WORK FOR REFUGEES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 5 June 1940, Page 8

WORK FOR REFUGEES.

SEWING BY CITY WOMEN. Arrangements for sewing and providing clothes for refugees from Europe were made at a meeting, on Monday, of the refugee branch of the Manawatu Women’s Patriotic Committee. There was an enthusiastic attendance of about 40 women helpers. Mrs V. J. Dick, with whom was associated the Mayoress (Mrs A. E. Mansford), had convened the meeting and was appointed to preside. Mrs VV. A. Jacques was appointed secretary and Miss M. S. Jones assistant-secretary. Mrs Dick expressed pleasure at the large attendance and said she was pleased to see so many willing to help in work which it a as hoped would be of benefit to others. She said that the Mayor would be making an appeal for clothes, which wouid be sent to the relief depot. New materials would also be made up, and those with experience of cutting would be required. The management of the Premier Drapery Company had generously placed a room at the disposal of the committee as a work-room. One sewing machine had already been made available and further offers would be acceptable. New mateiials would be purchased. Mrs Mansford said that the appeal for clothing would be made immediately and that arrangements would be made to have the clothes fumigated before work was started on them. She suggested that new material be bought for a start. 4 It was decided to ask the Patriotic Zone Committee for £lO with which to buy the first materials for the work. Members agreed, so that a start could be made with the work, that they gather as much material as they could to send to the depot by Thursday. Arrangements were also made, lor members to attend at the depot on various days for the next week to receive clothes, and for carrying on sewing in the P.D.C. /workroom. The work of sorting the clothes received will start on Thursday and at the beginning the main work will he the making of garments for women and children. Mrs Dick said that it should be made clear that any society. or individuals’iwould be -welcome to work with the committee. Those present were asked to go back to their guilds, women’s institutes or other organisations to arrange sewing bees. Stockings and shoes for women and children will be acceptable. In reply to a question raised by Miss Jones it was stated that the emergency committee set up a little while ago provided a complete list of the croups of women willing to assist in this work, and in any case all women willing to help would be welcome.

Mesdames C. V. Ciocbetto, IV. F. Field, L. E. Bale and B. J. Jacobs were appointed, with the chairwoman and secretary, to act as an executive committee.

In sending an apology for absence, Mrs W. G. Black offered to organise a band of the wives of Itotarians to hold a sewing bee- once a week" in her home, which is to be gratefully accepted. Mrs F. Gowirig is also. to be thanked for her offer of practical assistance in the way of a room for sewing.