Kaitaia’s Response To Sick, Wounded Appeal

Northern Advocate, 29 May 1940, Page 2

Kaitaia’s Response To Sick, Wounded Appeal

Prior to the annual meeting of the Kaitaia sub-centre of the Red Cross in the Princess Theatre on Monday evening, an appeal was made for contributions to the. Sick and Wounded Fund. There was ari attendance of 88 people, and after addresses had been given by Mr R. Stewart, president, Mr Lloyd Peace, chairman of the Town Board, Mr T. S. Houston, chairman of the Hospital Board, Sister Collins, the “Queen of Ihe North” and the Rev. Whitfield, an invitation 1o make gifts of money brought a remarkable response. Within a few minutes £l3l 11/* was handed in, including two cheques for £SO each, one from Mr D. Archibald and the other from Mr J. T. B. Taaffc. In addition, £9 4/- was promised, making a total of £l4O 15/-. Mr Stewart, who presided, briefly introduced the appeal, setting out a few outstanding facts, and stressing Auckland’s great accomplishment. Mr Stewart, who presided, briefly introduced the appeal, setting out _ a few outstanding facts, and stressing Auckland’s great accomplishment in raising £6OOO in one day. A Telling Address

Mr Peace gave a telling address, rousing his audience to a full sense of the present grave danger and their responsibilities to the men who were making a sacrifice many of those present were not competent to make. The least they could do was to provide such comforts for the men as came within their power. In keeping up to the limit of their resources, they would be doing no more than their duty. Those who lost their lives might be more fortunate than many who have to go to hospital. Some oi these men might be without relatives or friends, and it was only through the Red Cross that they could be reached with such comforts as they needed. It had been said that if every person gave 5/-. their objective would be reached, but some could give £5 or more, and all should give to the utmost of their ability. The total sum raised should be worthy of the people of New Zealand and the purpose of the fund. Reliable Organisation Mr Houston dealt with the excellence of the Red Cress as an organisation, and the reliance which could be placed upon it in handling moneys placed at its disposal. Gifts made through it could not fail to provide for the sick and wounded what they most needed and was the only safe channel for getting to the soldiers the full benefits for which the fund Is being raised. The Rev. Whitfield said all should place themselves and all they have under the control of the authorities in the effort to win the war.

Sister Collins’ Stirring Appeal Sister Collins gave a stirring address. Many soldiers, she said, landed in hospital with nothing and it was the Red Cross that supplied them with what j they needed. She expressed much J disappointment with the poor response | made by some people. At Whangarei j they had a community sing and colj lected on the occasion about £3. She had asked them if they knew there was a war on. In many places the people acted as if they did not know. She recalled distress in England during the last war. while New Zealanders had all that they needed. The finest of her men had gone overseas, and no sacrifice those at home could make would repay these: men for their sacrifices. Instead cf being afraid to give sixpence, the people should dig deep into their pockets. 3f the war should be lost, New Zealand might become a German colony. Irreligion Pilloried Sister Collins spoke of the activities cf Communists and said their teaching meant no churches and no God. She urged that the boys in Egypt be remembered in some way that they could appreciate. Some of them had no relatives and would welcome letters from anyone thoughtful enough to write. When, in hospital nothing was appreciated so much as a letter. In making a final appeal. Sister Collins said that in the last war the Northern Queen was the runner-up, with three million votes, and the winner received four million votes. The amount raised by what was known as the Poor North totalled £41,000. It.S.A. Supports. Mr John O’Sullivan, speaking for the R.S.A. said that his organisation was behind the appeal, and he urged that all should give as Ihey had never given before. Mr Stewart said there was to be a 14-day campaign. Boxes for gifts had- been placed in different shops j and there was to be a penny drive j opposite Mr Keith Knight’s shop. On Thursday night the ladies were holding a ball in the A. and P. Hall, and several gifts had been made for competitions.