OUR RED CROSS AT THE FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1919, Page 3

OUR RED CROSS AT THE FRONT.

I WORK OP OUE WAR HOSPITALS BEVIEWED. Auckland, July 17. The Arst comprehensive account of the work performed by the New Zealand Medical Service during the war wat oiven by Colonel W: H, Parker, Direct* of the New Zealand Medical Service overseas. Colonel Parkes said it was exceedingly satisfactory that the overseas dominions- had maintained fullyequipped and highly efficient medical services, which had borne their fufl share of responsibility in the prevention of disease and also in the care and treatment of the sick and wounded, Although, the sister dominion of Australia contributed a-medical corps to the South 'African campaign "the. recent war wan the-first occasion that New Zealand had mobilised its medical department for -active, service//' The initial difficulties and defects, due chiefly to lack of army experience,. were inevitable, but were readily overcome by the cordial support of the War Office and the active cooperation of the various New Zealand medical units, both in the Held and at the base. During the early part of tie war three field ambulances were , povided by New Zealand, but at a later stage a fourth was mobilised from personnel already serving in the Expeditionary Toree. The No. 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital, originally located at Port Said, was on its waj to on board the Marquette when that transport was torpedoed. After service in Salonika, the unit was retailed to Egypt, and within a few taontns proceeded to Prance. Here it fulfilled varkra* duties, first at Amiens and later at Wisques, where the unit had the satisfaction of clearing an area apd erecting a bospital which was ultimately increased to 1000 beds,' and earned a high reputation for ita Efficiency. • The organisation, equipment, and Isaintenance of* the' New Zealand hospitals Jri Isfcypt end England for the care. M our casualties bad proved a wise and although at first freely the policy had in everv wav proved to fcs amply Justified. The total number of beds provided in varion-t New Zealand institutions in England exceedfed COOp. :«Ot the personnel of out . medical service, whether nursing sisters, ofßcerß, or either. Tanks, it is impossible 1 •p spealt too highly," said Colonel Ifcrkes. "Reference to our hospitals would be incomplete without Bpecial, Mention of .the splendid equipment pro-jj jo*jMotev'isTily by the women <of New/J