WORK FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2695, 15 February 1916, Page 3

WORK FOR SOLDIERS

COUNTESS OF LIVERPOOL FUND

ANNUAL MEETING

flie first annual general meeting of the Mayoress's Countess of Liverpool Fund Committee and subscribers was held in the Mayor's Room of the Town Hall last evening. The Mayoress (Mrs. <f. i'. Luke) presided.

In opening the meeting Mrs. Luke remarked that all present knew what luid been done during the first six months when the committee was part aud parcel of tho Executive Fund Committee. This was not a right position either for the committee or for anyone concerned, that it- should be dependent on the executive for all the work it had to do, and tho position being explained to Her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool she' graciously decided 'to give a portion of the funds to the committee to operate upon. A grant was at first made of and this was followed later by another of £700, making a total of £900. The Mayoress's. Committee was then formed aud that evening its first annual meeting was being held. From the appearance of things slie wa-s very much afraid that there might yet be another. Although where so many had helped it was difficult to specialise in the way of thanks she would like specially to thank the Singer Sewing Machine Company fox- their most , generous help. When work for the soldiers was first commenced tho company lent six machines ; later, four -_iore were added, and later still two more, and at tho samo time the company told them that the machines could be kept till tliere was no longer any necessity to carry on tho work. The Wertheim Company had been very kind when, in tho early days of tlie war, it had lent tho committee some machines for a short time. Another kind friend to whom they were much indebted was Mr. Alec. Newton, the manager of tlie Caledonia- Soap and Candlo Works, at Ivaiwarra, who was responsible for large and frequent donations of soap for the'men at tlie front.

Special thanks were also due to those ladies who had continuously supplemented, every time that troopships were leaving New Zealand, the committee's donations of cake for the mcu on board. These ladies were: Mrs. Walter Nathan, Mrs. Louis Bluudell, Mrs. Moorhouse, Miss Joseph, and Hiss Ccates. It might be a matter of surprise to learn that through their instrumentality every ship that left with a large number of Reinforcements took away for their use a hundredweight of calce given by Mrs. Nathan and Miss Joseph, and more than a hundredweight given by the others. For assistance in the making of tlio leather waistcoats the committee was much indebted to tho services of Mr. W. Tripe and Mi\.;:Barraud, and it was also very _gratef Kt-:o Mr. A. Crawford, who, during the first six months of the committee's existonce had given most valuable help. The committee had his assurance that should it want him at any time he would be ready to again assist, Tho committee was also very grateful to the firm of Joseph Nathan and Co., Ltd., who had sent a large quantity of butter to the men on board tho' I'yramus. Unluckily the tins in which the butter was packed had not been soldered down, t,nd in consequence the butter had melted away. Upon hearing that, the lirui had very generously decided to replace tho gift. The Glaxo which had been sent had been greatly appreciated by the sailors, and so the committee was sending another supply with the butter. Ihe services of Mrs. Dymock, who had been an indefatigable worker, wero much appreciated, and the committee was extremely sorry to lose her in the capacity in which she had helped for so long. Mrs. Findla.v is taking over the work she had dropped. Mrs. Luke spoke warmly of the work which had been carried out by Mrs. A. Crawford, their honorary secretary. For the past twelve months, with but very brief absences, she had worked most strenuously, and she hoped that, the holiday which awaited her would bi; of great benefit. Special thanks were also due to the country people, from whom tlio committee had received splendid help. There was not a thing that tlioy had been asked for which they had - not responded to, not only tho large towns, hut the small one's and the country districts as well. The Wellington suburbs had also done fine work. Mrs. Luke added that she was grateful for the kindly way in which she had been treated by, the committee, and «he was grateful to all who had helped during the past twelve months.

As everyone present had mado themselves acquainted with the annual report, which has been published, Mrs. A. Crawford ditl not read it, but contented herself with reading the receipts and payments presented in the balancesheet. She also briefly thanked Mrs. Luke for her appreciative remarks as to her work.

Mrs. AV. Nathan proposed that tlie balance-sheet and report be accepted by the meeting. Mrs. Fitchetfc seconded the adoption, and Mrs. M. Myers made appreciative references to the strenuous work 'which had been performed by the Mayoress during the war, and hoped that sho would, take a well-deserved rest.

In reply, Mrs. Luke said that while is was a matter of love to the committee to work for the comfort of the soldiers, nor any the less a matter of love for her, it was also a matter of duty. She must be on the spot. While she was away in Christchurch for the conference next week, Mrs. W. Nathan (vice-president), Mrs. Crawford, and Mrs. Findlay would be in charge of affairs in connection with the fund. She was very grateful to all who had cut out, sewn, and in any way helped with the work, and also to the members of the Returned Soldiers' Reception Committee.

An apology was received from Mrs. W. P. Massey. Her Excellency _ the Countess of Liverpool would have lilted to have been preec-nt, but was unable. However, she would preside over_ tlio conference of the Countess of Liverpool Fund Committee representatives which was to be held nest month.