WOUNDED AMERICANS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 72, 14 May 1943, Page 5

WOUNDED AMERICANS

ACCOMMODATION FOR CONVALESCENTS

ENQUIRY IN .WHAKATANE

A meeting of the Joint Committee of the Order of St. John and the New- Zealand Red Cross Society took place recently, with Mrs Sullivan in the chair.

A letter from the Red Cross Headquarters in Wellington was read, stating that, the American Red Cross had asked for hospitality for convalescent American servicemen, and asking Red Cross Committees to assist in obtaining names of those who won id, he willing to l extend hospitality. Discussion took place, and tile opinion Avas expressed that many people Avould be only too pleased to do anything they could for American wounded, but might be diffident in offering help, perhaps fearing that their homes etc. would not. come up to American standards. It was pointed out, however, that the average American serviceman appreciates more than anything else being admitted to., and welcomed into a home. Mrs Sullivan had had American servicemen as visitors, and said that what they enjoyed most of all was the feeling of being "in a family,' as, it were, ft was also pointed, out that as these men would lie convalescents they would not require a lot of social entertainments, their main needs being rest and a "bit of fussing." It was decided, to approach the women's organisations in the district, for assistance, and it is hoped that any persons willing to help in this manner send their names in to the Red Cross Secretary with the following information:— (a) Name of family and address. (b) Number of men prepared to accommodate. (c) Number of days accommodation offered. (d) State if there are any young people in the home, give sex and age. (e) Denomination of hosts. It was suggested that families might arrange to receive their American guests at the same time, social occasions, might then be easier to plan. The committee supported the idea, and hoped the public would come forward with offers of help, which shou:d be sent to tlie secretary, Mrs Winstone.