RED CROSS WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24066, 10 September 1941, Page 8

RED CROSS WORK

WAIKATO CRITICISM REPLY BY THE PRESIDENT (0.C.) HAMILTON, Tuesday Replying to the criticism levelled at the Hod Cross Society at a meeting of the Waikato Zone Patriotic Committee yesterday, Mr. A. E. Gibbons, president of the Waikato centre of the society, said to-day that it was difficult to understand the attack. The fuuctiftn of the society was to meet the needs of the sick and wounded soldiers and to relieve distress. The society was doing a splendid work in helping New Zealand's war effort, and it had materially aided the Waikato appeak Mr. Gibbons said that if the society had not taken steps before the outbreak of war to have its organisations functioning throughout New Zealand the echelons would have gone away in a sorry plight for the lack of muchneeded comforts. The Waikato centre had been supplying material and comforts from its own funds instead of calling on the Sick and Wounded Fund. The Hamilton Red Cross shop produced a sixth of that claimed. Hamilton and Waikato revenue was largely spent in purchasing materials made up by local supporters, and the goods were sent to Egypt through the Joint Council and Patriotic Fund Board. Last year the Waikato centre had despatched over 15.000 made articles. including bandages and materials. Supplies of clothing of all kinds were also sent to the soldiers' annexe at- the Waikato Hospital and to the Ngaruawahia camp hospital. Wireless sets had also been supplied to soldiers in hospital." Mr. Gibbons said there had been no question of concealing the society's funds, and the balance-sheets were always available. He referred to the work the society was doing in training young women as voluntary hospital aids, and to the assistance these people had given when required.