RED GROSS ACTIVITIES

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 61, 13 March 1934, Page 14

RED GROSS ACTIVITIES

WELLINGTON CENTRE

The annual report of the Wellington Centre of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John states that the year has been made difficult by the econo,mic depression. The abnormal conditions prevailing, with th 6 consequent stress and strain, have resulted in many people breaking down in health, compelling them to 9eek hospital treatment and relief, to meet which the society has widened the scope of its ministrations. Iv meeting the needs of ex-servicemen, the executive has worked, as in the past, with the Wellington War Relief Association 'and the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association. The area under the jurisdiction of the Wellington centre extends as far as New' Plymouth on the west coast and Gisborne on the east coast. The number of exservice men under treatment at the various institutions is 452. Details are given of the work carried out at Mowai Home, Hobson Street, Wellington. In maintaining _ this institution during the year, the society was involved in an outlay of £2745 Is 3d, of which the Pensions Department refunded £2137 13s 7d, being part cost of treatment. The sum of £133 6s 3d was spent in supplying extra comforts for the patient's. The report mentions that there are 134 ex-servicemen under treatment ' at' the Porirua Mental Hospital. Of this number, 38 were recognised officially as being due to war service. Throughout the year, at fortnightly intervals, the society's representatives visit the institution, taking supplies of tobacco, cigarettes, sweets, and -reading matter for distribution. Tributes are paid to the society's nurses for their work, including instruction of juniorst - . . , l.*si.j Som& particulars are given of the activities of the Taranaki, Napier, and Waipukurau sub-centres.. . Regret is expressed at the death of Mrs. Rose, a member of the executive,, and president of the Women's Auxiliary for ten years. The ranks of the Waipukurau sub-centre have been depleted through the death of two staunch workers, Mesdames Elmslie Reid and Scott. Regret is recorded at the resignation owing to ill health o£ Mr. D. G. Clarh,. C.8.E., chairman of the executive for four years, and pleasure is expressed at the marked improvement in his health. •