THE RED CROSS

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 43, 19 February 1918, Page 9

THE RED CROSS

QUESTION OF REPBESENTATION. The question of representation upon the executive committee of 1 the' Red Cross.was discussed fully at a meeting of the Bed Oros ( S Shop Committee in the Mercer-street'committee-room yesterday afternoon. Mrs. J. P. Luke presided, and said that at the present time the executive consisted of fifteen men and three women, and it was considered that there should be a stronger representation of women. - Mrs. Luke considered: that if the two committees had a joint representation of six women (three from each) their two organisations would be quite adequately represented. It was very seldom that the men of the executive attended in full numbers, ■ and if they had an equal representation of men and women the executive would total thirty, which would make it unwieldy. After some discussion, it was agreed by the meeting that six representatives, three from the Shop Committee and three from the Women's Red Cross Committee ; would be quite sufficient representation upon the executive, provided' that they made a point of attending all the meetings. ■Messrs. Shirtcliffe, Young, and Bush, who represented the men, and. who ai> riyed later, were quite in agreement with the decision arrived at. . Mr. Young suggested that the six ladies, three from each committee, should; be selected and act- temporarily until they could be formally 'elected;,at the next general meeting. Mr. Shirtcliffe, who jvas present at the annual conference of the Christchurch Red Cross Society, gave a very interesting account of the proceedings there. He said that owing to pressure of business, Mr. Young was unfortunately unable to be present. The GovernorGeneral was in the chair, and a discussion followed as to the advisability of providing food comforts for sick , soldiers. The difficulties of transport were dweLt upon, and it was finally left for the executive to decide what was the, right course to- pursue in the • matter.' Another resolution was passed that the four centres be asked to defray between them the extra, £250 towards the general expenses • entailed by enquiries of relatives about their sick and wounded. This information, correct and detailed as it is, has proved a great source of comfort and consolation to the relations of sick soldiers. Another very important matter, was dealt with, in regard to the functional treatment for returned' soldiers. It was proposed to spend various sums for the erection of suitable ■workrooms, where the sick soldiers could be taught congenial work. This would be a new interest for the men, and be highly beneficial in helping on the cure.It was suggested that £450 be spent at Hanmer, £210 at the Lowry Bay Hospital, £250 Victoria Hospital, £500 Eotorua,, and £15 at Wanganui. Altogether a sum of £2000 was voted towards this new branch of the Red Cross Society's activities, and it would amply suffice for all'present needs, j This resolution was earned unanimously, by the conference. . At.the close of Mr. Shirtcliffe'r remarks, . Mrs. Luke proposed a hearty .vote of thanks to Messrs. Shirtcliffe, Young, and ißush. for their kindness in attending the meeting, and to Mr. Shirtcliffe for his interesting resume of conference matters. ;