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Starting in 1939 our Women’s Section is a robust and
enthusiastic group of 62 women which includes 10 Life Members. The Subs are $10 per year to join the
Women’s Section only.
A brief history
of the first 10 years 1939 - 1949
On 13 July
1939 20 ex-servicemen's wives met at the Borough Council
Chambers under the auspices of the Waihi RSA. The President
occupied the chair and explained that it was greatly desired
to have the co-operation of their womenfolk. Moved that this
meeting form an organisation to assist the Waihi RSA in its
active and social work. To be known as the Women's Auxiliary
of the Waihi RSA. It was also mentioned that the ruling from
the executive was that only ex-servicemen's wives be allowed
membership. The Borough Chambers were available for meeting
without charge.
Fees to be
1/- to join. The discussion arose as to what means would be
used to raise funds. Mrs Thomson gave an outline of having
one big function, say a Paddy's Market with assistance from
the men's branch. It was moved to hold a Market on 24th
November 1939.
On Nov 24th
Women's Auxiliary held a Paddy's Market at the Miners Hall.
They made £90. There were 24 stallholders. Flags and
buntings were lent by the Farmers Trading co to decorate the
hall.
It was
resolved to send a letter of thanks to Mr Clark, chemist,
for giving a slide for advertising the Market at Academy
theatre. The Secretary asked members to consider making a
grant of £5 towards the RSA funds for Xmas parcels usually
given by them.
The 1st
meeting for 1940 was held 22 Feb . Announcements were made
related to the Ladies night to be held by members of the RSA
on 24th July also re the forthcoming picnic at a
meeting of the joint social committee of both branches. The
Women's Auxiliary to donate the cakes required and assist
the men at lunch and afternoon tea at the picnic.
It was
moved that this branch hold a social afternoon for the
members of the Waikino Ladies branch at the Foresters Hall,
at 1.30pm Mar 28th. There were to be lucky door
prizes, mystery box competition, cigarette card matching
competition, plus singing and recitation.
There was a
request for books and magazines for the troops.
A most
successful function was held at the Foresters Hall on 28 Mar
to welcome the Waikino members of the ladies branch of the
RSA. There were 67 present.
Meeting of
18 April. Accept invitation to Waikino Ladies branch and bus
to be hired. Committee to sell poppies on 19 April. They
also paid £29.15.4 for 4 graves of deceased soldiers as
requested by RSA.
Meeting in
May 1940. It was moved that we always invite mother and
wives of soldiers on service as our guests at any function.
A social evening to be held on 13 July. There were 60 people
present and there was dancing to music by the RSA orchestra
and solos, duets and recitations.
A gift
afternoon was held 17 Oct and another Paddy's Market on 22
Nov.
The first
meeting for 1941 took place at the Parrish Hall with a
gratifying attendance. Mrs Thomson suggested that we hold an
open social afternoon next month in lieu of a general
meeting and the funds be used for purchasing going away
gifts for soldiers by the RSA.
July
meeting. Through our good offices, gifts were being given to
all uniformed men serving overseas and everything possible
was done to induce their wives to join our ranks. Rental for
using the Parrish Hall for meetings was 2/-. Another gift
afternoon planned to raise money for the cigarette fund for
soldiers. Plans for another Paddy's market to aid the war
funds.
At Sept
meeting it was moved that mothers of soldiers be admitted as
members of this auxiliary for the duration of the war. A
circular to be sent to them. As a result 12 mothers joined
and more expressing their intention to do so later.
Mar 19 1942
meeting. Our name was changed to the Women's Section of the
Waihi RSA.
April 1942
meeting of the Women's Section of the RSA was held in the
Church of England Hall. Members were to gather at the Band
Hall to peel onions for bottling for the RSA stall. At the
May meeting, members told that 61 bottles of pickled onions
were done. It was decided a sick & visiting committee to be
formed. During afternoon tea the question of the sugar
ration was mentioned. The Sec was asked to see if we could
get an allowance for our meetings.
June 1942
It was decided to open our meetings with singing the NZ
Anthem and close with God Save the King.
July
meeting. It was decided to continue with Paddy's market on a
smaller scale due to rationing of various commodities.
Special
Exec meeting 5 August 1942. A suggestion was put forward at
that the RSA be approached to build a hall for use of men &
Women's Section after the war.
May 1943.
Formed Women's Section singing circle with 8 members.
Members were asked to save sugar to make sweets for Paddy's
market.
May 1944.
Members asked about a Women's Section badge. This idea to
placed before the RSA for future reference.
June 1944.
It was mentioned that the RSA were attempting to buy the St
Johns Ambulance rooms for a clubroom. The ladies offered to
buy the building & charge RSA rent or put down a deposit.
Sept 1944.
A meeting of Women's Section exec and RSA men's exec
discussed the building fund & it was decided that the ladies
would held where necessary. The Women's Section was asked to
donate proceeds from the up coming Paddy's market to the
building fund, Unanimous approval.
Dec 1944.
Moved that £150 be given to the building fund.
Sept 1946.
Moved that £350 be given to the building fund.
July
1947.The meeting went through a set of rules sent by the
Dominion RSA to help with the formation of the Women's
Section & a set of rules were adopted. A report of the
building progress. The RSA were being held up owing to the
permit being refused for the shifting of the building from
Karangahake. Over 40 parcels were sent to the needy in
Britain. Negotiations were being made to purchase memorial
gates for the entrance to the soldiers plot at the cemetery.
Oct 1974
Special committee meeting. Mr Blackmore, President RSA, told
the committee that Waihi RSA were thinking of holding Grand
Services Ball & inviting the Governor General to it.
Probably at the beginning of Dec. He asked for 3 Women's
Section members to be part of the organising committee.
A meeting
of the combined exec committee on 10 Nov 1947. Mr Blackmore
read a letter from Mr Nash stating the Gov had made a grant
of £350 towards the RSA Hall. Tenders to be called for
erecting of septic tanks in the Hall.
May 1948.
Moved that £200 be allowed to the RSA for procuring trestle
tables, forms, chairs & a piano. Also electric urns with ¾
taps to be included.
July 1948
The WS meeting was held at the RSA Hall for the 1st
time.
The first
birthday party of the Women's Section was to celebrate 10
years in June 1949 with invites to Waikino, Whangamata and
Waihi Beach Women's Sections.
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