MOSGIEL

New Zealand Tablet, 22 May 1919, Page 17

MOSGIEL

While the members of the Taieri Women’s Patriotic Association were recently assembled in the Coronation' Hall at a meeting and making arrangements for the welcome home social to returned soldiers, a very pleasant function took place. The labors of the association, with the close of the war, are drawing to a finish, and the members decided to recognise the good work of the president (Mrs. Quelch). Since the formation of the association Mrs. Quelch has spared neither time nor pains to carry out the business connected with it. Mrs. A. Johnson, one of. the vice-presidents, on behalf of the members, said that, as that would be the last meeting of the Taieri Women’s Patriotic Association, she had been asked to make a few remarks. For nearly five years they had been meeting under the presidency of Mrs. Quelch, and all agreed that during that time she had conducted the meetings with great tact and ability. It had been a great personal sacrifice that Mrs. Quelch had left her home and little ones to conduct the affairs of the association. Very few would ever know' tile full extent of time which Mrs. Quelch had given whole-heartedly and unselfishly for the welfare of our soldier boys. (Applause.) The members of the association felt they could not let the occasion pass without showing in some slight manner their -love and -respect for their president and their appreciation of the manner in which she had presided over them. It gave the speaker much pleasure in asking the president’s accept-

ance of a gold wristlet i watch. They all; trusted that she would be long spared to - wear it, and that it would remind her of the pleasant feelings that had always existed amongst * the ' members of the Taieri Women’s Patriotic Association. ; (Applause.)’S. : , IUS.MGD || Mrs. Quelch, who was completely taken by surprise, fittingly returned thanks. She referred to;, the happy relations that had always existed amongst members, and said she would treasure the gift as long as she livfed. Had-it not been for th© hearty co-operation of her fellowmembers, she could not have accomplished what had been done.

At a representative gathering of Mosgiel people on Tuesday night, May 13, in the Coronation Hall, a presentation was mad© to Mr. Quelch (ex-Mayor). The Mayor (Mr. William Allan) presided, and-presented Mr. Quelch with a roller-top desk, bearing an inscription. . ~q

In making the presentation, the Mayor spoke of 5 the many years Mr. Quelch had served the ratepayers both as councillor and mayor. Bight through he had given the very best of his attention to municipal matters, and the public felt that such services should not pass., without some kind of recognition. In addition to the duties within the borough, the ex-mayor had been called upon to do much patriotic work. No matter when or where the call came from, he was always ready to give it his attention. He had also devoted a lot of time as representing the borough and Taieri County on the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Each branch of his office he had filled with dignity and ability, and the ratepayer's now desired to say a word of thanks.. (Applause.) He asked Mr. Quelch to accept their gift not for its intrinsic worth, but as a mark of esteem.and regard from his many friends in Mosgiel, and in acknowledgment of his many services. (Applause.) Mr. Cheyne (ex-councillor) endorsed the remarksof the Mayor. Mr. W. 11. L. Christie (chairman, Taieri County Council) made special reference to the work carried out by Mr. Quelch in conjunction with the Taieri County Council.

Mr. Quelch was loudly applauded on rising to thank % the Mayor for his remarks and the residents for their V: gift. In referring to the work connected with the office Mr. Quelch spoke of the great war and the patriotic j work that had to be carried out. A great deal had been | accomplished by Mosgiel ; and he would like to say that % the town had been splendidly supported by the people } of the districts surrounding it, who made Mosgiel their -s centre, and by the Taieri County Council. He empha- | sised the work of the Taieri Women’s Patriotic Asso- | ciation. - -■ -m