RED CROSS WORK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8396, 11 March 1916, Page 3

RED CROSS WORK.

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Association). ' WELLINGTON, March 10. A conierence of ladies from all parts of the Dominion interested in Red Cross work was held here, the Countess of Liverpool presiding. An oiler by Mr Bernard Tripp, of Timaru, to go to Egypt at his own expense as supervisor of the distribution of gifts to tho New Zealand troops was accepted. A discussion took place regarding railway charges on .parcels of material sent to country districts, but.it was found that no alteration could be made. The question of stimulating interest in the supply of gifts of knitted comforts 4)y holding a Dominion contest was discussed, but the matter was left to.the various centres. A Dominion contest was not considered advisable. Mrs Holland (Christchurch) proposed that, if practicable, ,an arrangement should, be made for a' Dominion gift of comforts consisting of a uniform' parcel for general distribution for the men afc the front. This was carried unanimously after considerable discussion.

A committee-, consisting of the Mayoresses and secretaries of the four centies ; with her Excellency as president, was formed to decide on the contents of tlic Dominion parcel. It was decided that the four centres should each provide a. quarter monthly. • On tho motion, of Mrs J. P. Luke (Wellington), it was decided that each centre should assist in money or 'kind in supplying transports with fruit, cake, books, games, gramaphones, etc., and the Wellington, committee should control the supplies! •■■• •

Mrs Holland (Christchurch), proposed that all appeals for gifts and all gift parcels should go through the four centres, and the motion was carried unanimously.

Mrs Luke (Wellington) called the attention of the conference to the fact that wool could be purchased by contract, thereby reducing the price to the patriotic worker.

A number of reports were received from various leagues as to the methods and contents of parcels distributed as parting gifts. A somewhat lengthy discussion followed as to the advisability of continuing this form of gift, ■but it was decided to make no rule.

During the afternoon it was announced Uhat the parcel to be sent as a Dominion gift should be of the value of 2s 6d, containing any of the following articles :—Sardines, salmon, anchovy, extract of ■ meat, Bovril, curry powder, Keating's, Glaxo, soup tablets, cocoa, cornflour, soap, writing paper and sanitary paper. A, question was asked regarding variation of "housewives," and Mrs Luke pointed out. that 'this was impossible,, as the stock pattern had been contracted for. ■ f ' A vote of thanks to her Excellency for presiding at the conference was proposed by Mrs Massey, seconded 'by Lady Ward, and carried with acclamation.