AN ACTIVE MONTH

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 120, 14 February 1941, Page 4

AN ACTIVE MONTH

Red Cross Sub Centre In Wellington

The monthly meeting of the Wellington City sub-centre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society was held recently, Mr. Chapman, M.l’., being in the chair. Reports of activities were presented. Dealing witli the Red Cross cafeteria, the honorary secretary reported that during the month !>-<> cups of tea, coffee and cocoa had been served to outpatients. Tlie cafeteria closed down for tlie holiday period with a party, held at the hospital. The secretary reported that all members of the women's social club were busy with preparations for a stall at a garden party, were assisting on street day, and had undertaken the decoration of the Town Hall for a ball, on February 22. Seven members also assisted with a crippled children street day appeal. Tlie club had formed a Sick and Wounded Help circle, members pledging themselves to an article or donation each month. The spirit of tlie club was keen and a busy year expected. Members of the ladies' auxiliary have btfen busy distributing clothing and various comforts, as well as doing war work, sewing and so on for the sick and wounded. Members still continue to visit the Victoria Ward and extra comforts were included in tlie Christmas gift parcels. The annual “break-up” party was held in tlie Red Cross rooms ami an enjoyable time was spent by members. The Blind Committee reported that a picnic had been arranged to take place at; Plimmerton in March. ■ An afternoon was also arranged to enable the blind to meet Mr. Broadfoot, director of Hie institute, who is making a Dominion tour. Assistance in the term of clothing, medicine, groceries had been given, and several people had been supplied with wireless sets. Women’s Transport Work.

The commandant: of the Red Cross Women's Transport Service reported that foot drill, mechanized drill, stretcher drill, and refresher courses on mechanics were being taken weekly. All members who attended first aid classes in November passed. Heavy vehicle 'driving tests were being taken by Traffic Inspector Hood. Members transported returned soldiers, on their arrival from Egypt, at Hie request of Arjny Headquarters. Members still drove official visitors to liospital weekly, and to Porirua mental hospital fortnightly. Members also met and couveyed 20 people rrom the Institute for the Blind in Auckland to their various destinations for tlie day, and afterward to the boat for Christchurch. It was reported that help was given in the hospital wards on Thursday and Saturday mornings weekly by 3-1 members of " the Women's Voluntary Aid Detachment. Section practices were well attended, also a drill parade. Members hel'd a garden party which proved a financial success, and also assisted on the crippled children’s street day. Members continue their regular attendances at the Red Cross Home, Hobson Street, and also attend Hie Central Park Hospital weekly to distribute comforts. Nearly 1000 buttonholes were made by 12 members, who 'distributed them on New Year’s morning to patients in Victoria Ward, Newtown School, Ewart, Seddon, and the main hospital. They were assisted in this by the Berhampore, Porirua and Hutt detachments, for which help they were grateful. Two members attended a number of minor eases at the Tom Brown picnic. They also attended a child with a broken arm, accompanying ir. to the hospital. There are now 115 members who have completed or are completing the 00 hours’ hospital training. The Red Cross sister reported that arrangements bad been made fur starting afternoon home nursing lectures in February. The schools are also being visited, ami weekly lectures iu first aid and home nursing arranged. Members of the Junior Red Cross provided Christmas cheer for 15 families. Reports from the various circles in an’d around Wellington indicated that a vast field of service was being covered by juniors, particularly in regard to orphanages, hospitals, refugee and all patriotic purposes. The Men’s Voluntary Aid Detachment commandant reported the continuance of Hie usual work of the detachment. Members had arranged for an A.R.P. course followed by a term of first aid, and then a hospital attendant course. Arrangements were also being made for drill and stretcher work. Several members bad already obtained passes, some with honours, in Hie liospital attendant examinal ion. Forty-seven members are now serving at home or overseas.