RED CROSS WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 69, 22 March 1941, Page 5

RED CROSS WORK.

VARIED ACTIVITIES. AUCKLAND CENTRE MEETING. Many delegates from all branches of the Red Cross Society in the Auckland area attended the quarterly meeting of the Auckland Centre of the societv last ni<rht. Mr. G. T. Paterson. chairman of the society, was in the chair, and the president, Canon R, G. Coats, was also present. fireat and increasing activity in all branches of Red Cross work was revealed in t ln* se.-retary's report and five new women'* divisions of the Voluntary Aid Detachment have been formed, making a total of 20. Two men's first aid detachments and a number of sections are being established in the area. It was reported that 815 persons had been enrolled for work at E.P.S. posts under the control of the society. The comforts committee were stiil very active in providing comforts and clothing for distressed civilians in Great Britain and over 14,000 garments had been dispatched from the Dominion. Many letters of appreciation had been received from Britain for this service. Another 'branch of the society's activities to show advancement was the •Junior lied Cross Circles in schools under Sister Collins. No fewer than 12.110 articles had been provided by the children. mostly for British civilian*. Arranjre'ments had been completed with the Women's War Service Auxiliary for all personnel to l>e registered with this body, but those enrolled would not lose their Red Cross identity, but continue tlie work allocated to tliein by the Health Department. In the discussion that followed the reading of the report, many delegates stated that the activities of the society were lieing unduly restricted by certain regulations brought into existence the outbreak of war. and keen resentment was expressed. It was stated that overlapping had been caused by the creation of a numl>er of new bodies, who were naturally seeking work to do. The opinion was expressed that action should be taken to enable the society to function under its constitution and the Geneva convention and to restore to it the privilege which it enjoyed in all ether parts of the world."