RED CROSS SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1942, Page 4

RED CROSS SOCIETY

MASTERTON SUB-CENTRE I ANNUAL MEETING. , WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITY. A comprehensive report of the activities of the Masterton Sub-Centre of the Red Cross Society was given at the annual meeting of the society held last night. The president, Mrs G. G. Tolhurst, presided. In a review of the year's work, Mrs Tolhurst stated that of the 231 financial members more than half were actively engaged in Red Cross work. The year had been a most successful one financially, ending with a credit balance of £519 5s Id. Unsolicited donations had come in steadily, including one of £lOO from Mr C. Olliver, which was immediately sent to the centre to provide food parcels for prisoners of war. Between June 24 and December 1 over 100 visits were paid to next-of-kin of men reported missing. At the present time there were about fifty prisoners of war from Masterton. The response to an appeal during the winter for grey blankets was splendid, about forty having been received. Enquiries had been sent forward regarding civilians interned in Europe. On December 9 a garden party was held, to which the next-of-kin of prisoners of war were invited, also many active members of the Red Cross. Another similar garden party was held on February 1, when several returned men rvere also among those present. Mrs Tolhurst paid a warm tribute to the spirit and loyalty of all officers and of the various group workers. The representatives of the different societies had rallied to the society’s assistance whenever their services had been required. Special mention was made to the St. John Ambulance, which had so efficiently trained all the V.A.D s. in Masterton. Recently, the St. John Ambulance had commenced training a class of senior girls and prefects from Solway College, St. Bride’s Convent and St. Matthew’s School, with a view to having the girls ready to assist their mistresses in their respective schools in the event of an emergency. On behalf of the society, Mrs Tolhurst thanked all who had helped it and expressed the hope that their valuable assistance would be continued in the future.

Detailed reports were read covering the activities of the Hospital Supplies, Sewing, Hospital Auxiliary, Knitting, Prisoner of War, Hospital and Handcrafts groups and the Women’s Voluntary Red Cross Transport Service. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Mr H. P. Hugo; president, Mrs G. G. Tolhurst: vice-presidents, Mesdames H. E. Pither and Harrison and Miss Grant; secretary, Miss K. Cruickshank; treasurer and assistant secretary, Mrs R. Gooder; delegates to Red Cross Centre, Mrs P. Harrison. Mr J. Ninnes; representative on Patriotic Committee, Mrs Garland.