HOME HELP

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23976, 17 June 1943, Page 2

HOME HELP

RECOMMENDATIONS TO . MINISTER For many years, prominent men and women in Christchurch have formulated plans for providing household, help for mothers and in homes where there is illness. As long ago as 1918 Dr. A. B. O'Brien drew up a scheme by which overworked women might be given help, and at intervals since then the problem has been tackled by many thoughtful and experienced persons, But the position has not improved and now, under war conditions, many women, especially those in the country, are suffering from strain and overwork and are unable to obtain help. At the annual meeting of the Homo Service Association, held some weeks ago, the position was discussed, and it was decided to write to the Minister of Health, the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, asking him to consider the association's proposal to convene a meeting of representatives of women’s organisations to formulate a Government scheme to provide domestic help in homes, especially where there are young children and where the need of help is great. Yesterday afternoon, at a meeting convened by the Home Service Association. and attended by representatives of 15 women’s organisations, both town and country, the Minister’s reply was considered. The meeting was held in the City Council Chambers, and the Mayoress, Miss E. Couzins, presided. The Minister, in his letter, expressed his willingness to convene a meeting of representatives of women’s organisations, as was suggested by the Home Service Association. The meeting yesterday discussed the many plans drawn up in recent years for the provision of household help, and combined the salient features to form what was described as an up-to-date and workable scheme. It was decided that the meeting form itself into a committee to be called- the National Help Committee; and the following resolution was carried—“ That this meeting, convened by the Home Service Association, strongly urges the Minister of Health to call a Dominion conference without delay to' consider the very urgent necessity of proyiding help for mothers with small children and for old persons and in other cases of urgent need; that this form of service be on a national basis; and that those who enlist in this service be given the status of public servants under the Department of Health.”

ENGAGEMENTS The engagement is announced of Mary Avina (Marie), second daughter of Mrs M. Yeoman. Christchurch, to Edward Robert, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs W. R. Dunn, Hikurangi. North Auckland. The engagement is announced of Betty Alice, eldest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr G. Brand. "Holmwood,” Beach road, Ashburton, and Ronald Mclntyre, only son of Mr and Mrs J. F. Banks, Hororata.