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Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 252, 12 July 1918, Page 3

Rod Cross Meetings,

Tho monthly meeting of tho Wellington Red Cross Executive was held at tho Central Depot on Thursday. In tho absonco of the president (Mrs. J. P. Luke) Mrs. Nathan presided. There were also present Mosdames Wilford, Ifoorhouae, Bavltrop, Blundell, and the secretary. Apologies wore received from Mesdames Luke, Roso, Myers, and Firth. A report from tlio Soldiers' Comforts Fund was rend ljy the secretory, showing: that most satisfying work is being carried out by Mrs. Myers. A lotter was read from .Miss Early, matron of the Aotea Home in Cairo, thanking the centre for 25 cases of Rod Cross goods. A letter was also read from Mrs. Luke, thanking the committee for their inquiries and good wishes for her speedy recovery. Mrs. Blundell was ■ chosen to represent the committee at the meeting called in connection with Violet Bay, August 1. Colonel Rhodes's report was received and laid upon the table. A meeting of the general committee was held on Thursday morning. In the absence of Mrs. Luke, Mrs. Massey presided. There were also present Mesdames Nathan, Moorhouso, Blundell, Tripp, Elliott, Shivtelilfe, Dnthie, Finlay, Seaton, Mooie, Shearer, Joseph, Barltrop, Miss Davidson, and tho secretary. Mrs. Blundell and Mrs. Duthie were chosen to represent the Red Cross Committee at the meeting called for tho second Violet Day on August 1. It was reported that 139 cases of goods had been packed during June. The major portion of these u'oods hud been packed for the New Zealand Red Cross Depot, Southampton, but in addition the Victoria Military Hospitnl had been provided with 12 blankets, 12 hot-water bottles and covers, 25 bath towels, ,1u diet cloths; to Bombay were sent 650 blankets, and to the French War Emergency Fund 254 blanket's, and to a. hospital ship 100 pairs of blankets. , Much regret was expressed that tho Red Cross Society as an organisation was not able to help ,vith the appeal (New Zealand's tribute to l r Tance), but individually members intended to help, and the executive had allocated a sum of .E2IIO to be earmarked for the French Red Cross.

Mrs. Jloorhpiise and Mrs. Nathan were deputed to represent the Red Cross workers at tho Italian Red Cross meeting.

Auckland Women and the Defence-Min-istor.

A request that tho Government immediately recall Miss Ettie Rout from England, and. thus put a stop to what -was described as flu ;lemorali;i.i{j propaganda she is carrying out among New Zealand soldiers, formed (he subject of an interview on Tuesday between Sir James Allen and a deputation of women representing practically ; very leading women's organisation in Auckland (states the Auckland "Herald"). The speakers, who were introduced by Mrs. A. Kidd, president of the Civic Leagje, voiced a most emphatic protest that Miss l?out should be allowed lo engage in such work, and, also expressed abhorrence of the methods cmployo't. The prevention of venereal disease among soldiers was a subject that should be tnken lip by tho Government alone, and it was a disgraco to this country that J'ciss Rout be permitted to undertake propaganda work in tho way she had. The Prime Minister had promised to dn all he coull when he reached England, but so far nothing had been-done, and tho deputation, therefore, made the request that a cablegram be sent reminding him o? the matter. Sir James Allen, in reply, said that Miss Rout was not in any way representing the Government, and had no official standing. The Government had no power whatever to order her as a private individual to return to New. Zealand. Tho question of the disease among New Zenland soldiers had received most earnest consideration from General Richardson, tho Prime Minister, and S.imsolf, and Ihe whole matter would be thoroughly investigated by Mr. Massey whili in England.