CENTRE FORMED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20915, 21 September 1939, Page 11

CENTRE FORMED

RED CROSS SOCIETY ORGANISATION IN WAIKATO A Waikato centre of the Red Cross Society, with headquarters in Hamilton, was formed at a meeting of delegates from sub-centres as far north as Te Kauwhata, to Otorohanga in the south. Mr I. J. Bridger, DirectorGeneral of the Society, attended and also present were Mr R. Coulter, Mayor of Te Aroha, and Dr S. T. Martin, of Te Aroha.

There had been a wonderful growth in the Red Cross movement throughout the Waikato, said Mr Bridger. No doubt the present world conditions had had an effect in arousing interest and in Hamilton alone there were 500 members.

“ It is a very hard job to keep pace with the work. I am travelling 150 miles a day and addressing two meetings daily,” said Mr Bridger. “ In 1938 we had 400 trained workers; up to the end of July this year the total was 6000, and since then it has increased further. The Red Cross is ready to answer the call should New Zealand be faced with a major disaster.” Provision of Comforts Mr Bridger said that, when he returned to Wellington he would know definitely in what field the society would work. At present, he suggested, committees should be formed to work to provide comforts. He thought it would be a fine gesture for New Zealand to despatch comforts to Britain for the million and a-half persons evacuated from London. Bandages could be made and linen collected and stored by the committees. There was a desire among old people who were not suitable for military service to do something useful to ease their minds and help in some way to bring the war to a successful conclusion. Such people would welcome an opportunity to assist comforts committees.

In reply to questions Mr Bridger said the centre committee would not have any control over sub-centre funds or activities. The only monetary support the Red Cross Society had received from the Government last year was a grant of £l5O from art union funds.

The following were elected as the first officers of the centre:—

President, Dr W. R. Fea; vice-presi-dents, Mrs W. C. E. George and Mr F. W. Course; secretary, Mr R. Challiner.

An offer to provide entertainment at any Bed Cross -Society function was received from Mr and Mrs T. Harvey, of Hamilton, and appreciation of their offer was expressed.