THE RED CROSS AND THE WHITE

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 23, 27 July 1920, Page 2

THE RED CROSS AND THE WHITE

A JOINT COUNCIL

(FltOM OK OWN faoRRESPONKNT.)

LONDON, 20th' May.

Early in the war the British Red Cross and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem came to a working understanding which took tho form of a Joint War Committee, by which overlapping was avoided and efficiency promoted. This committee has now, by formal agreement, given place to a joint council, on which both bodies will have equal reoresentation. The present and future scope of this joint council is act forth in an appeal, signed by Queen Alexandra (president of the British Red Cross Society), and the Duke of Connaugh., (Grand Prior of the Order ©f St. John of Jerusalem in England). Among the branches of work to be undertaken by it are the caro of those suffering from tuberculosis, especially sailors and soldiers; assistance, financial and otherwise, to the voluntary hospitals, work parties, and child welfare work, and assistance in nursing, health, and welfare work auxiliary to the Ministry of Health An appeal is made for a continuance of the public support, given to the Joint War Committee. During the war the sick and wounded men of His Majesty's Forces learnt to look upon the Red Cross as an emblem, not only of help and comfort, but also of the devotion of the British people for tho when who were fighting in Britain's cause. "It is our earnest hope (write Queen Alexandra and the Duke of Connaught) that those who, in peace time, are in suffering or distress, will learn in the same way to look to the White Cross of St. John and the Red Cross for comfort and relief, and will feel, when helped by the Order of St. John and the British Red Cross Society, that they are not receiving anything in the nature of charity, but only the just and proper tribute from those who are enjoying health and strength to their fellow men and women who are lass fortunate than themselves."

For some branches of the work the Joint War Committee will continue to provide the necessary funds, either wholly or in part, for some time to come, but" for all tho other work of the Joint Council money is needed at once. It is pointed out that prices and increased taxation havo notoriously affected all hospitals; indeed, the closing of more than one great, institution in London has been rumoured. For provincial hospitals it is desired to raise nn annual sum of £1,000,000 to be distributed in gnmt3, which would be allocated on tho recommendation of the Director of Hospital Services after investigation of the efficiency of administration of eaoh hospital, and the manner in which it meets local needs. The Red Cross organisation would, moreover, be able to buy for tho hospitals on a great scale in the cheapest markets, and, in virtue of its large storage accommodation, preserve its purchases in good condition until required.