THE RED CROSS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 124, 28 May 1928, Page 11

THE RED CROSS

A YEAR OF 'SERVICE' PEACE-TIME ACTIVITIES "Again wo are/.pleased, to say that a considerable expansion in our activities is shown; notably in the sphere of instructional work, such as homo nursing, first aid, hygiene and sanitation, and also in the relief of distress," states the annual report of the Wellington liivision of the New Zealand branqh of the British Red Cross Society (peace-time, activity,.); /.'Lideed, the Hod .Cross .nurse anil tho.so" co/operating with her aro seriously overburdened in their work, due entirely to. the difficulty with which we are faced in mis-, ing finance. It is pleasing "to note that the sources of finance are widening, though the- process is a gradual one, and we hope that the time is not far distant when we shall'be in a position to relieve the pressure, now resting upon those who are bearing it: so, nobly. The maximum effectiveness! of Red Cross service in ail'its ramifications can be fully realised only whenadequate financial backing is secured." ' i The regular supply of ■ useful propaganda and health literature sent by the Secretariat of the League of Bed Cross Societies, Paris, had proved invaluable to the division in the development of the year's programme, and warm ae■kiijOwledgment -was-extended to the Secretariat for its helpful courtesy;; In the, winter months free public lectures were-given by Drs. Shirer, A. N. Slater, William Mac Donald, J. H. Beaumont, and Edward Joseph. These had been t well attended, but. their value could not be measured by the actual attendance, for thousands were reached through the-medium of the Press, in which the lectures were published. The lectures were made possible through the courtesy of the Wellington branch of the B.M.Ai, and the division owed much to the sympathetic interest of the members of that association. ■ "Interest in instructional classes continues to be very satisfactory/ says the report, "and great credit is due to Sister Lewis and all those connected with the organisation and conduct of the work. Much more could be done in this important department did our resources permit of the employment of additional nurses and doctors for the work.'' DETACHMENT WORK. Work in building up and strengthen-, ing the voluntary aid detachment had been carried on under the direction of Sister Lewis, and healthy development was evident. in this important branch. At the Wellington Winter Show a ladies' rest-room ■ and first aid station was staffed and run by members of the detachment, and forty cases of first aid of a minor nature received attention. Members of the detachment had also visited eases of distress and sickness, and had also staffed sports grovnds. In the annual competition for the Hon. Dr., Collins Cup, for home nursing team work, entrants were confined to' Wellington city, but it is hoped with the development shown in nursing elsewhere, that competitors from other centres will be among the entrants on the occasion of the nest competition. It is proposed to promote a similar competition among the Junior Division, and Lady Luke, C.8.E., has generously promised a suitable cup for the winners. THE CIVILIAN BLIND. The executive has continued to act as honorary advisory committee for the trustees of the Sir ' Arthur v Pearson iVnd'for the; civilian blind,) Auckland, and during the last' tlirco' years 169 cases' in the Wellington district have been recorded on file. The' work was expanding, and much more could>still be done to bring comfort and cheer into these sightless lives. Assistance given had taken the form of relief in meeting rents, rates, etc., and. grocery bills in arrears had been discharged, clothing provided, and goods purchased for blind, persons desirous of hawking them for sale with the object of earning a few shillings. A grant had been received from the T. G. Maearthy Trust, and to this had been added amounts from concerts promoted by the division. Social gatherings and picnic outings had also been held for these blind.people, and at Christmas a special gift parcel was sent to each blind person known in the Wellington district. Mesdames C. H. Chapman, F. T. Clarke, Wilson-Downes, Kepgh,. and the members of the Ladies' Auxiliary had shown most helpful and practical interest in the work. Wireless listening-in sets for the blind was another scheme being arranged for by the division. BELIEF WORK. During the period of. economic depression, considerable relief work was carried out, more so than in any previous year. The ladies' auxiliary, under Mrs. C. S. Wright, served over 2000 hot meals\to children attending school in an under-nourished condition. In addition, the most urgent cases were completely fitted out with warm winter clothing, boots and shoes. Each week members of the auxiliary had met to make and repair garments and to pack books, periodicals, gramophone records, etc., for the hospitals, and cases of distress brought to -the society's notice were inquired into, so that Bed Cross aid was directed. into. legitimate channels. During the. year,. .2012 garments,', IGS pairs of boots and shoes, 11 sheets, 20 pillow cases, 9 layettes, 1 child's cot, a perambulator, and also material and wool were given away. ■ '.Reference is also made in the report to tho possibility of the auxiliary cooperating with the authorities at the Pifblic Hospita} in. the. ..running of a canteen at which patients and visiting friends could be served-with- refreshments, and to the- ready response made to a public appeal for £100 to assist a farmer who had lost both legs. At Christmas time families in special need had be.en supplied with foodstuffs and other comforts. 1 UNEMPLOYMENT. ■ The Bed Cross Unemployment Committee, consisting", of; Bed ..Cross members and. those who belonged.-.-to..the now, disbanded. Mayor's^ ' Unemployment Committee,- had- met regularly under tho ' chairmanship of the Roy. Bobert Inglis, and had sympathetically reviewed the cases presented to it, and used its besti endeavours to find suitable employment for those, requiring it, and had afforded much-needed relief in other, directions. ■, : ■ ' . , ADEQUATE SUPPOKT WANTEB. "It is gratifeijigv v ta...:ii"Q.||i:*.':.': -concludes the report;','' that" after"'having met particularly heavy calls upon our resources in relieving distress occasioned by sickness and unemployment, our balance at the bank is larger than that available at 'the close of the previous 'year. Still, the incidence of our rovenuo -needs constantly., strengthening to enable us to build up an organisation to handle efficiently the' ever-growing calls for our aid. To add to i our difficulties we have had the misfortune to be deprived of our Eed Cross Day, which in itself means a loss of between four and fivo hundred pounds to our already overstrained resources. However, difficulties are meant to be overcome, and in face of this serious handicap wo aro planning to make tlie year before us fuller and richer in service. . . Whatever achiovomenta we have accomplished during tho year, we owe a great deal to those who have given so freely in furtherance of pur work. To our subscribing members, to members of the medical and nursing

professions, to the auxiliary and detachment ladies, to various firms for gifts in kind, and to tho Master Carriers' Association, through its secretary, Mr. Frank Boss, for many services, to our honorary auditors, Messrs. Watkins, Hull, Hunt, and Wheeler, and our honorary solicitors, Messrs. Young, White, and Courtney. In conclusion wo appreciate the unfailing courtesy of the Press in giving publicity to . our work. One and all we warmly .thank. The Bed Cross throughout the world is a movement of tho peoplo' through which sentiments of human compassion and mercy are given tangible expression. Adequately supported, its possibilities as an agent on behali' of stricken humanity are boundless."