RED CROSS SOCIETY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 15, 16 October 1942, Page 5

RED CROSS SOCIETY

THE WHAKATANE BRANCH

PROGRESS DURING MONTH

The monthly meeting of the New Zealand Red Cross Society was held in the Borough Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 1 3 at 2.30 p.m. M.rs Sullivan was in the chair, and there was a good attendance. Mrs Pridcaux reported that the Matron of the Wha'katanc Hospital, Miss Runeiman, was prepared to commence classes for Kitchcn and Linen Voluntary Aids as soon as members were ready to begin. She also stated that the Junior class of V.A. 1 s had sat for their examination on the 21st and 22nd of September, while the Intermediate class of seven pupils had sat on October 7. Results of the examination were not yet known. A Senior class was now in progress. The V.A. Detachment had started drill, and would parade at the H.G. Mounted Troop Gymkhana on Labour Dal. For the Lady Galway Guild Mrs Moran reported that, the cases sent away had arrived in Auckland, and were being sent on to London. Work of Knitting Circle Mrs Timbs reported that the Knitting Circle had completed goods which had been handed to Patriotic, and which included G scarves, 11 pairs mittens,, 5 pairs socks, G skull caps and. 8 balaclavas. They had also sent to the Joint Council 1 balaclava, 1 scarf, 14 pairs socks, 9 pairs bedsocks, 3 waistcoats, 10 short-sleeved pullovers and 4 longsleeved pullovers,—7B articles in all. Thanks were due to the ladies who had helped. The Sewing Circle, said Mrs Ramson, were still working on pyjamas. Twenty-four pairs and G bed jackets were completed and ready to be sent away. Twenty-two soldiers' farewell parcels had been packed in September. New Members Nominated As some of the Red Cross delegates to the Joint Council had left the district, six new ones were appointed. They were the President, Mrs Sullivan, Vicc-prcsidents Mrs E. Armstrong and M;rs Buddie, Secretary, Mrs Winstone, Mrs Pridcaux and Mrs W..Bridger. Mrs Sullivan said that next year it was hoped to enlarge the activities of the Junior Red Cross, and also to hold classes in the school. At present their work was mainly confined to sewing, and they had done some excellent and. useful work. Fifty-six Patriotic" Parcels Mrs Norman reported for the Comforts Committee' that they had packed and sent away 54 Patriotic. Xmas parcels, and the Institute had donated, and packed 5, making a total of 59.' The committee had also had a successful day at the shop, and the sum realised had been paid to Patriotic funds. M.rs I'l Armstrong for the Entertainments Committee said that 22 men had been farewcllcd from the Borough during the month, they were: Iv. Schofield, I. Stratton, N. Taylor, H. Joll, H. Hills, A. J. Harrison, B. J. Fisher, S. Carter, P, McKenzic, C. Walker, D. S. Ryburn, W. Pearson, J. E. Musselt, Pte Wilson, Cpl Partridge, Pte Hodges, W. Bridger, R. Oxenham, T. Francis, K. Hollis, R.i Mcnary and H. Gordon. The committee had also agreed to take over the White Elephant stall at the shop for a month. Mrs; James agreed to take over the staffing of the shop for the next month.. Mrs Ramson said that Sister Ray Blac'k had received the parcel sent her by the committee. Xmas Effort at Shop With reference to the special Xmas: effort at the shop Mrs King suggested that each member contribute a gift for the Xmas tree, as it was. so hard to obtain small toys etc. now. Any gifts will be very much appreciated. A reference to the membership list showed, that a number of members had overlooked paying their membership fee. As it was very easy to forget, it was suggested that members should be reminded by one another, and it is hoped that the list will be fully paid up in the near future, as .membership fees made a very useful contribution to the funds.