PATRIOTIC WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1916, Page 2

PATRIOTIC WORK.

DISPLAY BY WOMEN'S COMMITTEE. A visit to the depots of the Women's Patriotic Society and Victoria League yesterday, when the rooms were thrown open to give the public an opportunity of inspecting the various comforts that the ladies of New Plymouth and other parts of this district have prepared for the hoys at the front and other sufferers from the war, could not fail to con■vince one that they were indeed doing their part in the great struggle. Some forty hold-alls—one of which is presented to every Taranaki lad 011 leaving for camp—first attracted the eye. These are splendidly equipped and said to be the envy of all the Trentham camp. One non-commissioned officer on final leave called in yesterday to again thank the ladies for this useful gift. Then there were about 110 gift parcels, making four cases, which will be despatched to the front to be distributed by the Y.M.C.A. to our boys. Two or throe ot them were opened, giving an idea of their comprehensive nature. "The Busy Bees," a number of young ladies who devote their -Monday evenings to patriotic work, had a line display of clothing, etc., for the Belgians and for the orphans of soldiers and sailors. There .were also a number of soldiers' kits, containing a complete outfit for any soldier who 'happens to lose his kit or comes out of hospital, accompanying each of which were a periodica' and a small gift. The Victoria League room contains, in addition to work by the local League, parcels from Warea, Okato, Omata, Mokau, Awakino, Okau and Whitelev Patriotic Committees. This will be sent to the iNo. 1 Stationary Hospital (Mr. Wylie), to which the League has always sent a case since its establishment. Included in the display was a line assortment of clothing for Belgian babies and mothers. Last month some 20 cases were sent forward, including a quantity of butter. All the work done is voluntary. The three rooms ill which the ladies work are given rent free by the Harbor Board, the fourteen sewing machines are either loaned free or given, whilst the gas is also a donation from the f.ns Company. Practically every day the rooms are occupied, whilst a large quantity of material is cut out and taken heme by members. I

Yesterday was the first day that the work ha s been open for inspection, and the 1001113 were crowded. Afternoon tea, donations and the sale of flowers added £l3 lils to the funds, and will be devoted to the purchase of material. A handsome gift was brought in by Mrs. Arthur Owen. It consists of a carved tray and a lot of handsome old silver, which will be disposed of later. Mrs. Burgess, president of the committees, wishes to thank donors of various gifts. This morning the rooms will be again open, and a special invitation is extended to gentlemen to attend and see for themselves what the ladies are doing for their brothers at the front.