SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 68, 14 December 1918, Page 4

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

For Influenza Sufferers. The organisers of the garden aale which wvs held in the grounds of Mr. Adams's residence yesterday afternoon felt themselves exceedingly fortunate when, contrary to all the expectations of the weather-wise on the previous evening, the day turned out to be fine, the afternoon being particularly delightful. A large number of people attended and found much to tempt them, stalls having been placed on the tennis lawn for the sale of needlework of all kinds, most delicious looking cakes, sweets, flowers, produce, toys, and a large number of Christmas stockings which met with, a ready sale, as did practically everything Tables for afternoon tea and strawberries and cream were set outside, and as all the arrangements had teen made for an outdoor sale the organisers had every reason to consider themselves particularly fbrtunate that the weather smiled upon their enterprise, which was for the benefit of influenza victims. The sale was opened by Her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool. As a result of the afternoon a sum of over .£162 was rafted, the whole of which will be handed over to the fund for which the sale was held, all expenses being met privately. The organisers were The Terraces' lied Cross Workers, under Mrs. Adams, with the assistance of Thorndon Red Cross workers, and members of the Hobson Street organisation, who contributed articles for sale. Workers in connection with the epidemic also gave assistance. Among those who were present was the Mayoress, Mrs. J. P. Luke.,

Protection of Women and Children. A meeting of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children was held yesterday. Lady Stout presided, and Mesdames A. R. Atkinson, Kirkcaldie, Chapman, Ponsonby, and A. Hoby were also present. Accounts amounting to .£3Blos. 6d. were passed for payment, and a number of cases were reported upon. The following resolution, proposed by Mrs. A. R. Atkinson and seconded by Mrs. Kirkcoldie, was passed:—"That (his society protests emphatically against the establishment of reformatories for young girls under the Justice and Prisons Department, and urges that they should remain as heretofore, under the care of the Education Department." On the motion of Mrs. Atkinson, seconded by Mi's. Chapman, the following was carried:— "The S.P.W. and C. observes with pleasure the trend of public opinion in favour of making suitable and adequate provision for'all needy children, without differentiation in favour of those orphaned by the epidemic. During the past year the society dealt with 143 children, many of whom were in circumstances as painful and distressing as any recently disclosed. No money should bo grudged and no effort should be 6pared to ensure for all children a good upbringing in decent, thrifty comfort. (2) That in consideration of the liigh cost of living and the extreme value of child life, this society begs the Government to formulato and carry out as soon as possible a scheme whereby, say, ss. weekly shall be paid to the mother for each surviving child after the first up to the age of fourteen years, if tho average 'weekly income, excluding overtime, of the' family is £3 or. under; to the mother for each surviving child after the second, if the average weekly income is ,£3 10s. or under; to the mother of each surviving child after the third if tho income is £i or under; to the mother of each surviving child after tho fifth if tho income is £b ss. or under."

The following sutecriptions were acknowledged:—Mrs. J. Duncan, .£1 Is.; Mrs. llotherain, £1; Miss Coates, 10s,; W. M. Bannatyne,' 10s. Gd.; C. Smith, Ltd., 10s. 6(1.; Mi*. Balcomb Brown, 55.; Rev. W. Watson, 55.; Mrs. H. E. Gibbs, 55.; Mrs. M. Holmes, 55.; J. Smith, Ltd., SS. ' . ;• ■

Women Police. The Homo Office has decided to recognise officially a force of women police for London. The force will be under the control of Sir Nevil Macready, Commissioner of Metropolitan Police. The number, duties, and powers of the force have not yet been settled, and parliamentary powers may be Jieeded. The nucleus will be found in the women patrols, who have, done .such good service during the last few months. Women who join the force will undergo « period of very- careful training and will be subjected to miich the same discipline as the men police. , ~. The authorities realise that ,the Jroblem of the women and young , girls who frequent the principal thoroughfares can be dealt with effectually only by an official and permanent force of women police. . l

Women's National Reserve, The Women's National Iteserve in Christchurch did excellent work during the influenza, epidemic. Qlrs. W. Wood, 0.8. E., is president, and had a fine body of workers. The W.N.B. had charge of the- food depot in connection with Nurso Maude's Hospital, and many of the work, era had a very busy time during the Hires weeks it was kept open. Over four thousands families were supplied with nourishing food of all kinds. This does not include the Bupplies sent to thirty suburban depots. Mrs. Evan?, honorary secretary, was organiser, and Miss Tabart had' the entire management of the kitchen, which helped to supply the depot. It was a very strenuous tlirea weeks, but suitable food was so badly needed that it was a great satisfaction to all workers to feel they were helping to meet such a sad emergency.. /'

Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Ackland (Fiji) aro visiting Christchurch. Mrs.' Bernard Wood and Mrs. CyrilWard has returned to Christchurch from n visit to Wellington, after having farewelled Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, before the latter left, for England. A packing day in connection with the Countess of Liverpool Fund was held at the Town Hall yesterday for the benefit of men on active service. Miss Vallance has returned to the VVairarapa from a visit to Wellington. The death took nlnce at Masterton of Mrs. Alice May Wilson, wife of Mr. George Wilson, M.A., solicitor, of the staff of Messrs. Qawith and Logan, from pneumonia, following an attack of influenza.

Mrs. Sheppard and the Prime Minister. On Monday the Prime Minister telegraphed as follows to Mrs. K. W. Sheppard, president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand:—"ln reply to your telegram of the 6th, I am not opposed to women being: eligible for election to Parliament, but as Leader of the House of Representatives I cannot consent to a inost important constitutional question such as this being decided on a side issue without proper notice and without full consideration." Mrs. Sheppard sent the following message to the Prime Minister on Tuesday: —"I have to thank you for your telegram of the 9th inst. explaining that you could not accept the decision of the House of Representatives making women eligible for Parliament without proper notice and full consideration. As Jlr. M'Combs had introduced a' Bill for this purpose (of which, of course, as Promier you were cognisant), it can hardly be maintained that proper notice was not given. And seeing that the question has been before the New Zealand public from time to time for a quarter of a century, and this justice has .been done to women, in several of the world's' Parliaments, including that of Great Britain, surely there has been very ample time for 'full consideration.' As the opportunity for an immediate decision has now passed, the women of New Zealand have no option but to Tely on your promise to introduce a Government Bill next session. Thanking you for the assurance you have given us, and for the intimation that you are personally favourable ,to the measure."

A Suggested Civic League, A meeting of women interested in civic and national subjects, particularly in regard to the representation of women on city councils, school committees, education boards, etc., was held at the Pioneer Club last evening. The formation of a Civic League was discussed, but before taking action the meeting decided that it would be advisable to approach the Wellington branch of the Women's National Council, with a view to ascertaining what part it was prepared to take in advancing the views of those present. The following matters were considered of immediate importance:—The raising of a sum of money for coming-out propaganda, the drawing together of all women's societies with a view to securing their co-operation in a campaign of education in subjects of importance to women and children, and the necessity for organisation. A suggestion was made that the publication of the machinery and procedure in regard to the election of candidates to the various boards, councils, etc.. would be both advisable and helpful.

Y.W.C.A. Notes. The Rev. B. Hutson will be the speaker at the service for girls and young women at the Y.W.C.A. club rooms to-morrow at 4.15 p.m. Plans aro being made for a bright Christmas service to take placo to-morrow week at the Y.W.C.A., when members of the Y.AV.C.A. will be tho guests of the board of directors at a tea following the carol service. A committee, consisting of the Misses Bertinshaw, 'Murray, Neilson, Miller, B. Wilson, E. Wilson, and Ashworth, has been formed for tho continuance of the Saturday evening socials at the Y.AV.C.A. xo work in co-operation with the Entertainment Committee. Miss Clark will be responsible for the music- and entertainment of to-night's programme. Members of the Y.W.C.A. are invited to bring their gentlemen friends, and soldiers will bo cordially welcomed. Many girls from the factories and workrooms of the city united at tho Y.W.C.A. club rooms on Thursday night for nn evening's social amusement, and to draw out. the money they had placed in small amounts in tho Y.W.C.A. Savings Club during the year. Twenty-six factories have been visited regularly throughout tho year by a band of voluntary helpers, with tho result that .£623 wns collected in small sums and deposited in the Savings Bank by the Y.W.C.A. While the money was being counted out 'and gradually'distributed' a bright programme of games and music under the leadership of the Misses Fossutte and Maclaurin made the evening glad for the large number of girls who were present. By the unanimous wish of the board of directors of the Y.W.C.A. Mrs. Robert Pearson was re-elected president, and Mrs. Campbell was elected 'vice-president for tho ensuing year. The names of the vice-presidents who received re-election were Mrs. J. P. Luke, Mrs. ShirtelifTe, Mrs. "M'Clay, Mrs. Hoby. Mrs. Adamson was re-elected recording secretary and Miss Lawsoii treasurer, and Mr. C. D. Morpetli honorary auditor. Mrs. Glasson and Mrs. Hercus, M.A., wjio were present at tho meeting, were welcomed as now members. Tho following ladies 'were elected and re-elected to the standing committees:—Miss Lawson, Mrs. James Hislop, Mrs. M'Clay, Mrs. Adsimfion, Miss Jobson; Mrs. Hoby, Miss M'LoaJi. Mrs. Good. Miss E. Kershaw, M.A.. Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Balcomhe Brown; Miss "Roughton, Miss Hodder, Miss Murray, Mifs Cody; Mrs: Bennie. Mrs. Howley, Miss Tingey, Miss Metherell, Miss Wilson. Miss Welshy, Miss Bryant, Miss Bertinshaw, Mrs. Good, • Mrs. Russell, Mrs. SiUisum, Miss Lucy Kershaw; Mrs. Morpeth, Miss Robeison, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Matthews. Mrs. Low,' Mrs. Webster; Mrs. Adams. Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Murdoch, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs. JJnnmlrell, Mrs. Wray, Miss TemWl: Mrs.- TCorslny, Mrs. Hamilton.' Mr*. M'Eldowney, Miss Smith; Mips Clorke-Tohnson. Mi« Still. Miss Willcocks, Miss Shirtcliffe. Mi?s Jennings, >rip ? Holmes, Miss Nicol. Mif* MortonClark, Mi«s N. Mnrton-CI-irko; Mr.=. Kvnns. M.A.. Miss Wallace, Miss Hunt, 8.A., Miss Dowdeswell.

Mrs. Honi Te Huki, who died at the Lansdowne Pah (Masterton) this week; was reported to be 100 years of age.

The New Zealand delegates to tile Inter-State Child Welfare Conference at Melbourne are the Rev. E. A. Axelsen, superintendent Presbyterian Social Service Association, Dmiedin; Rev. Andrew Cameron, convener Presbyterian Social Service Association and chancellor of the University of Otago; Rev. R. Delamert, organising secretary Anglican Memorial Homes for Boys, Dnnedin; Miss C. I. Marks, matron Manurewa Children's Home, Auckland. The "Leader" states that the conference opened most auspiciously', and all the States wero represented excepting AVestcrn Australia, whose delegates had not arrived in time for the opening ceremony. A big official welcome was given, and much acceptable, private hospitality was offeree! to the delegates in the intervals of the conferoMO meetings.