OUR RED CROSS AT THE FRONT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 253, 21 July 1919, Page 6

OUR RED CROSS AT THE FRONT

WORK OF OCR WAR HOSPITALS .REVIEWED. ■ By Telecraph—l'rcss Aesqciatli |D Auckland, Jul jv 17. The first comprehensive' acC6unt"'-of the work performed by the New Zealand Medical Service during the wap was given by Golouel W. H. PaTkes, Director of the New Zealand Medical Service : overseas. Colonel Parkes said it.weß exceedingly satisfactory that the overseas dominions had maintained fully-equipped and highly efficient medical ser vices, which had borne their full share i it responsibility in the prevention of di teease and also in the care and treatment oif the sick aud wounded. Although the sister dominion of Australia contributed a mimical corps to the South African campaign the recent war was the first occasion'mat flew Zealand had mobilised its mei ileal department for active service. The initial difficulties and defects, due ch.taly to lack of army experience, were inevitable, but were leadily overcome Av the cordial support of the War Ota:e and the active co-operation of the various New Zealand medical units both in t 10 field and at the base. During the early part of the war three field ambulancne were 'provided by New Zealand, but at a later stage a fourth was mobilised from personnel already serving in tt«» Expeditionary Force. The No. } Ne'V Zealand Stationary Hospital, originals located at Port Said, was on' its way to Salonika on board the Marquette wheifl that transport was torpedoed. After service in Salonika the unit was recall-, ed to Egypt, aud within a few months i proceeded to France. Here it fulfilled various duties, first at Amiens and later at -Wisques, where the unit had the satisiiiction of clearing an area and erect- ■ in" a hospital which was ultimately increased to 1000 beds, and earned a high reputation for its efficiency. The organisation, equipment, and maintenance of the New Zealand hospi- • tals in Egypt and England for the caro ' J our casualties had proved a wise measure, and although at first freely criticised tho policy had in every way moved to be amply justified. Ihe total Cumber of beds provided in various New Zealand institutions in England exceeded 6000. , "Of the personnel of our Medical Service, whether nursing sisters, officers, or other ranks, it is impossible to apeak too highly," said Colonel Parkes. "Kefewnce to our hospitals would be incomplete without special mention of tho splendid equipment provided so lavishly by toe women of New Zealand.