RED CROSS SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1941, Page 2

RED CROSS SOCIETY

MASTERTON SUB-CENTRE VOLUNTARY AID ACTIVITIES. DONATION TO RELIEF FUND. The monthly meeting of the Masterton Sub-centre of the Red Cross Society was held in the Red Cross Society’s room on Wednesday night. Mrs Tolhurst presided. Accounts totalling £3l 7s 4d were passed for payment. The finance committee was authorised to approve of all expenses in connection with ' prisoners of war parcels on application from the Prisoners of War Committee. Grey blankets were urgently needed and as these were unobtainable in any of the shops, the secretary was instructed to advertise for donations of the same. Such blankets are to be sent to prisoners of war. It was felt that probably many people would have odd grey blankets which were only occasionally used and realising the purpose for which they were needed would be willing to donate them to the Red Cross Society.

A cheque for £4, being an allocation from the McCarthy Trust, was received from the Centre. It was decided that this should be used for supplying clothing to those in unfortunate circumstances.

Mrs Stewart gave a very interesting report to the meeting of the work being done by V.A.'s, particularly in connection with the Anzac Hospital at Featherston. With the exception of a small trained nursing staff the entire work of this hospital was being done by Voluntary Aids, and Mrs Stewart paid a high tribute to the efficiency of ..their work and the spirit in which it was being carried out. As the number of patients in this hospital was now 74 a large staff was required to carry on the works, and Mrs Stewart stressed the necessity of having more V.A.’s trained in kitchen work. The Voluntary Aids were doing a splendid work, she said, and this was a true form of “War Service.” She asked anyone who could assist in this work to offer their services and receive training so that they could be called upon whenever the need arose for their services.

The matter of supplying a hamper of food comforts to the Anzac Hospital on November 25 was left for the secretary to arrange.

The Sewing Group reported that a large number of garments were ready to be packed and these would be sent off within the next week. Many parcels of clothes had been received, including a large parcel of knitted babies’ garments from the pupils of St. Matthew’s School, and also gifts of new materials and a donation of money. Seven pairs of pyjamas were handed over from the emergency cupboard for use at the Anzac Hospital. It was reported that the Knitting Group had completed many garments, including a number of knitted comforts for prisoners of war parcels, and had plenty of work on hand to keep them busy till the end of the year. The Hospital Group had sent away a further case of emergency hospital goods. In reply to a request from Wellington six dozen cold bottle covers were made; also 30 bed screens were made for Anzac Hospital and 30 pairs of pyjamas bought and sent to the An-

zac Hospital. Mrs Lee reported that the prisoners of war committee had given assistance with the packing of parcels to be sent by the next of kin to prisoners of war and more parcels would be packed this week. Assistance had also been given where necessary in supplying garments to be sent in parcels. Mrs Dagg reported that only one soldier was in hospital at the moment. He had. been regularly visited and had been given instruction in weaving. Some of the men from the Great War who were in hospital were also being interested in weaving.

Mrs Cook reported that comforts had been supplied for the soldiers in hospital. In regard to a recommendation from the Transport Committee, it was decided that the four unit leaders should be appointed to the Transport Committee. Mrs Tolhurst was nominated as a delegate from the Sub-Centre to attend the conference in 'Wellington on November 21 to discuss the organisation of Junior Red Cross activities.

The Masterton Sub-Centre of the’ New Zealand Red Cross Society has donated £25 to the Collins Disaster Relief Fund. The fund, which is administered by the Society, was originated by a bequest from the late Dr. Collins, and is used to assist anyone who as a result of some disaster either by fire, earthquake, flood or other calamity, were rendered, helpless or in need. Relief work of this nature is a normal activity of the Society.