PLUNKET YEAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 July 1939, Page 10

PLUNKET YEAR

MASTERTON BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT MORE MOTHERS SEEKING GUIDANCE. INTEREST IN WORK BEING WELL MAINTAINED. “It is satisfactory to record that there is no lessening of interest in the work of the branch, there being an increase in the number of mothers seeking information regarding the best methods for the feeding and care of their children,” states the 22nd annual report of the Masterton branch of the Plunket Society, to be presented at the annual meeting on Wednesday, July 12. After referring to the annual meeting last year, the report states: —“The branch records with deep regret the death of Mr J. B. Henry. Some years ago, in memory of their daughter Nora Mr and Mrs J. B. Henry gave £lOOO to be invested for the Masterton Branch. This generous gift has been of great assistance —may it be a thought for others. Sincere regret was expressed and conveyed to Dr Martin Tweed on his resignation as medical adviser to the council. He paid many visits to this branch, where he gave instructive addresses. Monthly meetings have been well attended, and thanks are given to the sub-branches, Mauriceville and Tinui, for their willing cooperation. The assistance given by the Tinui Committee of £2O towards the purchase of the new car was most generous . . .The response for new members to commemorate the founding of the Plunket Society at Dunedin thirtyone years ago was very disappointing, in spite of the publicity and help given

by the Press of this district. It is earnestly hoped that the Truby King Memorial appeal will be more successful. Perhaps a visit to the Plunket Rooms would bring realisation of the great contribution made to humanity by our founder. It is, however, satisfactory that the work is valued by many, as shown by the gifts received during' the year. Particularly pleasing was the help given by mothers in assisting to collect from house-to-house in the recent appeal. Likewise a gift from two grateful parents of 10s per week, to be used for the purchase of oranges, to be given at the nurses’ discretion to those vnuable to buy an adequate supply of this valuable fruit. Also wood and coal was sent to the Plunket from another parent.” The report goes on to refer in detail to other activities during the year, and in particular to the visit to the Plunket Rooms of Lord Nuffield. New members for the year totalled 127. which was a record. Mr Owen Jones, hon auditor, states: —“The income for the financial year ended March 31, 1939, amounted to £932 8s lid, and the expenditure over the same period £922 ss. Included in the expenditure is the sum of £lOO, being cash required to complete the purchase of the new car. The accounts disclose a satisfactory position. The cash balance at March 31. 1939, amounts to £420 13s 3d. being £lO 3s lid increase of the cash balance at the end of the previous year. A tribute is paid to the services of Mrs S. L. P. Free as hon secretary and to the work of Mrs Neal Irwin', hon treasurer, who had found it necessary to resign. Thanks are accorded ail who have assisted the society in any way.