RED CROSS WEEK OBSERVED IN BAY FROM YESTERDAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 41, 8 May 1950, Page 5

RED CROSS WEEK OBSERVED IN BAY FROM YESTERDAY

This week in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is dedicated to Red Cross—not an appeal for financial support but for the moral backing of the community without which no organisation prospers. The week covering May 8 was chosen, as this day is the birthday of Henri Dunant, founder of International Red Cross. At Whakatane and the surrounding centres efforts are to be made to fully publicise the work of Red Cross, not only in New Zealand but also in other countries. No appeal is being made for financial assistance but it is hoped that by the end of the week most people will know what Red Cross stands for.

Not Long History Red Cross has not a long history but, during the time it has been in existence, it has come to be known in nearly all lands as an organisation of relief and assistance, given in a truly Christian manner. It’s stirring story of mercy starts in 1862 when Henri Dunant, a wealthy Swiss, travelling in Europe was present at the battle of Sollferino and was pppalled at the suffering and lack of care for the wounded.

He later wrote a pamphlet called “Souvenir of Solferino,” which was circulated to governments, with the result that in the following year representatives' of 16 European States met in Geneva and agreed that Voluntary Societies should be formed in their countries to assist the Army Medical Service in time of need. This meeting had no power to -implement their resolution, so in 1864 accredited representatives of 16 European States met again in Geneva and signed the first Gen ■ eva Convention.

They agreed that “sick ana wounded in time of war their hospitals, ambulances, and the staff aiending them should be considered neutral in all times, and all circumstances.” International Red Cross was born.

Peace Time Too After the 1914-18 war the National Societies formed the League of Red Cross Societies, with the object of. continuing their war-time work as peace time relief. This, as the world knows, has been given in full measure—and there is still an urgent need.

At the recent International Red Cross Conference held in Sweden a new Convention was drafted for the protection of civilians in wartime. This has now been ratified by the signatory Governments. There are 62 national Red Cross Societies in different parts of the globe—practically all formed of voluntary workers.