IF there had ever been any doubt of the desire on the part of women of Bournemouth to do their part in assisting their country during the present crisis, that doubt was quickly dispelled today.

A meeting for women willing to give their help was called for midday today at St. Peter's Hall, Bournemouth, and some time before that hour was filled.

But still the numbers increased, and at midday all available sitting and standing room was occupied and many were unable even to obtain entrance to the outer hall.

The Mayor of Bournemouth (Alderman H.S. McCalmont Hill) presided, supported by Mrs McCalmont Hill, the Rev. Canon A.E. Daldy, R.D. (vicar of St Peter's), Mrs Daldy, etc.

In his course of his remarks the Mayor said: "This is a splendid response from the women of Bournemouth to this call to help our country."

They had met that day for the purpose of considering how they could best turn all their energies to the great purpose of helping their country. It was not an easy thing to organise a mass of ladies, but it had got to be done.

The Mayor then proceeded to outline what it was proposed they should do.

First of all succour would have to be given to the wounded, and they would not know what moment they might be called upon to deal with those who might be sent here.

To that end there would had been an offer of a house, which would contain one hundred beds, as a hospital, and this was ready.

He believed the local hospital authority was going to add to that number very considerably.

With regard to the house that had been offered as a hospital - Crag Head in the Manor Road - it would be neccessary to equip it and for that purpose funds would be required. 

There would be a considerable demand for ladies qualified as nurses or who were prepared to take up the nursing part.

Also for the preparation of the clothing for the wounded, which was a most important part of the work.

It was a very important thing that a body of ladies working as they would, should be so organised that their work should be co-ordinated and their labours taken the best advantage of.

They would have to have a Central Executive Committee, and that Committee would have to be on correspondance with various groups who would be working in various parts of the town. They must also have a correspondance secretary.

It would also be neccessary to provide a central depot and packers for preparing the bales.

As the head of the Fund already created, he (the Mayor) would place at their disposal sums of money for the purchase of material.

His worship added that a general committee of ladies was appointed, with power to add that their number, at a meeting called by the Mayorees and held in the Council Chamber on August 6th.

The Mayorees was then elected president and he (the Mayor) treasurer.

This general committee had received authority from the town to act under himself as the head of the town, and the Mayorees as president.

The Mayoress then read out the names of the ladies composing the general committee, and the meeting then preceeded to discuss the proposals.

The principal business done this morning was the taking of names and addresses of ladies willin to help.

It was decided to hold another meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss further the question of orgnisation and the best method of carrying out the work. 

Taken from the Bournemouth Daily Echo August 10, 1914.