WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2612, 6 November 1915, Page 13

WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE

SIDE ISSUES

PRACTICAL WORK FOR

MEBIBERS

A meeting of tlie members of the Women's National Reserve was,held, in the Y.M.C.A. Buildings last evening, and was presided over by the honorary president, Mrs. Luke. There was a very large attendance, and among those who were present was Mrs. W. F. Massey, ono of the vice-presidents. The meeting had been called for tho purpose of setting liefore members something of what had been achieved in the way of organising for its own special work, and 1 also chiefly'to deal with several side issues that had arisen. To the first class belonged tho taking of the census of women preparatory to their replacement of Jnen in various occupations when tliat should be necessary. That, however, would not be necessary for some considerable time, as in tho first place vacant positions would, where possible, bo filled by married men, and secondly by disabled soldiers. When that supply gave out then would come the turn of the women.

Dr. Platts-Mills,_ president, in her opening speech, said that the Women's National Reserve had been orgauised in tho beginning of August, and that organisation had been due to the enthusiasm of Mrs. Porter. The reserve was extremely grateful for the great assistance it had received from the Men's National Reserve, who had rented a room for three months for their (the women's) use, and had done much to assist them in other ways. Later on, when it was "decided that as much publicity as possible should be given to the work, the Women's Reserve had approached the Postmaster-General (Sir Joseph Ward) and Mr. Hiley, the General Manager of Railways, who gave them permission to have .posters placed in the post offices and tlio railway stations drawing attention to the work, its; ainiß and objects. These posters were displayed all over the country, and through tho kindness and courtesy of Mr. W. B. Morris, and the postal officers, enrolling cards and posters woro sent to all the post offices throughout the Wellington military area. The Wanganui Branch of the Reserve was brought into being entirely through these agencies. :The next thing that was accomplished : was the interviewing of the Government to ask its intentions in regard to registration, and where women stood in the •matter. The Government, as represented by the Hon. the Prime Minister and the Hon. G. W. Russell, advised the deputation to keep the organisation together, as they believed it would be of great value later on, especially in assisting to register- women_ throughout the Dominion when that time came. Tho Minister, Mr. Russell, advised the reserve to occupy themselves with some work that,, although not exactly that for which they existed, yet would be of inestimable, value to the country. He outlined certain schemes which included, among other things, that of getting personally acquainted with soldiers who came down from the country districts. It w as with the idea of carrying out this suggestitm, and of, at the samo time, providing some temporary work that the committee decided to b'ring forward certain proposals at this meeting. With regard to tho Welcome League, it was proposed to g establish it as a branch of the Women's National Reserve; further, it was proposed that members might occupy themselves with sewing for the hospitals. It was fully understood, however, that such work was merely a side issue, and not the actual work of the league.

Miss Ward, the hon. secretary of tho league, gave a. detailed account of what had been accomplished.since the'leaguc's inception. There had been the work which women had undertaken to do in the Defence Department, and the Government had so highly appreciated the work _ that they had asked the reserve tliat it should enable the same help to bo given throughout the Dominion. The reserve was therefore organising branches and bands of voluntary helpers in all districts where oxcessive clerical work was caused by the war. The reserve had also supplied twelvo paid workers from amongst its members. Work for the hospital ship had 1 been done by tho Wadestown branch, with Mrs. Willis as president. It had also contributed money. The Dannevirke branch, o£ which Mrs. Norman Gurr was president, had sent in monetary contributions, and Mrs. Gurr bad been the means of forming a branch in Palmorston North. In Johnsonville, Mrs. Bethune was tho president of the Women's branch of tho reserve, aud ill Hataitai Airs. Seville. Miss Ward also mentioned various other branches which had been formed. In Nelson menibers were working in the hop fields, and were being paid at the rate of 7sd. per hour, and would continue to work during the summer. The A.M.P. Tas prepared to employ, members of the reserve in Its office.

A resolution was proposed by Mrs. Seville to the effect that a sub-commit-tee be set up for tho Welcome League, with the object of caring for the welfare and interests of all soldiers nho com© to Wellington for training or for those who return from tho war. The idea was to get into personal touch with them, one means of doing so being by. writing _ to the Mayors of every township, giving him the address (for the soldiers) of the Women's National Reserve, and he to give in return tho names;of tho soldiers who left his town. By doing this 1 members would be enabled to get into touch with the soldiers from the country districts. A suggestion was put forward later that a) second soldiers' room be opened in the neighbourhood .of Oourtenay Place or of Lambton Quay, where possible. As a result, of this resolution a suTv-committee was set up to arrange details and to meet the executive if the soTtfiers' room.

Another suggestion was that each committee find out the .names of (ill soldiers' dependents in their ,districts, and where necessary and acceptable give personal service and friendship. At the earnest request of several members it was decided that ihe v/iimen of New Zealand be asked 'o endow a cot in tho Edith Cavoll Hospital as a memorial to one who stood as a type of all the brave wornon who aro giving their lives for their country. This was unanimously carried, and all present decided to work for this purpose. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Mayoress for presiding.