WORK OF RED CROSS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24946, 19 June 1942, Page 6

WORK OF RED CROSS

THE DUNEDIN SUB-CENTRE ADDRESS BY COLONEL JEFFERY That there were many causes for thankfulness in the present situation was the theme of an address given by Lieutenantcolonel J. G. Jeffery, No. 11 Area commander, at the annual meeting of the Dunedin Sub-centre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society last night, " The British Empire is the bulwark of Christian civilisation, which for a time stood alone against the Axis Powers and thus prevented victory being achieved by those enemies of freedom and liberty," Lieutenant-colonel Jeffery said. "We and the world should be thankful not only for Britain's survival, but thankful also for the entry into the war of Russia and the United States of America. Why did the peoples of the British dominions and Crown colonies rally to Britain in her peril? The German conception is that Britain has exploited the people and resources of this world-wide Empire, but the actions of the units of the Empire have belied such reasoning. The reason is that far-sighted and liberally-minded statesmen have given .freedom, liberty, and the benefits of Christian civilisation to all within the Empire. " Providence has vested the British Empire with enormous responsibility," Colonel Jeffery said. " Let us thank Providence for having guided our destiny thus far so wisely. We should be thankful for the Royal Navy, our armies and our air force; we should pay homage to thenpersonnel for their valour and for their endurance. Let us be thankful that the United Nations are fighting together because their ideals are identical. Surely Providence is on our side. We must endure, and It is up to us to lead and not to lean on those marching with us." Sub-centre's Report

The meeting was well attended, and an interesting outline of the year's activities was given by the president, Mr A. H. Allen, and the chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr C. V. Smith. " The year has been one of greater activity than ever before, and all branches of our work have increased," the annual report stated. Special reference was made to the work being done by New Zealand nurses overseas, while, regarding service in New Zealand, the report stated that 316 V.A.'s were now on the- register for service with the E.P.S., and a further 30 were ready to take their first-year examinations. Nearly 2000 attendances had been recorded in the V.A. Practice Room since the room was opened in 1940. Up to the time of the report, 222 V.A.'s had completed 60 hours' hospital training, and 60 had completed an additional 20 hours or more.

Among the various activities undertaken during the past year, which were mentioned by the president, were the assistance given to patriotic appeals, children's health camp, and hospital visiting. It was stated that, since 1940, a total of 35,865 articles had been sent forward from the guild to refugee appeals. Another branch of activity specially mentioned was that of the Prisoner-of-war Department which, under the control of the Joint Council, was finding its work increasing every day. Thanks were expressed to the St. John Ambulance for its co-operation and assistance during the past year. Election of Office-bearers

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Mr A. H. Allen; vice-president, Miss Belle McLean; chairman, Mr C. V. Smith; Executive Committee—Mesdames W. Ross, Bruce Smith, J. L. Anderson, F. Pedder, R. Dawson, Misses E. L. Wilkin, C. Graham, B. Farquhar, W. Johnstone, M. Jeffery, T. Packer, T. Paine, D. O. Ramsay, J. Hay, and G. Powley, and Messrs J. W. Smeaton, G. L. Ferguson, A. N. Haggitt, J. R. Laidlaw, O. L. Ferens, and Dr T. McKibbln; honorary treasurer, Mr L. D. Mclver; honorary auditor, Mr W. H. McLeod; secretary, Miss J. P. Duncan; director of V.A.'s, Miss E. L. Wilkin; lady superintendent, Mrs I. A. E. Hunt; guild room organiser, Mrs R. Dawson; representative on Otago Patriotic Council, Mr C. V. Smith.