BRITISH RED CROSS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 45, 21 February 1918, Page 6

BRITISH RED CROSS.

BIG EXPENDITURE INVOLVED. The inlormation cabled regarding the deficit in the balance-sheet for 1017 of the British Red Cross Fund will be better understood when the work undertaken by this widespread organisation in the interest of the sick, and wounded soldiers is fully explained. It has no less than 2,522 motor ambulances on the various fronts, as well as 41 motor ambulance launches in Mesopotamia. The lion, financial organiser for the Auckland branch (Mr C. F. Bickford) to-day furnished the following data to show the work done and the expenditure involved by the British Red Cross work. The cost in October last was £8,000 per day, so the deficit simply means practically 23 days' expenditure. The balance-sheet of 1916 of tho parent house of the Red Cross Society in London showed in income of £3,064,232, a million mote than in 1015. The expenditure wae £1,815,353 leaving a surplus of £1,248,879 to be carried forward for 1917. "If you tak.; the income for 1917 as equal to 1916," said Mr Bickford, "it means £3,004,232, plus 6urplus from 1916 (£1,248,879), and a deficit of £187,872 on the balance sheet ending 1917, Which shows that the total expenditure for that year must have been £4,500,983 against the 1916 expenditure of £1,815,353. The 1917 campaign in the war zone is Bitnply microscopic to the activities we anticipate in the coming 10 or 12 months. This simply goes to prove .the necessity of providing for funds ahead. The position of New Zealand's obligation to contribute to the British Red Cross Society's funds stands no argument, as we must realiee that a society of this nature makes no distinction, but gives its,services to all."

Referring particularly to the Auckland centre, Mr Bickford pointed out that in 1917 the amount, raised totalled £8,000, but -when the needs had been placed before the people the income increased until by December 31 the total stood at £105,969 8/7, in cash Tind monthly contributions, thus showing an increase of £97.969 8/7 for the year's effort. Mr Bickford is now laying out a plan of campaign for 1918, in order to ensure that the people of the Auckland provincial district will have full opportunity of doing their bit for the men who are defending them and their interests. Country dietricts gje now being systematically dealt with, and in that connection the 6uppbrt of ihfc Farmers' Union, Dalgety and Co., and the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency nave been promised. Another matter aimed ait is to fry and do away with so m*ny ; different appeals, which, ultimately, have, the one object—that is, to .centralise all efforts pertaining to Hed Cfoss work, making one appeal, and apportioning the amounts according- to the object." ■