PLUNKET SOCIETY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 13 May 1925, Page 3

PLUNKET SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING,

The annual meeting of the Timaru branch of the Plunket Society was held yesterday afternoon. Mr 1. J. Rolleston, M.P., presided, over a good attendance of members. ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report, submitted "by the president (Mi’s M. M. Newman) stated that the work of the Society had been successfully carried out during the year. The Nurse’s reports showed that the scope of the Society’s work was growing steadily, and the large number of visits paid by them to the homes, extending over .a wide area, necessitated strenuous work, long hours, and much travelling, as well as timo devoted to those visiting the town office. The number of visits paid by mothers to the office had been very materially affected by the recent epidemic, but now that the Health Officer’s restrictions had been lifted, there would probably be a busy period ahead. The rooms had been fitted up with a cot, table, and. other conveniences. They now had two full-time Plunket nurses, Mrs Gillespie having been appointed. She commenced her work last October, in conjunction with Nurse Dunlop. Pending that appointment, Nurse Rodgers acted in 'l'imaru as locum, and her work was very highly appreciated. Nurse Annett resigned her 'position as a permanent nurse, muoh to the committee’s regret. She had since rendered the Society valuable service by relieving during Nurse Dunlop’s absence on holiday. The half-yearly conference with delegates from branches of the Society _ had proved valuable. One matter satisfactorily dealt with was the re-adjustment of boundaries to avoid overlapping. The “Rose Day appeal on 28th November resulted in the sum of £l9B 15s 6d being collected. The activities .and extended scope of the Society’s work created the necessity of obtaining an increased revenue each succeeding year, and the committee was faced with the urgent need of more financial support from the people of South Canterbury. They had now the salary of a second permanent nurse to provide for, and have had during the past year to expend money in providing a new car for the nurses. Miss Marion Cray resigned her position as treasurer, and Miss Helen Cotterill was appointed to the position in December. The committee gratefully acknowledged the services rendered by Miss Cray during her term of office. We have also, with regret, to record the resignation of Mrs Cray ,nnd Mrs Hay from the committee. Both ladies had rendered valuable help to the Society, and the president personally personally thanked Mrs Cray for the valuable assistance she had given her, especially in having taken over the office of president during her absence in England. The amount raised by public subscription towards the cost of p, new car amounted to £64 (about one-third of the cost), and the committee desired to express thanks to all who contributed. Thanks were also expressed to the Press, and Messrs Brehaut Bros. The finances of the Society were in a satisfactory position, there being a bank balance of £-5U 18s lOd. The ear fund should a balanco of £LBO 15s Bcl, tne receipts being £239 ss, and the expenditure £OB 11s 4d. ' . . In moving the adoption or tlio annual report and balance sheet, the chairman said it was quite evident that the Society was increasing in its sphere of work. Although the accounts were satisfactory, it seemed to him thpt the Society was not in such, a sound financial position as it had been a year ago. Seeing that they were caiiying out such ,a service to the community, it should not be necessary to appeal for public support. The nurses had worked hard, and were deserving of every commendation. Timaru was indebted to those ladies of the committee who spent so much of their time in furthering the interests of the Society. Such a deserving work should not be allowed to lapse. Mrs Newnvan seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mrs C A. Paterson said that the matter of the Society’s finances required attention. It was clear that the people did not realise the tremendous growth of the work of the Society, and it should be made clear that the finances were not sufficient for the demands. , , , ~ The president asked whether there was a possibility of obtaining life members. „ ~ . . Considerable discussion followed as to the various means of raising money. Mrs Paterson moved that a recommendation be made to the incoming committee that it endeavours to increase the Society s membership. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Newman, and carried unanimously.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers as follows: —President, Mrs M. M. Nowman ; vice-presidents, Mesdames Patereon, Jones, Oddie, Talbot, and Mr F. J. Rolleston; car committee Messrs M. J. Doyle, F. Cave, and Dr. L. b. Talbot; advisory board, Messrs . J. Rolleston, G. S. Cray, R. B. Bell, and M J Dovle: general committee, Mesdames Holdgate, Thompson F. Raymond, Irvme, Stmson, Mason, Priest Webster, Bell, Meehan, Pennefnther, W. Raymond, Howden, Horwell Webb, Davidson, C. Hall, and W. ’ Hall • delegates to conference, Mesdames’Newman, Cave, and Paterson; secretary, Mrs Cave; treasurer, Miss Cotterill.

GENERAL. . On the motion of Mrs Bell, it was recommended to the incoming committee that £lO he granted for delegates’ travelling expenses vhon attending the conference. \ vote of thanks was passed to Mrs G. S. Cray for services to tiio Society.