldiers' wives and ! mothers, while the gallery was packed ■ with spectators, mostly women. 1 The Mayor 'said that the heroism shown by the women in the war was boyond all praise. Without this spirit it would be impossible for tho war to bo won. The present gathering had ben arranged as "a tribute to the wives and mothers of soldiers, and also for the purpose of presenting them with tho badges. He honed the recipients would wear the badges with credit, honour, and pride. Proceeding. Mr Holland said that the mothers of 6ome distinguished soldiers were in the gathering. Numbered amongst them was the mother of a Victoria Cross winner, while another lady present had no less than seven sons serving at tho front. Ho referred to the interest taken by tho Countess of Liverpool in patriotic work in New Zealand, and said that no one deserved more credit than she did. (Applause). In conclusion, Mr Holland spoke highly of the Women's National Reserve, which, he said, hafl done many kind and chcerful acts, and had brought sunshine into many homes. The Countess of Liverpool also briefly addressed the gathering. Her Excellency said she was proud to be present, and to see so many of the womenfolf of brave men who had gone to fight for the Empire. Tho names of the mothers and wives were then read out by Mr Geo. Harper, and Mrs William handed the badges to the Counters of Liverpool, who presented them to _ the recipients. The first mother to receive her badge was Mrs Nicholas,' mother of the Christchurch Y.C., and after her came Mrs Foster, who has seven sons at the front, and Mrs Burt, whoso five sons are also on active service. Tho audience heartily applauded these ladies, and as a tribute to. them stood while they were, receiving their badges. The organisation of the affair_ had been very" eaoably undertaken, with a result that there" were no delays, and the function was a short one. The badges, both for mothers and wives, arc of silver, but distinct in design. those for the mothers being circular in shape, and having emravpd on them two fern leaves, a shield bearin" the letters N.Z.. a evown, ind tho words "Mothers of Empire,''' while those issued to tho wives are In the ?orm of a rinr. bearing a crown, and on it tho words "Wives of New Zeai land."