FIRST OFFICIAL ACT

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 224, 19 June 1944, Page 6

FIRST OFFICIAL ACT

Mrs. Appleton Opens Bazaar At Children’s Centre Mrs Appleton made her first public appearance as mayoress, when she opened the Thorndon Children’s Centre bazaar in Wellington on Saturday afternoon. As a mother of five .children, she said she thought it fitting that her first official act should be connected with a chi dren s project. The example of a childrens centre for Thorndon was one that might well be emulated by other suburbs. It was a good idea that people able to spare the time should givq it to look alter the children, the country s future citizens many of whose mothers were busy with war work. The future of the Dominion must rest securely on the basis ot an increasing population, and the best citizens were those born in the country. They had their roots in the soil of the Dominion, and their interests would be where they were raised. All help must be given to mothers, Mis. Appleton said. Motherhood was a matter of national importance and women s causes helped iu e ' er y / J v . ! }Y - Such endeavours as the Thorndon Children’s Centre would always have the sympathetic consideration of her husband and herself, she assured listeners. Mrs. Appleton, who was accompanied by her daughter, was presented with a posy and she was accorded musical honours. The project had been going for about three months, said Mr. Chapman, M- p ” who was in the chair. The centre had been given a section in Grant Load by the city council, and the bazaar was to raise money for the building fund. Ine need for the centre was evident; it was open two afternoons a week in its present locality and a number of children were cared for. With a suitable building and appurtenances a large number ot children would’ undoubtedly come along. It was hoped to have a kindergarten, creche and Phinket room. The convener of the bazaar was. Mis. G Hopkins. The president of the committee is Mrs. J. W. Woods. Conveners of the stalls were: Sewing, Mrs. Kingsbear ; produce, Mrs. Harvey ; bargains, Mrs. Stannard; cakes and, sweets. Mesdiamcs Sim, Coker and Hopkins ; ices and drinks, Mesdames Ombler and Dutton. The decorations were arranged by Mr. Hopkins and the men of the committee, and incidental music was supplied by Mrs. Robb.