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Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1915, Page 4

CONCENTRATING RED CROSS WORK. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. H. liurgess) lias convened a meeting to Ue lield at 7.30 this evening, at the Town Hall, to consider the formation of a New Zealand branch of the {British Red Cross Society, as outlined by his Excellency the Governor. There is no work in connection with the ravages of war that is of equal importance with that connected with the care of our wounded soldiers. Hitherto there has been no proper system of organisation among the numerous voluntary organisations and leagues, the members of which have done such •»eil«at ««Ylce in the cause of ftUSeiing

humanity, the consequence, being not only the evil of overlapping, but to some extent minimising tlie well-meant efforts of the workers. In November last a conference was held at Government House, presided over by the Governor, at which it was unanimously agreed that all organisations other than t'he Order of St. John should be united under the title of the New Zealand Branch of the British Red Cross Society. Provision was, however, made for each district, if it so desired, to keep its individuality by prefixing the name of the town or district before the words "New Zealand," and also control its own funds, but it would have to work in conjunction with the central body. The council of the central body is to be composed of three members from each of the four military districts, together with the officer in charge of the central department in Wellington. This officer will really act as the pivot on which the whole organisation moves, and the conference! approved of his having the services of a paid secretary. He would be the manager, or director, for the central council, and part of his duty would consist of finding out wliat was required for the military hospitals, and where. He would also arrange for the despatch of goods, etc. This would greatly facilitate matters, as the Bed Cross and St. John Societies' goods take precedence over all others, so that there would be no congestion at any point, while the goods would reach the hospitals sooner. These main points—the prevention of overlapping, ascertaining requirements, and securing prompt despatch of goods—are of vital importance to the success of the work of the ladies of New Zealand. Societies asking for certain things would prevent many of the same articles being made, and also save unnecessary expenditure by only asking for things as they are required. Each district can send to any place it desires. Moreover, no one need fear that goods sent to the British Bed Cross would not be for the benefit of New Zealandcrs, for, since the war began, hospitals where New Zealand men were quartered were being continually supplied from the headquarters of the society. General Henderson considers that the best plan for all workers for military hospitals is to join the Red Cross Society. This scheme speaks for itself, for it is based on common-sense principles and lias for its object the placing of the various bands of workers on a business-like footing. There is room and need for all workers, Hospital work' and funds for that purpose come under tb». Cross Society, and the Liverpool Pund supplies comforts for the men at the front. There is work for both, and little fear of one clashing with the other. At the same time the proposed centralisation scheme is one that should commend itself to all concerned.