THE RED CROSS.

Upper Hutt Weekly Review, Volume II, Issue 2, 24 December 1936, Page 4

THE RED CROSS.

CHILDREN IN SPAIN. The Dominion Headquarters of the New Zealand Red Cross Society have received a cable from the Headquarters of the League of Red Cross Societies, Paris, with a special appeal on behalf of the children of Spain. Information is also contained in an international circular from the International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, and contains amongst other matters the folio-w----ing-:— "The attention of the delegates of the International Red Cross Committee has been drawn towards school children's camps scattered over various parts of Spain. The children found themselves started on thsir holidays in the heart of summer, cut off from their parents and unable to say how they are owing to the course of events." Dr. Broccard has visited several camps and forwarded to Geneva circumstantial reports. The circular also describes the return home of 345 children, accomplished by Dr. Journad, of the International Red Cross, on board the steamer Kalissa. In October, a Norwegian steamer at the request of the International Red Cross took 474 children on board. These were given hospitality at Bordeaux and were then sent back to the Spanish Government.. Another camp of 71 boy scouts, camped about eight miles from the French frontier, have been taken care of by the French Government and given hospitality in Tarbes.

Information is also given of thousands of destitute children in Spain needing clothes and food, war orphans and others who have been separated from their families as a result of tragic happenings. The International Committee's circular , indicates the need of clothing, and suggests that immediate efforts should be made considering that winter is at hand. The clothing sent should include warm knitted garments, coats, layettes, shoes, underwear, caps, blankets, and toilet requisites. This special appeal is directed particularly to the Junior Red Cross throughout the world to help these destitute Spanish children. It is considered that the Juniors would like to contribute the result of their own "work, and the appeal is made particularly for at least 250 complete outfits for children from three to seven years of age. It is hoped that the clothing would be new, otherwise it would be essential to have it mended and disinfected before despatch. Full information is given regarding forwarding the goods, the addresses of agents of the League of Red Cross Societies and at least six French ports are also supplied. Special arrangements and facilities are being granted by the French railways for Red Cross gifts to Spain. It is hoped that as the advantages in New Zealand have now considerably improved, with the Christmas period approaching, children throughout New Zealand may make a special endeavour immediately to prepare some suitable articles as previously enumerated, and make a sincere effort as a Christmas gift to help safeguard the health and lighten the suffering of these thousands of destitute Spanish children. All gifts forwarded to the Dominion Headquarters, N.Z. Red Cross Society, will be labelled and forwarded through Red Cross channels. We would be pleased if you would use your utmost endeavours to give publicity to this appeal. It is of course distinctly understood that the Red Cross administers to all the children of Spain irrespective of under which party they are to be found. Contributions to the above appeal may be left with the local secretary, Miss E. Taylor, Main Road, North, Upper Hutt.