EMERGENCY DUTIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20037, 8 September 1939, Page 4

EMERGENCY DUTIES

TRAINING FOR FIRST AID GARMENTS FOR HOSPITALS P.B. COMMITTEE’S WORK A decision to form immediately a sewing circle lo undertake the preparation of garments for hospital wear by war casualties was one of the highlights of a meeting of the Poverty Bay Women’s Representative Committee, held last evening in the Plunke.t Society’s rooms. The committee will appoint a convener for the group at a special meeting to be called next Tuesday, and an appeal for contributibns of cash and materials will be launched. Last night’s meeting was presided over by Mrs. W. A. McCliskie, and was well attended, apologies being received from Mesdames. G. A. Nicholls, W. E. Goffe, and H. E. Hill. The committee welcomed Mesdames P. Tureia and W. P. Tamihana, as representatives of the Maori women of the district. A sub-committee, consisting of Mesdames McCliskie, L. T. Burnard and Nicholls reported having waited upon the Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., and had offered the services of the committee in any capacity in respect of war efforts. The same deputation also waited upon Dr. A. L. Singer, to secure information regarding the training of voluntary aid detachments, and the organisation of auxiliary units for hospital work. Only Serious Workers Wanted

In this connection, it was explained that only those holding the St. John Ambulance or the Red Cross first-aid and home nursing certificates would be eligible, and that the age limits would be 18 to 40 years. Entrants would be taken in groups of 20, and trained at the Cook Hospital, where practical work •and lectures twice a week would pro-' Vide a course capable Of being completed in three months. Uniforms would -be provided, and probably transport, the deputation was informed. Those intending to take up this work were advised that it could not be treated capriciously, but must be undertaken with the intention of completing the course and performing work .of national importance. The organisation of the scheme was not yet complete, but the medical profession, the St. John Ambulance, the Red Cross Society, and the Cook Hospital Board were co-operating to provide a workable outline of service. Needs of Hospital Patients The chairman of the emergency committee also referred to the necessity for organising, without loss of time, a sewing group which would help to supply the needs of hospital cases in the event of the war affecting New Zealand more closely than at present Other members warmly approved the suggestion, and if was decided to proceed with the organisation next week, when a convener will be appointed. Funds for the purchase of cloth and other expenses will be drawn from the various organisations represented on the Central Committee, and . a special fund will; be opened, to be known as the Poverty Bay Women’s Representative patriotic sewing fund. , Opportunity For Service Women residents of the district who are not connected with any of the existing bodies are to be invited to contribute to the fund, and also to give personal assistance in tire preparation of garments. Subscriptions will be much appreciated by the committee, and will be received by Mrs. G A. Nicholls. The offer of the National clubrooms as a central depot for the sewing group was accepted with thanks, the chairman commenting that the group would require quarters where its materials and machines could ’be stored between meetings. It was pointed out that the list lof car drivers registered for service had grown, and that the next step in this connection would be to adopt some form of classification. Those enrolled were invited to specify the makes of cars with which they were most familiar.

A review of the register of women for various other purposes in connection with the national emergency occupied the committee during the temainder of the meeting, and the hope was expressed that a full attendance would be possible at the meeting to be held next Tuesday.