Soldiers’ mothers
The second afternoon tea organised by the Women’s National Reserve for the mothers of soldiers and sailors of the Empire drew a very large crowd to the Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon. Special interest was taken in the gathering owing to the announcement that the Countess of Liverpool would be present and would personally present to the mothers desiring them the neat silver badges which have been designed to do them honour. Afternoon tea was dispensed at 3 o’clock to considerably over 300 people, the extensive arrangements for this part of
the entertainment being admirably carried through under the direction of Mrs Riley.
Lady Liverpool was welcomed on her arrival by Mrs Statham, as president of the Women’s National Reserve, and was presented with a basket of flowers. In a brief speech her Excellency expressed her pleasure at meeting so many mothers of our brave soldiers and sailors.
Thereafter the badges were distributed from the platform to the mothers claiming them, but, unfortunately, the supply here is at present limited to about 220, and consequently a number of those entitled to them will have to wait till a fresh supply has been received.