Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 302, 22 December 1939, Page 11

Obituary

MISS HILDA WILLIAMS, 0.8. E. ESTABLISHED FIRST CANTEEN At her flat, “Westmore,” Gloucester Street West, Christchurch, Miss Hilda Temple Williams, 0.8. E., a member of one of the best-known families in New Zealand, died on Tuesday afternoon, after an illness of several weeks, states the Christchurch Press*. The news of her death will be received with profound regret, not only by personal friends and friends of her family, but in all parts of the Dominion by thousands of returned soldiers, whom sho befriended during the Great War. Miss Williams was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Williams, of Wellington, and granddaughter of Archdeacon Henry Williams, who-arrived in New Zealand in the Brampton in 1823, and who settled in Paihia, Bay of Islands. There Miss Williams’ father was born in 1825. Later he lived for a time in Auckland and then made his home in Wellington. Miss Williams was born at Lower Hutt and educated at Mrs. Swainson's private school. She went to England in 1913 and after the outbreak of war, she was quick to realise the lonliness and friendlessness of New Zealand soldiers, who arrived in London from Gallipoli and Egypt. Her ready sympathy was aroused and was immediately translated into useful action, though she had some difficulty iu persuading the military authorities ol : the necessity for the seneme she had evolved. She established the first canteen in England for New Zealanders. It was known as “The Dug Out,’’ and was situated in Victoria Street, London. It was financed entirely by the Williams family. Later sho established “Te WharePuni,’’ a popular canteen at Hornchurch, for men from the Dominion. This was staffed by members of her family and their friends. The value of her work was soon recognised and in 1918 the King conferred on her the Order of the British Empire. Miss Williams was also much interested in fitting up limbless soldiers in the earlier years of the war. She returned to New Zealand several years ago and for the last six years she lived in Christchurch, where she had many friends.