SOLDIER PATIENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 57, 9 March 1922, Page 10

SOLDIER PATIENTS

DISCONTINUING GIFTS.

Soldier patients in hospital are likely to feel the pinch of the economy campaign, tlie executive of the New Zealand branch of the British Red Croas Society and the Order of St. John having decided to discontinue the issue of free gifts of clothing and to reduce the issue of tobacco.

"Tlie time has arrived," said ths chairman (the Hon. Dr. W. E. OoJlins, 0.M.G.), at yesterday afternoon's meeting, "when we should discontarue supplies of some of the free gifts to the men in hospitals." Diminishing funds made it necessary for such action to be taken. The idea was to cut out clothing and all comforte. / A member: "Does that mean tobacco?" —"Yes.; but we had better first cut out the clothing, such as pyjamas, etc." A ■ .

During discussion on in© matter, Mr." L. 0. H. Tripp suggested that thfeT cost of entertainment for the soldiers required to be fully considered. It was also stated that the cost of showing films to soldier patients was enormous, and in this connection reference was' made to the expenditure by the V.M.C.A. Duplication oi the supply of comforts should be avoided. . ■ ■ ' •

Now that the Hanmer Hospital was controlled by the civil authorities, the society was .not going to supply any more clothing.' Men, when discharged, could obtain an'order on the society for clothing. ;

Finally it was decided to recommend to the centres that in future supplies of clothing to soldiers in hospital be discontinued, and that the issue of tobacco be limited to one tin per week.