PLUNKET SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 June 1940, Page 8

PLUNKET SOCIETY

FEATHERSTON BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT. YEAR'S ACTIVITIES REVIEWED. (“Times-Age” Special.) The annual report of the Featherston branch of the Plunket Society, presented at the annual meeting this week, stated: "The year commenced with a credit balance of £ll 14s 5d in the current account at the Bank of New Zealand and closed with £5 8s 7d. while the sum of £7OO was added to the amount of 15s 4d in the P. 0.5.8. account. This substantial increase was brought about by the holding of a very successful Queen Carnival which rail for two months and produced the sum of £865 7s sd. The society tenders its sincere thanks to all who so kindly assisted to amass this large amount, it also tenders- special thanks to the four Queens: Misses Eileen Cole, Ngaire Tocker. Ann Fellingham and Nancy Corlett, to their energetic committees, and to Mr and Mrs J. F. Thompson, who were a tower of strength to the society during the carnivai'and were responsible for -the

crowning ceremony. The Macarthy Trust again donated the sum of £lO to the funds, to which Trust the branch extends its thanks. "Unfortunately all the mothers who • cceivc the valuable help and advice of the Plunket nurse do not become members. although some have realised their responsibility to the branch and have joined up. Every branch is faced with meeting the usual expenditure and if every mother would pay 5s per annum, it would greatly assist to lessen this financial burden. Mothers arc urged to carry out the instructions and advice of the Plunket nurse so that they will rear strong and healthy babies. The society is indeed very fortunate in having the services of Nurse Twentyman who is a highly efficient and conscientious nurse. The work of the district continues to forge ahead under her capable .supervision and guidance. Nurse had her annual leave in November during which time she was relieved by Nurse Campbell. “In May an appeal for a memorial to the late Sir Truby King was launched, the objective being £5OOO. The response, unfortunately, was very disap- ; pointing as £2065 14s 7d only was collected. This society contributed £2O to the appeal. Owing to petrol restrictions the motion moved at last annual meeting, that members who failed to attend . four consecutive meetings be struck off the committee, had to be waived. The attendance at monthly meetings, unfortunately, has only been fair. During . the year Mrs D. C. Collins, a valued member, tendered her resignation as a ' committee member. Mrs Collins had ( been/ associated with the work for , many years and worked very zealously j for the great cause. Her resignation , was reluctantly accepted. It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mrs W. J. Martin, president of thp. Martinborough branch and chairwoman of the Central Committee (Featherston - Martinborough). Mrs f Martin had been actively connected j with Plunket work since its introcluction into the Wairarapa and her death has removed one who gave of her very best to the work. Sincere sympathy is r extended to husband and family in I j their.great loss. Mrs H. W. Blundell r was elected to fill the vacancy on the

Central Committee and she was alsc elected deputy-president of the Martinberough branch. In February the committee welcomed back the president, Mrs Q. Donald, who had returned after six months’ leave of absence Mrs Donald had benefited greatly from her rest and was much improved in health. During her absence- her work was carried out by Mrs H. R. Bloxam, deputy chairwoman, to whom the society tenders its sincere thanks. “In conclusion I wish to thank the committee for their attendance at meetings and for their co-operation during the year, to Mr J. G. McKenzie for his valuable services as auditor, Mr M. B. Tate for cartage free, to Nurse Twentyman for her great work, to mothers who have become members, and to all those who have assisted the society in any way.” The report is signed by the president, Mrs Donald.