RED CROSS SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 116, 13 November 1919, Page 9

RED CROSS SOCIETY

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE

A meeting of the Executive Committeeof the Wellington Centre of the British Red Cross Society was held yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. Young being in the chair Mr. J Kinniburgh was appointed to fill the vacancy on the committee. It was decided to donate a croquet set for the soldier patients in Wellington Hospital. A letter was read from the Minister of Internal Affairs stating that the war hay ing happily ended and the issue of permits to collect moneys pursuant to section 33 of the War Legislation Act, 1917, having been ' revoked, a, number of societies found that, having fulfilled their approved objects, there was no further scope for their . activities, and that the fund was no longer required in the public interest for the purpose for which it was established. He was strongly ot opinion that, though such funds might be directed to be paid to the National; War Funds Council, every consideration should be given to committees controlling funds to make the best use of such moneys locally for the.benefit of soldiers and their dependents. He accordingly invited suggestions as'to the disposal of the balance now ill the hands of the society. The Chairman said the funds in haiid ware very considerable. In tho meantime they had great • demands on their funds, £42,000 having been expended during the past, six'months. When all the new hospitals were evacuated it would become necessary to decide the future scope of the society. A short time ago there were 1617 soldiers still in the hospitals of New Zealand, and there were still more now It was decided to refer the matter to the New Zealand Council with the expression, of opinion that nothing definite can be done until the society's work in New Zealand is completed, which will not be until the military hospitals in. New Zea-. land are evacuated by returned soldiers. \ Jfhe chairman and secertary were empowered to deal with an application by the Wangarmi Patriotic Association for a donation of £150 towards the support of the Soldiers' Convalescent ■ Home at Gonville. The chairman reported that the balance in hand in London was £8068. A letter was read from Brigadier-Gen-eral M'Gavin, Director-General of Medical Services, stating that the Devonport Convalescent Homo would be closed shortly. The remaining hospitals and convalescent' homes might be expected to continue in operation for six, nine, or twelve months. The matron of the Pukeora Sanatorium (Waipukurau) wrots thanking the society for the gift of gramaphones and records. Mrs. J >P I/uke stated that on visiting1 the hospital she found the patients well off for comforts.' The V.M.C.A. had jusfc erected a very nice building, which would make 1 it more "cheery" for the men. It was decided to make a donation of £30. Major-Genera 1 M'Gavin wrote, stating that the officer commanding the PnkeoraSanatorium considered that a bowling green should be provided for the patients. It was estimated to cost £450. Of this £200 had been subscribed by the local residents, and he requested the society's assistance, in subscribing the I balance. It was derided to donate the remaining £250 required, provided the work is completed within twleve months. It was ' decided to provide special "cheer" for the men in. military hospitals dxiring Christinas time.