RED CROSS WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1918, Page 6

RED CROSS WORK.

A DESIRE TO CO-OPERATE. A meeting of the New Plymouth branch of the British Red, Cross Society was held yesterday afternoon, Mrs Crooke presiding. ' Mrs E. A. Walker said: — "It is not necessary for me to indicate the work carried on by the British Red Cross Society and by the order of St. John during the present war. I may say, however, that these Societies have fully carried out their object in leaving nothing undone that will make for the succour of the -wounded man and the speedy treatment of his wounds. By this help thousands of lives have been saved, endless suffering in many cases averted, and, thanks to brilliant surgical progress, many men will return useful to civil life, instead of becoming maimed pensioners. The New 'Plymouth branch fully recognises its responsibility, and ia determined to do all in its power to advance any object that comes within its clearly defined sphere. Having in view, therefore, these facts, tlio work of our branch has been arranged for the year by time-table, and the Mart, one of the most important and valuable sources of funds, operates on every Saturday throughout the year. Special efforts have been offered by generous friends in town and country. Already the nurses, the Okato district, the accountants, the Bell Block and Tarnrutangi districts, the Girls' Friendly Society, and the Hillsborough districts have given-valuable help, and other important efforts are to come. On April 27, under the auspices of the Patriotic Committee, a special appeal was made on behalf of blind soldiers, an object within our scope and one we vero most desirous of fully helping. That date, however, had already been allotted by us to the Bell Block and Tamrutangi district, which had made every arrangement for a direct Red Cross effort and were unable to change their plans at the short notice given.

The endeavor was made at the earli est opportunity to get the Mayoress to change her date, but without success, so two war efforts were being actively brought before the public on the one day. You are aware, of course, that this society donated £SO from its funds to ihc object named. With a view to preventing a recurrence of this situation T suggest that this society affirm its read! ness to co-operate with any patriotic object coming within its scope. I might add that we do not wish to claim a monopoly of the Saturdays, which we recognise as the most valuable day for any effort; but surely we are not unreasonable in expecting that w» might be formally referred to before a date is fixed for any important war effort, so that the forces at work may be united and something more done towards winning the war. We have already given proof, on Scottish Women's Hospital Day, of our sincerity, and we will not fail again to do so as occasion offers. Mrs. Walker moved the following motion, which was unanimously agreed to: "That the New Plymouth branch of the British Red Cross Society, with the desire to avoid any future division of effort for war objects coming within its scope, expresses its desire to fully co-operate with any of the local patriotic societies in any endeavor on behalf of our wounded or sick soldiers."

The following lias teen received from the Aotea Convalescent Home, Heliopolia, Cairo: —"The Secretary, Red Cross Society, New Plymouth,—Many thanks to your department of the Red Cross Society for Rifts recently received from New Zealand. Owing to lack of transport last year we were nearly a year without gifts from New Zealand, but duving the last few months many cases have come to hand, which we greatly appreciate. The work done by the women at home is, I think, simply wonderful. The generosity and kind tlioughtfulness are greatly valued by the New Zealanders in Egypt. Our patients always help in the opening up of New Zealand gift cases. I only wish you could all have the pleasure we have in seeing how much the boys appreciate your care for them. Until the last two months Aotea Home has been very full, but just at present our numbers are decreasing daily, though we always have to be prepared for more. Again with thanks, yours faithfully, May A. Early, Matron.