An Irishwoman Who Has Given Untiring Service To The Welfare Of Christchurch

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 35, 8 March 1935, Page 56

An Irishwoman Who Has Given Untiring Service To The Welfare Of Christchurch

HE transplanting in New Zealand of a cultured Irish woman has in no way diminished the charm of Mrs. H. T. J. Thacker, of "Ramoyne," Bealey Avenue, Christchurch. The quaint and unusual name of "Ramoyne" derives its meaning from "ra," the Maori for sun; "moyne" being Irish for a small stucco castle built of mud on a green sward. No title could better serve the residence of Dr. and Mrs. H. T. J. Thacker. It is one of the sunniest "castles" in Christchurch, with its wide lawns and New Zealand shrubs, and this two-storied modern residence is the birthplace of many philanthropic works. Being the wife of 3YA’s food expert means leading a very busy life, but quite apart from her husband’s activities Mrs. Thacker has big interests of her own.: Her office as president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Christchurch R.S,A. takes precedence over all others. "Of all organisations for the cause of distress, the returned soldier deserves the most attention," Mrs. Thacker said, "and I feel that these men should be helped far more than they are. The Women’s Auxiliary really does a great amount of good, and its members are all splendid workers. Quite apart from their own contributions, they are always willing to help in other ways, their homes being the scene of many functions, and during last year we raised quite a large sum." ‘This quiet-voiced, white-haired lady in her blue-figured frock looked a part of her drawing-room, with its pale blue walls and rare pictures toning with the rich carpet of royal blue and covers of figured pink chintz. An exquisite Chippendale writing table sits in the window which leads to a wisteria-covered verandah. The hall leading into the drawing room is typically Old English, with its large open fireplace and windows of dull leadlights, the staircase almost completely hidden by long chenille curtains which gives an air of comfort and comradeship. . Mrs. Thacker is president of the Christchurch Free Kindergarten, and no meeting or visits’ to the many kindergartens round Christchurch are complete without her presence. The British Sailors’ Society and Victoria League claim her as their vice-president, and Mrs. Thacker’s help as a member of the committee for Plunket affairs is keenly sought. ©

Mrs, Thacker touched: on the- subject of the problem of unemployed girls, and wondered if the’ ‘method adopted by those in charge did not tend to lower the standard of reliability. where employment is concerned. Many ‘girls-even in good positions-are taking advantage of the position and leave their employers after _two weeks for the sake of the unemployed advantages, with a free afterrioon at one of the local cinemas. This state of affairs is appalling: It does not tend to brighten the outlook of the unemployed girls, and only aggravates the problem so far as employers are concerned. During Dr. Thacker’s term.of office, Mrs. Thacker was a very capable and sympathetic mayoress, and her first name of Monica adorns more than one building in Christchurch, Monica Park, the home of broadsiding, being also called after her. Mrs. Thacker loves Wellington and its people, and during her frequent visits to that city representing the different organisations in which she holds office manages to combine pleasure with business, and renews many friendships made while her husband was a member of the House of Representatives. Mrs. Thacker takes a great interest in her husband’s work, and accompanies him on his trips lecturing in the cause of health. It is therefore quite understandable that, combined with her official duties, there is no busier hostess in the whole of Christchurch. Both the doctor and his wife are keen radio enthusiasts. Besides the doctor’s weekly talks, Mrs. Thacker has spoken over the air in the interest of one of her organisations, and they often listen in till the wee sma’ hours on vital subjects of world-wide interest, their big wireless set being capable of getting almost ‘the whole world.