THE RED CROSS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 39, 14 August 1930, Page 25

THE RED CROSS

AFTER SIXTY YEARS

HUGE AMOUNT SUBSCRIBED

The following cable message was recently received at New Zealand Bed Cross Headquarters' from Sir Arthur Stanley, chairman of the British Bed Cross Society in England: —

"On Bth August, 1870, an appeal was issued by Colonel Loyd Lindsay (afterwards Lord Wantage) for money to help the sick and wounded in the FrancoPrussian War. The appeal was made in the name of the National Aid Society, of which Queen Victoria became patrqn and the Prince of Vales president of the Central Committee. From the beginning the society was looked upon as the British' Bed Cross, so it happens that on Bth August, 1930, tbe British Red Cross is celebrating its diamond jubilee. Sixty years is no great age, it is true, in the life of a national institution, but a proper occasion on which to look back upon the past and forward to the future. On looking back one cannot help being struck by .tlio wonderful generosity of the British public, who between 1870 anc! the present day—including the Great War, when the main activities of the British Bed Cross Society were carried out in conjunction with the Order of St. John —have subscribed well over £23,000,----000 for its work. We may perhaps be allowed to take this generous support given .to us by the public as an indication that we have filled a useful place in the community, and that our efforts in ministering to the sick and suffering of the naval, military, and air forces of the Crown as the agents of the public have met with their approval. In looking forward we see an even greater and ever expanding field for Bed Cross work and workers. Our Boyal Charter has been enlarged, and jjow includes the prevention of disease, the improvement of health, and the mitigation of suffering throughout the world. It is a great endeavour, and its appeal to the hearts and minds of all classes of His Majesty's subjects was shown by the- British Empire Reel Cross Conference held in London in. May of this year when Bed Cross workers and representatives Eiom all parts of His Majesty's Dominions and colonies pvcraeas met the Red Cross of the Mother Country, and after discussion of. our different problems- and difficulties parted strengthened and encouraged to carry on the work, not for our own country alone, but for the whole British Empire. Let us go forward, then, in the true spirit of the Red Cross, helping when we can, succouring where succour is needed, ever remembering that wo are only the channel through which British generosity and kindness of heart How to those who aro in suffering and distress, and that our responsibility is great."— Stanley, chairman. New York City's East Side has a store established more than 60 years ago which Bells wearing apparel to stout men exclusively. The proprietor is himself plump, and his policy is to hire only portly men al clerks.