FOR RELIEF ABROAD

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 277, 19 August 1944, Page 6

FOR RELIEF ABROAD

Formation Of N.Z. Council At a Dominion conference held this week in Wellington convened jointly by the National Council of Churches, the Red Cross Society and the Society of Friends, a New Zealand Council of Organizations for International Relief Service (CORIS) was established provisionally on subsequent confirmation of its constitution by the constituent members. The meeting was presided over by Mr. C. G. White, chairman of the Dominion sxecutive of the Red Cross Society, who described the world pattern for international relief and rehabilitation as evolved by 44 united and associated nations at the first session of the U.N.R.R.A. council last November. New Zealand is a member both of tile committee on supplies and that for the Far East, and its financial responsibility is £2,600,090. ' “The objects of the New Zealand council shall be to assist devastated peoples aud countries in need of relief and rehabilitation, and advise and assist the New Zealand Government in the fulfilment of its Obligations under the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration,” said Mr. White. In particular, these are: (a) To provide a means for consultation with the Government in all matters pertaining to. overseas relief and rehabilitation, including the possibility of the collection and utilization of funds for relief purposes; (b) to coordinate the activities of all organizations and individuals interested iu overseas relief and to compile a register of such persons qualified to engage iu that work aud facilitate their training and selection; (c) to compile a register of materials and goods held by interested organizations and available for the administering of relief in the field; (d) to advise anti assist, in developing a public opinion which will support the responsibilities of, and the steps to be taken by the Government in fulfilment of its obligations under U.N.R.R.A.” Other speakers were Dlr. Colin Morrison, on “Tlie Preparation for Post-War Service by Voluntary Societies” ; Miss 11. Iris Crooke. on medical relief nnd the special qualities needed; and the Rev. 11. W. Newell, on “The Spirit Behind Relief and Rehabilitation.” The following nppiontments were made provisional on the confirmation of the setting up of the council by tlie voluntary organizations : Vice-chairman, Mr. C. G White: executive. Dr. Sylvia Chapman. Miss di. Iris Crooke, Monsignor A. J. Mcßae, Rev. 11. W. Newell, and Rev. J. McKenzie, secretary and acting treasurer, Mr. Colin W. Morrison.