CORSO Activities

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 16, 10 April 1946, Page 2

CORSO Activities

FINE \VORK IN GREECE APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE The splendid work that is being done by CORSO in the alleviation of distress in Greece was outlined by Mr. J. G. Male, Dominion Appeals Organiser to the organisation, at a meeting held in the Red Cross Hall, Lower Hutt, on Thursday night. About 50 people were present. Mr. J. W. Andrews, Mayor, presided. A film, "In the, Wake of the Armies," was screened, showing the terrible devastation, poverty and distress in Europe and illustrating beyond doubt the great need of assistance from countries, like New Zealand, more fortunately placed. Mr. Male described the work being done by CORSO in relation to that undertaken by UNRRA, and said there seemed to be some confusion in the matter. Both organisations were urgently needed, and did not overlap ift afly way. Under CORSO 24 New Zealanders were doing direct work in Greece, and relief supplies and services had been taken to that country, which was suffering terribly from the after-effects of war. Acute Neeft in Greece. Greece's need tfas acute, said Mr. Male,' and should make a special appeal to New Zealanders, many of whom had been helped by Greeks in the early days Of thfe war. Lieuten-ant-General Freyberg had sent letters of thanks to thousands of Greek families who had helped New Zealand servicemen In 1940-41. Out of 500 applications in New Zealand CORSO had chOsen a fine team of workers, among them being Miss White, formerly of Hutt Hospital, and they Were doing a fine job. The first objective of the present appeal was the maintenance of the CORSO team in Greece. A second objective' was the sending of teams to China, where the need was even greater. After that there would be the 'despatch of Workers to other countries. CORSO in Greece cost from £IO,OOO to £II,OOO a year. Already there had been a generous response to the appeal for help; by street days Invercargill had raised £844, Durieain £I2OO, and Christchurch £-1-200 —the most successful in years. A big publicity campaign would be launched this month In Wellington. The people of New Zealand had ad obligation to do all they possibly could to help. After some discussion as to the best means of raising funds the meeting decided that a street day be held in Lower Hutt and PetOhe on May 10, and the hope was expressed - that other portions of the Hutt Valley- would carry out similar appeals.