RED CROSS SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20500, 30 August 1928, Page 16

RED CROSS SOCIETY.

Mr E. A. Roscvear presided over the monthly meeting of the Rod Cross Society.

Letters of thanks were received from soldier patients and from the superintendent of the Seaciitt' Mental Hospital for comforts supplied. Air Neil H. Colquhoun, secretary of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association, forwarded a report of his visit to the soldier patients in the Oamaru Hospital and the distribution of comforts to them. —The report was received. A report was received from Sister Kirkpatrick in reference to peace time work. Among other local activities may be noted the following;—The home nursing course for Home Science students had been completed. and 10 students sat for the examination. A general lecture on Red Cross Aims was held under the auspices of the Green Island Mothers' Guild, when there was a good attendance, and members were most interested. In connection with tlie Normal School, a meeting of the Junior Bed Cross was held, and u service section arranged. Sister Kirkpatrick, who is at present in Oamaru, also furnished a report of tlie inauguration of peace time work in the North Otago district. Members of tlie North Otago Women’s Club were addressed on the Aims of the Red Cross, all present being very interested. The Waitaki Girls’ High School. St. Thomas's Convent, South School, and North School were visited, and as a result of addresses and interviews, classes had been arranged for the next term. Through the kindness of Miss Rogers, Plunket nurse for country districts, several country schools were visited, extending as far as Hakatnramea on. the one hand and Herbert on the other. In practically all cases " Health Talks ” pamphlets were either bought or ordered, and a great deal of interest was shown in the illustrated health books done by Dunedin children. In fact, so, many requests were made for them that almost all those in hand were given away, and one of the Dunedin schools had been requested to send more. Junior Red Cross Circles had been formed at the Kurow and Duntroon Schools. Air T. J. Guthrie, secretary of St. John Ambulance Association, Oamaru, had acted as publicity agent. Kurow had a public-spirited family, which had offered hospitality, a was splendid, and was deeply appreciated.

Headquarters, Wellington, wrote advising that the League of Red Cross Societies \yas glad to learn of the establishment of the post-graduate course of nursing in New Zealand by the Department of Health, and was also gratified to know that Miss Moore, a one-time international student, was connected with the active development of the course. Headquarters wrote stating that the society had" suffered a great loss in the death of Mr H. D. Robertson, who represented the Auckland centre on the New Zealand executive. —Mr Roscvear said that Mr Robertson had been one of the most active members of the society, .and his death meant a real loss to the Red Cross cause in New Zealand.—lt was resolved that the Otago centre should send a message of sincere sympathy to the relatives. A letter was received from the League of Red Cross Societies thanking the New Zealand Society for the manner in which it had facilitated General Champain’is tour of the Dominion. General Champain had furnished a very satisfactory report in regard to the efficient manner in which the society was meeting the needs of sick and wounded soldiers, and also to the increasing activities in relation to peace time work. In connection with some special sewing done on behalf of the Red Cross, it was resolved, on the motion of Miss Graham, to write thanking Dr Herrington for the use of a room and Mesdames Peter Dick and Robert Glendinning for the use of the machines.

Mrs George Roberts reported that the soldier patients at Wakari were receiving attention as usual in the way of comforts, etc. One man who had died recently had been an inmate for four years. There were five men at present in the hospital. Mr Smith reported that the men at the Dunedin Hospital were being visited and their various wants were being attended to. Miss Graham had kindly relieved Mrs Roberts for several weeks. The matron at Montecillo reported satisfactorily in regard to the home. One patient had been admitted, and none discharged. The number in the home was 13.—Miss Rattray and Mr Rosevcar for the Montecillo Committtee confirmed the matron’s report. They found everything in good order. Mr Rosevcar submitted a satisfactory financial statement, which was adopted, and accounts were passed for payment.