THE RED CROSS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 231, 8 September 1939, Page 2

THE RED CROSS

GREAT * OPOTIKI RESPONSE •; OVERFLOW A I'T'FJNDANCFJ <£S> LOCAL BRANCH FORM ICO AIAXjY .JOIN IT Although it: was expected that* Opotiki residents would give a good response. to the effort to form a local hrahcli of the N.Z. Red Grb.s.s Society, the attendance v nt the meeting held in the Labour Social Room exceeded all expectations and the room proved to he quite inadequate. .Many of those present had to; stand during the period' of the mooting while quite a number stood at the head of the stairway tit the doorway. On account of instructions received b.v the Opotiki. Nev.'s, (/jrtain sections of the address given by Mr. .Ira J. Bridger, Director-General of the Society, cannot he published, and we feel sure our readers will understand the position. Several apologies for absence were received, while many country residents weie unahle to he present on account of the patrol restrictions. A .message firm the Women’s Division of the ’Farmers’ I’nion stated that 30 members would be joining up. Altogether over lot) people attended the meeting.

'The Mayor. Mr. G. S. Moody, presided and introduced Mr. Bridger "to the mooting. He stated) that it was Imped to have a. branch ef the Red Cross" Society formed in Opotiki. 'The Mayor referred to the conditions ruling to-day and stated that then* was need for such a society in Opotiki. The director-general ef the society, Air. Bridger, thanked those ■ present for the welcome v aceorded to him and referred' to the general desire of the people to help the Empire through to victory. -Tie stated that the. Opotiki audience was the best ho bad bad in New Zealand. The women in New Zealand bad always been behind the men in time ef war. There were four homes in New Zealand still lull ol exsoldiers who had suffered in the last war, but money was .still available to help. 'The younger people at the meeting would know little of the aiixiotv of the last war.

Air. Bridger " said he was feeling very tired as the result of a strenuous campaign. 'They had been preparing for lor months for m time such as this and to-day they were prepared. In 1938, 400 people had been trained and this year they had GOOD trained men- and women in aid raid and red cross work. It was assuring to know that such a large number had been trained) and were in training.

Tlie speaker, then traced the early history of tlie Red Cross movement, iin outline of, which was published in Wednesday’s issuei of the' News. Air. •Bridger also referred tc- the wonderful spiiit and work of Florence Night ingah'. it was little' use- to say that there was no danger of bombings in Now Zealand; stated Air. Bridger. The Brime Minister had stilted that New Zealand's island security had' gone.

Air. Bridget* explained the various courses that could be taken up by members, and the medallions .that arc given to those passing the various examinations were handed around for examination. —A photograph of the uniforms was also examined by those present..Mr. J. T. Tahi) moved that a branch of tin\ Red Cross Society he formed in Opotiki. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. 'The following officers were then appointed : President, Air. G. S. Moody. Vice-presidents, .Messrs. F. J. Short K. J. Baigont. Mesdanies .Hamilton Quirk, Martin, Thompson, do Montalk, Sinclair, and Miss .Morgan. Committee: Officers and Airs. Mail, MY. J. I). Clark. Mrs. W, A. Gault, Airs. Attwood, Air. J. T. Tabb, Rev. Salt,. Air. T. Steele. Mrs. V. AYilson, Air. Ei. C. East, and the president of the Seoul. Association. A large number; of these present joined the Association and it is expected: that many more will sign up in the near future. A vote ..of thanks to the chair was proposed to the Mayor, by Air. Bridget'. On the motion of Rev. Salt a vote •d thanks to the speaker was. carried bv acclamation.