RED CROSS & V.A.D. BUILDING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 12, 5 October 1945, Page 4

RED CROSS & V.A.D. BUILDING

; Sii^ —May I encroach upon your .space to reply to a few points raised by my friend Mr H. Warren. Firstly 1 fail entirely to see any- . thing unfair in voicing my protest, openly over my own name leaving the way clear for a reply from the Society concerned. 1 can assure Mr Warren there was no "rushing into print" on my part. It was only alter hearing considerable and taking part in discussions on this scheme that I felt impelled to write my lirst letter for which I make no apologies. Mr Warren no doubt had his tongue in his chcek, when he asked why I, or other criti'cs were not at the •? public meeting he mentions to advise the ladies. Does he not remember the advice offered by some members of the Borough Council uoout two years and was it heeded? Let me quote from his letter a very relevant sentence. "The ladies have evidently decided what they want and are getting on with it." Regarding the St. John's Hall ? I agree with mj r friend, it is essential. St. John's Association, and Brigade work goes on during peace time or and has my wholehearted support. The Red Cross Society has also done a wonderful job working for the past s.ix years at peak activity. I realise that relief of distress among civilians in Europe and is still ahead, but two years at the most } will see that through, and then Avhat will this hall is needed for ? Our local hospital is now classed as a training ho.spi.tal for nurses while the St. John Nursing Division give.s firstclass training for girls not wishing to enter the profession so the need for still another training centre for V.A.D. work cannot be urgent. I would like to add that St. John trained nurses did their full <:hare of helping at the local hospital. I will not be drawn into a political discussion on the housing | but would point out in | passing that it is world wide ? and I can hardly be the fault of one' Government. I will leave Mr Warren to discover whether he is a bad judge or not. He will have no difficulty in finding the opposition I have menif lie so desires. In conclusion, the fact still remains that the materials and skilled labour going into this hall, represent one or more urgently needed houses, and no amount of argument can prove otherwise. Yours etc. c.'t. bathe.