N.Z. WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16218, 22 May 1918, Page 5

N.Z. WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION.

VALUABLE AND USEFUL WORK

(fbok our own correspondent.)

LONDON, March 22

At yesterday's meeting of the executive of the Now Zealand War Contin>gent Association, detailed accounts of receipts and expenditure were submitted, and Mr I. W. Ilaymond, in a brief speivh, referred to the work of tho Association in various connexions.

Mr Raymond mentioned that the cost of administration had very sub- j stantially increased as compared with propelling years, but that was only to bo expected wlien it was realised that the original staff or voluntary workers could not give their services continuously free ovor such a lengthy period. Few organisations in this country had maintained a higher percentage of voluntary help than had the New Zealand War Contingent • Association, but the difficulty of obtaining clerical assistance has been acutely felt, as the competition of Government Departments and industrial concerns for accountants and typists had been exceedingly keen. The paid staff was doing exceedingly efficient work. GOOD WORK AT OATLANDS. A considerable sum had been expended in the erection of workshops for the limbless, and it was very satisfactory to know that a large number of those who had lost the use of either an arm or a leg had been able to qualify to take up some new sphore_ in life on thoir return to the • Dominion. In the report of the Hospitals Comforts Committee, it was mentioned that the number of mon who wished to learn needlework and raffia work at Oatlands was so great that an honorary work superintendent, Mrs Wood, had been appointed to this hospital, and she had two assistants. For a long time Mrs Wood had been working at this hospital, teaching the men, but so far had not been doing it officially for the Association.

EXTENDED WORK,

Mr Raymond mentioned that the work of the Association had been considerably augmented during the last few months, in conscquenco of the establishment of Red Cross Depots at the various New Zealand military hospitals. This entailed the appointment of local representatives, and also the purchasing of considerable quantities of comforts, so that the stocks under the various schedules agreed upon should always be at hand. During the ; year £30,722 bad been received from j the New Zealand Rod Cross, making with the .balance in hand at the begin- | nine of the yoar (£2142) a total of j £32,864. Of this £21,965 was transferred to the London Committee, New Zealand Red Cross. The expenditure bv the Association on behalf of the Redd Cross Society during the year onded September 30th, 1917, amounted to £12,711. From patriotic organisations in Now Zealand £14,474 had boon received, and £7900 from the Government. It was the Rod Cross Fund and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem that provided tho special entertainments which took place on Christmas Day at various hospitals. ' VISITORS AND CLUBS. Occasionally, said Mr Raymond, one. heard the statement that moro should be done for men on leave from i ranee, and from tho various camps in tho United Kingdom. Accompanied by .Brigadier-General Richardson he had visited the New Zealand Soldiers' Club in Russell square, and had talked to the mon, asking if they had any sug- | gestions to make on this head, but all unanimously roplied that tliey wore j more than satisfied with the treatment they were receiving. During the year 40,000 men had passed through the hands of the organisation. There were now onthe list about 130 regular hospital visitors, and the staff at canteens and clubs numberod 70. Tho commandants in charge of the various clubs and recreation rooms had all rendered valuable help, and the men could not return 1 from New Zealand without a fooling that while they were in hospital, and later, that all workers ha.d done their best to minister to their comfort. The clubs continued to be

a great success. Tho men were supplied with reading, writing, and billiard rooms, and with food of the best quality at prices 30 per cent, less than they were charged elsewhere. "Without exception,, tho men had been very grateful for the attention bestowed upon them. ... Early in 1917 the Association made arrangements to get in touch with patients in hoipital in France. Lot'tors were written to those men, asking what the Association could do for them, and the opportunity was taken to send shaving and toilot requisites and other little comforts. Mr Raymond made very appreciative reference to the long and ralnable services given by Lord Plunket and by Mr Waldegrave. general Richardson has approved the suggestion that a club should be erected in connexion with the N.Z.F.A". Reserve Depot at Ewshott) and enquiries are now being made for suitable prel mises.