Hastings District Patriotic Committee 1946

Hastings District

Patriotic Committee.

1939-46

FOREWORD.

The purpose of this booklet is to record the activities of the organised committees working with, and under the direction of, the Hastings and District Patriotic Committee; which was composed of representatives of Hastings, Havelock North and of certain ridings of the Hawke’s Bay County.

In an undertaking which covered the whole period of the War and such a wide variety of effort it is impossible to enumerate individually all those who contributed both in time and money. Mrs. Rainbow and I are filled with a sense of the deepest gratitude to the very many hundreds of men, women and children, both Pakeha and Maori, whose enthusiasm and cheerfulness, combined with the most willing and efficient assistance at all times and under all conditions, turned our responsibilities into a privilege of which we are deeply conscious.

The sincere thanks and appreciation of the community are due to Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Maddison who were charged with the initial formation and with the administration until 1941 of the Hastings and District Patriotic Committee; to Mr. G. E. G. Rogers, who since the inception has filled the office of Secretary and Organiser to this Committee. Mr. Roger’s organising ability, combined with his diligence and his enthusiasm has, in a very large measure indeed, been responsible for any success which has attended our efforts.

It has been a great experience for us all. We were a Community united in a common purpose; a purpose which was so near our hearts and which was so necessary if we were to honour the pledge which we gave to our Servicemen and women; a purpose in which we dared not fail if we were to retain our self-respect.

If we can evoke the same spirit in matters which have for their purpose the well being of our Community then we can face the future with every confidence.

A. I. RAINBOW, Mayor,
Chairman Hastings & District
Patriotic Committee.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

MEMBERS OF THE HASTINGS DISTRICT PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

Chairman:
1939-41   Mr. G. A. Maddison.
1941-46   Mr. A. I. Rainbow, O.B.E.

Deputy Chairman:
1939-41   Mr. A. I. Rainbow, O.B.E.
1941-46   Mr. S. Ashcroft.

Treasurer:
1939-46   Mr. N. C. Harding.

Organising Secretary:
1939-46   Mr. G. E. G. Rogers.

Committee:
1939-46   Mesdames A. I. Rainbow, A. M. Deans, Te K. Karaitiana, H. J. Lovell-Smith. Messrs. E. L. Cullen. M.P., C. Griffiths, F. H. Goldfinch, P. J. Priest.
1939-40   Rev. C. H. Olds.
1939-41   Mrs. G. A. Maddison, Mr. W. Wood.
1939-42   Mrs. J. B. Pickering, Messrs. W. H. Anderson and L. A. Denton.
1939-43   Mesdames A. C. A. Hyde and J. Wilson, Mr. J. E. Hall.
1939-44   Messrs. A. Kirkpatrick, G. R. Baillie, W. B. Hobbs.

Formation of Hastings District Patriotic Committee.

Within eight weeks of the outbreak of war the then Mayor of Hastings, Mr. G. A. Maddison, called the inaugural meeting of the Hastings District Patriotic Committee. The personnel of the Committee were gazetted with the Patriotic Purposes Emergency Regulations (1939), which provided for the zoning of all Patriotic activities in New Zealand.

Patriotic Activities Co-ordinated Throughout N.Z.

Patriotic work in New Zealand was controlled by eleven Patriotic Councils each one of which appointed Zone or Regional Controlling Committees. The Hawke’s Bay Provisional Patriotic Council was the controlling authority for patriotic activities from Wairoa to Woodville, which area was divided into five controlling zones.

The Hastings District Patriotic Committee was the controlling authority for the area bounded by a line from the foot of Te Aute Hill in the South, The Ngaruroro River in the North, and included Havelock North and Clive.

Retirement of Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Maddison (1941).

In June 1941, Mr. G. A. Maddison retired from office as Chairman of the Patriotic Committee and the Chairmanship was taken over by the newly elected Mayor, Mr. A. I. Rainbow, O.B.E., who had acted as Deputy Chairman since the formation of the Committee.

The leadership and enthusiasm of Mr. and Mrs. Maddison had set an example to the Community and had inspired the patriotic work of the district. In all patriotic activities during these years Mrs. Maddison was in the forefront and was always to be found where there was most work.

Mr. and Mrs. A. I. Rainbow Lead Hastings Patriotic Activities.

When Mr. Rainbow took over the Chairmanship, he extended the personnel of the Zone Committee to include representatives of all the major organisations undertaking patriotic work and delegates

HASTINGS DISTRICT PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE (Cont.)

1941-46   Mrs. R. Cashmore, Messrs. L. J. Fisher, R. Harding, J. F. Jones, S. I. Jones, E. W. Ormond, A. Ross, E. V. Simpson.
1941-42   Rev. D. M. Cattanach, Miss Z. Ashcroft.1941-43   Mesdames W. G. Stead, A. E. Mardon, A. Hickmott, H. Honeybun.
1941-44   Mr. C. S. Palmer.1942-43   Mrs. B. W. Boys, the late Rev. W. T. Drake.
1942-45   Mr. A. D. Gillies.1942-46   Mesdames A. Ashcroft, T. A. Hill, Messrs. Te K. Chadwick, J. Nikera, H. B. Poppelwell, A. Toop.
1943-44   Mrs. E. V. Simpson.
1943-46   Mesdames D. J. Holden, E. M. Nelson, B. Otene, J. Romaine-Wright, Mr. V. Westerman.
1944-46   Mrs. E. Wall, Rev. R. B. Tinsley, Messrs. H. N. Apperley, L. J. Fargher, E. T. Gifford, J. Kelly.
1945-46   Mr. J. M. Blake.

from working Sub-committees. Thus in 1941 all patriotic activities in Hastings were completely co-ordinated under the controlling authority of the Hastings Zone Patriotic Committee.

Mr. and Mrs. A. I. Rainbow as the new leaders entered whole heartedly into the vast field of Patriotic Work and again set a wonderful example by their own untiring efforts.

Hastings Patriotic Committee District Controlling Authority.

Though formed to prevent patriotic activities from overlapping it was always the policy of the Patriotic Committee to allow as much freedom of action as possible. Realising at the same time the need for a controlling authority, it was significant that organisations, in the mutual interests of workers and the men overseas, readily co-operated with the Committee and there resulted a happy and enthusiastic spirit which prevailed throughout the long and tedious period of the War.

While the District Committee acted as the controlling authority it was not in this capacity that its members contributed their war work. The District Committee defined the policy and general programme, but it was the sub-committees which undertook the solid work and it was in this capacity that its members achieved the success which attended patriotic efforts in Hastings.

Hastings Women’s Patriotic Committees.

Early in 1940 it became apparent that comforts would be required for New Zealanders serving overseas. In common with other districts, the then Mayoress, Mrs. G. A. Maddison established a series of women’s committees to organise the preparation, packing and distribution of comforts for men overseas and men leaving for camp.

Following the retirement of Mrs. Madison as Mayoress, Mrs. A. I. Rainbow assumed the leadership of the Women’s Patriotic Committees and devoted much of her time to this exacting work for the remainder of the war period.

An indication of the vast amount of work achieved by these Committees is summarised as follows:-

Chairwomen:
1941-46   Mrs. A. I. Rainbow
1940-41   Mrs. G.A. Maddison

Secretaries:
1942-46   Mrs. D. Crawford, M.B.E.
1940-42   Mrs. D. Rosenberg.

Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames H. deDenne, J. Wedd, W. J. Burton, H. G. Jones, Miss O’Kane.
1940-45   Mrs. Jenkinson.
1940-44   Mrs. F. J. Hull.
1940-43   Mesdames T. O’Dowd, W. G. Stead, C. Duff, K. Kissock and Miss Horsley.
1940-42   Mesdames Vaughan, Hodgins.
1943-46   Mesdames K. Watson, Yortt, Ingram and Miss Mossman.
1945-46   Mrs. Metcalf.

Depot Committee.

The Hastings Borough Council, early in 1940 placed a building at the corner of Lyndon Rd, and Warren St. at the disposal of the Women’s Committees. This building became known as the “Patriotic Depot.” It was this depot from which wool was issued to the public and it was here where all goods were delivered, packed and distributed.

The Patriotic Depot was opened daily, & Mesdames Rosenberg and Crawford accepted responsibility for all stocks. After Mrs. Rosenberg’s resignation for health-reasons, in 1942, Mrs. Crawford undertook this work and it was fitting that her magnificent efforts should have been officially recognised by the award of the M.B.E.

During the war years over 270,000 articles were delivered to the Patriotic Depot. An accurate record was kept of all inward and outward goods.

Of the articles handled, wool for the knitting of no less than 20,961 garments was issued to the public. While there were isolated cases where knitters were somewhat dilatory in returning articles, there were only two cases where it was not found possible to trace the wool issued. THIS WAS A WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT and while it reflects credit on the organisation, it indicates the earnest patriotism of some thousands of knitters who assisted in the Hastings war effort.

A detailed statement of the good received and distributed by the Committee is attached to this report.

Overseas Parcels Committee

The sending of parcels to New Zealanders serving overseas was one of the major activities of the Hastings District during the war years.

That New Zealand gave a service second to none has been generally acknowledged – well over one million parcels were distributed to New Zealanders in various theatres of war. From the

Chairwomen:
1941-46   Mrs. A. I. Rainbow.
1940-41   Mrs. G. A. Maddison.

Secretaries:
1942-46   Mrs. D. Crawford, M.B.E.
1940-42   Mrs. G. R. Baillie.

Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames G. A. Maddison, T. Mitchell, H. Ribbands, R.D. Brown, N. C. Harding, E. L. Cullen, G. R. Ballantyne, H. M. Bishop, M. Waterworth, F. J. Cowlrick, E. T. Gifford, A. F. Redgrave. Miss H. Ford.
1940-43   Mrs. A. C. A. Hyde.
1940-42   Mesdames H. J. Lovell-Smith and T. Ritchie.
1940-41   Mesdames Caro T. B. Chapman. L. Simpson (Snr.)
1941-46   Mesdames A. Kirkpatrick and H. Robinson.
1941-44   The late Miss A. F. Lewis.
1941-43   Mrs. W. G. Stead and Miss Z. Ashcroft.
1941-42   Mrs. W. E. Bate
1942-46   Mesdames H. J. Grieve, G. C. Wilkinson and Miss McCorkandale.
1943-46   Mesdames S. Ashcroft, and W. Duff.
1944-46   Mesdames C. Carrodus, L. McLeod and B. Mills.
1945-46   Mesdames C. H. Heald, B. M. Kessell and W. A. Greer.

Hastings District each year of the war distributions were as follows:

1939-40   759
1940-41   2231
1941-42   2347
1942-43   5858
1943-44   4897
1944-45   2938
TOTAL   19030

When the Committee first began its operations the contents of all parcels were purchased locally and great credit is due to Mrs. G. R. Baillie, who not only gave a great deal of time to the selection of the contents of the parcels, but always insisted that nothing but the nest was good enough for men overseas.

On the retirement of Mrs. Baillie, the Secretaryship of this Committee was taken over by Mrs. D. Crawford.

The number of parcels required of the Hastings Committee was now too large to enable local purchases and supplies were sent direct from manufacturers. Goods for Patriotic Committees were granted a high priority by the Ration Controller and never at any stage did the Committee want for supplies, although delays often proved most aggravating.

The Committee achieved a remarkable degree of speed and efficiency in the preparation and packing of parcels. Literally hundreds of letters have been received expressing thanks for the parcels and appreciation of the excellent condition in which they arrived at their destination.

Anxious that the best use shall be made of those food supplies in stock originally intended for members of the services, the Committee is now packing and despatching food parcels to those people in the British Isles who extended such generous hospitality to New Zealanders who served there. In addition, the Chairman has written to the Mayor of Hastings, England, offering to send food parcels to those people in his town who can be regarded as needy cases. It is hoped in this manner, the best use will be made of the stocks which were held at the cessation of hostilities.

Farewell Parcels Committee.

Chairwoman:
1940-46   Mrs. A. M. Deans
Secretary:
1940-46   Mrs. C. P. Hopkins
Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames A. I. Rainbow, R. Bach, L. J. Mackersey, and H. E. Phillips.

Charged originally with the responsibility of packing parcels for distribution to men proceeding overseas, this committee has distributed 1912 parcels since March, 1940. Due, however, to the difficulty of ascertaining when men were on final leave it was found that many men, particularly those joining the Navy and Air Force, left the district for overseas without receiving gifts. All attempts on the part of the patriotic committee to get official advice of men leaving for overseas failed on the grounds of security. It was therefore decided that the gift parcel should be distributed to the men when they left for camp and this policy was continued until the conclusion of war.

Each parcel contained the following:- toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving soap, soap, hand-knitted socks, handkerchief and cigarettes or barley sugar.

As in all cases of parcel packing the Depot Committee was called upon to male available from its shelves the supplied used by this committee.

Wool Committee.

Chairwoman:
1940-46   Mrs. Hedley Harvey
Secretary:
1940-46   Mrs. W. A. Bryant
Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames H. E. Elliott, A. M. Deans, G. Hunter, F. G. McAlister.

Responsible for the sorting of Navy and Army wool together with the packing of garments for despatch to the N.Z. Navy League and the National Patriotic Fund Board, this committee handled over 3 1/4 Tons of Wool, and 20,961 Garments. This large quantity was made possible, however, only by the many local organisations, including knitting circles, and the thousand who generously volunteered to knit.

With the heavy calling-up of men following the outbreak of war with Japan it was exceedingly difficult to keep pace with the demands for wool during the winter of 1943. The N.Z. Division overseas, naturally had the first claim on the supplies available. Complaints were current that men could not obtain woollen garments, although their relatives were knitting more than the quota set down for Hastings. Having satisfied itself that adequate supplied were available at Headquarters for sending overseas, the Zone Committee adopted the policy of distributing woollen comforts to our local men as they left for camp.

Again assisted by the Depot Committee, the wool committee carried out an excellent work during the war years.

A detailed statement of the garments sent from Hastings is included with the Depot list.

Books and Magazines Committee.

Chairwoman:
1940-41   Mrs. T. Falconer
1941-44   The late Mrs. J. E. Sutcliffe
1944-46   Mrs. M. E. Hodgins
Secretary:
1940-46   Mrs. M. E. Hodgins
Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames R. Bach, E. L. Cullen, R. J. Hodgins, A. E. Palmer, E. M. Wedd, O. Skipper.
1940-41   Miss Strang.

Established early in 1940 this Committee has despatched 383 cases, containing approximately 40,000 books to the War Library Service, Wellington, for sending overseas, Military Camps in New Zealand, the Army Educational Welfare Service, the Mercantile Marine and the Navy. In addition some thousands of penguin series and magazines have been included with cases of parcels for overseas.

The generous response of the public to numerous appeals, the willingness of the Public Library staff in receiving books on behalf of the committee, together with the help of various organisations in the various book drives, have combined to simplify the work of the committee. Its organisation, however, has been such that it has been a self-contained unit, entirely self supporting.

Sewing Committee.

Chairwomen:
1940-41   Mrs. G. A. Maddison
1941-46   Mrs. A. I. Rainbow
Secretary:
1940-46  Miss H. Ford
Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames A. F. Glenny, M. E. Devenie, D. Carey, McIlwraith, T. Pickett, L. J. Mackersey

Following complaints levelled by the women of Wellington at the quality of the issue of hussifs made to the men of the services by the authorities, the various patriotic committees throughout the Dominion were requested to provide this important item of a serviceman’s equipment.

The Hastings Sewing Committee, with the assistance of local organisations made and filled 3,334 hussifs during the war years.

The making and filling of the hussifs in itself was a considerable undertaking but the obtaining of the necessary contents gave cause for considerable searching. The generous response of the public to various appeals assisted very considerably, while the goodwill of local tradesmen in releasing their meagre supplies made it possible for the committee always to exceed its quota.

Very grateful thanks are extended to the hostesses, many of whom extended hospitality on numerous occasions; to the A.N.A. Club and afterwards the Borough Council Staff whose members dispensed refreshments; to the Red Cross and E.P.S. transport drivers who conveyed the men from the trains.

Committee for the Reclamation of Waste Materials.

Chairmen:
1940-44   Mr. G. W. B. McCormick.
1944-46   Mr. J. Blake.
Secretary:
1940-46   Mr. N. C. Harding.
Committee:
1940-46   Mesdames Keith, Kent & Lee, Miss Keith, Messrs. A. D. Gillies, D. F. McLeod, R. F. Park, J. Paul, H. B. Player.

Formed early in 1940 to reclaim waste materials urgently required for war production the work of this committee was divided into three sections.

Non-ferrous Metals: Under the personal direction of Mr. McCormick 7 tons 3 cw. of these metals were despatched from Hastings within a few weeks of the formation of the committee.

Waste Rubber: With an acute shortage or [of] rubber Messrs. McCormick and Blake enlisted the support of garages in obtaining used motor tyres and other rubber. This work involved the collection and cartage of thousands of tyres the Total weight being 49 tons 11 cwt.

Waste Paper: Lead by Mr. A. D. Gillies until almost the end of the war this section undertook the sorting and packing of 197 tons of waste paper. In addition to being heavy work, requiring the use of a wool press, it involved the sorting of vast quantities of paper in varying conditions of cleanliness.

The greatest credit is due to those, who for so long, undertook this tedious and often, unpleasant work.

Army, Navy and Air Force (A.N.A.) Club. (1942-45).

Chairwoman:
1942-45   Mrs. J. R. Stevenson.
Secretary:
1942-45   Mr. W. B. Williams.
Club Secretary:
1942-45   Miss M. Ebbett.

Established in 1942 under the leadership of the late Mrs. H. M. Wilson, the club offered facilities to servicemen during those years of the war, when due to the threat of invasion, so many men were called to serve with the forces in the Dominion.

With the generous support of many residents the Club was furnished and fully equipped in record time and undoubtedly provided a welfare service which was fully appreciated by those servicemen who availed themselves of its use.

In 1945 it became apparent that the Club had fulfilled its purpose. It was passed over intact to the Returned Services Association which purchased the furniture and fittings at a nominal valuation. The proceeds from, the sale, together with surplus funds were used to establish the Wilson Trust Fund for the benefit of sick and wounded returned servicemen at the Memorial Hospital.

Returned Services Welfare Committee.

Chairman:
Mr. F. J. Hull.
Secretary:
Mr F. H. Goldfinch.
Committee:   (Established 1940).
Messrs. P. J. Priest, L. J. Mackersey, A. D. Ross, H. E. Phillips.

Having acted as the committee of the Hastings War Relief Association for the past 25 years it was fitting that the Hastings Patriotic Zone Committee should entrust the welfare work of men returned from this war to those with such a wide experience.

The committee was soon called upon to render assistance to returned servicemen. Many of the requests for assistance come from men who await the granting of pensions for partial or total disability and in this regard the Secretary not only arranges for financial assistance to be given, but by virtue of a long experience with the Pensions Department, is able to give very valuable information and often facilitates the granting of pensions.

In work of this nature much of the time is taken up interviewing applicants and assisting them in a hundred different ways. This has fallen chiefly, on the shoulders of Mr. Goldfinch and his assistant, Miss Carter, who in an honorary capacity have assisted many hundreds more than those to whom grants have been made.

The total number of men assisted to date is 594 and the amount granted totals £960/13/9. It is expected that this work will continue for many years.

Woodford House Honey Fund.

Sponsored by the Woodford House Old Girls’ Association, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Malden, scores of tons of honey have been forwarded to warships of the British Navy during the war years.

St. Matthews’ Creche.

Under the leadership of Mrs. K. E. Maclean, a creche was opened for the children of men serving with the forces. Realising that the absence of their husbands placed additional burdens on the mothers of small children, Mrs. Maclean, with a band of helpers undertook to care for the children to enable the mothers to enjoy more relaxation.

Roll of Honour (Mr. H. B. Player).

Undertaking to keep a card index of all men who proceeded overseas from the Hastings District, Mr. Player has carried on this work during the war years. He has worked under great difficulties. For security reasons the names of army personnel proceeding overseas were not available, while Navy and Air Force men frequently left the district under instructions from the Navy Department or Air Headquarters and no official advice was received locally. By a diligent search of casualty lists and published lists of returning servicemen Mr. Player has compiled a Roll which must be regarded as complete. It is possible however that Naval and Air Force personnel, either sick or wounded, who returned earlier in the war may have been omitted.

MONEY RAISING ACTIVITIES.

The total sum raised under the auspices of the Hastings District Patriotic Committee during the war years is:-
£106,049/4/9.

The raising of this money has meant tremendous work, not only for Executive, but for some thousands of voluntary helpers. It is impossible to mention all those organisations and people who gave so much of their time to this work.

It would be safe to say however, that every organisation in Hastings assisted in some form in the raising of money to provide the welfare services for New Zealanders at war.

This splendid achievement, during the six years of the war, has been done due to the keen patriotic spirit of the community, combined with the willing and enthusiastic help of a vast number of patriotic workers, many of whom served untiringly and unselfishly throughout the war years.

Record Year in 1942.

It is natural, perhaps, when reviewing money raising activities that pride of place should be given to our most successful year, when during the 8 weeks of October and November 1942, the sum of £27,843 was contributed to our patriotic fund. It was in October of this year, too, when with an attendance of 16,000 we raised £6,000 in one day at the A. & P. Society’s showgrounds. If credit is due for these record breaking efforts, then it is to the magnificent community spirit which prevailed and which made it possible for the organisers to realise their ambitious programmes.

Queen Carnival Campaign (1942).

Among many hundreds of workers who gave their time and energy wholeheartedly to this outstanding campaign, the executive officers were:-

Executive Committee:   His Worship the Mayor, Mr. A. I. Rainbow, O.B.E. (Chairman), A. F. Redgrave, (Deputy Chairman), J. F. Jones, A. J. Grant, H. B. Poppelwell, N. C. Harding (Treas.)
G. E. G. Rogers, (Organising Secretary).

Publicity Committee:   Messrs. E. H. Culver, H. B. Poppelwell and G. E. G. Rogers.

Queen Carnival Executive Officers (Oct. Nov. 1942)
Air Force:   QUEEN, Mrs. Bunny Palmer.
Mrs. H. M. Glazebrook, (Sponsor), Messrs. C. Wilding, (Chairman), D. W. Gilbertson & H. M. Fisk (Secretaries), R. D. Brown, (Treasurer).

Nursing Services:   Queen Candidate, Miss Hilary Thomas.
Mrs. J. B. Campbell (Sponsor), Messrs. R. Harding (Chairman), J. L. Masterson, G. R. Baillie (Deputy-Chairman), L. A. Denton (Secretary-Treasurer).

Navy:   Queen Candidate, Miss D. Wilson.
Mrs. E. J. Herrick, (Sponsor), Messrs. A. Kirkpatrick (Chairman), H. W. Blackmore (Deputy-Chairman), E. E. Rixon (Secretary-Treasurer).

Army:   Queen Candidate, Miss Ailie Baird.
Mrs. Te K. Karaitiana, (Sponsor), Messrs. E. W. Ormond (Chairman), A. J. Grant (Deputy-Chairman), R. P. Tabley (Secretary), E. A. Murley (Treasurer).

Queen Carnival Campaigns almost invariably create intense excitement and this was no exception. Conducted throughout in a spirit of good sportsmanship and keen rivalry every know device for raising money was used.

The sale & wearing of emblems inspired schoolboys to fisticuffs to decide the merits of the three services. The closing of the poll saw thousands awaiting the final results. The Assembly Hall was packed to capacity, while a dense crowd assembled below the balcony – The final result exceeded the estimates of the most optimistic by at least £12,000. It was a wonderful result and indicated what can be achieved by organised Community effort.

Patriotic Spring Carnival, November 1942.

Executive Committee:
His Worship the Mayor, Mr. A. I. Rainbow, O.B.E., (Chairman).
E. H. Culver, R. C. Ensor, A. J. Grant, G. Hardenberg, J. F. Jones, H. B. Poppelwell, A. F. Redgrave, and G. E. G. Rogers (Organising Sec.).

Organised by the Entertainments Committee and the Carnival Executive as a background, to the Queen Carnival Campaign, the Patriotic Spring Carnival in its conception was intended to be on a scale large enough to encourage the public to flock to the showgrounds in spite the the petrol and rail restrictions. It not only attracted the crowds to the extent of a £1600 gate, but additional spending saw the total for the day reach over £6000.

Under Vice-Regal patronage, the Carnival provided an exhibition of war equipment, supplied by Army and Air Headquarters on a scale never previously seen in the Dominion. In addition, the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association entered wholeheartedly into the undertaking and staged a most comprehensive display of war equipment manufactured in the Wellington District. The gigantic task of converting the Produce Hall, into a War Exhibition was carried out by the Hastings Company L.O.C. Home Guard, under the able leadership of Captains R. Sherwood and J. Blake. An adapt ion of Trooping the Colour, organised by Mr. A. D. Lynch, created a colourful spectacle of pageantry in which participated the Band of the R.N.Z.A.F., the Home Guard, the Air Training Corps, and representatives of Inter-House teams; a Drum Major display by the Caledonia n Pipe Band and Highland Dancing under the direction of the Scots Society provided the Scottish features; the Kennel and Greyhound Racing Clubs also contributed, while Children’s Pony Events and sports under the control of Messrs. Douglas Lane and H. Jackson and a willing band of helpers contributed to the fun for the children; Mr. H. G. Jones controlled the totalisator; Messrs. H. Hylton Smith and A. Hearn organised donkey and draught horse races; sideshows were efficiently handled by Mr. Hardenberg’s committee; the gigantic task of catering for the many thousands was in the capable hands of the W.W.S.A. under the leadership of Mesdames Cashmore and Baillie; Mr. R. C. Ensor and a team of volunteers became completely exhausted in their attempts to meet the terrific demand for ice creams and soft drinks; the Hastings Queen Candidates, and the Napier Patriotic Committees did roaring business from five huge marquees; on the administration side, Mr. F. C. Wilkinson controlled a large staff of gatekeepers; Mr. N. C. Harding, as treasurer, and members of the Banks and Borough Council staff worked well into the night checking cash; while the Organising-Secretary, having achieved his success, endeavoured to estimate the gross receipts.

DIRECT APPEAL.

(1)   Donations.

One of the most difficult tasks undertaken in connection with Patriotic work was the canvass for donations. It was a task requiring qualifications

which not only included outstanding tact and patience, but demanded considerable time.

In Hastings we have been fortunate indeed in enlisting the support of the Business Community who under the leadership of Messrs. E. W. Ormond and L. J. Fisher raised no less than £19,650 during the war years – others who have accepted responsibility for Direct Appeal campaigns and handled them with outstanding success have been Messrs. H. W. Blackmore, H. J. Grieve, A. Dysart, G. R. Baillie and A. F. Redgrave.

There will always remain the memory of that evening in 1941 when in less than 2 hours a team of six canvassed telephone promises of donations of over £1200.

(2)   Stock Drives

Realising the advantage to the farming community of making contributions to Patriotic funds in stock, a strong committee was set up under the chairmanship of Mr. A. Kirkpatrick. Large quantities of fat sock [stock] were collected and sold at a special sale at Stortford Lodge. The committee included stock agents, buyers and drovers, all of whom entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of the campaign which was an outstanding success.

A second major effort under the leadership of Mr. L. J. Fisher, embraced all sections of primary production and produced a comprehensive scheme which enabled donations in kind to be credited to Patriotic Funds. Mr. Fisher’s plan met with exceptional success.

The total raised from Stock Drives was recorded as £6,062, but there is little doubt that this figure was more than doubled by the stock given and credited to other direct appeals.

In common with all residents of the district the response of the farming community to Patriotic appeals was truly magnificent. It was this spontaneous giving which encouraged and simplified the work of the organisers of our Patriotic appeals.

(3)   Radio Appeals.

The Hastings Patriotic Committee can justly claim its share of credit for the organisation of Provincial Radio Appeals conducted from the H.B. Station, 2 YH.

The public response to the early appeals was such that commentators could not cope with the overwhelming number of promises. On more than one occasion the Hastings telephones were literally “jammed” by the tremendous number of calls.

This novel method of soliciting donations for patriotic funds had its origins in Dunedin and was quickly followed by other centres until it became an annual appeal organised on a national basis.

Led by the Hastings organising Secretary, Mr. G. E. G. Rogers, Messrs. H. B. Poppelwell, J. F. Jones, A. F. Redgrave, R. D. Brown, R. C. Ensor, J. Blake and L. J. Fisher assisted as additional commentators for the various appeals as representatives for Hastings, and for which the local total was £5,298.

Bazaars, Fairs and Shops.

With the late Mrs. W. Richmond as chairwoman Mesdames Robin Bell (secretary), F. J. Hull, C. D. Taafe, A. L. Rainbow, W. A. Whitlock, T. A. Hill, G. P. Dasent, S. M. Palmer, B. Otene and Miss J. Hallett comprised the original Shop Committee, which in early war years organised monthly patriotic shops. The Committee quickly realised the value of numbers and enlisted the support of members of all Hastings women’s organisations, who in their turn accepted responsibility for the various stalls.

Following the tragic and sudden death of Mrs. Richmond the chairmanship of the Shop Committee was undertaken by Mrs. Te K. Karaitiana.

Under Mrs. Karaitiana’s leadership the Committee became more ambitious and in March, 1942 sponsored a Victory Fair at the Assembly Hall, the gross return from which was over £1200.

This committee, too, undertook the organisation on a number of occasions, of stalls at the showgrounds, the space for which was made available by the Hawke’s Bay A. & P. Society.

During the war years some seventy womens’ organisations assisted the Shop Committee with this work, while many other fairs and carnivals assisted substantially in the raising of funds.

Many other efforts in the nature of bazaars and fairs contributed to the total of £35,989 raised. A huge carnival at the Racecourse, under the leadership of Mr. G. R. Baillie, was an outstanding success, while the Returned Services Association, the Horticultural Society and various sports organisations undertook very successful money raising campaigns.

Fun Sessions & Entertainment Committee 1942-46.

Messrs. H. B. Poppelwell (Chairman), J. Baxter, E. H. Culver, R. C. Ensor, J. W. Jones, G. E. G. Rogers (Sec.) G. Hardenberg (1942-43).

The full story of the Fun Sessions Committee was told in the Souvenir Programme produced for the final Fun Session last November. Members of this Committee undoubtedly provided a background for all patriotic activities with their weekly Fun Sessions, while their enthusiasm as the Entertainment Committee is well known. The promotion of Fun Sessions was only one of the inspirations of this hard working team. – They were full of ideas for raising money and what is more important they played more than their part in putting these ideas into practice.

Perhaps their most appreciated efforts were the Christmas parties organised for the children of men of the services overseas – the children may forget many of the incidents of World War II, but they will never forget those festive Christmas parties.

Patriotic Committees of other districts were quick to recognise the value of Fun Sessions and the committee was called upon to sponsor these popular shows for many other centres.

While the Fun Session team produced and stage managed their own shows they will be the first to acknowledge that their work in the theatre with Christmas parties and all other activities could not have been successful without the wholehearted and consistent support of a vast number of people – among those who contributed in such large measure to this success were the orchestra under the leadership of Mrs. E. H. Culver and the House staff with Mr. J. Hannon as House Manager.

The Fun Session Committee raised £8066/19/4 for Patriotic Funds and the organisation has continued to provide entertainment for Welcome Home Receptions to returning servicemen.

Dances.

Many organisations and people successfully organised dances, the proceeds from which, totalling
£4329/12/5 was made available for the Patriotic Fund. The outstanding achievement was that of the Celtic Football Club, whose members popularised the Saturday Dances at the Assembly Hall, and who continued to make the profits available throughout the whole period of the war.

The Committee expresses its gratitude to the many hundreds of people who assisted in these efforts which not only contributed substantially to the funds but also contributed to sustaining the morale of the younger generation.

The School Childrens’ Contribution.

Perhaps the most enthusiastic helpers in the Hastings war effort were the pupils of the schools.

Inspired by the teaching staffs the contributions of school children were many and varied – From growing and selling vegetables to assisting with clothes drives the childrens’ efforts were always efficiently organised. Many servicemen received gift parcels, and many distressed people received clothes as the result of the children’s enthusiasm.

“The Dugout”

Inspired by a group of enthusiasts responsible for one of the early campaigns for raising money the Hastings “Dugout” was made possible by the generosity of those connected with the building industry. It became the headquarters of all money raising campaigns and provided a background of publicity for appeals.

Raffles

Among the most consistent revenue earning activities of the Patriotic Committee have been the hundreds of raffles, permission for the conducting of which was given by Special Legislation shortly after the outbreak of war.

Records show receipts from raffles at £7,531. This, however probably represents less than one third of the total receipts from this source, as raffles have contributed largely to the success of most money raising activities. Quite apart from those organised by the Patriotic Committee hundreds of permits have been issued for smaller raffles conducted privately by many Hastings organisations.

Those who have participated in raffle campaigns are far too numerous to mention; all of them gave generous and wholehearted support.

The grateful support of the Committee are due however, to Mr. Alec Ross who has been associated with almost every major raffle campaign held during the war years and who experience and energy

Seed Cropping.

Committee: Messrs. A. I. Rainbow (Chairman), S. Ashcroft (Deputy-Chairman) A. Ross, A. Kirkpatrick, E. L. Commin, R. Conway, G. D. Wilson, C. Wilding, J. G. McKenzie, N. C. Harding (Treasurer), G. E. G. Rogers (Secretary).

Formed by Mr. G. A. Maddison, in 1940, the Seed Cropping Committee undertook originally to assist in the production of vegetable seed which in the early years of the war was in such short supply. The labour was subsidised by the Government and many generous residents offered sections for the use of the committee.

Further expansion of the Committee’s activities enabled the production of vegetables at a time when these commodities were scarce, and in quantities which contributed substantially to the war effort. The production of certain medicinal leaf provided the total needs of Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand for two years when the occupation of Europe completely cut off supplies.

Under the direction of the Committee the following crops were produced:-
Vegetables
361 tons 1 cwt. 2qrs.   £4611 11 8.
Vegetable Seeds
29 tons 6 cwt. 3 qrs.   £1833 18 9
Medicinal Leaf
36 tons 7 cwt.  £5191 14 6.
Wheat and Barley
4552 bushels   £856 14 3
Ryegrass
618 bushels   £293 12 2

The Maori War Effort.

Encouraged by the stirring deeds of the Maori Battalion the Maoris of the district raised well over £4,000 as a direct contribution to patriotic funds. An enthusiastic leader in the person of President Cowley of the L.D.S. Church, sponsored a series of money raising efforts which culminated in a successful Queen Carnival in which Maoris from Wairoa to Woodville participated.

With Official recognition given to the Maori tribal Committees the Maori war effort continued throughout the war. The establishment of the Ngarimu War Memorial and Scholarship Fund following the posthumous award of the V.C. to Second Lieutenant Ngarimu for heroism in Tunisia, gave further stimulus to effort and there can be no doubt that the Maoris continued with outstanding patriotic fervour.

Havelock North Sub. – Zone Committee.

Chairmen:   Mr. H. R. von Dadelszen, (1939-44), Mr. J. J. Nimon, (1944-46).
Secretary:   Mr. W. H. Anderson.
Committee:   Mr. & Mrs. A. R. Greenwood, H. E. Phillips, W. R. Warnes, Mesdames Blackmore, V. Buck, R. A. Bygum, J. Hellyer, J. H. Joll, te K. Karaitiana, M. Kennedy, R. A. Nimon, H. Smart, S. F. N. Waymouth, Miss Greenwood, Messrs. A. Hill and A. Toop.

The return of patriotic monies shows Havelock North as having raised approximately £7,000 of the Hastings total. It is certain, however that this sum does not represent the full monetary contribution of the residents of the “Village.” During the Queen Carnival campaign of 1942 it was not possible to record the contributions of Havelock North. They were substantial as they were in every occasion.

The Havelock North Committee packed and distributed its share of the Hastings quota of parcels and in addition was able to make many gifts to local men overseas.

Without exception the Havelock North Committee co-operated to the full in any undertaking designed to further the war effort and in many instances a greater success attended its efforts than those of considerably larger communities.

Hawke’s Bay County Patriotic Zone.

The southern area of the Hawke’s Bay County formed part of the Hastings Patriotic District for the purposes of collecting funds. Members of this Committee, under the leadership of Mr. Robert Harding, gave whole hearted co-operation in all money raising campaigns, while residents responded generously to all patriotic appeal.

General

The object of this booklet is to place on permanent record a brief survey of the activities of patriotic committees and workers of the Hastings District during the years of World War II.

It is impossible to cover fully the multitudiness contributions that were made by so many people in so many different ways. An effort to collect the names of the many helpers resulted in the preparation of a list of hundreds and it became apparent that the individual thanking of these hundreds would leave as many unthanked. There were those who by force of circumstances were not able to contribute to the effort as they would have wished, yet gave unstintingly and to the utmost of their capacity.

In extending sincere and grateful thanks to organisations, firms and people who have contributed to the war effort of the Hastings District it is appropriate that we should emphasise that what has been achieved as a community effort under the dire need of war gives encouragement to achieve, as a community, for the needs of peace – the progress and welfare of our people.

Distributed by Hastings Patriotic Committee (1939-46)

Fruit   (tins)   16,709
Vegetables   (tins)   7,971
Meats   (tins)   1,700
Cream   (tins)   7,138
Soup   (tins)   826
Milk (tins)   7,074
Coffee & Milk   (tins)   8,772
Chocolate   (tins)   2,639
Oysters   (tins)   2,016
Sweets   (tins)   15,234
Cakes   (tins)   16,043
Fruit Salts   (tins)   2,558
Fruit Crystals   (pkts.)   4,618
Chewing Gum   (tins)   9,996
Miscellaneous   (tins)   2,033

Handkerchiefs   21,888
Bootlaces   2,336
Writing Pads   21,56
Envelopes   1,987
Pencils   1,415
Toothbrushes   4,636
Toothpaste   3,718
Shaving Soap   4,210
Razor Blades   3,056
Soap   6,994
Mirrors   586
Cigarettes   80,100
Sponge Bags   1,028
First Aid Kits   1,577
Sundries   2,096

WOOLLEN GARMENTS.

Army
Scarves   3,108
Socks   3,627
Balaclavas   3,730
Mittens   3,418
Sundry Garments Hussifs   3,334

Navy
Scarves   319
Socks   458
Balaclavas   284
Mittens   384
Sundry Garments
Hussifs  458

Hastings (Eng.)
Scarves   604
Socks   439
Balaclavas   350
Mittens   490
Gramophone Records   845

Hastings District Patriotic Committee.   Receipts 1940-46.

1940   1941   1942   1943   1944   1945   1946   Total
Donations   741 18 6   3387 5 8   8591 6 11   870 17 9   1534 5 3   236 2 7   1026 18 3   16588 14 11
Stock Drives   920 8 7   1029 0 3   1549 16 9   5562 5 7
Radio Appeals   1453 9 9   785 6 2   473 3 6   2586 12 4   5298 11 9
Street Appeals   289 7 33   155 11 1   272 17 9   717 16 1
Fun Sessions   1245 6 5   799 8 4   2000 0 0   2022 4 7   8066 19 4
Theatrical Productions   458 12 9   114 3 10   572 16 7
Dances   471 2 1   448 7 7   353 9 4   1039 18 3   1638 10 3   378 4 11   4329 12 5
Fairs, Carnivals etc.   1851 2 8   1152 12 1   7843 5 2   4249 3 9   801 6 7   101 14 7   35989 4 10
Raffles   1577 15 4   940 15 9   1380 19 8   2765 11 10   712 2 9   7377 5 4
Mystery Parcels   409 14 2   499 14 2
R.S.A. Slogans   329 15 3   329 15 3
Primary School Sports   114 12 7   114 12 7
Waste Reclamations   271 4 8   129 7 2   251 1 9   381 2 0   229 12 0   1262 7 7
Seed Cropping   63 11 0   1000 0 0   256 18 10   1606 19 5   1010 8 6   3937 17 9
Lady Galway Guild   130 3 9   8 4 6   138 8 3
Maori Appeals   1349 8 0   3181 18 11   4531 6 11
Quota National Appeals   1227 9 6   1227 9 6
Allied National Appeals   1286 9 3   1286 9 3
War Bonds   167 2 6   430 0 0   2 12 6   599 15 0
Sundries   18 15 0   83 5 1   126 3 5   230 2 0   13 10 6   237 5 8   55 9 2   764 10 10

HAVELOCK NORTH
Donations 541 5 7   1310 13 0   84 4 2   759 13 0   682 5 10   70 6 4   3448 7 1
Fairs etc.   823 18 6   583 1 8   709 18 8   363 2 1   2580 0 11
Stock Drive   500 0 0   500 0 0
Radio Appeal   135 8 0   135 8 0
Raffles   44 8 0   110 6 0   154 14 0
War Bonds   35 0 0   35 0 0
£1050 0 9   £15671 11 8   £20858 14 5   £33071 17 11   £16374 4 2   £14653 2 9   £4369 13 1   £106049 4 9

CLIFF PRESS PRINT