MERCY GUILD, AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 1 July 1915, Page 13

MERCY GUILD, AUCKLAND

(From a correspondent.) One Sunday during May, while conversing on that familiar topic, The war,’ it was remarked to one of the Sisters of Mercy that the Catholic ladies could and ought to do something ‘ worth while ’ for the hospital ship. Ever ready with their help and advice, the Sisters at once agreed to do everything in their, power to forward the work, and the initial meeting was held at St. Mary’s Convent on the afternoon of Saturday, May 29, when about seventy ladies, representing every parish in Auckland, met to discuss and push ; for ward the good work. The sum of £22 was collected in- the hall, , and within five days, the subscriptions had amounted to .£47 for the purchase of materials. The ladies quickly busied themselves, and the Sisters very kindly gave up the entire use of one of their largest rooms and of their jewing machines to a bevy of ladies who, for almost a week, worked incessantly at the convent. At the same time the Sisters of Mercy in charge of the Sacred Heart School, Ponsonby, enlisted the help of the children, with the result that a substantial parcel was added to that of the Mercy Guild. The parcels sent to the Town Hall included 500 pairs of bed-socks, 36 pairs of hand-made slippers, eye-bandages, towels (bath and glass towels), mufflers, knitted socks, and handkerchiefs. It is to be hoped that the enthusiasm shown and the work accomplished somewhat repaid the Sisters for the inconvenience to which they were put and for the trouble taken by them. The Sisters and the ladies of the guild are to be heartily congratulated on the work done. When the equipment of the ship was completed the Mercy Guild decided to continue their efforts, and' have met once each week since to supply necessaries and comforts for our wounded. At the meeting on Friday, June 18, parcels of two dozen Balaclavas and one dozen Nightingales were received from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Remuera, to whom the Sisters of Mercy and the ladies of the guild extend their sincerest thanks. The business of the Mercy Guild is being conducted by a committee of ladies .consisting -of Mrs. J. J. O’Brien (president), Misses Lynch, E. Mahon, R. Yates, M. Maguire, A. Bryant (treasurer), and M. Nolan (secretary).