RED CROSS SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 75, 26 September 1932, Page 9

RED CROSS SOCIETY

DISASTER RELIEF

VALUE OF READINESS

A meeting of the-Rongotai-Mirauiar Branch of the Ne\v Zealand Red Cross Society was held at the Miramar South School on Thursday evening, Mr.iGaines, chairman of the branch/presiding. Mr. N. A. Grant, chairman of the Wellington Centre, and the general^ecretary, Mr. M. S. Galloway, were presenf/ Mr. Grant complimented the members of the Miramar Committee upon the good work they weredoing, particularly in co-operating with the Mayor's organisation for relief measures.- Reports from other national Red Cross Societies showed the extent to whicll the Red Cross movement was associated with the mitigation of distress. The strict functions for which the Red Cross movement existed in all countries had been largely set aside to respond to the call. Mr. Grant uige,d'the importance of co-operating to the fullest possible extent in providing relief Wherever it was required. ' .

.Referring to the promptitude with which the society had acted in connection with the earthquake in Wairoa, Mr. Grant said that it was essential that the society should be prepared at all times, withan efficient personnel, to act in the event of epidemic or disaster. Tho New Zealand , Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, endowed by the president of the society, Colonel the Hon. W.E. Collins, was also mentioned by the speaker. The Mayors in various towns and boroughs throughout the Dominion had been communicated with to set aside a'day in their respective communities on which'a collection would be taken in aid, of .this fund, and the support of Di;. .Collins's scheme was unanimous. The scheme had a direct appeal, especially after the experience Of Hawkesi Bay and Wairoa, and . the floods which had had disastrous effects in other districts.' ' Adequately supported, it would provide a substantial amount for relief measures immediately a disaster occurred. - : .

By means-of a,set of slides, Mr. Galloway, who also spoke, illustrated the Wide ramifications of .the Eed Cross movement. The. existence of a strong branch in the Rongotai and Miramar area was of .importance," as,' in,/, the 'event of emergency in Wellington' City, j the Miramar area, with its open' spaces, would play an important part as far as I temporary accommodation was. concernj cd. Mr. Galloway visualised the day; in this Dominion when the Ked Cross.would play no mean part in directing and controlling relief endeavours.