RED CROSS WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 14

RED CROSS WORK

IN GENERAL RELIEF

THOUSANDS OF GARMENTS

BUT MANY MORE WANTED

In conversation with the SecretaryGeneral of the Red Cross Society (Captain M. S. Galloway) to-day, a "Post" reporter was given some idea of tho relief work carried out by the society during recent months and of the needs of tho society for supplies of fo*od, clothing, etc., with which to carry on, quietly and unostentatiously, the excellent work which has placed the Red Cross in peace time in such high public regard. "The extent to which the society is able to assist," said Captain Galloway, "is bounded only by the volume of support, in cash or kind, which is forthcoming. Supporting the society in its work is a large staff, of men and women who' are devoting their time and service to tho cause voluntarily." The present difficult period made doubly difficult the work of the society, said Captain Galloway, for there were greater needs to be met, and the society had less to come and go upon. "Since the economic depression began to assert itself," he continued, "and the problem of unemployment, with consequent distress, became evident, ■ each month has shown a falling off in the support accorded the society. Added to this difficulty was the disaster in Hawkes Bay, to meet which the society, which had been building up its reserve in anticipation of an acute demand opened its doors and sent the greater part of clothing, blankets, and bedding supplies to meet the more immediate needs of tho sufferers in Hawkes Bay." MORE CLOTHING *AND BOOTS WANTED. "Despite appeals for gifts of clothing, the response, is poor, duo to tho fact that most people have already depleted their cupboards. The demand for bodfs and clothing is insatiable. Never a day goes by but close on 100 people who are seeking aid. are interviewed. Most of these are mothers with children badly in want of clothes for- the children and for themselves, and frequently seeking a pair of boots for the father who has picked up 'a day or two of work. NEEDS OF SINGLE, MEN. "Apart from those married with dependants are the young single men who come in and, without exaggeration, are often devoid of underclothing and socks, and whose boots are worn thrpugh to the soles of their feet. Most of these young men are at that time of life when youth places its foot on the first rung of the ladder, full of hope and ambition.for the future, and one with a sense of love for his fellowmen, and -with a concern for the future welfare of our youth cannot but feel appalled at the unfortunate circumstances which, through no fault of their own, surround those men." "Distribution of clothing is in the hands of the Ladies' Red Cross Auxiliary, who give their services voluntarily. Members of this body are in attendance at the rooms daily, and take particulars of eases. Visits are paid to the homes quietly, and it is in this way that one sees exactly the.stato of difficulty and depression resting upon those people. "Some indication, of the assistance given.by the Ladies' Auxiliary during recent months is given by .figures of clothing, boots, bedding, etc., distributed to those in need:—-0937 garments, 375 pairs of boots, 20 yards new material, 4 mattresses, 15 rugs, 23 men's suits, 25 complete layettes, 2' pillows, 3 eiderdowns, 9 pairs blankets, 100 pairs trousers, 3 bedsteads, 15 sheets. FINDING WORK AND MEALS. . "In addition to the work done by the Ladies' Auxiliary,'' said Captain Galloway, "over a thousand of those out of employment and broken down in health have been dealt with during the year by the Red Cross Unemployment Relief Committee, and for these many light jobs of a temporary nature have been found, meals and'1 lodgings have been provided, and medical supplies given. In eases where, work has been offering out of ' town, rail and steamer fares have been issued." Supporting the main commiitces, he added, was the Junior Red Cross, whose members themselves made up for distribution warm garments for babies' wear." ■■ RED CROSS HELPERS READY.1 "For some time past the Red Cross Society has felt that tho distress approaching would be of a magnitude beyond the control of its resources," said Captain Galloway, "and is most gratified to see tho move that has 10 en made by the authorities to bring all organisations together in tho effort for tho common cause.. A fortnight ago members of the Ladies' Auxiliary were called together in conference and plans were laid for serving meals in the city. A roster of helpers has been taken and responsible women appointed to take charge of the work of .preparing and serving hot meals atl points of vantage in the city. Personnel in abundance is offering, but without the 'Sinews of finance little can bo done. The society desires to assure the executive which is to be sot up thfrt it is ready to co-operate to the full, both in regard to the serving of meals and in investigating cases. "Further, it has the accommodation and means of receiving and attending to tho'distribution of all clothing, and if tho Red Cross headquarters arc named as the depot for the receipt of these goods, tho donors may rest assured that already there are hundreds of proved cases of need on our files, anxiously awaiting assistance. .- MEALS IN THE HOMES WHERE POSSIBLE. "The policy of the society in regard to meals is that supplies should be provided and served as far as possible in the homes, thus preserving ihe atmosphero of the homo rather than fostering the soup kitchen idea. Apart from making available food supplies, the need of fuel with which to cook such supplies will require to bo provided for. "Stated briefly," concluded Captain Galloway, "the needs of the society to successfully grapple with the position with which it is surrounded arc: — (1) Provision of work. (2) Provision of food. (3) Provision of clothing. "In the present state of affairs the first is the most pressing need, and the second and third rank of equal importance with each other." WHAT IS WANTED. The reporter was shown the clothing storage room, and though thero is still a fair'assortment of garments there is a great lack of the real essentials, clothing that is warm and serviceable even if it is now new, dresses and suits for children of all ages, and particularly boots and shoes. Certain organisations and firms maintain their steady support of the Red Cross in a wonderful manner by sending along supplies and goods regularly, and were citizens Konorally to follow their excellent ••\iuvpl", even now and then, one- of

the main difficulties before the society in carrying out its splendid work would be removed.

There is probably in every home which is. not hard hit by unemployment or sickness at least one sound garment or pair f)f boots not of much value in that home, but which would be very welcome in some other home. And after all it is no great trouble to make up a parcel and to take or send it along to the Bed Cross rooms in Dixon street.