WOODVILIE & DISTRICT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 160, 6 June 1940, Page 8

WOODVILIE & DISTRICT

RED CROSS SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Woodvillc branch of the New Zealand Red Cross Society was held on Tuesday, when the Mayor (Mr R. R. Johnston) presided over a large attendance. Before commencing the. business, the Mayor made reference to the death of; Mr John Murray, and a motion of condolence with the deceased gentleman’s family ■was carried. The second annual report presented by the secretary (Mrs R. L. James) stated that both financially and in membership the year’s operations must be .considered very satisfactory. The year commenced with a credit balance of £27 17s and finished with a credit of £SO. The membership had increased from 40 to 63. The society had excel- 1 lent ladies’ and men’s classes at work. Rev. B. P. Williams had undertaken the organising and lecturing of men’s classes and had prepared nine members • for their first examination last March, all passing, and several with honours. The ladies’ class continued to prosper under the leadership of Sister Canning, of Dannevirke. The class sat for two examinations—first aid and home nursing—-resulting in a 95 per cent, pass, including a good number with honours. This excellent achievement reflected great credit on the work of Sister Canning and Mr Williams, both of whom were very able tutors and had given a great deal of their time in> furthering Red Cross work. Thanks were expressed to the Plunket Society for Jts fine gesture in allowing the Red Cross Society the use of its, room free of charge for lectures. The society was also assisted by Mr Duncan Scott, of Dannevirke, who gave a travel talk about his European tour, at which a collection was taken in aid of the funds. The Women’s Institute and Women’s Division held concerts, each of which resulted in a good sum of money being raised. Donations and equipment had also been received from the military ball committee, Mrs R. Munro, Mrs B. Golder and Messrs 11. and L. Pilcher. Thanks • were extended to these people and also to Dr. Paterson and Williams, Matron Oakenden and Sister Ward, of Pahiatua, for their assistance with examinations, and to Dr P. H. Mules, who had always been most helpful. “Never before in the history of Red Cross work has there been a more urgent and imperative call for assistance in the tremendous task now before us—to win the war,” the report concluded.—ln moving the adop 7 tion of the report and balance-sheet, the Mayor remarked that the position revealed was most satisfactory and showed that excellent work had been done. Splendid work had been performed by the lady members and this had been reflected in the outstanding success of the recent Paddy’s market, which had been instrumental in raising over ,£330 for the combined Red Cross and St. John Appeal. The adoption of the report and balance-sheet was seconded by Mrs E. Nicholson and carried. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr Rv R. Johnston (re-elected) ; vice-presidents, Mesdames W. Galbraith, J. »T. Horne, W. Nixon, N. M. Burnett and Rev. B P. Williams; secretary-treasurer, Mrs R. L. James (re-elected) ; committee, Mesdames L. Hurley, 11. P. Horne, E Johnston) E. Nicholson, T, A. B. Sinclair, Messrs D. S. L. Keay, L. Hurley, N. K. Chapman, and Rev. W. H. j Nicholas; delegates, Mrs W. Galbraith; and Mr Williams. Returning thanks for his re-election as president, Mr Johnston said it had been a pleasure to be associated with the society and he was proud of the excellent response accorded the appeal for the Sick and Wounded Fund, for which Woodville’s contribution now totalled' over £IOOO and it would be well over £llOO before the appeal closed. He - sought the ut- ■ most co-operation among members in the present critical times. On the motion of Mrs H. P. Horne, the secre- ' tary was accorded thanks for her untiring services, especially in connection with the Paddy’s market and the combined appeal generally. Mrs J. T. Horne was also thanked for her Work as V.A.D. secretary.