RED CROSS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 117, 15 February 1928, Page 5

RED CROSS

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the British Red Cross and Order of St. John was held yesterday afternoon, preceded by the monthly meeting. Mrs. Burnett, 0.8. E, presided, and there were present Mesdames L. Blundell, M. Myers, 11. Hall, Herzog, Miss Low, Mr. S. I?’. Wright, Mr. D. G. Clark, Mr. Rose, Mr. Galloway (secretary), and Mrs. limiter, of the Waipukurau Committee. Apologies were received from Dr. Collins, .Mr. Shirteliffe, Air. ,J. Bevin, Mrs. 11. Rose, Mrs. Broad (Waipukurau), and Mrs. Adams. The last named wrote resigning from the committee, and was appointed a life member, The annual report and balance-sheet were submitted. The latter showed that the amount expended for the nine months (from March to December), was £1525 7s. lOd. on ex-service men. Tins, said the chairman, showed that funds would only last a few years. The year would in future terminate in December instead of March. *■ Annual Report. “Throughout the Wellington Military District, at all hospitals and sanatoria at which ex-service men are uudcr treatment,” said the report, , “Red Cross work lias been pursued with uuleinitting interest and vigour. Patients have been visited regularly, and the customary comforts distributed imong them, —i.e., fruit, cake, tobacco, cigarettes, books, magazines, periodicals. At the principal institutions at which the largest number of patients are under treatment, Red Cross Clubs liave been established, at which facilities for reading, writing, billiards and various forms of recreational amusements are maintained. Regular sessions of up-to-date picture , performances are carried out. An innovation has been the installation of modern wireless receiving sets, at I’ukeotu Sanatorium and Mowai Home, these have proved a great source of pleasure to the patients. During the year many concerts and entertainments have been held and picnic outiligs in the fine weather have been promoted and carried through to the enjoyment and benefit of those concerned. Following the practice of past years, special cheer was provided the patients during the Christmas season.” There had been. -41 nien in hospitals. In Hobson street the highest number was 29, and tlie lowest 20. In Puke'ora the average was 43 ex-service patients. Mrs. ,1 • I-I. Lowrv and others installed a wifeless set, and the local committee, under Mrs. Rice, president, and Mrs. Broad, secretary, had done good work. Fortnightly ' visits were paid to Porirua where there were just under 100 exservice patients, and picnics vtre being held. The need for the loan of Cars was emphasised. ■ Mr. Bevin had visited patients at Wellington Hospital. “The co-operation shown by tlie medical superintendents and their staffs at the respective institutions has constituted a source of strength *UJd encouragement to our representatives in their work,” said the report. . For the nine months 101 Red Cross issues to the value of £lBl 10s. had been given the greater number owing to the unemployment. _ . • “A notable expansion is shown in Hie work of our two nurses/’ continned the report, “Sisters J. h- Lewis, Wellington, and M. Corkill, laranaki. During the unemployment distress both of these ladies were kept busy visiting families in sickness and indigent circumstances. In Wellington, when the position was most acute, oyer 600 garments per month of wearing appaiel, boots, shoes, etc., were distributed after a careful investigation of each case. Similar work was done by Nurse Corkill in Taranaki. . . The year had been a busy one for the women’s committee, who, under its president, Mrs. FI. Rose, has met regularly to purchase, pack and dispatch comforts for the patients at the various institutions.” ‘ Thanks are recorded to all those, who have assisted the society, especially to the lion, treasurer and hou. auditors. The following officers were elected:— Women's Committee President, Mrs. H. Rose; vice-presidents, Airs. W". F. Massey, Mrs. L. Blundell, Mrs. J. G. Coates; members of committee, Mesdames Herzog, Seaton, Myers and 1-L Hall; lion, secretary, Miss M. Low. Executive Wellington Centre, Air. J. Burnett (chairman), Hon. Dr. W. E. Collins, Messrs. G. Shirteliffe, L. O. IlTripp, S. F. Wright, IL Rose, D. G. Clark, J. Beviu, Sir Truby King, Rev. T. R. Richards, Airs. Broad, .Mrs. H. R. Clark, Airs. H. Rose, Airs. L. Blundell, Airs. Herzog, Airs. Al. Myers, Mrs. H. Hall, and Aliss Al. Low. Hon. Life Members, Ladv Luke, C.8.E., Airs. A. .E. Pearce and Alias Sybil Nathan, AT.B.E., Airs. Adams. Delegates to New Zealand Council, Lady Luke. Airs. L. Blundell, Mrs D. R. Clark, Airs. E. A. Birdling, Air. J. Burnett. Delegates to New Zealand Executive, Alessrs. James Burnett and S. F. Wright. Trustees, Hou. Dr. W. E. Collins, C.ALG., Air. Janies Burnett, Air. S. F. Wright. Secretary, Captain Al. S Galloway, M.C.; hou. treasurer, Air. ,S. F. Wright’ hon. solicitors, Alessrs. Young, White and Courtney; hon. auditors, Alessrs. Watkins, Hull, Hunt and Wheeler. Alonthly Sleeting. At the monthly meeting correspondence was read, many letters of thanks being received, including one _ from Mrs. Whittem, enclosing donation of a guinea for work at Porirua, and from Pukeora. Air. Burnett reported having interviewed the Prime Minister with a view to restoring the vocational training at Pukeora. The deputation was favourably received. He considered this was very necessary. Mr. Galloway stated that General Champain, secretary of the British Red Cross, would be in Wellington on February 28, and arrangements were being made for a reception to him. He was also arranging for him to broadcast a talk on the Red Cross woik throughout the world. Accounts for Januarv and February were passed for payment.