WAR WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1920, Page 6

WAR WORK.

WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE. ENir.nTAINMF.NT AT NEW PLYMOUTH. TRIBUTE TO DOMINION ORGAN? SER. The delegates to the Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Women's National Reserve spent their first day in New Plymouth yesterday in a round of sight-seeing, which included an enjoyable reception at the beautiful residence of Mr. and Mrs. C.'H. Burgess, at "The Meeting of the Waters." In the morning two bus loads of visitors were taken around the outskirts of New Plymouth, and they all expressed themselves as highly delighted with the outing provided. The party left town about 10.30 and reached the post office again about 12.30. At about 1.30 p.m. the first of the party left town for Mrs. Burgess' and others continued to leave at short intervals up to about 3 o'clock. There were about 100 visitors at, the garden party, the day being ideal for such a gathering. The guests were charmed with the beautiful surroundings and a moat enjoyable time was spent walking through the grounds and beside the river, while some played croquet. Afternoon tea was served on the lawn, the members of t'he New Plymouth branch of the Reserve and the junior branch acting as waitresses.

\ PRESENTATION TO DOMINIONORGANISER. Advantage was taken of the occasion to make a presentation of a beautifully engraved illuminated address to Mrs. Colonel Porter, the Dominion Organiser of the Reserve. The presentation was made by Mrs. Corliss (Dominion President of the Reserve), who said she appreciated the honor and privilege of conveying to Mrs. Porter the thanks and appreciation of the members of the Reserve for her splendid work during the war She had originated the Reserve and been its head, body and soul, and its success had been due to her great strength of purpose. The work of the Reserve had brought women more and more into public prominence ahd the splendid lead given by Mrs. Porter had inspired others to such service as they would never have dreamed of before the Reserve was brought into being. In regard to the future of the Reserve Mr. Corliss said that the chances of the human race were largely wrapped up in fie activities of women. In the future. they would have to deal with the great. upheavals that were taking place everywhere, and this would be a tremendous task. Mrs. Corliss referred to her impressions of the position as she saw it in New Zealand on coming here from England, and said she_ looked upon Mrs. Porter as the leader of women's workin New Zealand. The work ahead would be greater than that during the war. but in Mrs. Porter they had a great and wise leader. She was loyal,. unselfish p -.1 birr.bnarted. and the Reserve felt they must put on record in this way its appreciation of Mr 3. Porter's work, and its love and devotion to her. She then presented the address, which was also accompanied by a beautiful leather purse-

THE ADDRESS. The text of the address was as follows: Women's National Reserve of New Zealand.—'/ Each for AH."—Dear Mrs. Porter,—After five years of work together we feel that we must try to express to you, in however small a degree, our great appreciation of the work you have done for New Zealand, and of the privilege it has been to us to be associated with-you in such noble effort. To you we owe the conception of service for others that is embodied in the Women's National Reserve; to you, also, the unfailing inspiration, the patience, the self-sacrifice, and the indomitable energy and perseverance that have sustained our members through many difficulties, and enabled the Reserve to attain to the high position it occupies in public estimation. • We feel your greatest appeal is made in a personal spiritual sense, because you have faith in God and in your fellowwomen: and that it is this that arouses the highest and best in those with whom you associate. We pray that you may ever.be guided and guarded by Him in whose light you walk; that your future may be unclouded; and that you and Colonel Porter, to whom also the Reserve owes a debt of gratitude for his constant help and sympathy, may ever feel the happy reflection of that love for humanity which finds its highest expression in service for others. It was signed by D. Platts-Mills. as first Dominion President, Mrs. Corliss, Mrs- C. B. Holmes, Presideht of the Headquarters Executive, and Dorothea Hone, Secretary of the Dominion Council. Hearty applause greeted the presentation of the tokens. Mrs. Porter, who was taken completely by surprise, was too much overcome to say more than "thank you" for the unexpected compliment. GOVERNMENT'S CONGRATULATIONS.

Mrs. Corliss also read the following telegram which arrived just at that moment from the Prime Minister:— "On behalf of the Government I desire to thank the executive, officers and members of the Women's National Reserve for the splendid work they have performed during the war period. It has been carried on very often without ostentation, but I desire to assure your executive of the full appreciation of the Government for the loyal co-operation and assistance which the Reserve has rendered. I" am sure that much of the good work achieved has been due to the untiring efforts of Mrs. Porter, your organiser, and I am exceedingly pleased to learn that the executive is making some practical recognition of her services. Please convey to her also the thanks of the Government"

At a later stage in the afternoon Mrs. Corliss spoke a few words on the question of the re-unions organised by the Reserve for the mothers and wives of soldiers. She spoke of how they were originated, in Wellington, and expressed pleasure nt the war they had been taken up by other branches, congratulating the New Plymouth branch on its work in this connection. An idea had been expressed that lhey should b» eintinucd. and ;f no more ix-cusion should bo taken on the anniversary of Armistice Day to have re-unions throughout the Dominion on that day. The fraternity of such a universal gathering would have a strong influence and appeal. Such mejting, with the exchange and interchange of thoughts and ideals must of necessity broaden the outlook and brighten life. Most people had too

narrow a view of life. She hoped New Plymouth would adopt the Armistie;' Hay gathering for the mothers and wives oi soldiers. In conclusion, Mrs. Corliss thanke,! Mr. and Mrs. Buryess for the splendid hospitality extended to the members of the conference and the visitors ."cnerally. . * " Mrs. Bnrgiss nci lrwlcdged the thanks unci maid that she and her husband were delighted to the beauties of nature with which their home was surrounded, with whomsoever liked to avail themselves of the privilege of a visit to the grounds, where all the requisites for picnicking were provided excepting the Imwheon hamper. > Mrs. Cuthbert (Stratford), on behalf of the mothers, 'hanked Mrs. Corliss and the Reserve for what had been done tor the soldiers* mothers and wives, and expressed her assurance that the Stratford branch would fall in with the Armistice Day suggestion,' The official opening of the Conference take? place to-pay :at the Borough Council Chambers at 10 a.m.. when the Mayor will welcome the visitors to the tc V.'ll.