TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 November 1939, Page 8

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRESS DURING YEAR. I WAR TRAINING OPERATIONS. I • | (By Telegraph—Press Association.) 'WELLINGTON. This Day. | About 100 delegates from all parts of the Dominion attended the second I annual conference of the New Zealand Union of Townswomen's Guilds (Inc.), held in Wellington yesterday. The conference was officially opened in the morning by the Mayoress of Wellington, Mrs T. C. A. Hislop, before a large and representative gathering of women, which included a number of specially invited guests. Mrs James Row. Dominion president, was in the chair, and her address to the gathering was heard with close attention by the assembly. The achievements of the guilds and of the president during the year were deserving of great credit, Mrs Hislop said. She referred to the number of new guilds that had been formed and the enthusiastic manner in which members had supported courses of training in emergency measures, such as A.R.P. work, nursing and cooking for men in camp. Her idea was that these activities should be kept alive in peace as well as 'n war time. Mrs Hislop said she was confident that she would be able to call on the help of all members, specially in providing comforts and knitted wear for the soldiers, and, though these things were not necessary at the moment, once the troops left New Zealand the time for earnest work in this direction would begin. “I hope the discussions will supply you with valuable information to carry back io your individual guilds. In my opinion a conference gives a healthy impetus to the activities of an organisation and forms a centre wherein any existing differences or irregularities may be smoothed out.” said Mrs Pow. During-the last year membership had grown tremendously and the enthusiasm displayed by members was much appreciated by the executive. Fifteen new guilds had been formed during the year, including one in Wellington composed of 200 young business women, and five new branches were already "in the making." When the possibility of war became apparent it was decided to extend activities to include war work, and the guild had the distinction of being the first women's organisation in New Zealand to produce i'uily-train-ed and qualified air-raid wardens. Members were also being trained in nursing, hospital work, home science, including cooking for men in camps, and transport work, she said. Work for the year had been strenuous, but this had been compensated for by the voluntary expression of loyalty and goodwill received from all branches. She concluded by asking members to talk patriotism on every possible occasion. and stressed the fact that only loyal women were permitted to enter the ranks of this organisation.Mrs Stewart. M.P., and Lady Pomare also addressed the delegates. Through the invitation extended by their Excellencies the Governor-Gen-eral and Viscountess Galway, about 150 delegates and members, accompanied by Mrs James Pow, spent a delightful time at the conclusion of the conference yesterday afternoon, in a tour of inspection of the extensive gardens at Government House. Lord Galway and Lady Galway, who is patroness of the New Zealand Union of Townswomen’s Guilds (Inc.), met the visitors and conducted them round the grounds,

pointing out things of interest. An enjoyable time was spent walking in the late afternoon sunshine, the guests particularly admiring the rock gardens. Mrs T. C. A. Hislop extended a cordial invitation to delegates to visit the Exhibition today, and it has been arranged that a large party will spend the day there. Last night Mrs Pow entertained the delegates at a delightful picture party.