RED CROSS WORK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4898, 18 June 1918, Page 5

RED CROSS WORK.

WHAT new ZEALAND Is DOING. 'Press Association Tolesram.) _ WELLINGTON .Tune 17. +irm e f lymg t 0 tde M a y° r ’s applicaP ermi t to -raise funds in a if of the French Red Cross and other relief works in France, the Minister for Internal Affairs stated that fuller information was desirable before granting approval. The ■ Red Gross International Organisation was spending enormous sums on the Uestern Front for the benefit of nil Allied combatants. As contributions were going regularly from New Zealand in support of the British Red Gross, it would be seen that this Dominion was already participating in patriotic work for direct benefit of our brave Allies of France. Other more direct efforts to assist the French Allies have been a move made by the Government and the people of New Zealand. The Government had undertaken payments totalling £16,000 for hospitals for French repatriated soldiers. Early in 1917 a fund was established for direct assistance to the French Red Cross, and £16,671 is being raised. In February last the Government approved of a fund for the benefit of the National Association for War Orphans. Free postal privileges were ; being granted, and sums amounting to £14,000 had already been forwarded and donations were steadily coming forward. Still while the Government fully appreciated tho heroic sacrifices of our French Allies the Minister regretted that the necessity for this further appeal bad not been disclosed. The Government was of opinion that New Zealand should concentrate her energies to .assist the British Red Cross, leaving the responsibility for the distribution of funds to the executive. In August an Our Day appeal would be made throughout the Dominion. If, however, there were urgent needs outside those dealt with and a request was made that a fund should be established for them and was supported by the. Consul-General for France, the Government would be glad to give further consideration, to the matter.