NATIONAL RESERVE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 138, 8 December 1938, Page 18

NATIONAL RESERVE

RECORD OF FINE WORK

VARIED ACTIVITIES

"The year 1938 has again shown that the work of the Women's National Reserve is proving of value to the community," states the president, Mrs. L. O. H. Tripp. "All branches and circles of the reserve have worked with enthusiasm, and we are very grateful to the presidents and their committees for the wonderful work done. Three different activities are carried on by the reserve, namely:—(l) the residential nursery, (2) the soldiers' and sailors' memorial cemetery, (3) the welfare or hamper and cheer branch. RESIDENTIAL NURSERY. "The work of the residential nursery is widely known, and is valued by many sick mothers whose anxiety with regard to their small children is removed. It was a great relief that, through some generous grants and donations, the mortgage on the buildings was paid off, and though heavy

expenses for renovations will have to be met in the not distant future, we are sure that the enthusiasm of the committees will rise to the occasion. The matron of the nursery, and the sister deserve, the thanks of all for their wholehearted devotion to the work. WORK AT KARORI CEMETERY. "The soldiers' and sailors' memorial cemetery committee is continuing its work in connection with the soldiers' cemetery, Karori, and it is hoped that several more headstones. —now on order —may be erected before Christmas. On Anzac Day, under the guidance of members of the W.N.R., the Girl Guides, and Girl Guards, assisted by the Sea Scouts, placed wreaths on all the graves of soldiers and sailors both in the soldiers' cemetery and in the outlying parts of the general cemetery. WELFARE BRANCH. "The work of the welfare branch continues under the supervision of Mrs. Guthrie (president) and Miss Wiltshire (hon. secretary). This work is much appreciated by those in authority at the Mental Hospital. Many appreciative letters have been received from the inmates, who feel that others are taking an interest in their welfare, and are trying to give them some small pleasures. The committee includes all presidents of Wellington branches of the W.N.R. The object is to brighten the lives of women patients of Porirua Mental Hospital with gifts of hampers and money for pictures, picnics, etc. A total of 13 hampers were provided from districts and £49 19s Id in money. Hampers and money were received from Wadestown, Lower Hutt, Khandallah, Kelburn-Northland, Seatoun* Levin, Berhampore, Featherston, Masterton, Wanganui, Gisborne, Feilding; a hamper from PalmeAton North; parcels from several women's institutes; and monetary donations from Melrose, Oriental Bay-Roseneath, Hawera, Kimbolton, Havelock North, Paekakariki, Lyall Bay, Mrs. Tripp, Miss Freeman, and women's institute branches at Pahiatua, Nireaha, Waione.

"Our thanks are due to the Government for special grants, the Smith Family, the Rotary Club, Commercial Travellers, Traffic Managers' Social Club, the Macarthy Trust, the R.S.A., the Press, the Hon. Medical Officer, the hon. auditors, all those who have helped by subscriptions and goods in kind, and last but not least to our hon. organising secretary, whose enthusiasm and interest in the work has never faltered, and has been an inspiration to all members of the reserve."

The annual meeting will be held on Friday at 2.30 in the Educational Institute, "Evening Post" * buildings, all interested being cordially invited.