"A NOBLE WORK"

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 23, 27 July 1945, Page 9

"A NOBLE WORK"

THE RED CROSS

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S PRAISE

1 The large attendance in the Wellington Town Hall last night at the demonstration arranged in conjunction with, the annual meeting o£ meDominion executive of the New Zealand Ked Cross Society, was said by the Gov-ernor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, to be a clear indication of the esteem in which the society was held. His Excellency, who was accompanied by Lady Newali, was received by the chairman of the executive, Mr. C; G. White, Mrs. T. H: Lowry (vice-presi-dent), and Mr. M. S. Galloway (Dominion secretary). The guard of honour, which comprised presidents of sub-centres, V.A.D.s and transport units, was inspected by his Excellency. Congratulating the society on another successful year, the GovernorGeneral said that wherever he and Lady Newali had travelled through the Dominion they had been impressed by the activities of the Red Cross. Referring to the annual report, he said that while much had been accomplished, the society was faced with post-war problems that called for even greater effort. His Excellency commended the work, that had been done in association with the joint council, the V.A.D.s, and the Junior Red Cross. "The work for the sick and wounded and returned prisoners of war has been magnificent," he said. "What has really mattered has been the personal relationships established —the writing of a letter, which means so much for the man concerned, the greeting on arrival, the personal touch ... I feel certain that the people of this country are deeply grateful to you all, and on their behalf I would like to thank you. ; I wish you every success in carrying; out this noble work for the benefit of humanity." ' ■ Lady Newali, who had been elected that day the society's honorary president expressed thanks for the honour that had been conferred upon her. "Many women in all walks of life have worked side by side for the benefit of the Red Cross," said her Excellency, "and they have done so with cheerful perseverance, because they have been big enough in mind to accept orders from those persons who were appointed to give them. That has meant so much in the success of the work of the society." Lady Newali thanked all sections of the community who had worked so hard during the past five years for the benefit of the Red Cross, especially the women and girls. "It is good to know that such a body has developed Until it has attained international status, and that it operates in all countries irrespective of nationality, race, creed, or colour. I am proud to belong to such an organisation, and am happy to serve it now and always." The Mayor (Mr. Appleton) also commended the activities of the society, and said the fact that it now had a membership of 110,000 showed the support it received throughout the Dominion. "There is not a hamlet in New Zealand where the Red Cross is not represented," he said. "I don't know how we could have got through this war without the V.A.D.s especially, particularly in our hospitals, both civil and military." The Mayor also paid tribute to the pioneering work of Mrs, Lowry and those associated with her. GREATER STRUGGLE AHEAD. Mr. White, when moving the* adoption ot the annual report, apologised for the absence of the Prime Minister (Mr. Eraser), who had been detained by his Parliamentary duties. "We know that an even greater struggle awaits us in the future," he said, "but we are looking forward to it with confidence. During the war years we have built up a wonderful organisation- its personnel is second to none. We are now approaching the close of a titanic struggle, which has entailed enormous losses in property, and has been the cause of untold suffering. We have seen bestiality and cruelty on a scale hitherto never imagined. But in the alleviation of distress the Red Cross has stood the test of time, and has been able to function efficiently. Now it is a question of working with UNRRA. It is not a matter so much of finding money this time. What are required are food and clothing. I feel confident that the people will support us. This is a great call upon the society, but I feel that you will give us the same co-operation as,has been extended to us in the past." The report was seconded by Dr, J. Leslie Will (Christchurch), and adopted unanimously. . Mrs. Lowry, who deputised for the president Sir Heaton Rhodes, recalled the early struggles of herself and others in arousing interest in the Red Cross. "Don't leave it again to a few old women," she said. "Be prepared, Remember 'that there will always be illness and suffering, that your services will always be required.. Wherever there is distress you will find the Red Cross."