RED CROSS SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 July 1941, Page 6

RED CROSS SOCIETY

ACTIVITIES IN PEACE AND WAR CONTACT WITH PRISONERS OF WAR. MAKING UP OF PARCELS. What work is the Red Cross Society doing? .What does the Red Cross do with its funds? These are questions so often asked by people unfamiliar with the Red Cross Society and its activities, reads a statement made on behalf of the society. The normal activity of the Red Cross is the alleviation of suffering and relief of distress at all times and in all places. In case of earthquakes, fires, floods, disasters of all kinds, the Red Cross is always prepared and ready to give aid both in services and money. Comforts for the sick and work among local distress is all part of its normal activities. In time of war the work of the Red Cross and the calls made on its funds are doubled and quadrupled. Equipment for hospitals and hospital ships, comforts for sick and wounded both in home hospitals and abroad, clothes and all forms of necessities for distressed and homeless civilians are a few of the calls that have to be met.

Inquiries for prisoners of war and missing relatives both military or civil can only be made through the Inters national Red Cross at Geneva, which represents 61 nations, and contact with prisoners of war can only be made through the Red Cross. All parcels for prisoners of war must go through the Red Cross and the question of the dispatch of these parcels to Masterton men who are now known to bo prisoners is being thoroughly gone into by the Masterton sub-centre of the Red Cross Society. In order to send to these men the best goods possible while conforming to all regulations laid down as to what prisoners may receive, the Masterton sub-centre is endeavouring to standardise a parcel. Certain goods such as khaki trousers (the only ones permitted) and grey blankets, are unobtainable in the shops and the subcentre is endeavouring to obtain a sup.ply of these solely for prisoners’ parcels.

The parcels are sent by next of kin and in most cases they naturally wish to meet the cost of these parcels. As the parcels are expensive—all garments must be warm and of good quality—the sub-centre is prepared to assist those who financially would be unable to meet the cost. By doing this work it. is felt that every prisoner who belongs to Masterton will receive equal treatment and the best goods it is possible to send and none will go without a parcel.

It is of interest to read that the British Red Cross requires £lO,OOO per day to carry on its work. An appeal was made in England for funds to supply food parcels for prisoners of war, as a result of which £5,000,000 was subscribed. Every British prisoner of war is supplied with a parcel of food and cigarettes or tobacco every week.