Good Work by New

Guinea Women

THE evening “get-together” held by the New Guinea Women’s Club, in the Feminist Club Rooms, Sydney, on March 19, was an unqualified social and financial success. Over 120 Terri torians and their friends attended to play bridge, Mah Jong or merely to renew old acquaintances.

As a result of donations, admission charges, etc., a little over £29 was taken.

Expenses, roughly estimated at £9, leave £2O to be added to club funds.

It is hoped to make these evening functions a monthly event in future, and proceeds will help defray expenses of the new club and rest-rooms which are to be run by the club in conjunction with the New Guinea branch of the RSSAILA.

Both these organisations have been seek ing a suitable room for many weeks now —so far, present conditions being what they are, without result. But the search is being continued diligently and as the Federal executive of the RSSAILA has now promised support, it is hoped to find a room shortly. With so many New Guinea servicemen around Sydney, club room facilities would be of great assist ance to them.

Mrs. H. Page, Mrs. I. McDonald, Mrs.

H. Adams, Mrs. Edgell and other mem bers of the committee were on the job from 2 in the afternoon, and they spent the hours between 7.30 and 11 cheerfully seeing to the well-being and comfort of their guests.

New Guinea women on many occasions have been accused of being unco-opera tive—of “sitting around in bunches and pulling everyone to pieces.” Well, maybe they were—but critics would do a spot of word-eating if they could see the executive of this club in action to-day.

They are doing splendid work: and it is hoped that they will not let their efforts flag when this war is over and the time comes to re-pioneer New Guinea. Part of the Territorian’s make up was aplomb and assurance, until the Jap brought their world crashing about their ears. But those who are of the right stuff have come through with an active realisation of what New Guinea and their own particular way of life is worth to them.

Among those present at the function were Lady McNicoll, Dr. E. T. Brennan.

Mr. and Mrs. C. I. H. Campbell and their daughter, Padre and Mrs. H.

Lawrence, Mrs. P. Coote, Mrs. B. Jones and Mr. and Mrs. J. Pennefather.