RED CROSS SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 7

RED CROSS SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of (he Red Cross Society was attended by the Rev. V. G. Bryan King (in the chair), Mr s George Roberts, _ Miss Rattray, Miss Graham, Messrs E. A. Rosevear, C. B. Smith, and Charles Speight. Sister Kirkpatrick. Red Cross nurse for Otago district, attended and furnished a full report of peace time activities. Tho syllabus had been a very full one. Health talks had been delivered and classes conducted in first aid and home nursing in various colleges and institutions. Several examinations had been held, the number of papers dealt with totalling 213. Hie percentage of passes was most satisfactory, showing that the students had neen interested in and grasped the principles of the instruction given. A strong junior Red Cross circle had been formed at tho Girls’ High School, the number enrolling totalling 2CO, with every prospect of an addition to that number. General homo nursing talks were given at meetings of the St. John’s Mothers’ Union an.l Sister Hazel’s class for mothers. An address of “Experiences Abroad” was deliveied to the Kaikorai Valley Home Economics Association. A number of college girls were taken for a tour of inspection over Karitanc Babies’ Hospital. In regard to delivery of special lectures, the Rev. V. G. Bryan King said that Dr Collins, president of the Red Cross at Wellington, was not available owing to ill-health. It might be possible to arrange with Dr Sir Louis Barnett.

A report from Sister Christian, Red Cross nurse for Canterbury, showed that peace time work had been fairly well established in the Wahnate district. Steps were to be taken to appoint an efficient staff to take command of the detachment formed there.

A letter was received from headquarters in regard to the diploma of nursing course. It was resolved that it was a matter for the Government to assume financial responsibility. A letter was received from Dr Colquhoun, New Zealand Re_d Cross Commissioner at London, inviting New Zealand co-operation in the establishing a memorial to the late Queen Alexandra. 'Die president was deputed to interview the press. A letter was received from the Otago Hospital Board conveying thanks for fruit, cigarettes, and clothing supplied to soldier patients at Wakari. An application for clothing for an exsoldier was granted. In reference to a certain needy and deserving case, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Rosevear, seconded by Mr Speight, that a little assistance be given. Mr Rosevear reported that be had received from Messrs Solomon. Gascoigne, Sinclair, and Solomon the sum of £lOO, being amount of legacy to the society from the estate of the late Mary Geddes, of Dunedin. —The gift was received with thanks. The Matron at Montecillo furnished a satisfactory report. Five patients had been admitted and two discharged. 'There were at present 17 patients in the home. Several gifts had been received for the benefit of the patients. The kindness of the donors was much appreciated.—Miss Graham reported that some of the furnishings needed replacing.—On the motion of Sirs Roberts, seconded by Sir Rosevear, authority was given to procure the necessary furnishings. A financial statement and a balance sheet in connection with the vocational department were submitted by Sir Rosevear. The society undertook the purchasing of goods for the men’s work, and kept the the accounts. A percentage of sales made was paid to the society to cover cost of goods. In addition to what the men had received, the accounts showed a surplus of £3B 18s 3d. This was used in reduction of the amount originally advanced by the society, which amount should soon be wiped off.—The Chairman considered that the position revealed by the accounts was most satisfactory, and in this opinion all present concurred. —On the motion of Mr Rosevear, seconded by Miss Rattray, the statement and balance sheet were adopted. On the motion of Miss Graham, seconded by Mrs Roberts, the monthly financial statement on general account was adopted, and accounts were passed for payment.