TO BUILD UP THE NATIONS’ HEALTH

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 125, 19 February 1921, Page 5

TO BUILD UP THE NATIONS’ HEALTH

RED CROSS RALLY. The Red Cross Society in New Zealand was born of the war, but its leaders, realising the force that lies behind such a society, intend to make it even as great a power in peace as in war. To that end the society is about to initiate a campaign of membership. It wants everyone to realise that the society is out to help humanity bv building up the health of the nation, nnd everyone who joins up will be doing his or her bit to help along the good work. The Red Cross Society of New /Zealand was a signatory to the agreement arrived at at the big conference held at Geneva, which was attended by the representatives of twenty-seven nations, and the aims and objects of that conference —which ■ speaks for the world'was broadly set down as the prevention of disease and the mitigation of suffering. A circular issued by the society says: “The Defence Department has emphasised the necessity for keeping aliye the organisation of the New Zealand branch of the British- Red Cross Society and Order of Ft. John. By being organised it would be in the position of being able to start work immediately in the event of another war, also in cnSe of any national or local disaster brought about by epidemic diseases, fire, or earthquake, etc.; furthermore, to help and' assist any philanthropic societies in existence at the present time, such as those engaged in child welfare, maternity homes, day nnd night nurseries, district nurses for back-blocks, etc.--in fact, to do all that is in its power for the improvement of Tiealth. the prevention of disease, and mitigation of .suffering; cooperating therein with (ho Health partment. No money that was raised during the war for the purposes of the New Zealand branch of the British Red Cross and Order of St. John can be used except to help the sick and wounded solMr. J. Taylor, a returned' soldier, who lost an arm in the war. has been engaged as canvasser by the Wellington branch, and has Been empowered to enrol members (2s. 6d. for adults and 6d. for children). The society exn“cts to secure a membership of 100.000 in New Zealand. America has 26,600,069 adults and 11.000,600 junior members, and Japan LGOO.OOO members.