SICK & WOUNDED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1939, Page 5

SICK & WOUNDED

I ST. JOHN AMBULANCE & RED CROSS ALLEVIATION OF SUFFERING. A BROADCAST APPEAL. In a broadcast address, Dr Alexander Gillies, chairman of the joint council of the Order of St John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society, said:—“The prevision of comforts for the men of our defence forces is a matter that vitally concerns every citizen. To alleviate their lot is at once a privilege and a duty. However there are some aspects of the case that have special significance. and the various phases of the work fall into different categories. For instance, the privilege of providing for the men who are fit and well is one phase. The caring for the sick and the wounded, is another. Tonight I address .you in a dual capacity, first as chairman of the Comforts, Conveniences and Amenities Committee of the National Patriotic Council, and, secondly, as; chairman of the joint council of the Order of St John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. “Under the provisions of the International Red Cross Convention the seal of approval is set on work done for the sick and wounded members of the fighting forces. The approbation also covers work done for internees in neutral countries, prisoners of war in enemy countries and civilians injured or sick as the result of hostile action. The convention does not cover relief of any kind for members of the forces who are fit. nor does it provide for the ordinary sick population in civilian hospitals. Evacuated men. women and children are also precluded from the work of the Red Cross.

“When you remember that the symbol of the Red Cross on a hospital ship, a train, or on a hospital gives absolute protection for either friend or foe you will realise that the provison of these factors is essential. It is obvious that if the Red Cross is to care for the sick and wounded it cannot possibly undertake the work of caring for fit persons and still expect its inviolability to be recognised.

“The Red Cross, therefore, cannot undertake to provide comforts for cambatant troops. To do so would be a breach of the international convention, and in the event of any such action becoming known to the enemy reprisals might well ensue. To retain recognition for the symbol" of the Red Cross we must confine our activities to the provisions of the convention. Having these provisions in mind the joint council of the Order of St John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society has entered into a definite agreement with the National Patriotic Fund Board regarding the collection and disbursement of monies for the alleviation of the sick and wounded. To facilitate the work, and to ensure that everything will be in order, the agreement reached provides for a special account in the National Patriotic Fund Board. All monies collected by the Order of St John or by the Red Cross Society will be paid into this fund, and credited to this special account. The fund will be known as the "Sick and Wounded, and Relief of Distress Fund.” Due to this arrangement, all branches of the Order of St John or of the Red Cross automatically become collectors for the fund —that is, for the National Fund.

“Let me make it perfectly clear why this is done. I want to eliminate any misconception that may arise. In the first place I want citizens in the provinces to know why collections made should go to the National Patriotic Fund, and why they cannot be handed over to the Provincial Funds. The reason, plainly and clearly, is found in the fact that Provincial Funds are raised, and disbursed, to provide comforts for combatant troops. That is primarily their aim and objective. On the other hand the task of caring for the sick and wounded is being vested in the

National Fund. To make for efficiency and to utilise the resources already available, the National Fund Bo.ard has delegated its authority and care of the sick and wounded to the joint council of the Order of St John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. "While we appreciate this honour, and while we will devote our energies to giving full expression to our sympathy for the sick and the wounded, I want to address a particular appeal to all members of the Order of St John or the Red Cross. To you, in particular, and to all citizens in general. I would appeal for generous support for all appeals for the National or Provincial funds. In this connection we would urge an early and generous response to his Excellency the Governor-General’s Patriotic Seal Appeal which has been forwarded to every householder and business firm in the Dominion. Every member of the community can seal, their Christmas packets and letter.; with this National Patriotic Seal. This would bo a fitting beginning to a great campaign. The need is great and your privilege is only the greater as the need grows.

"To defray the preliminary expenses of preparing comforts for the sick and wounded, the National Council has received a grant of £5OO from the National Fund Board. We are grateful for this evidence of sympathy and interest in our work. “Just what will our work entail? At the moment no one can say how far if will extend, and it can only be limited by the need as it arises. We cannot estimate how much money will be required to provide for our own sick and wounded. In the meantime we must provide for the outfitting of field ambulances, field hospitals, and probably a hospital ship. Those arc responsibilities we must face. Future needs must be governed, too, by the number of men we send overseas, and by the duration of the war. The one salient factor that must, be remembered is that all. funds collected by branches of the Order of St John and the New Zealand. Red Cross Society musl go to ' the National Fund. “In asking for full support for all j appeals made, I would remind the : people generally that the mon of our | combatant forces arc making great sac- j rifices. We were thrilled by the glorious action undertaken by the mon of. New Zealand in H.M.S. Achilles, the other day. Our pride is tinged with I sorrow that the supreme sacrifice was made, and we extend condolences 1o ; the relatives. The action was a grim ’ reminder that we are at. war."