RED CROSS SOCIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 141, 16 May 1936, Page 12

RED CROSS SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING. EXTENSIVE ACTIVITIES. There was a splendid attendance at the annual meeting of the Palmerston North branch Red Cross Society. held on Thursday, when Mr A. J. Graham presided. An apology for absence was received from Miss Buchanan. The secretary (Air J. K. Patou) read the annual report, which stated: There is little to report in connection with the society’s operations apart from the sewing and junior division reports, which will be beard later. The chief event was the formation of the junior division, and we congratulate it on having such an energetic executive. The time is opportune to further the organisation of this district. Assistance from AVomen’s Institutes in each town is assured. Dannevirke already has a very strong sub-centre, both financially and numerically, and there seems no reason why oth?> centres should not be established right throughout the district. Information has already been supplied to one or two centres and they are anxious to form a Red Cross circle. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £23 2s sd, which amount has increased slightly over the previous year’s. Airs Purdom presented the junior division report, winch staled: On October 5, lt/35, a meeting was called lor the purpose of forming a junior division, the attendance at the annual meeting was excellent, about 90 children between the ages of 5 and 18 being enrolled. During tlie remainder of tlie term a further 30 joined. A junior executive, with Sister Dalgleisn a.s chairman, was formed. The first term was devoted to first aid, and under the able tutoiship of Sister Dalgleish the pupils made good progress, all except two passing the oral and pract.cal examinations. Small silver cups are to be presented to the girl and bov in the senior and junior classes who gained the highest percentage of marks. The Akaroa Cup, presented by Sister Dalgleish, is to be competed lor at the end of the year by teams of six, four being from local schools. In response to an appeal from headquarters, and with the assistance of the sewing division, a large box of clothing, etc., was sent to a Maori school in the Bay of Plenty. Classes resumed on March 21, several new members being enrolled. The junior division is unique in that it is the only caped one in New Zealand, and in this connection thanks are due to the sewing division who made the capes. As the juniors will be the mainstay of the nursing division in future years, they look to the sisters to assist and encourage them in everv way. Thanks are due to Miss Mavis White, who made our wreath for Anzac Day

Airs Richardson, in the sewing division report, stated: —We have had a very busy time since the formation of the' junior division as we undertook to make the capes. To date we have made 69, some of the members being so keen that they took the work home in order to get the capes ready lor the first public appearance of the juniors. A iew families have been assisted with clothes, and we prepared a box of clothing for a Alaori sctiool in the Bay ot Plenty. Altogether 233 garinents have been distributed. A\e have a large assortment of clothes as well a.s roller and triangular bandages.

The nursing division report, presented by Airs It. L. C. Aitchison, stated: —This section continues to he a very active one. Classes have been well attended and members have been interested in their work. Eight medallions and two merit awards have been gained by members. the sinceie thanks of the division are extended to the nursing and medical professions for their gratuitous assistance with lectures and examinations. During the year the division lost the services of three of its officers: Sister A. V.'Kelly, who resigned her position as superintendent; Airs Blundell, who has taken up her residence in AA’ellington ; and Aliss Elliot, who has left on a trip to England. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining lectures this year, classes have not commenced in earnest. If this portion of the society’s work is to go ahead, consideration should be given to the appointment of a Red Cross nurse, not only to give lectures, but to organise in the country districts within the boundaries of this centre. Finance is, ot course, the chief obstacle, but no doubt this could be overcome, as each sub-centre formed would be asked to contribute its share. Collins Cup competition : Our team, although not successful,’ put up a very good performance, and filled fourth place, which was very creditable for the first performance. AA'ith the valuable experience gained, a team should be close to first honours in the competition which takes place at Napier in August of this year. The team is very grateful to Sister Dalgleish lor the coaching given prior to the contest, and also for her moral support at Havvera. Tucker Cup competition : it is hoped to get this competition in full swing this year as a preliminary training tor the Collins Clip competition. A few members acted as collectors for the Indian Earthquake Fund last year. The senior atul junior members attended a church parade at All Saints’ Church on December 10, and also took part , in the Anzac Day services. The service at the Soldiers' Memorial on that day was very impressive, there being a good attendance of members in uniform. AA e wish to thank Aliss Nairn, who kindly donated the wreath which was placed on the Cenotaph by Air A. J. Gruhciiii. Aleinbeis also attended a special Florence Nightingale service at St. Andrew s Church on May 10- Our thanks are due to Airs Bungay, who designed and donated to the division the society s emblem. AYe also express appreciation to Air Bangay, who acted as drill instructor during the year, and may I take this opportunity as commandant to thank very sincerely first our director, Aliss McLagan, who so ably guided us in our work; Aliss Kelly and the section leaders, Airs Carruthers, Mrs Lyne and Mrs Richardson, and our faithful secretary Mr J. K. Paton. Arrangements for classes, lectures and examinations, etc., require much detailed work and only those closely connected with the work can realise how much Air Paton has done for us. In making these remarks I teel sure I am voicing the opinion and appieciation of everv member. • JUNIORS AVELL CATERED FOR. In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman remarked that he was pleased to see such a. good attendance, among whom was Miss AleLagan, whom he welcomed back to the society. It was gratifying to know that the credit balance bad 'increased to £23 2s 5d during the year. The juniors were being well catered for, and this augured well for the future of the nursing division. The formation of the junior division marked a decided step forward for the society. He sincerely thanked Sister Dalgleish, who had . so generously donated cups for various competitions. The nursing division had run smoothlv under the skilful guidance of Mrs Aitchison and her assistants. The chairman was satisfied that I the activities of the society in Palmerston North had been well maintained. On the motion of the chairman, sec-

onded by Miss McLagan, the reports were adopted. The election of officers saw the following appointed: —President, Mr A. E. Manstord ; vice-presidents, Miss McLagan, Mesdames A. E. Mansford, M. Aitchison, H. Palmer, J. A. Nash. Messrs B. J. Jacobs, J. Murray, J. A. Nash and C. LonLsson; secretary, Mr J. K. Patou (pro tem); treasurer, Mr R. L. C. Aitchison ; executive, Mrs R. J,. C. Aitcliisou, Sister Dalgleish, Mcsdames Carruthers, Richardson, W ilde and Miss Crombie; chairman of executive, Mr A. J. Graham. The chairman reported that he had received the resignation of Mrs Aitchison, the commandant of the nursing division. It was a .great blow to him, and to the society. Several speakers eulogised the fine work of Mrs Aitchison. After consideration Mrs Aitchison was asked to withdraw her resignation. The. trophies mentioned in the report of the junior division were then presented by the chairman. A large if:uniter of certificates anil medallions were presented. Those winning medallions wore: —Merit Meda.l, Miss B. Kidd; first aid medallions, Miss G. Norman, Miss AT. Mcßean, Miss B. Kidd, Messrs C. Turnbull, G. Gopper; home nursing medallions, Miss G. Mills, IMiss B. Kidd; hygiene and sanitation medallion, Miss G. Norman.