RED CROSS SOCIETY

Chronicle (Levin), 18 April 1947, Page 4

RED CROSS SOCIETY

Work Of Year Reviewed Af ] AnnualMeetini The sixth annual general meet-" ijng 6f the Levin sub-centre of'the p Red Cross Society was held in the j Century Hall this week, the Mayor, 1 ikr. ' H. • B. Burdekih, presidkng. , Guest speaker was Miss Iris ■ Crooke, Director-General for N.Z. i of the V.A.D.Addressing the meeting, Mr. i Burdekin said he was deeply inter- , ested in the activities of the Red) : Cross,- and proud to be -on itsDominion executive. The work , which the branch was doing was ' Of considerable interest, not only , to the members but to' the whole : community. Though the war was ovOr thOre" was still much . work ahead. The peace-time activities of the Red Cross were just as : important as those arising from war. . Presicfeht's Report . In presenting' the annual report, the president, Miss H. E. Bowen, stated that meetings throughout the year had been very wel attended, it being pleasing to see that interest was still being mainfained. By the death of the iate Mrs. J. Wilson the society had lost a very active worker and memb'er of the sewing circle. The removal to Collingwood of Mrs. and Miss D. Williams had resulted in the loss of two generous workers whose places would be difficult to fill. Under the inspiring leadership of Mrs. F. Wilson the sewing circle had eontinued to expand. Some thirty n6W merab'ers had been enrolled in the society during the year, but a more Vigorous campaign would be necessary this year. The society had been visited by Lady Duff, who had given an address on the conditions in Britain. Two visits had been made to the Palmerston North Hospital, and over thirty patients had been presented with flowers and gifts. In the event of a sanatorioum being built in Levin, this work, which was so much appreciated- by the patients^ would of necessity have to be greatly extended. Two funetions held during the year had proved very suecessful, mainly the social to war brides and the garden pafty at Mrs. D. S. Mackenzie's in ■ aid ofA the pareels for Britain fund. During the year the women's el'ub' completed its wo^k, 155 parcels being presented to returned men. The secretary, Miss Beretti, was most assidious in carrying out her duties, but the object for which the club was formed no longer existed. In cOnclusion, Miss Bowen tha-nked all those who had assisted the society during the year. Sewing Circle The sewing circle had eontinued to meet every week throughout the year and splendid attendances had been malhtained, reported Mrs. F. Wilson. The Christmas vacation had been longer than usual, closing on December 5 and' not re-opening until March. The number of garments made or renovated for distribution in Britain by Red Cross headquarters were not as numerous as the previous year, but she felt. that the standard of workmanship was higher. A start had been made- on the despatch of parcels to Brit&in for this year, these going to mothers of children attendmg- the Islington School, which was situated in the poorer section of London. Mrs. Wilson expressed the thanks of the circle to the many people who wtre sending in clpthing parcels, which were very necessary and appreciated. Thanks were also due to Miss Evison, who- was in 6harge of the Junior Red Cross and "the girls in her group. In response to a request for knitted garments, about 20 girls were now knitting children's pullovers, and she would Iike to see a closer link formed between these girls and the girls of Islington School. She also plaeed on record her appreciation of the members who had worked so willingly during the year, and the many friends who had given loyal support. She also expressd regret at the death of Mrs. J. Wilson, • whom she described as one of the ablest and most cheerful workers in the circle. Thanks were also due to business firms who had assistedMrs. H. Webb" reported that 46 tins of food had been contributed and forwardtd to headquarters for dispatch to Britain. Election of Officers Prior to the nomination- of officers for the ensuing year, the president, Miss Bowen, intimated that she was not seeking re-elec-ion, as she considered she had held the position I6ng6r tha-n she should, and now that the war was over it was fitting that someon'* slse should come forward and take over. "On relinquishing office, I would like to thank all members for their co-operation during the years I have been your president,'1 said Miss Bowen1. " Ia-m sure," she , eontinued, "that the same~ loyalty will be accorded^ my succesSor.'! . Miss Bowen also expressed appreciation of the help she had received from the secretary, Mrs. A. W. Parton. The society was most fortunate in having; her serviees. The officers eleeted were:— Patron: Mr. H. B. Burdekin; president: * Mrs. W. J. Blake; viceoresidents: MesdameS M. Ker.r, U, A. MacDon.ald, F. Wilson, D. S. Mackenzie, E. W. Clark, W. Lett, L. T. Hunter, H. Webb and Miss- H. E. Bowen;. secretary-treasurer: Mrs. A. W- . Parton; auditor: Mr. D, Griffiths.* A motion of thanks was accorded the retiring auditor, Mr. F. Nicholson, who had intimated that he was unable to a£cc6pf the position this year. • The thanks of the society were

also accorded the undermentioned ousmess hrms and organisations 1 vvho had given serviees free of charge : The W.D.F.F. for use of its room, the Horticultural Society for the stall and permission to 3erve tea at the shows, Messrs. 1 Capper and Son for free transport ; of • parcels, the Press, Mrs. Tayldr, Watts' Motors and Messrs. Eccles ^ and Son for cl'eaning the clothes , for overseas parcels. At the conclusion of the meeting. afternoon tea was served to members and a visiting group of Jun- ; ior Red Cross members.