RED CROSS SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 20136, 28 March 1929, Page 4

RED CROSS SOCIETY

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the lied Cross Society was attended by Mr E. A. Rosevear (chair), Mrs George Roberts, Misses Rattray, M'Lcan, Williams, and Graham, Messrs C. B. Smith and J. W. Smeaton, and the secretary, Mr E. J. Johnston. Mr Rosevcar said that ho was sorry that their president, the Rev. Bryan King, was unable to he present, and on his behalf and that of members lie welcomed Miss M‘Lean back, believing that she was keeping better, and also extended a warm welcome to Mr J. W. Smeaton, who bad taken a seat with them following bis election to the executive. Sister Kirkpatrick furnished a very satisfactory report regarding peace time work. Classes lor home nursing, first aid, and health instruction wero well under way, and junior Red Cross circles were again functioning, with new ones forming. The following colleges and schools wore interested;— Coluniba College, Archerfield, Girls’ High School, Dominican School, Moray Place, Albany Street, St. Clair, Oaversham, Forbury, Kensington, High Street, Arthur Street, and Technical School. The Red Cross Circle at the Girls’ High School contributed the sum of £2 for the purchase of materials for St. John Ambulance nursing staff. Mrs Marshall Macdonald had kindly taken charge of V.A.D.’s for hospital service. Visits had been paid to the Benevolent Institution and to the orphanage under the Sisters of Mercy for the purpose of linking up certain junior Red Cross circles in service programmes. Mrs Jackson Purdio had promised to give illustrated lectures to the pupils of Columba College and Archerfield School to raise funds for junior Red Cross purposes. Samples of work done by juniors in Dunedin and North Otago were inspected at the Red Cross room, Stuart etret, by school inspectors, members of Red Cross Executive, _teachers, and others. All were greatly interested in and pleased with the work done, and commended the methods employed. Sister Kirkpatrick advised the committee that she was visiting Oamaru in connection with continuing the various activities in the North Otago district. Mr Rosevcar said that Sister Kirkpatrick was doing a lot or work and with good results, and she was to he commended for her efforts.

A letter was received from an exsolilicr expressing his thanks for assistance given. A letter was received from Air Neil H. Colcjuhoun appreciative of the society’s interest in the .soldier patients at Oamaru Hospital. At the present time there are two cases in the T.H. annexe and .wo limbless cases in the hospital. Mr Koscvcar reported on the case of a returned man, and said that it had been arranged to give some assistance in conjunction with the Patriotic Association.—The action was confirmed. A message was received from Red Cros.s headquarters expressing profound sympathy with flood sufferers in their loss. A communication was received from headquarters regarding a proposal to establish a home, colony, workshop, or institution for the welfare of disabled ex-service men.—Air Smith said that this matter was being attended to mainly by the R.S.A., and the Red Cross could assist with any information available.—Noted. The AVellington branch advised that at the instance of the Duke of York, chairman of the council of the British Red Cross Society, it was proposed to hold a British Empire Red Cross conference in London in the summer of 1930, on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the foundation of the society. It was mentioned that one or more of the ladies might find it convenient to attend, and it was therefore left with the ladies to keep in view the matter of direct representation. Reports on peace time work were received from Sisters Corkill and Inglis (Taranaki) and Sisters Lewis and Lees (AVellington).—The reports revealed sustained interest and progress in the various activities, and in regard to members of the junior Red Cross the spirit of co-operation and helpfulness had been much in evidence.

Mrs Roberts reported that 'Wakari Hospital had been visited as usual. There were lour ex-soldiers in the institution. The now gramophone had been sent up, along with a good supply of records. Print, etc., had been supplied, and the men were very grateful. Miss Williams stated that there were about twenty soldier patients at the Dunedin Hospital. One of the men had been hurt at the time of the flood. The Matron at Montecillo reported that two patients had been admitted. There were twelve patients in the home. The staff was doing good work, and everything about the home was satisfactory.—Mr llosevear confirmed the report. The Montecillo Home had been officially visited by the Minister of Defence (Mr T. M. Wilford). The whole property w r as inspected, and the men had been spoken to individually. The Minister spoke very highly of the manner in which the home was being conducted. He was very glad that they Pad such a, place for the men. He was present at the date the home was opened, and it was a great satisfaction to all concerned to know' that since that date everything had been done most efficiently in promoting the welfare of the men. A satisfactory financial statement was submitted and adopted. Por vacancies on tbo executive two nominations were received, Mr J. G. Jeffery and Mr H. H. Barrowclough. When the matter was put to the meeting the chairman declared the two elected unanimously.