WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 249, 9 July 1918, Page 3

WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION

ENTERTAINING THE (SOLDIERS. At the last monthly meeting of tho executive of the New Zenland War Contingent Association, on April 18, tiie following wero present: Mr. I. W. Raymond (in the chair), the Countess of Hardwicke, Mesdames Emnson; Ritchie, and "Wilson, Miss Mackenzie, Captain Donne, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Sir James Mills, Messrs. Acton Adnms, Gilbert Anderson, Coatcs, Gee, Kennnway, Douglas M'Lean, Scholeftcld, Sinclair, Thomson, Waldcgravc, Williams, and Wray. - Colonel the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, representing tho New Zealand Red Cross Society, was also present. The report of the Hospitality Committee applied for a requisition of JESSO to meet current expenses of concerts, theatre's, catering, games, drives, etc. During the month .1479 men had been entertained in one way or another at tho various centres, and this did not includo the men who attended concerts arranged by the committee.

Tho Hospital Comforts Committee requisitioned for £UOO. During the month there wore 1500 patients, in British hospitals, and 4800 in New Zealand military, hospitals. Mrs. Wilson submitted an interesting report of her visit recently to various hospitals. Tho men in hospital here and in Franco continue to receive regularly the usual shaving and toilet kits, newspapers, and other comforts. The unfit men returning to the Dominion aro also provided with comforts, games, and necessities, so as to nuke them feel the tedium of tho long voyage as little as possible. These additions, judging by letters received, are greatly appreciated by the recipients. The Clubs' Committee requisitioned for i 6200. The report on the various clubs disclosed the very useful part they were '.playing in making the life of the soldier in England as agreeable and pleasant as possible. They are all Under efficient management, and the staff do thoir best in every way to supply a home touch which the men so greatly appreciate The canteen at 11 Southampton Row continues to be well supported. Besides a largo number of men in khaki who visit it at le-'ist twice a day, over 700 patients from' hospitals wore entertained there during the month. A' matter that had been, engaging the consideration of the executive for some time past was the question of the segregation of the Red Cross' work from that of tho War Contingent Association. The proposal had brought about, some rather 'serious complications, but it was hoped that wise counsel would readjust the differences amicably, and thus secure the eontmuanco of the efficient and effective administration of tho past. Before tho I'mutter was opened at tho meeting, Mr. llaymond stated that lie had decided to tender his resignation. Holding as he did the position of chairman of both tho committees, a position quite simple when there was no friction, but a. most delicate one under existing conditions, lie felt he could hardly, escape certain criticism which he had encountered. Not knowing how deep this feeling was ho preferred to put it to the test by giving the executivo an opportunity of electing a successor. Ho then retired from tho meeting. In his absence, Sir Thomas Mackenzie took the chair, and asked for an expression of opinion. ..'The meeting unanimoiwly resolved that Mr. Kaymond held their confidence, and lie was'called in, and resumed the chair, thanking the members for their vote.

A resolution was passed, agreeing to call the association the New Zealand Red Cross nnd War Contingent Association, tho feeling being expressed that this would possibly meet the wishes of tho Rod Cross workers in the Dominion, who wished more prominence being given to their work. A further resolution wus also agreed upon, asking tho Red Cross Commit tee to absorb the members of tho executive, thus affording them an opportunity of continuing their identification with the work in connection with the sick and wounded.