WELFARE LEAGUE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1938, Page 5

WELFARE LEAGUE

ACTIVITIES IN MASTERTON. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Women’s National Welfare League, Masterton, states, inter alia:—■ Assistance was given in June by members at the display and sale of goods made by disabled soldiers in England, and good business was reported. Members of the Masterton Club generously donated a sum of money, which was spent on Christmas cheer for the inmates of Buchanan Home. They have regularly supplied us with literature, etc., and we appreciate their kindly co-operation. A very generous response was made to our appeal for clothing for the women and children in the war area in China. Four cases and a parcel of useful, warm and suitable garments have been sent. Also a parcel of medical supplies from the local branch of the Red Cross. It is difficult to write a report on the Social Welfare work done during the year, as the work is so varied and of’ such a confidential nature that it cannot be enlarged upon. The following are some of the efforts: —Visiting homes and giving orders for milk, groceries, etc. Distributing clothes, boots, blankets and bedding. Sometimes the complete outfitting of an entire family. Arranging for holidays for tired and sick mothers and children, and assisting elderly people. This work has been ably carried out by Mrs G. G. Tolhurst, who has not spared herself, and has attended to every case that has been reported to her. Donations of milk which were received from farmers were most acceptable.

Two-Garment Room. —Mrs Charleson reports that business at the rooms has been noticeably less than in previous years. • 435 garments were received from various donors, and 389 articles were distributed. In addition, 300 garments, many new, and others very good, were sent to the China war zone. A very acceptable contribution of thirteen used mattresses was received from St. Matthew's School, some of which have been supplied to necessitous cases. Mrs Garland and helpers have spent much time in the rooms, and are always willing to assist.

Buchanan Home. — Regular visits have been arranged by Mrs Munn, and woollen comforts, books, tobacco, biscuits, fruit, sweets, flowers and afternoon tea have been provided for the old folk.

We congratulate Mrs Fletcher on her efforts to improve conditions for the nurses. A donation of two chairs for the nurses was given by the League. Miss Coila McCracken has been in charge of the instruction in handwork given to crippled children in hospital, and now this work has been extended to other patients. At present there are thirteen students. The Crippled Children’s Society has provided materials used by Miss McCracken and pupils. We appreciate their doing so. The classes were started in August, the children taking keen interest in the lessons, some very commendable work being done. They expressed great pleasure when told they could retain the articles made and use them as Christmas gifts. Lessons were discontinued during the Christmas holidays, and have now been resumed. During the last six weeks lessons have been given to adults in basket and raffiia work. They are keenly interested and are making rapid progress?' Very satisfactory results are reported by Mrs Pither regarding the sale of goods made by the Blind. The sum of £125 7s 5d has been taken this year. Sales have steadily been made all the year, and in February a big effort was made at the Masterton A. and P. Show, and at a shop in Queen Street. Special thanks are due to our hon. secretary, Mrs Kilgour, and the hon. treasurer. Miss M. Boddington. Thanks are also due to Mr Norman James, honorary auditor; also the Press for their courtesy to us; the Masterton Printing Company for printing our Anzac ribbon; the A. and P. Association for permitting us to sell at their Show; the Y.M.C.A., the Rotary Club, Plunket Society, Toe H.. Hospital Board, T. G. McCarthy Trust, St. Matthew's Collegiate School, Knox Church, all car owners who have come to our aid, and others who have assisted with lessons at the Hospital. Thanks are also due to Mesdames Bidwill, Astridge, G. Jones. I. I. McGregor, A. Towns, Keltic, F. Taylor. O. H. Yates, Hoar, Hartman, James. Holmwood, Knutson, R. Burling, Weller, Clarke, McKenzie, Francis. Dunderdale, Kerslake, and Perrin, Misses Dakin, Bell, Wyber, Rose Robinson. Ninnes, Newton, Ashwell. Mackay, Heckler, Ralph, Ingley, B. Coleman. J. Mac Kay, Olga Watson, Messrs T. Jordan, H. M. Boddington, J. Hunter, Daysh, J. Watson, A. E. Bate, J. G. Dagg, T. F. Watson, H. E. Pither, R. Page and D. Brown, and numerous kind friends who have kept us supplied with literature, etc., for the hospitals. The report is signed by Mrs Edith F. Pither and Miss Marie A. Kummer for the committee.