RED CROSS SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 18937, 10 May 1923, Page 7

RED CROSS SOCIETY

has been somewhat small. An appeal for the relief of the Armenian refugees met with a ready response, and we were able to send away two large cases of goods and ten guineas in cash. “During the year the following garments have been distributed to soldiers on discharge from hospital: 40 pairs pyjamas, 60 pairs socks, 50 undervests, 50 underpants, 40 shirts, besides dressing gowns and miscellaneous garments such as knitted gloves, stump socks, cardigans, etc. To necessitous cases, many of them wives with young families whose husbands have fallen ill, we have granted flannel, flannelette, wool and such miscellaneous articles as nre in stock and will be of use to them. The letters of gratitude we receive testify to the warm appreciation of the recipients of such help.

ANNUAL MEETING. At the annual meeting of the Invercargill Red Cross Society yesterday afternoon, Hon. A. F. Hawke presided over a large attendance of members. An apology for absence was received from Mr R. A. Anderson. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report was as follows: “The Committee have much pleasure in presenting the seventh annual report and statement of accounts. The period covered in the report is from June 1, 1922, to March 31, 1923 (when the present Committee took office). As there is new no Convalescent Home for soldiers, the work of the Society is mainly confined to the providing of comforts for ex-soldiers who are in hospital, in fitting them with warm undergarments, and visiting them. Formefly the secretary of the War Funds Association. on behalf of the Red Cross Committee, distributed clothing to the soldiers cut of Hospital and their dependents who were in necessitous circumstances, but this work has been resumed by the Red Cross Committee, who endeavour to visit the families of invalid soldiers and show them ready help and sympathy where it is required. In this connection we are indebted to Mr Farrant of the War Funds Association and Mr Graham of the R.S.A. for their co-operation and advice. The sewing of the garments for the ex-scldiers has all been done by soldiers’ wives, or mothers, who have been very grateful indeed for the extra help afforded them by way of remuneration. “The buying of the weekly comforts for the soldiers in hospital has been done in rotation weekly, by members of the Committee, namely:—Mrs A. Macdonald, Mrs Petrie, Mrs W. P. Smith, Mrs Acton, Mrs Anderson and Mrs Chapman. These ladies all take a keen interest in selecting what will be most appetising and pleasing to the men. It may interest people to know that £3 10/- is spent weekly in that direction. The extras consist of poultry, cream, fresh eggs, cakes, fruit, etc. The Rev. H. G. Gilbert distributes one allowance of tobacco per week and our secretary (Mr Cooper) also dispenses one allowance per week according to the doctor’s permission. Originally only one allowance was granted by Headquarters, but as many of the centres wished to give the men more “smokes” and as Major-General McGavin gave no hard and fast ruling on the matter, it was left to the discretion of the local hospital doctors. From time to time the men who are well enough Lave been taken out lor drives in taxis. This, of course, is also subject to the doctor’s permission.

“ The average number of men in hospital weekly is 12. This does not include those who may be in Gore and Riverton hospitals. During the year we regret to say that four have died in hospital—Messrs Lenihan, Sutherland, Fletcher and Turnbull —and to their relatives we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

“The occupational work among our invalid men at the hospital progresses satisfactorily under the willing and capable direction of Mrs F. M. Macdonald. This helps to pass the time and provides a little change in the monctony of their lives, more especially for those who have been in hospital for any length of time. In this connection it is pleasing to note that the number of permanent patients has been greatly reduced and as a consequence there has not been so much work turned out as formerly. Those who are so employed are kept busy making articles which are purchased by friends desirous of showing their sympathy with the men and appreciation of the fine work done by them. Under the new arrangement peace time work is in operation in the larger centres, but so far this centre’s contribution to peace time work

“The tcuch of kindness which makes the whole world kin and which is the very essence of the Red Cross emblem, cheers and invigorates some of these lonely and ad young wives, many of whom nre in a ■trange land far from home and friends. We take this opportunity of offering our vannest thanks to Matron Ewart and Dr Johnston of the Southland Hospital for their unremitting care and kindness towards the invalided men under their charge. The men themselves cannot speak too highly of he kindness they receive from them while n the institution. The Committee have vorked most harmoniously and whole'.eartedly; eager in the endeavour to do heir little bit in so far as their functions vill allow to ameliorate the sad lot of hose who gave so much for us.” The balance-sheet showed that the Soiety’e Assets amounted to approximately 8000, and that the expenditure for the ear exceeded the income by £lO 0/3. * The chairman moved the adeption of the oport and balance-sheet, and congratulated he Society upon the amount of money still vailable for the carrying on of its work. Mrs J. A. Hanan seconded the motion, ;nd in doing so stated that the fact that he expenditure for the year had only ex-cede-d the income by slightly .over £lO, ndicated that the Society had husbanded cs resources carefully and well. Wherever he Red Cross emblem was before the

ccple, hearts would be stirred and ready assistance would be forthcoming. During e year the committee had tried, as far •s it was able, not only to assist soldiers hospital by providing them with clothing ?.nd luxuries, but also to assist the wives nd families of soldiers. There was still my amount for the Red Cress Society if it yas going to carry out the work in its 'ntirety. The secretary, Mr Cooper, had •iven every assistence to the committee. The motion w r as carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of office-bearers resulted as ■allows:—President, Mrs J. A. Hanan; vicearesident, Mrs W. P. Smith; committee, vlesdames A. M. Macdonald, A. Chapman, J. Anderson, J. G. Petrie, H. Acton.