RED CROSS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 3 October 1918, Page 2

RED CROSS

" OUR DAY " APPEAL.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

We are requested by the GoVernorGeneral of New Zealand to publish the following:—

In a communication -which I have received from Field Marshal His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, Grand Prior of the Order of St. John, and the Marquess of Lansdowne, 'Chairman of the British Red Cross Society, it is pointed out that the disbursements of the Joint Organization now amount to over £4,000,000 yearly and that the cost is increasing daily. They therefore appeal to all parts of the Empire to rally to the call and make it possible for the Organisation to continue its efforts in doing all that is humanely possible to lessen the sufferings of those who are stricken in fighting our battles.

His Majesty the King has also expressed a hope " that the Joint Committee will be enabled until victory is won and the peace of the world assured to maintain without abatement its sacred mission to the wounded, the sick, and the prisoners, whose welfare has our unfailing solicitude and our hearttelt sympathy."

In New Zealand it has been decided that not only the money subscribed on the actual date, namely October 24th, but all other sums donated during the year to the Parent Organisation, shall be considered as New Zealand's contribution to the " Our Day" Appeal This arrangement has been decided upon because owing to the many difficulties arising from local conditions it is recognised that collections cannot be arranged to take place simultaneously throughout the Dominion.

lam sure I can confidently anticipate that New Zealand will forward a substantial contribution to the Parent Organisation.

It has, however, been decided that al^ Red Cross Funds collected during the year in this Dominion shall be allocated in proportion to requirements under the following headings :—

(1) The needs of the sick and wounded in New Zealand, including the establishment and maintenance of Functional Treatment, as suggested by the Parent Organisation. (This obligation increases as the men return). (2) The requirements of the New Zealand Committee in Great Britain which it is anticipated will amount to some £80,000 per annum. (3) The annual contribution to the Parent Organisation in London. (New Zealand contributed about £69,000 last year, but, in view of the special appeal, it is hoped to increase that amount this year.)

Such system of allocation should ensure a satisfactory basis for meeting all obligations of the New Zealand Branch of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John.