RED CROSS NOTES.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15983, 18 August 1917, Page 2

RED CROSS NOTES.

[ FROM THE CENTRAL DEPOT. <By R. 0.) It becomes a very difficult matter, after more than iwo years of work for the wounded men of our forces, to find anything exceptional in the work of tho branches upon which to remark. All the l'cd Cross branches are working well, and, with very few exceptions, the 'output has slowly but steadily increased. And yet there must be many times when both knitters and sewers become very weary of the work. But in very few cases has that weariness shown in a .reduced output. Sometimes, after a glance through the receiving book, the writer has noticed an exceptionally large monthly parcel of goods, or perhaps that a certain branch has sent in specially well done work, or some item out of the ordinary, such as a large number of cardigans or blankets. Oaly in these cases is it possible to single cut a branch for special mention. Almost all the work is splendid, and upon looking at the receiving book this week, the most noticeable contribution is that of the Geraldine "Homo and Empire League. This branch specialises in garment making, particularly in pyjamas and undervests, both of which garments have, been sent in in noticeably large numbers in their August contribution. While writing of garments,' a few' particulars about our supplies of them m England would perhaps interest readers. The chairman of the committee which deals with tho clubs and convalescent camps and hospitals in England, while speaking at the Central Depot on Tuesday last, remarked that the high standard of work in the New Zealand garments for the wounded was often the subject of much comment in England. This should spur all branches on to renewed efforts on behalf of our men. Another fact which was mentioned in tho course of tho interview w.is that each oarment wo send to England is worth more than four times its value fby the time it is given out to a convalescent. This will surprise many of •us, but it is in reality quite easy to u:v dorstand. It is entirely a question of labour. So many of the women of England, who were Red Cross workers at tho beginning of the war have ha'A to take up men's work in order to release men for the Array, and it is,extremely difficult to procure labour for making up garments. Also the yrico paid for it is almost prohibitive, and more than our funds could stand tor any length of time.

i\cws comes of a now branch which is being started in connexion with tho Ashburton centre. It is to be at Eiffelton, and a special class is to be held for strip cardigan making. The first batch of those will be awaited with interest at the Central I>epot. A new branch is quite an event nowadays, when our branches number some frauds' :Is. in tho Canterbury and Westlaud military district alone. Improved directions for knitting the st.rip cardigans are to he. published in tlio . "Red Cross Record" shortly. Tho August number of that little ■periodical is to contain a few illustrations hy way of a little variety. Tho Canterbury "notes are rather more interesting than usual, and a good report comes from the Wellington Centre. Tlio poem for tho mor. J ''h is one written bv a soldier, who is obviously an old Harrow boy. SOME "DONT'S" FOR WORKERS. 'Don't, in finishing oil' stump socks, draw tho wcol too tightly. Jivon if making tho "Kitchener' voe (tho only permissible one, for stump socks), it makes a ridge, "and cause.; a good deal of pain to tlie wearer. Lion't send u pair of socks away without joining them together. The beat method is to thread a darning needle with wool, lay the two socks together, and join from opening' at' top to heel with several largo stitches. I>o not make a knot in tho wool, and do not finish off. The two socks can then be easily pulled apart by the soldier without tearing them. Don't wash bod jackets unless thev have become soiled in the making. If neegf-sary to wash them bo . suro to starch well and iron carefully so as to keep the exaci? shape.

Don't mark surgical requisites upon any consideration whatever. Don't niake the faco holes in tho Balaclavas more than three inches square. If tho opening is too largo the Balaclava, blows back and i 3 of no use as a protection. If made according to tho standard R-ed Cross directions, the Balaclava should be right in thig respect. Don't make swabs (puff or abdominal) or plugs of any hind of material except the very thinnest and poorest quality of butter muslin, as it is so very much more absorbent for tho swabs, and at tho same iimo porous, for tho plugs. The most suitable material or a sample of it can "be obtained at the Central Depot. Baudit go material is quite unsuitable, as it is too closo in texture. Don't forget in sending goods to headquarters to send a list with them, otherwise the goods cannot be checkcd on arrival.

Don't put notes in the pockets of garments or in eocks. etc. Hitherto this practice has not been discouraged, but recent information has come to hand that our garments aa - o sent to Germany for the sick and wounded prisoners, and tho fact of any writing being enclosed is likely to "bring suspicion cu tho recipient. It must not be forgotfen that, in many cases, tho German guards cannot understand a word of English, and. do not realise how harmless these little notes are-. The Women's .Executive is most anxious to secure the co-operation of all branches in this matter.