AMERICAN USE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 198, 21 August 1943, Page 6

AMERICAN USE

EVELYN FIRTH HOME

ACTION JUSTIFIED

"It is our plain duty to grant facilities for the comfort, relaxation and recuperation of the gallant men who have helped to save us from the horrors of a Japanese attack. I feel no apology need be made for our action on behalf of the subscribing public in making the Evelyn Firth Home available for our American Allies " This comment was made by the chairman, Sir Ernest Davis, m presenting his report at last night s meeting of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society.. Those in charge of Kia Ora, as the home was now called, had said that the officers who went there to enjoy a rest were enthusiastic about the club which was full all the time. Sir Ernest added that he had just received information from Brigadier F T Bowerbank, 0.8. E., DirectorGeneral of Medical Services, that he did not think he would be requiring the Evelyn Firth Home for at least six months, or probably longer. Casualties in this war were much fewer than previously, and few cases chronic on their discharge from hO -Thfs L further justifies our action " said Sir Ernest, "and we may also take into consideration the hundreds of pounds of-public money have saved, by making the home available to the Americans. As soon as necessity demands a changei ot policy the council will resume control of the Evelyn Firth Home.