OFFICIALLY OPENED

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 260, 1 August 1942, Page 5

OFFICIALLY OPENED

Club For Public Service Women In Wellington

Representatives and officials from more than 48 Government departments attended the Public Service Women’s Club last night for its initial, opening. Women members of the Civil Service ■were living in days of war and, stress, and were striving to give of their, best, said the club president, Mrs. J. G. Young, wife of the Director-General of the Post and Telegraph Department. "They are the soldiers of the home front, whether in uniform or not,” she continued. Already there were more than 7000, in New Zealand, more than 4000 being employed in Wellington. Progress had been slow, and many difficulties had had to be surmounted before the executive completed its establishment,, and the club’s success would depend on its members.

Mrs. Young outlined activities already in progress and enumerated those hoped to be formed as its membership expands. Many plans were v being made for . the benefit o£ men and women o£ the lighting services'. Members could do much for one another in the co-operation of mutual interests, and it was hoped that similar clubs could be founded in every city and town in the Dominion. Tribute was paid to the club committee, to Mr. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, and numerous Government departments, for their support and encouragement. Mrs. P. Fraser, who opened the club, also paid tribute to its executive, and departmental well-wishers, and stated that she foresaw endless possibilities for the good of the country in its establishment, expressing the view that every woman in the Public Service should become a member. Other speakers were Mrs. Stewart, M.l'., ami Miss A. Yorston, chairman of the club committee. Mr. Parry, who could not attend, owing to official duties, sent a telegram conveying good wishes for the club’s future progress. Miss Molly Atkinson sang st bracket of songs, and Mr. J. TV. McGill played piano solos. The official party included Mrs. K. Tahiwi, jun., Mrs. Lumsden, Mrs. Meiklejohn, Misses D. Roberts, C. Griffin, and E. Millier, the Hon, P. C. Webb. M.P.. and Messrs. J. G. Young and Roberts. Supper was served by girls from the correspondence school section of the Education Department.