RED CROSS SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 14, 9 May 1933, Page 11

RED CROSS SOCIETY

HELPING THE BLIND

LOWER HUTT BRANCH

It was decided at the recent.meeting of the Wellington Centre 0.1; the New Zealand Rod Cross Society to support the Blindcraft 'Art Union,, the prizes being in the form of basketware, etc., made by the blind students at the institute, in Auckland. • Mr. N. A. Grant presided. The secretary reported that many requests had been received from blind folk for assistance in securing renewals of radio licences and for aid in other directions. All the requests had been attended to. The Braille Club and the Junior Red Cross combined in running a stall at the Easter Show, the proceeds from which were handed over to tho Institute for the Blind. Reports from Red Cross nurses indicated that, many calls had been made upon their time apart from , ordinary instructional duties.. A visit was paid to the Red Cross Clinic, Lower Hutt, which had been in operation for a number of years. Steps were being taken to have the clinic and also that at Moera staffed by trained V.A.D.'s in charge of qualified nurses, so that advice and dressings on behalf of families in indigent, circumstances could be, given. THE MONTH'S WORK. The report from the hon. secretary of the Ladies' Auxiliary showed that during the month clothing and articles distributed totalled :290, 29 pairs of boots and shoes, and five layettes. The work of the Red Cross : cafeteria at the hospital was .still being carried on, and was much appreciated. This service was provided free, those benefiting making donations if they were in a position to do so. Of late an improvement was evident in the weekly donations. ' , ; Forty-four new members were formally elected. The chairman reported that in company with the chairman of the.Dominion/executive and the secretary he had attended the annual meeting of the Lower Hutt Branch. The gathering was large and representative, being presided over by the .ex-Mayor (Mr. W. T. Strand), and' among' those present were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. Andrews). A letter was read by Mr. Strand expressing the appreciation felt by the borough of the work performed by the society in the district during the year, and the happy and effective way in which the organisation had co-operated with and co-ordinated the work of the Mayor's Relief Committee. The branch, in addition, had. distributed ' many thousand garments, and'had spent approximately £.216 in the purchase of material for these garments. The visitors from headquarters complimented Mrs. J. Mitchell and her executive on the very fine record which had been achieved and wished them every success in the ensuing year. At the conclusion of the meeting the guestswere entertained at supper by Mrs. J. Mitchell. Mr. Andrews moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Mitchell, which was carried with musical honours.